Team intros + why we’re hosting the workshops + invitation

Email 1

Subject: ICLS Union Coop Workshop Series

Dear [First Name],

We hope this email finds you well. We are excited to invite you to the upcoming ICLS Union Coop Workshop Series, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at exploring how cooperatives can amplify the benefits of union membership and create new opportunities for workers.

The International Comparative Labor Studies (ICLS) program at Morehouse College is dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of workers, particularly those from communities of color. In line with our mission, we are hosting this workshop series to shed light on the potential of cooperative business models to complement and strengthen the work of labor unions.

Our team of experienced facilitators brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this initiative:

• Brandon Z. Hoff, Cooperative Business Specialist, founded a successful worker-owned apparel cooperative. He will share practical insights on starting and running a cooperative.
• Ariana Brazier, Community Organizer and Educator, leverages her research on race, housing insecurity, poverty, and cultural play practices to empower Black children and families through play-based learning and social justice-oriented workshops.

During the two-part workshop series, we will:

• Discuss the current challenges faced by workers and explore how cooperatives can offer solutions
• Provide an historical overview of cooperative business models and their alignment with union values
• Showcase successful examples of collaboration between cooperatives and unions
• Guide participants through a hands-on session on starting a cooperative using the "Cooperative Model Canvas" framework

We believe that by combining the collective bargaining power of unions with the ownership and control of cooperatives, workers can gain greater autonomy, build wealth, and drive positive change in their industries and communities.

This workshop series is an invaluable opportunity to learn, network, and envision a future where workers have a stronger voice and stake in their economic lives. We encourage you to join us and be part of this transformative conversation.

Workshop Details:

• Dates: [Session 1 Date] and [Session 2 Date]
• Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM