Co-ops looking to change the world, town by town

The article discusses local co-operative and solidarity economy initiatives highlighted at the World Transformed festival, an event that gathers left-wing movements to strategize around socialist principles. The festival, which started in 2016, recently took place independently of the Labour Party and included speakers from various political groups, demonstrating a growing interest in co-operative movements.

The presence of the co-operative movement was prominent throughout the festival, with partnerships from organizations like Work for Change and community centers. It featured a variety of discussions, workshops, and panels, including one that focused on the book "Radical Abundance," which explores transitioning to communal economies based on social control.

One notable initiative is the Wards Corner Community Benefit Society in Tottenham, established in 2007 to save the Seven Sisters indoor market. The society has developed a community plan for the market, highlighting its role as a cultural and social hub for the Latin American community, which has faced challenges in gaining recognition from local authorities.

The article also includes insights from Iker Eizagirre Zufiaurre from the Basque Country, who emphasizes the importance of local identities in driving global transformations. He advocates for the foundational economy, which focuses on essential sectors like food, energy, and housing, through public and community collaboration.

Co-operation North, a group inspired by international solidarity movements, focuses on building independent community power through neighbourhood assemblies. These assemblies allow participants to discuss local assets and create cooperative solutions, such as food co-ops and energy initiatives, to enhance community resilience.

In the UK, the context differs significantly from places like Jackson, USA, where community ownership of properties has been more feasible. In Manchester, for instance, rapid gentrification and rising property prices pose challenges to acquiring community spaces, necessitating innovative strategies for building local solidarity.

Co-operation Sheffield has launched an autonomous education project alongside a food buyers co-op. The aim is to cultivate a culture of solidarity that requires commitment and sacrifice, helping communities become more resilient in the face of future challenges.

The article concludes with a call to action for communities to strengthen their ties and build sustainable systems that prioritize people over profit. By focusing on local identities, co-operative initiatives can contribute to a more equitable future in housing and beyond.