Occupy Presents: Mondragon and Salem Food Coop -Two Examples of Economic Democracy This free public forum will be presente

Here in Salem a new consumer cooperative is forming which will connect residents with local food producers and craft workers.

(SALEM) - This free public forum will be presented by the Occupy Salem Education Committee and Marion-Polk Move to Amend at 6:30 pm on June 13, 2012, upstairs at the Ike Box, 299 Cottage Street, Salem.

In a world where excess corporate power benefits the wealthiest at the expense of the rest of us, cooperatives offer more equitable and democratic alternatives. Co-ops come in many shapes and sizes but have in common that members share economic costs and benefits and participate in decision-making.

Mondragon, which began in the mid-twentieth century as a small cooperative factory in Spain's Basque region, has grown into a co-op network of financial, manufacturing, distribution and educational facilities employing over 80,000 people. Mondragon inspired other communities, including Cleveland, OH and Richmond, CA, to develop co-ops as a basis for economic development in depressed areas and has an agreement with the United Steelworkers of America to develop union-sponsored co-ops. Move to Amend member Virgil Wiegand will present short videos about Mondragon and share insights for discussion.

Here in Salem a new consumer cooperative is forming which will connect residents with local food producers and craft workers. Kerry Topel, a member of the co-op development committee, will describe their plans and progress to date and explain how to get involved.

For further information, contact Peter Bergel, a member of the Occupy Salem Education Committee, at 503-371-8002.