Unlike many organizer training programs, each SolidarityWorks co-lab mobilizes people to create something new by focusing on a specific proven project ripe for replication and adaptation in new communities. Our learning and action co-labs are designed to mobilize people, expand solidarity, and build movements all while creating tangible projects that meet people’s immediate survival needs.
By convening organizers from across the country, each co-lab builds a support network of grassroots organizers building solidarity within their community and with each other. Utilizing Shareable’s storytelling prowess, information and wisdom from each co-lab is preserved for future grassroots organizers to find and easily adapt for their communities.
In partnership with People Power Solar Cooperative, we launched a pilot in summer 2023 called the Emergency Battery Co-Lab. The Emergency Battery Co-Lab resulted in a comprehensive public toolkit, 40 organizers trained, and 16 local networks formed, far surpassing our initial projections.
In February 2024, Shareable opened the Library of Things Co-Lab, with the goal of empowering organizers to establish and grow community resource-sharing spaces. Libraries of Things (often called LoTs) are community-driven spaces that are adaptable to each community’s needs. LoTs often lend things such as tools, gardening equipment, art supplies, kitchen equipment, sporting goods, and more. Over 100 organizers from cities across the US and globe are currently registered to participate in the 12-week training course.
This initiative also includes a fellowship supporting six teams in historically marginalized communities with stipends, seed funding, and one-on-one coaching and technical assistance. Notable partners on this project include the Center for Biological Diversity, Purpose Built Communities, South King Tool Library, and myTurn.
A deep dive into Libraries of Things (LoTs), a key piece of solidarity infrastructure. The LoT Co-Lab will include a learning series, a comprehensive digital toolbox, and paid fellowships for up to 10 organizers in marginalized communities. Join the LoT Co-Lab today!
An 8-week sprint into starting an Emergency Battery Network. The Emergency Battery Co-Lab included an 8-week learning series, digital toolbox, and free or discounted battery packs for participants. This Co-Lab was co-hosted by Shareable and the People Power Solar Cooperative in the Summer of 2023. Get the Toolkit!
Social coops are like social enterprises (i.e., community-benefit businesses) but they combine the nature of “cooperatives” with a “social” purpose to advance public benefits and to empower marginalized communities. Weekly sessions will run from May 1st to June 19th, 2024. Register for the entire Academy or single sessions.
SolidarityWorks is a learning lab for mobilizing grassroots organizers to build new social infrastructure. Our learning and action co-labs bring together organizers for training, resources, and support to initiate impactful projects. In addition to these Co-Labs, Shareable has an archive of over 300 how-to guides to enhance collaboration in everyday life: https://www.shareable.net/how-to-share/
We lean on change makers like you to be our compass in finding out what solidarity looks like in your community. Suggest a future Co-Lab topic or community empowerment initiative. Contact our program manager, Candice Spivey [candice(at)shareable(.)net]
