Co-op Developer Stories

About Co-op Developer Stories

Co-op Developer Stories is the podcast for the people building the Cooperative Economy! Hosted by CooperationWorks! each episode features honest conversations with Cooperative Developers, practitioners, educators, organizers and movement builders from across the nation. Whether you're an experienced co-op developer, a co-op founder, a community organizer, a community economic development professional, or simply curious about the Co-op model, you'll leave every episode with new ideas, practical strategies and connections to your work!

Publisher

CooperationWorks!

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

18 Aug 2026

Latest episode

27 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Oct 2026

   Built for This Moment: Organizing for a Stronger Cooperative Movement with Esteban Kelly

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/cooperative-developer-stories-cw/voicemail) What does it take to build a cooperative movement that is ready for the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow? In the third episode of our special Co-op Month series, Built for This Moment, host Tara Williams and co-host Alex Stone, Executive Director of CooperationWorks!, are joined by Esteban Kelly a cooperative leader, organizer, and advocate for a more democratic economy. Building on conversations with Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard and Doug O’Brien, this episode turns our attention to the future of the cooperative movement. Jessica helped us explore the history of cooperation and the lessons we can learn from the communities that built the movement. Doug highlighted the importance of the organizations, partnerships, and resources that support cooperative development. Now, with Esteban, we explore the role of leadership, organizing, and collective action in building a stronger and more inclusive cooperative economy. Themes We're Exploring - The role of leadership and organizing in strengthening the cooperative movement. - How cooperative values can guide our work during times of change. - Why relationships and solidarity matter for cooperative development. - Building a more inclusive and democratic cooperative economy. - How cooperative developers can contribute to a stronger movement. - What it means to be Built for This Moment. About Our Guest Esteban Kelly is a cooperative leader and organizer whose work has focused on democratic ownership, economic justice, and strengthening the cooperative movement. Resources & Links U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives (https://www.usworker.coop/ (https://www.usworker.coop/)) — Learn about worker cooperative organizing, advocacy, and movement building. USFWC Service Provider Directory (https://www.usworker.coop/service-provider-directory/ (https://www.usworker.coop/service-provider-directory/)) USFWC Co-op Clinic (https://www.usworker.coop/clinic/ (https://www.usworker.coop/clinic/)) Berkley Student Co-ops (https://www.bsc.coop/housing/our-houses-apartments (https://www.bsc.coop/housing/our-houses-apartments)) International Cooperative Alliance — Cooperative Identity, Values & Principles](https://ica.coop/en/cooperatives/cooperative-identity (https://ica.coop/en/cooperatives/cooperative-identity)) — Learn about the values and principles guiding the cooperative movement. AORTA coop (https://aorta.coop/ (https://aorta.coop/)) Co-op Month 2026: Built for This Moment (https://www.coopmonth.coop/about (https://www.coopmonth.coop/about)) — Explore this year's Co-op Month theme.

2. 

   20 Oct 2026

   9-Built for This Moment: Strengthening the Cooperative Development Movement with Doug O’Brien

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/cooperative-developer-stories-cw/voicemail) What does it take to build a stronger cooperative movement? And what role do cooperative developers play in making that possible? In this second episode of our four-part Co-op Month series, host Tara Williams and co-host Alex Stone, Executive Director of CooperationWorks!, sit down with Doug O’Brien, President and CEO of US Co-ops, formerly NCBA CLUSA. This year's Co-op Month theme is Built for This Moment, and Doug brings a national perspective on what that means for cooperative development. From the recent rebranding of US Co-ops to changes in federal funding, Doug reflects on the challenges facing cooperative development and the opportunities to build a more connected, resilient ecosystem. He also shares his excitement about cooperatives in the care economy, technology, and artificial intelligence—and why investing in cooperative development is essential to making those opportunities a reality. In This Episode Doug's journey from growing up around agricultural cooperatives to leading a national cooperative association. Why cooperative development requires specialized knowledge, experience, and relationships. Why Principle 6, Cooperation Among Cooperatives, matters for building a stronger movement. Opportunities for cooperatives in the care economy, technology, and AI. Doug's hopes for cooperative development over the next decade. About Our Guest Doug O’Brien is President and CEO of US Co-ops, formerly the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA). His work focuses on advancing cooperative businesses through advocacy, education, partnerships, and policies that help more people benefit from cooperative ownership. Resources US Co-ops (formerly NCBA CLUSA) (https://ncbaclusa.coop/) Cooperative Development Foundation (https://www.cdf.coop/) Cooperative Hall of Fame (https://www.heroes.coop/) International Cooperative Alliance — Cooperative Identity, Values & Principles (https://ica.coop/en/cooperatives/cooperative-identity) Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice — Jessica Gordon Nembhard (https://www.psupress.org/) Humanizing the Economy: Co-operatives in the Age of Capital — John Restakis (https://www.google.com/search?q=Humanizing+the+Economy+John+Restakis) Vice President in Charge of Revolution — Murray D. Lincoln (https://www.google.com/search?q=Vice+President+in+Charge+of+Revolution+Murray+Lincoln) David J. Thompson — Cooperative Housing and History (https://www.google.com/search?q=David+J+Thompson+cooperative+housing+historian) Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund (https://www.federation.coop/) The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of CooperationWorks!

