I’m Maria, I’m the Development Director at USFWC. I’ve been in this position for just over a year. In that time, I’ve been able to meet quite a few of the federation’s supporters, and am looking forward to meeting many more!
As a fundraiser, organizer, and artist, I love talking and learning about worker power and co-ops. Each worker-owned business gives me real hope because the cooperative movement is building the worker-owned future right now.
We launched our Spring Sustainer Drive–honoring workers using cooperatives to build worker power–with a goal of raising $20,000 by June 15. To do that, we’re aiming to have 20 new or increased monthly sustainers by the end of this Sustainer Drive – bringing our total to a powerful 100 Sustainers for the first time in USFWC’s history!
I wanted to share a little bit more about why we’re asking our members and supporters to become sustainers – people who give on a monthly basis.
The USFWC currently has 80 sustainers. Most of our sustainers have been giving for years—some as long as 12 years. Some of our sustainers are newer here. Many are worker-owners with co-ops that are members of the USFWC. Others are cooperative advocates and activists. All are pitching in to build this movement. We’re so grateful for everyone who has ever donated to support USFWC’s work.
Being a monthly donor means having a deeper relationship with the USFWC. Here are the top three reasons I believe it’s especially important to become a sustainer right now:
1 – Show your long-term commitment to winning a worker-owned future
You know that changing the economy is long-term work. The USFWC is building the infrastructure working people need to build a democratic economy. Your recurring monthly donation provides us with the financial predictability and stability we need to plan farther into the future and be more resilient in the present.
2 – Your support allows us to focus on what matters—with no strings attached
The source of money matters. Monthly sustainer donations are from grassroots supporters like you—not philanthropy or government funding with red tape and conditions. That flexibility allows us to focus on what matters most—growing the worker co-op movement so we can harness its power to change the world.
3 – We need power in numbers to meet this fundraising moment
Some of the largest sources of funding for the cooperative sector have been cut or are facing cuts by the administration. The USFWC’s role as a central resource hub for worker co-ops, especially during crises, will only become more important.
We need the power of community to get through the challenges ahead. “Farther, Faster, Together” is a USFWC slogan that is just as relevant to funding our movement through grassroots donations as it is to organizing the collective power of cooperatives.
Monthly donations allow USFWC to raise the most amount of money from the most people—each contributing at a level that makes sense for them. Our most common monthly donation is $15, and all amounts are significant.
Bonus reason – Receive a special “Worker Co-ops of the World Unite” poster
Being new-ish here, I hope to support the creation of more art for the cooperative movement. That’s why I am very excited to announce that new sustainers* this campaign will receive a limited edition poster designed by a cooperative artist! We will debut its full design soon, but wanted to share the news as soon as possible.
Thank you for reading this email and considering being a sustainer for the USFWC. Please reach out directly to me, maria@usworker.coop, with any questions.
In cooperation,
Maria Myotte
Development Director, U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives
*Please note, we are able to send the poster to new Sustainers who give $15/month or more, or existing Sustainers who increase their monthly donation by $15/month or more. Thank you!
