Robert Raymond
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Articles by Robert Raymond
Rural Electric Cooperatives
Rural Electric Cooperatives Rural Electric Cooperatives (RECs) have transformed the lives of millions of rural Americans since their creation in the New Deal of the 1930s. However, much of that promise has been lost – now rural democratic movements must reclaim their cooperatives to spread democracy, improve people’s lives, and act on the climate crisis. Shareable is a working partner of Rural Power Coalition, where we have led communications since 2021.
Climate Disasters Displaced 43 Million Children in a 6-Year Period
The U.N.’s children’s welfare agency released a new report Friday making the case for prioritizing the protection of children from fossil fuel-driven climate disasters — with more than 43 million children across the globe internally displaced in a six-year period due to drought, flooding, wildfires, and other extreme events.
Kitchen Workers Demand Federal Protections Against Excessive Heat
Ever since she became old enough to work, Ariana Lingerfeldt has found cooking jobs in cafes and restaurants. “It’s something I’m good at,” she told Truthout. For the past two years, her workplace has been the Green Sage Cafe in South Asheville, North Carolina. The eatery unionized in February 2023 and is part of Teamsters Local 61; staff are now among the 3 percent of workers in the Tar Heel state who are organized.
What makes Vermont so resilient?
Central Vermont is in disaster rehabilitation mode after things decidedly fell apart on Monday. There are tubes snaking out of buildings, draining basements of water. Belongings are being corralled and cleaned. Trash and irreparably broken things are filling up bins. Front loaders are scooping up tons of mud and gravel from the roads, and trucks are hauling it away. Unfortunately, much of the dirt has to go to the landfill because it got mixed up with all manner of pollution.
Why are so many Californians homeless?
12% of Americans live in California – but 30% of homeless Americans, and 50% of unsheltered Americans, call California “home.” This is the source of endless schadenfreude from “red state” partisans, and is often waved as proof of the failure of liberal policies. But the real story is both more complicated – and simpler.
The Response: Land Back with David Cobb
The idea of Land Back — a growing movement to return occupied land to the Indigenous people that it rightfully belongs to, often exists as a metaphor for us. It can feel like the discussion around land theft and genocide by settler-colonists in the United States is often limited to land acknowledgments or statements of solidarity — both of which are important. But what about the most important element in these discussions — actually giving the land back?
The myth of freedom under capitalism
Although its intellectual handmaidens love to insist otherwise — capitalism is not a system that truly embodies freedom. We all feel it, of course — that nagging sense that we lack any agency over the choices that shape our lives, the frustration we feel at our bosses, the tension we feel with our landlords, the sense that we’re all just stuck in a rat race. We might lack the language to articulate it or a framework within which to situate it, but we all know, deep down, that this ain’t it.
Platinum: It doesn’t have to run out to become unavailable
Whenever there is an argument about the sufficiency of resources to meet the demands of our voracious industrial economy, those defending the cornucopian view say, “But, we are not running out of that resource.” Of course, that is not the point. It is more likely that the first phase of resource depletion will be that not everyone who was previously able to afford a particular resource will continue to have access to it at affordable prices.
Ekolu Mea Ku’i
Kaleimomi told me the story as Hilo rains were dancing across Waiakea Pond. The car drove itself, he said, turning here and there, a weave from corner to corner until it stopped in front of an old house, abandoned and entwined with maile vine, the windows behind bushes, the door guarded by a four-foot hive of bees. He exited the car and stood, non-blinking, as if in a daze.
Protect the Flame: But Where the Danger Is, the Saving Power Also Grows
I have just returned from Latin America. I find myself a somewhat different person than the one that left a couple of weeks ago. What changed? During my visit I went to Colombia, on invitation from the UNDP (United Nation Development Programme) and to Uruguay to launch the first Latin American Ecosystems Leadership Program (ELP) for our u-school for Transformation. The launch of this regional ELP in Latin America opened what to many of us felt like a profound new space of collective possibility.