3. 

   13 Oct 2026

   Built for This Moment: Lessons from Cooperative History with Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard

   Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. (https://rss.com/podcasts/cooperative-developer-stories-cw/voicemail) What can the history of cooperation teach us about building a stronger cooperative movement today? October is Co-op Month, and this year's theme is Built for This Moment. To kick off our special four-part Co-op Month series, host Tara Williams is joined by CooperationWorks! Executive Director and guest co-host Alex Stone for a conversation with Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard — educator, political economist, organizer, author, and Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee. In This Episode The history of African American cooperatives and their role in building community economic power The importance of recognizing and building on existing cooperative practices How education, research, and storytelling can strengthen the cooperative movement What cooperative developers can learn from past successes and challenges Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard is a political economist, educator, community organizer, and Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee. Her research and teaching focus on cooperative economics, community economic development, economic justice, and the ways communities build collective economic power. Through her scholarship and organizing, Jessica has helped make cooperative history more visible and accessible to a new generation of cooperative developers and movement builders. Resources mentioned Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice (https://www.psupress.org/books/titles/978-0-271-09750-3.html?srsltid=AU7gw4UQtF4uKPcOT2YhVYy4m3YT9AvnjvGb7DeSBRvSQfbagcJ5yFE8) John Jay College (https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/faculty/jessica-gordon-nembhard) Cooperative Hall of Fame (https://www.heroes.coop/post/jessica-gordon-nembhard-ph-d) Federation of Southern Cooperatives (https://www.federation.coop/) Ella Jo Baker (https://geo.coop/articles/unsung-cooperative-hero-award-ella-jo-baker) Jose Maria Arizmendiarrieta (https://www.mondragon-corporation.com/en/history/) Freedom Quilting Bee (https://fqblegacy.org/) Frank Adams (https://us.coop/blog/in-memory-adams-was-giant-of-the-worker-cooperative-movement/) For All the People: Uncovering the Hidden History of Cooperation, Cooperative Movements, and Communalism in America, John Curl (https://pmpress.org/product/for-all-the-people-uncovering-the-hidden-history-of-cooperation-cooperative-movements-and-communalism-in-america-2nd-edition) CooperationWorks! Art and Science Training (https://cooperationworks.coop/art-and-science-of-cooperative-development/) Grassroots Economic Organizing (GEO) (https://geo.coop/) Co-op Month at coopmonth.coop (http://coopmonth.coop). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of CooperationWorks!

4. 

   6 Oct 2026

   7-Lessons from a Career in Co-op Development With Kim Coontz

   Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. (https://rss.com/podcasts/cooperative-developer-stories-cw/voicemail) What can more than two decades in cooperative development teach us about doing this work well? As Kim Coontz prepares for retirement, she joins host Tara Williams to reflect on her journey from studying cooperatives as an academic to helping people build them in communities across California. Kim shares the lessons that shaped her practice, the mistakes that taught her just as much as the successes, and why patience, listening, relationships, and knowing when to step back are so important for cooperative developers. In This Episode Kim’s journey from studying cooperatives to becoming a cooperative developer Building the California Center for Cooperative Development and growing a co-op development organization Moving from academic knowledge to the realities of working directly with groups The value of peer learning and the CooperationWorks! community How the cooperative development field has changed during Kim’s career What Kim hopes newer developers will carry forward A Career in Cooperative Development Kim has spent decades helping people understand, develop, and strengthen cooperatives. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on an important shift in her own practice: moving from feeling like the developer needed to have the answers to understanding that the work is often about asking questions, listening, sharing information, and creating space for members to make their own decisions. She also talks openly about projects that didn’t work out as planned and why those experiences are an important part of becoming a better developer. As Kim retires, this conversation gives us an opportunity to capture some of those lessons and recognize the role she has played within the CooperationWorks! community and the broader cooperative development field.

