NI 454 - July, 2012

Co-operatives

A note from the editor

Like a lot of recent graduates, in my early 20s I lived briefly in a co-op house. It was a shaky experiment. The big social and political issues of the day were submerged in the daily grind. Dirty dishes were our downfall.

Since then I’ve passed a major chunk of my life here at New Internationalist, a much more successful co-operative with a long track record. We’ve had our ups and downs but we’ve survived as a ‘worker co-op’ for almost three decades now.

We’re not alone. Globally, co-operatives are thriving, a fact celebrated by this year’s ‘International Year of the Co-operative’. In this time of economic chaos co-operatives may be the only game in town, a human (and humane) alternative to business-as-usual.

Here at New Internationalist being a ‘worker co-op’ means we run the show ourselves. Simple? No, it’s tricky being your own boss – satisfying, yes, but also frustrating. Hard to put the blame on someone else when you’re in charge.

No doubt we come across as a group of earnest do-gooders ceaselessly thrashing out the best ways to save the world. But you’d be surprised at how little time we actually spend talking about the ‘big issues’.

These days a lot of our time (meetings, meetings, meetings) is spent managing the business, figuring out how to survive in tough economic times. But we’re also not above having long, intense discussions about life-altering decisions – like what colour to paint the doors.

This issue also looks at another kind of work fraught with contradictions: voluntourism. When our kids take off to spend a gap year in Malawi or Mongolia, are they just paying patrons like any other tourist?

In addition, Tam Hussein, a writer with deep roots in the Middle East, looks beyond the daily bloodshed in Syria to probe the long-simmering tensions between contending ethnic factions in that country.

Wayne Ellwood for the New Internationalist co-operative.
www.newint.org

The big story

Skilled and in control: an Argentine co-op member thins dough for tarts at a recovered bread factory in Buenos Aires.

Andres Lofiego/ Majority World

NI 454 - July, 2012

Co-operatives

A note from the editor

The big story

Wayne Ellwood argues that co-ops – democratic, community-focused – offer an egalitarian way out of our current mess.

Features

Co-ops offer an alternative way of doing business where profits are enjoyed collectively, not just by a small group of shareholders. They can be small, local businesses or huge global companies.

The ancient Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage gives troubled youngsters a unique opportunity to walk their way to freedom. Adam Weymouth reports.

The rituals that reinforce co-operation are under threat, says Richard Sennett.

Sometimes simple things can build understanding. Noreen Sadik reports from Israel.

The Red Cross is painstakingly reuniting families torn apart by conflict, reports Libby Powell.

In Indonesia, self-help is transforming the lives of rural women. Irfan Kortschak talks to one co-op member.

Can co-operatives save Cuba? John Restakis travels to Havana to find out.

Zoe Cormier explores our natural ability to co-operate.

Self-immolation by Tibetan protesters is becoming an all-too-familiar sight. Dibyesh Anand considers the reasons why.

The current conflict has deep and tangled roots, as Tam Hussein explains.

Campaigns, resources and further reading.

Helping out the locals while on holiday is a win-win situation, isn't it? Maybe not, says Michelle Dobrovolny.

Blogs

The Israeli Levy Committee finds that settlements in the West Bank are legal. Noreen Sadik examines its flaws.

Opinion

Our US columnist Mark Engler is riled by the shamelessness of the financial élite.

Surveillance expert Robin Tudge and Professor of Conflict Beatrice de Graaf go head-to-head - read their arguments and join the debate.

Agenda

Richard Swift says Canada's wave of pots-and-pans protests signal the first major rupture with the austerity agenda.

Who exactly will benefit from the city's regeneration? asks Michael Pooler.

Adam Edwards on the grounds for optimism.

Good news this month.

Fran Lambrick on a community determined to protect its forest.

Climate campaigner Anna Rose welcomes the new levy on big polluters, saying it will push Oz into a far greener framework.

Regulars

The renowned primatologist speaks to Sian Griffiths about hens, chimps and the indomitable human spirit.

Josie Long on putting her world view into practice.

What is self-evident for one is a mystery for others, discovers Lauri Kubuitsile.

Mohamed Sulaiman Labat from Western Sahara shares the significance of his calligraphy.

Film, Book & Music Reviews

'Riots have been nearly happening all my life,' poet-rapper Speech Debelle tells Louise Gray.

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