Boston Center for Community ownership is partnering with Codman Square NDC, with support from the City of Boston, to launch a new worker-owned cooperative, designed to provide opportunities for immigrant workers. The program will build on CSNDC’s training program in Green Infrastructure – an emerging field of work that aims to divert storm water away from municipal sewers and into the soil. The benefits include reduced pressure on sewer systems, and a cooler and greener urban environment. More firms will be needed to do this work in future years, as cities and towns work to reduce their carbon emissions, while mitigating the effects of climate change.
Participants in the program will first complete CSNDC’s Green Infrastructure Course for three weeks in October (Oct. 12-30). The second part is 16 weeks (Nov. 8 – Mar. 6) of co-op work and study to create a business plan and bylaws for a new co-op. Those who complete both parts and are confirmed as members of the co-op will receive a minimum of $2,000 to invest in the co-op as their membership share. Co-op members are the legal owners of their businesses, and participate in democratic decision making on the principle of one-person-one-vote. They also share in any profits generated by the company.
To be eligible for this free program, participants must be Boston residents who self identify as immigrants (or adult children of immigrants), and have enough English skills to communicate effectively in a work situation. Participants will be asked to show a bill in their name, received by mail to a Boston address, or a self-attestation to Boston residence.
The training will be begin online via Zoom, and may change to an in-person format if COVID restrictions allow unmasked gatherings indoors.
To apply for the program, please follow this link to fill out the application form. Applications will be accepted until October 8, 2021.