5. 

   29 Sept 2026

   6 - Building the Co-op Development Movement: Lessons from Margaret Bau

   Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. (https://rss.com/podcasts/cooperative-developer-stories-cw/voicemail) Some people build cooperatives. Others help build the movement that makes more cooperatives possible. For decades, Margaret Bau has done both. In this special episode of Cooperative Developer Stories, host Tara Williams sits down with Margaret to reflect on a career spent supporting cooperatives, teaching and mentoring co-op developers, connecting communities with resources, and helping strengthen the cooperative development field. And there’s another reason we’re celebrating Margaret: this October, she will be inducted into the Cooperative Hall of Fame. In This Episode Margaret and Tara explore: Margaret’s journey into cooperatives and cooperative development What decades of working alongside cooperatives have taught her The role of education in building stronger cooperatives How the field of cooperative development has changed over Margaret’s career What new cooperative developers can learn from those who came before them The relationships, people, and experiences that have kept Margaret committed to this work Celebrating Margaret Margaret is being inducted into the Cooperative Hall of Fame (https://www.heroes.coop/), and we want the cooperative development community to show up for her. Join us on October 8 in Washington, DC, for the induction and help us celebrate the incredible contribution Margaret has made to cooperatives and cooperative development. Find out more https://cooperationworks.coop/margaret-bau-cooperative-hero/ (https://cooperationworks.coop/margaret-bau-cooperative-hero/) Can’t make it in person? You can still show Margaret some cooperative love by purchasing one of our special Margaret Bau T-shirts https://shop.goodpress.coop/products/wxcdf-margaret-bau-outline-portrait-on-white-5051-wht (https://shop.goodpress.coop/products/wxcdf-margaret-bau-outline-portrait-on-white-5051-wht) About Margaret Bau Margaret Bau has spent decades supporting cooperative development and helping communities understand how cooperatives can meet their needs. She has also played an important role in educating generations of cooperative developers, including through CooperationWorks! training. Her commitment to cooperative education, development, and community has helped strengthen not only individual cooperatives, but the broader cooperative movement. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of CooperationWorks!

6. 

   22 Sept 2026

   5-Co-op Development as Community Organizing: Solidarity, Care & Collective Power

   Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. (https://rss.com/podcasts/cooperative-developer-stories-cw/voicemail) In this episode of Cooperative Developer Stories, host Tara Williams sits down with Esther West (https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherwest), loan officer, technical assistance provider, and outreach specialist at Shared Capital Cooperative (https://sharedcapital.coop/about/), worker owner at the Ajani Group (https://ajani.coop/home/) and Latinx Coop Power researcher to explore how relationships, solidarity, and practical support are at the heart of successful Cooperative Development. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in community organizing and Cooperative Development, Esther shares how her parents shaped her understanding of justice, care, and collective action. From her early days as a worker-owner at Equal Exchange to her current work supporting co-operatives through financing and technical assistance, Esther reflects on the experiences that have influenced her approach to cooperative development. Throughout the conversation, Esther reminds us that Cooperative Development isn't about having all the answers, it's about listening, learning alongside communities, and helping people build the futures they envision for themselves. Resources Mentioned Shared Capital Cooperative (https://sharedcapital.coop/about/) Ajani Group (https://ajani.coop/home/) Equal Exchange (https://shop.equalexchange.coop/?srsltid=AfmBOorhKK3SPPKCvXmfCAG2GF2BiUAZWUS3WXyb-EdYhw0SIT8ZtckR) Read the Latinx Co-op Power research project (https://uwcc.wisc.edu/research/latinx-cooperative-research/) research report published through the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (https://uwcc.wisc.edu/research/latinx-cooperative-research/) U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives (https://www.usworker.coop/en/) Cooperative Development Foundation (https://www.cdf.coop/) Latinx Co-op Power research project (https://uwcc.wisc.edu/research/latinx-cooperative-research/) Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard (https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/faculty/jessica-gordon-nembhard) About Esther West Esther West works with Shared Capital Cooperative (https://sharedcapital.coop/about/), where she combines lending, technical assistance, outreach, and racial justice initiatives to support co-operatives across the United States. She is currently also a worker owner at the Ajani Group and a previous worker owner at Equal Exchange (https://shop.equalexchange.coop/?srsltid=AfmBOorhKK3SPPKCvXmfCAG2GF2BiUAZWUS3WXyb-EdYhw0SIT8ZtckR) and the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (https://uwcc.wisc.edu/research/latinx-cooperative-research/). Esther brings experience in cooperative finance, research, organizing, and community development. Her work is grounded in the belief that co-operatives are powerful tools for building stronger, more equitable communities.