Dinners for debt justice
Sheffield activists Ci Davis and Darcy White explain their work in the Jubilee Movement, a new mutual aid-based debt justice campaign Ci: As a child I went on CND [Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament] marches with my parents. Our home was shared with Chilean and South African exiles, and I learnt much about injustice. I was later imprisoned for engaging in non-violent direct action to stop the deployment of cruise missiles. The 1980s were an important time to be an activist.
The Kitchen Table
In the five years since Anna and I started a school called HOME, we’ve often spoken of it as a school that grows out of the conversations that happen around our kitchen table. When my old colleagues at Dark Mountain put out a call for a ‘Dark Kitchen’ special issue, this seemed like the occasion to tell the story of our kitchen table and why the chairs around it don’t match. It’s a story of love, food and how we came to start a school.
The Response: The French Uprising with Konstantin
This article originally appeared on Shareable.net. Teaser photo credit: Members of seven different unions side-by-side, in a demonstration that walked through a shopping area in Sens on 11 March. By François GOGLINS – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=129533015 Tags: economic justice, France, pension reform, social unrest
CA Court Rules That Gig Workers Are Not Employees In Loss For Workers
On Monday, California’s First District Court of Appeals ruled that a 2020 ballot initiative classifying drivers for gig companies as independent contractors rather than employees was largely constitutional. The ballot initiative, Proposition 22, passed with 59% of the vote and has been critiqued by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) as having been financed and lobbied for by gig companies like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash.
Silicon Valley Bank Collapse Offers a Primer on How Elite Power Preserves Wealth
The second largest bank failure in history was like a pipeline rupture interrupting the flow of capital. Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was shut down by regulators on March 10, 2023, after account holders, wary of the bank’s stability, began quickly withdrawing their money. Its collapse constitutes the second largest bank failure in history.
Kroger Has Allegedly Been Stealing Paychecks, and Warren and Sanders Are Seeking Answers
Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) are demanding that Kroger, the U.S.’s largest supermarket brand, address reports of and lawsuits over “systemic and widespread errors” in the company’s payroll system that labor advocates say have opened the door for the company to commit wage theft.
Worker Ownership Builds Community Wealth and a More Just Society
This article was originally published on Waging Nonviolence. A recent help-wanted ad for a laundry worker in Cleveland contained some unusual language, asking prospective candidates: “Have you ever wanted to work for a company that is 90 percent employee-owned?
BuzzFeed’s AI-Produced Content Experiment Is a Glimpse Into a Bleak Future
The internet media company BuzzFeed, which produces short articles, quizzes and lists such as “18 Ridiculously Cosy Clothes From Amazon That Have Been Getting Us Through The January Blues” was struggling. After going public in December 2021 with a $1.5 billion valuation, the company’s stock dropped precipitously, losing 80 percent of its value by the end of 2022.
The Response: Radical approaches to disaster relief in New York
How do we respond to natural disasters? What comes to mind? Large relief organizations like the American Red Cross? Or perhaps the Federal Emergency and Management Agency? Well, those images are certainly part of the story — but they’re not the whole story. In our podcast series, The Response, we aim to share a perspective that isn’t extensively covered in the mainstream media.
Sanders’s Bill to Expand Workplace Democracy Passes Senate in Omnibus
Skip to content Skip to footer The Worker Ownership, Readiness, and Knowledge (WORK) Act aims to help create and expand employee ownership centers. Legislation that Sen. Bernie Sanders unveiled 13 years ago to help boost workplace democracy and curb worsening inequality in the United States was included in the $1.7 trillion omnibus package approved by the Senate on Thursday.
Sanders’s Bill to Expand Workplace Democracy Passes Senate in Omnibus
Skip to content Skip to footer The Worker Ownership, Readiness, and Knowledge (WORK) Act aims to help create and expand employee ownership centers. Legislation that Sen. Bernie Sanders unveiled 13 years ago to help boost workplace democracy and curb worsening inequality in the United States was included in the $1.7 trillion omnibus package approved by the Senate on Thursday.
Let’s Take Up the Railroad Workers’ Fight for Paid Sick Leave. We All Need It.
