Public Workshops
Cooperation STL makes recordings of its public workshops available online for free. We have a suggested donation of $10-25 for live attendance. We plan to host a workshop or co-op talk every month in 2025. Scroll down for our 2025 schedule and recordings of past workshops.
For private workshops, click here.
2025 Workshop Schedule
Cooperative Foundations Workshops
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Are you co-op curious? Join Cooperation STL to learn about how cooperative businesses, organizations, housing, and more can transform our communities! In this workshop, you’ll learn about different types of co-ops, what elements are essential to a co-op structure, and the benefits of cooperation. You’ll also be introduced to local co-ops who are operating for the benefit of all people rather than a few shareholders.
Co-ops are self-governing groups of people who work together to meet their economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations. We can’t wait to share our passion for co-ops with you!
Dates:
Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 6:30-8pm
Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 6:30-8pm
Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 6:30-8pm
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Are you an employee wishing your voice had more impact at your job? Are you a business owner who wants to share the joy and challenges of ownership with your employees? Or maybe you’re ready to retire, but don’t know who will continue the legacy of your business? A co-op conversion could be the perfect solution for you! A co-op conversion is when an existing business shifts its operating structure to one of cooperation, shared-ownership, and democratic control.
In this workshop, we will cover the considerations, steps, and benefits of converting your business to a co-op. We’ll look at local co-op Garrity Tools as a case study, but also discuss the many paths you can follow to cooperation. Get ready to build a better world for the benefit of all!
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 6:30-8pm
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A co-op could be the perfect structure for your new business, organization, or idea! In this workshop, we’ll cover how cooperation can be applied to different business models, the basic things you need to know about co-ops and their business structures, and common missteps to avoid when getting started. If you’re excited to share ownership, decision-making, and success with a group of people committed to your new venture, this workshop is for you.
Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 6:30-8pm
Co-Op Talks
Our Co-op Talks are an informal way to share guidance on specific co-op topics and challenges that cooperatives often face. In 2025, each session will focus on a different topic including; Membership + Governance, Finances + Patronage, Decision Making, and Conflict Resolution. Prior to the Co-op Talk, you’ll be asked to watch a pre-recorded workshop on the topic and submit any specific inquiries or questions related to the topic. At the talk, we’ll facilitate a group conversation to address specific questions and share new ideas. Consider this co-op office hours where we can collectively share our wisdom!
Dates:
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 6-7pm: Membership + Governance (Virtual)
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 6-7pm: Finances + Patronage (In person - TBD)
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 6-7pm: Decision Making (Virtual)
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 6-7pm: Conflict Resolution (Virtual)
Co-Op Skill Shares
Join current cooperators and excited enthusiasts in St. Louis to celebrate our local knowledge about cooperatives. Co-op Skill Shares are an opportunity to connect with local folks who are also interested in how the co-op model can be used to bring equity, democracy, and resilience to our community. Each skill share will feature an informal presentation from a local cooperator and time to create new connections and friendships within our co-op ecosystem.
Dates:
Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 10am-12pm: Topic TBD (In person - TBD)
Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 10-11:30am: Topic TBD (Virtual)
Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 1-3pm: Topic TBD (In person-TBD)