7. 

   15 Sept 2026

   4-Learning to Listen: Blanca Delgado on Community-Centered Co-op Development

   Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. (https://rss.com/podcasts/cooperative-developer-stories-cw/voicemail) What happens when a group isn't ready for a co-op? For Blanca Delgado, learning not to push the cooperative model was one of her first, and most important, lessons as a new cooperative developer. In this episode of Cooperative Developer Stories, Tara Williams talks with Blanca, a Co-operative Developer with the UTRGV Texas Rural Cooperative Center in South Texas. Blanca shares how she found her way into cooperative development while working with low-income workers, and how an early project that didn't move forward taught her that development isn't about forcing a group toward a particular outcome. For Blanca, the real work begins when people have to learn how to work together: making decisions, sharing responsibility, communicating through disagreement, and being accountable to one another. She also talks about the importance of understanding the communities we work with—including their culture, language, experiences, and fears. Her advice to new developers is simple: start by learning the culture. This conversation is a reminder that cooperative development doesn't always follow a neat roadmap. Sometimes the best thing a developer can do is slow down, listen, adapt, and let the community lead. In this episode How Blanca found her way into cooperative development What an unsuccessful project taught her about readiness Why developers shouldn't push the co-op model onto a group The messy, human side of cooperative development Helping groups navigate disagreement, decision-making, and shared responsibility Why listening to other developers and learning from peers matters Learning to trust yourself and adapt when the plan isn't working About Blanca Delgado Blanca Delgado is a cooperative developer based in South Texas. She works with the UTRGV Texas Rural Cooperative Center, part of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and has approximately six years of experience in cooperative development. Her work focuses on supporting communities and groups exploring cooperative solutions, particularly low-income and immigrant communities. Continue the Conversation Learn more about Blanca's work through the Texas Rural Cooperative Development Center. Interested in becoming a cooperative developer? Explore CooperationWorks!' Art and Science of Cooperative Development training, including Building Blocks, Toolkit Implementation, and Finance Fundamentals. Want to connect with other co-op developers? Visit the CooperationWorks! Member Locator to explore our national network of cooperative developers and development centers. Subscribe to Cooperative Developer Stories, share this episode with a colleague, and keep learning from the people doing this work in communities across the cooperative movement. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of CooperationWorks!

8. 

   8 Sept 2026

   3-Building Co-ops Through Organizing, Education, and Worker Voice

   Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. (https://rss.com/podcasts/cooperative-developer-stories-cw/voicemail) What does it really take to build a successful co-operative? In this episode of Cooperative Developer Stories, Tara Williams sits down with John McNamara (https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnalexandermcnamara/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_search_srp_all%3B35zu%2F3zWSuC1d%2BLiTRcH%2Fw%3D%3D), previous Co-Executive Director of the Northwest Cooperative Development Center, educator at Saint Mary's University, and longtime worker co-op owner. With more than three decades of experience, from his work at Union Cab Cooperative (https://www.unioncab.com/) in Madison to helping launch new worker co-ops across the Pacific Northwest and beyond, John reflects on what he's learned about Cooperative Organizing, leadership, conflict, and the power of education. Whether you're an experienced developer, an emerging co-operator, or simply curious about how co-operatives create more democratic workplaces, this conversation offers thoughtful insights grounded in years of lived experience. In This Episode John's journey from worker-owner at Union Cab Cooperative to co-operative organizer and educator Why understanding workplace culture matters in co-op development Building leadership without creating "hero" leaders Why good ideas still need a sustainable business model The importance of empathy and trauma-informed approaches in worker co-op development Why John prefers the terms organizer or steward over co-op developer Navigating conflict while preserving relationships and democratic governance Why dispute resolution policies should be created before a co-op begins operating Why Education, Training and Information is John's favorite International Cooperative Principle Reflections on worker dignity, labor, and CooperationWorks!' Principle #10 How CooperationWorks! helped shape John's own journey into cooperative development Advice for the next generation of cooperative developers Memorable Quotes "The people who are in the co-op are developing the co-op. We're organizing them. We're helping them do it." "Seeing people take ownership of their economic lives and realizing they can run a business together—that's what excites me." "No matter how much people have a dream, it still has to pencil out." "It's hard to have a functioning democracy without education, information, and training." "There's no one right way to do a co-op, but there are plenty of wrong ways." Resources Mentioned Northwest Cooperative Development Center (https://nwcdc.coop/) Saint Mary's University, International Centre for Co-operative Management (https://www.smu.ca/iccm/) Union Cab Cooperative (https://www.unioncab.com/) About Our Guest John McNamara is the Co-Executive Director of the Northwest Cooperative Development Center in Olympia, Washington. He has spent more than 15 years supporting cooperative development and more than three decades involved in worker cooperatives and the labor movement. John previously served on the board of Union Cab Cooperative in Madison, Wisconsin, was a founding member of the Democracy at Work Network, and teaches Strategic Advantage through the International Centre for Co-operative Management at Saint Mary's University.