Paid sick leave policy was brought to the forefront of U.S. public discourse this past week after President Biden and congressional leaders moved to block a nationwide rail strike over union workers’ objections to the lack of sick leave policies in their contract. Under the imposed deal, workers receive no paid sick days. Four unions had already voted against the contract. Congress’s move to block the strike comes after massive layoffs undertaken by railroad companies in recent years.
The Response: Mutual Aid with Joshua Potash
Mutual aid is a concept and practice that has come up many times in the stories we tell on The Response — so we thought it would be helpful to devote an entire episode to exploring what mutual aid is with someone who is deeply immersed in it on the ground. Joshua Potash is an anti-capitalist abolitionist based in New York City. Joshua co-founded Washington Square Park Mutual Aid which provides free food, clothing, and various supplies once a week in the New York City park.
The Green Transition Part 2: A Green Deal for the People
When it comes to climate policy, it probably won’t come as a surprise to most that the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is one of the weakest bills that has ever been passed. Not only does the bill actually lock us into more fossil fuel production — it’s really just more weak neoliberal policy that will lead to more inequality. The bill is also an incredibly anti-democratic piece of legislation.
Terra Viva with Dr. Vandana Shiva
The building of epistemic democracy, the deepening of community, the practice of non-violence, and shared investment in local economies — these are some of the fundamental components that guide the concept of “oneness’ which is seamed through the work of Dr. Vandana Shiva — an activist and tireless advocate for food sovereignty and for farmers’, peasants’, and women’s rights.
The Green Transition Part 1: The Problem with Green Capitalism
It’s clear that we need to decarbonize our economy as quickly as possible in order to avoid the worst of climate change — but carbon isn’t the only problem we’re facing. As the world moves towards renewables and away from fossil fuels as an energy source, we can’t forget that the technology and minerals behind this green transition need to come from somewhere — and that somewhere is primarily countries in the Global South.
The Green Transition Part 1: The Problem with Green Capitalism
It’s clear that we need to decarbonize our economy as quickly as possible in order to avoid the worst of climate change — but carbon isn’t the only problem we’re facing. As the world moves towards renewables and away from fossil fuels as an energy source, we can’t forget that the technology and minerals behind this green transition need to come from somewhere — and that somewhere is primarily countries in the Global South.
The War on Cash: Cash, Cards, Crypto, and the War for Our Wallets
There is an invisible war taking place right now. And although you may not be aware of it, it’s a war that’s impacting you in a direct way. It’s a war on your wallet, a war on your bank account, a war on your money. But it’s not happening in the way you may think it. And it’s happening right beneath your nose. Is the growing ascendance of digital money simply an organic evolution away from the purported inconveniences of physical cash?
Building Black Wealth: Understanding the Limits of Black Capitalism
Above Photo: Bust of W. E. B. Du Bois at Clark Atlanta University. (Hildabast). Beginning in the 19th and 20th century, during the United States’ reconstruction era that followed the American Civil War, an important debate emerged in this country. It was during the era after slavery was officially abolished — after Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865 — what we now commemorate as Juneteenth — to spread the word.
Building Black Wealth: Understanding the Limits of Black Capitalism
Beginning in the 19th and 20th century, during the United States’ reconstruction era that followed the American Civil War, an important debate emerged in this country. It was during the era after slavery was officially abolished — after Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865 — what we now commemorate as Juneteenth — to spread the word.
Building Black Wealth: Understanding the Limits of Black Capitalism
Beginning in the 19th and 20th century, during the United States’ reconstruction era that followed the American Civil War, an important debate emerged in this country. It was during the era after slavery was officially abolished — after Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865 — what we now commemorate as Juneteenth — to spread the word.
East Grand Forks council weighs potential enforcements for ordinances related to special-use vehicles
EAST GRAND FORKS – Discussion on ordinances relating to the use of golf carts, utility task vehicles and other special-use vehicles in town was discussed by members of the East Grand Forks City Council during Tuesday’s work session meeting. The discussion comes as council members Clarence Vetter and Tim Riopelle said they’ve been receiving complaints from residents in their wards about people, typically minors, speeding down roads when driving special-use vehicles.
