A place we can RISE TOGETHER!

 

Our Story

Collective Uprising was formed by a group of friends who established successful careers in retail management but dreamed of more. Our dreams vary. Some want to spend their days creating beautiful items, some want to run their own boutiques, some want to host non-profit events to create a more equitable community. None of us saw a path forward where our dreams felt in reach.

One weekend we took a road trip to site see and came across a small general store co-op. We browsed around and found so many amazing things! From community boards plastered with local events, to locally made jewelry and art! We all saw bits of ourselves in the selection and felt energized. We left the store only knowing that cooperatives are formed and operate for the benefit of their members. Well that, and that we wanted to start one.

Together we researched the idea of cooperative businesses and learned that this model has been successfully implemented for over a century. Here are some key things we learned:

  • Together we can make our dreams a reality!

  • Cooperatives are stronger than traditional businesses models!

  • Cooperatives make money!

  • Cooperatives help the community!

  • We have skills many co-ops do not!

We had a clear vision of what we wanted. A beautiful storefront featuring locally grown produce, flowers, beautiful plants, refillable self-care products, and locally made (curated) arts and goods! A community fridge outside packed with fresh food that’s free to all. A workshop room filled with shared tools and space for our members to rejuvenate. Vibrant community events hosted by members-some creative, some meeting the needs of the community. A hub for activists to rally to take direct action to build a more equitable community. A place folx can RISE TOGETHER!

We are committed to bringing this vision to life.

On May 1st, 2021 (International Worker’s Day), we launched our co-op!

We are proud to currently offer a one-of-a-kind virtual vendor mart and community pop-up events as the first steps to bringing this vision to life!

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Collective Uprising is rooted in collectivism anarchy theory and the belief that people cannot thrive under the state or private ownership, as both rely on the exploitation of people.

At Collective Uprising practices of shared ownership and self-governance provide space folx to RISE TOGETHER!

 What We Do

  • CREATE!

  • REDISTRIBUTE!

  • COLLECTIVIZE!

  • ACTION!

  • SUSTAIN!

Learn More!

Founding Principles

A few of our founding principles can seem abstract or intimidating. Let’s unpack them a little.

Understanding Co-ops

What is a Co-op?

A co-op is any business that is owned and operated by the people who benefit from what the company has to offer. Aside from ownership structure, there are a few other distinct features that set cooperatives apart from other types of businesses. Here are 7 key differentiators as identified by The International Co-operative Alliance:

  1. Voluntary Membership: Any person who is willing to accept the responsibilities of co-op membership and who wishes to use the services of a cooperative is welcome to become a member.

  2. Democratic Member Control: Co-ops are controlled by their members. Members have control over setting policies for the co-op and making decisions for the cooperative.

  3. Member Economic Participation: Members contribute to the capital of the co-op democratically and equitably. Most of the capital of a co-op remains the property of the co-op and isn’t redistributed to members.

  4. Autonomy and Independence: Co-ops are meant to be autonomous and democratically controlled, meaning they aren’t subject to control by outside organizations.

  5. Education, Training, and Information: A cooperative provides education and training to members and board members to allow them to contribute to the development of the co-op. Cooperatives also seek to inform and educate the public about the mission and operation of a co-op.

  6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Co-ops will often work together, creating regional, national and international structures that help to improve the community and create a better world.

  7. Concern for Community: The policies approved by the members of a cooperative should help to develop the community around the co-op in a sustainable way.

 

Understanding Collectivism Anarchy

 “I must tell you first of all what anarchism is not. It is not bombs, disorder, or chaos. It is not robbery or murder. It is not a war of each against all. It is not a return to barbarism or to the wild of man. Anarchism is the very opposite of all that.” -Alexander Berkman, American anarchist, 1929

What is Collectivism Anarchy?

  • Collectivist anarchists believe they can organize themselves and their communities without being told how.

  • Collectivist anarchists believe the ruling class and the state are undesirable, unnecessary, and harmful.

  • Collectivist anarchists believe the function of the state is to maintain the existing inequalities in society.

  • Collectivist anarchists believe in freedom, equality, and horizontal social relations.

  • Collectivist anarchists believe in reciprocity, voluntary contract, social equity, community care, and federation reform.

  • Collectivist anarchists believe all private ownership of the means of production is exploitative, and instead advocate that ownership be collectivized.

Learn More With These Resources:

The Anarchist Collectives

Collectivism by Adhémar Schwitzguébel

Collectivism by Ricardo Mella

Freedom to Succeed by Deirdre Hogan

Are you an Anarchist?

The answer may surprise you!

We encourage you to watch this video based on an essay by David Graeber's and reflect on some of these questions:

  • Do you believe you are capable of behaving reasonably without coercion?

  • Do you believe others are capable of behaving reasonably without coercion? What is this belief based on?

  • Have you ever belonged to a voluntary group, like a sports team? Why did you join?

  • Have you ever lent something to a friend? Why do you feel they deserved to borrow it?

  • Have you ever made an agreement based on consensus?

  • Do you believe our current system promotes equality?

  • Do you believe people need to be ruled by people more capable of making decisions than themselves?

Understanding Land Tax

What is Land Tax?

  • Land tax acknowledges we are on stolen land and offers minimal compensation to those it was taken from.

    • Not sure whose land you are on? Find out here: Native-Land

  • Land tax acknowledges we have held certain privileges due to the land we occupy. Most, if not all, of our members, have consistent access to housing, education, jobs, and food. We access all of those things on stolen land.

  • Land tax acknowledges that the privileges we have gained have come at the cost of Indigenous people.

  • Land tax acknowledges that Indigenous people are owed compensation and doesn’t rely on an unjust systems to offer it.

Learn More With These Resources:

Indigenous Resistance Homework

Interdependence: Global Solidarity and Local Actions

Understanding Grassroot Reparations

What Are Reparations:

  • Grassroots reparations acknowledge that state-sanctioned violence against Black people and systemic racism have persisted for centuries.

  • Grassroots reparations acknowledge that while Black people are harmed by violent systems, white people benefit from them.

  • Grassroots reparations acknowledge that we as individuals can address the wrongs of the state through collectivized individual actions.

  • Grassroots reparations acknowledge that white people hold an undeserved amount of wealth and directly redistributes it to Black people.