9. 

   1 Sept 2026

   2 - The Human Side of Cooperative Development with Kate "Sassy" Sassoon

   Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. (https://rss.com/podcasts/cooperative-developer-stories-cw/voicemail) Cooperative Developer Stories: Sassy Sassoon Building Better Co-ops Starts with Better Conversations What if the most important skill in cooperative development isn't knowing all the answers—but asking better questions? In this episode of Cooperative Developer Stories, Tara Williams sits down with Kate "Sassy" Sassoon, an independent co-operative developer, facilitator, and lifelong co-operator whose work centers on helping people talk, decide, and build together. Drawing on a lifetime spent in co-operatives, from daycare and student housing to worker co-ops and cooperative development, Sassy shares why she believes cooperative development is simply co-operators helping other co-operators. This energetic conversation explores everything from facilitation and governance to conflict, closure, curiosity, and joy. Sassy reminds us that co-op development isn't just about building organizations, it's about building people, relationships, and the capacity to work together. Whether you're just beginning your journey in cooperative development or have spent years supporting communities, this episode is full of practical wisdom and refreshing perspectives on what it means to build a cooperative future. In This Episode Why Sassy calls herself a lifelong co-operator How facilitation and shared decision-making are foundational to successful co-ops Helping groups move from an idea to clear next steps, without overwhelming them Why "co-op work is inner work" Recognizing life experience as valuable professional experience Curiosity as one of the most important skills a co-op developer can cultivate Supporting groups through conflict, crisis, and even intentional closure Why composting a co-op can sometimes be the most successful outcome Building sustainable practices to avoid burnout as a developer The importance of professional networks, peer learning, and mentorship Reflections on Cooperative Principles 5 (Education, Training and Information) and 6 (Co-operation Among Co-operatives) Why joy is an essential ingredient in long-term movement building Memorable Quotes "I'm just a co-operator helping other co-operators co-op." "If you can talk to each other and decide together, then you have the tools you need to build everything else." "Co-op work is inner work." "You don't need all the answers. You need really good question-asking skills." "Curiosity is one of your greatest professional assets." "Composting is normal. Life cycles are a cycle." "Solidarity is self-interest." "Structure your work in a way that creates joy—because that's how you'll still be doing it 40 years from now." About Our Guest Kate "Sassy" Sassoon is an independent co-operative developer, facilitator, educator, and lifelong co-operator based in California. Through Sassy Cooperates, she supports co-operatives and democratic organizations with facilitation, governance, conflict navigation, organizational design, and collaborative decision-making. Sassy works across sectors, helping groups strengthen the relationships and governance practices that make cooperation possible. Continue the Conversation Want to learn more about Sassy's work? Visit https://www.sassycooperates.org/ (https://www.sassycooperates.org/) to explore her facilitation resources, case studies, and practical tools for democratic organizations.

10. 

    25 Aug 2026

    1 - Building Co-ops from Community - Tamah Yisrael on Cooperative Economics and Collective Power

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. (https://rss.com/podcasts/cooperative-developer-stories-cw/voicemail) Building Co-ops from Community: Tamah Yisrael on Cooperative Economics & Collective Power What if cooperative development isn't about bringing a new idea into a community—but helping communities recognize the cooperative practices they've been using all along? In this episode of Cooperative Developer Stories, Tara Williams sits down with Tamah Yisrael, a New Orleans-based cooperative developer, accountant, educator, organizer, and CooperationWorks! board member. Tamah's journey into cooperative development began as a member of her local food co-op. But the cooperative principles she encountered there felt familiar. They reflected practices she had experienced throughout her life: family members pooling resources, neighbors supporting one another, mutual aid, savings circles, and communities finding collective ways to meet their needs. That experience helped shape an approach to cooperative development rooted deeply in community. Tamah shares how her work with predominantly Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities led her to develop the Black Liberation Co-op Academy, why deep listening is one of a developer's most important skills, and why relationships can make or break a cooperative. She also challenges us to think about economic participation: where we spend, where we invest, what we collectively own, and how cooperatives can help communities build economic power. In This Episode How joining a food co-op sparked Tamah's cooperative development journey Recognizing cooperative economics in family traditions, mutual aid, and community practices Working with Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities in New Orleans Why Tamah developed the Black Liberation Co-op Academy Listening to communities before proposing cooperative solutions Why cooperatives are "highly relational and intentional economic strategies" The importance of deep listening and intentional agreements Why talking about money can be one of the hardest parts of cooperative development Member economic participation and building community economic power Why Concern for Community and Education, Training and Information go hand in hand Anti-racism and anti-oppression in cooperative development How CooperationWorks! helped strengthen Tamah's practice Tamah's vision for making cooperatives a more widely understood tool for economic development From Tamah "Cooperatives are highly relational and intentional economic strategies." "What is the glue that keeps us together? And it's those intentional agreements." "Cooperatives create an opportunity for us to create beloved economies." "This is the work of really reshaping our future and reclaiming our future." About Tamah Tamah Yisrael is a cooperative developer, accountant, educator, organizer, and advocate based in New Orleans, Louisiana—Bulbancha, "the land of many tongues." Her cooperative journey began as a food co-op member before growing into board leadership and cooperative development. Her work includes the Black Liberation Co-op Academy, which creates opportunities for communities to explore and reclaim cooperative economics through a culturally relevant, community-rooted approach. Continue the Conversation Learn more about Tamah's work at TMH Financial Solutions (https://tmhfinancial.solutions/)

11. 

    18 Aug 2026

    0 - What Is a Co-op Developer? Welcome to Cooperative Developer Stories

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. (https://rss.com/podcasts/cooperative-developer-stories-cw/voicemail) What Is a Co-op Developer? Welcome to Cooperative Developer Stories What is a co-op developer? What makes cooperative development different from traditional business development? And how do people find their way into this work? Welcome to Cooperative Developer Stories, a podcast from CooperationWorks! exploring the people, experiences, and relationships behind cooperative development. In Episode 0, host Tara Williams, Education and Training Manager at CooperationWorks! and a co-op developer herself, sits down with Alex Stone, Executive Director of CooperationWorks!, to set the stage for the conversations ahead. Together, Tara and Alex explore the many paths people take into cooperative development and the wide range of skills developers bring to the work. Some specialize in governance, conflict, business planning, or feasibility. Others work alongside groups throughout the entire cooperative life cycle. But cooperative development isn't only about building businesses. It's also about people. Co-ops bring people together to meet shared needs through collective ownership and democratic decision-making. That means developers need to understand business fundamentals while also helping groups build relationships, make decisions, navigate conflict, and put cooperative values and principles into practice. In This Episode What a cooperative developer actually does Why there is no single path into cooperative development Tara and Alex's own journeys into the cooperative movement Why "co-op developers are also doing human development" How cooperative development differs from traditional business development The importance of cooperative values, principles, and identity Why governance, group dynamics, and conflict skills matter Supporting co-ops throughout their life cycle Why success in a cooperative is about more than financial returns How the practice of cooperative development continues to evolve Why CooperationWorks! created a podcast about the people behind cooperative development The importance of relationships, peer learning, and networks in strengthening the field Why Cooperative Developer Stories? There are plenty of resources that can teach you the steps involved in developing a cooperative. This podcast is about something different: the people doing the work. Throughout the series, we'll sit down with cooperative developers, practitioners, educators, organizers, and movement builders at different stages of their careers. We'll ask how they got started, what they've learned, what they wish they'd known, what tools they use, what challenges they've encountered, and what keeps them excited about cooperative development. Whether you've been developing co-ops for decades, you're just getting started, or you're wondering whether the work you're already doing might actually be cooperative development, these stories are for you. Continue the Conversation CooperationWorks! (https://cooperationworks.coop/ (https://cooperationworks.coop/)) is a national network of cooperative developers and development centers committed to strengthening the practice of cooperative development through connection, education, and shared learning.

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