'Never seen anything like this:' Inflation, high gas prices cause spike in food bank usage in Grand Forks area
GRAND FORKS – As grocery and gas prices rise, more people have been using food banks in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, according to the executive directors at North Country Food Bank, Inc. and St. Joseph’s Social Care. Susie Novak Boelter, executive director of the North Country Food Bank, Inc. in East Grand Forks, said the agencies North Country works with have seen a rise in the number of people relying on food banks in the past three months.
Letter: Replace the ‘good old boy’ City Council in East Grand Forks
East Grand Forks Mayor Steve Gander claims residents were informed about the asphalt plant and he and the council are doing the people's work. East Grand Forks wants to know, what people? After being denied a county permit to build the plant farther from town, RJ Zavoral & Sons petitioned the City Council to annex land from the county.
Electric co-ops are well situated to lead the green energy transition, report finds
To maintain a livable climate, the United States must make immediate and drastic changes to its energy policies. Perhaps the most important change is the need for a transition away from fossil fuels toward cleaner, more renewable sources of energy. A new report by the Democracy Collaborative has found that community utilities — those that are publicly or cooperatively owned — are better suited for a green transition than their for-profit corporate counterparts.
Electric co-ops are well situated to lead the green energy transition, report finds
To maintain a livable climate, the United States must make immediate and drastic changes to its energy policies. Perhaps the most important change is the need for a transition away from fossil fuels toward cleaner, more renewable sources of energy. A new report by the Democracy Collaborative has found that community utilities — those that are publicly or cooperatively owned — are better suited for a green transition than their for-profit corporate counterparts.
Electric co-ops are well situated to lead the green energy transition, report finds
To maintain a livable climate, the United States must make immediate and drastic changes to its energy policies. Perhaps the most important change is the need for a transition away from fossil fuels toward cleaner, more renewable sources of energy. A new report by the Democracy Collaborative has found that community utilities — those that are publicly or cooperatively owned — are better suited for a green transition than their for-profit corporate counterparts.
A shorter workweek may increase worker productivity - but that’s not why we need one
Studies show that a shorter workweek is healthier for people and the planet — but much of the conversation is focused on its impact on worker productivity or efficiency. This is a big mistake. With the average worker in the United States clocking 47 hours a week, Americans are among the most overworked populations in the world — in fact, they work more hours per year than workers in almost any other industrialized country.
What makes a job 'good'? Weaving Reciprocity showcase examines how we can do work better
In recent years, many people have begun to deeply question their relationship to work. Whether it’s the “Great Resignation” of workers leaving lower paid jobs for better opportunities, or the high profile unionization efforts at corporations like Starbucks or Amazon, or the burgeoning anti-work movement with the focus on a complete re-examination of our relationship with labor — it’s apparent that there is a palpable shift taking place among workers. But what does better work look like?
A shorter workweek may increase worker productivity - but that’s not why we need one
Studies show that a shorter workweek is healthier for people and the planet — but much of the conversation is focused on its impact on worker productivity or efficiency. This is a big mistake. With the average worker in the United States clocking 47 hours a week, Americans are among the most overworked populations in the world — in fact, they work more hours per year than workers in almost any other industrialized country.
When decolonization meets post-capitalism: the third annual post-capitalism conference
The third annual Post-Capitalism Conference took place this past weekend — with one major shift from previous years: the conference is now titled “Decolonizing Economics,” and far from being a simple title change, the theme of decolonization was quite prominently weaved through the entirety of summit’s sessions. Decolonizing Economics was anchored by the Wiyot Tribe, Cooperation Humboldt, Cal Poly Humboldt faculty, and a number of different sponsors — including Shareable.
On May Day, Let's Make Bold Demands for Democracy at Work and in the Streets
As we continue to watch federal and state governments fail us on issue after issue — from climate change to voting rights to even the most basic of human rights, such as the right to an abortion — a growing movement of change-makers are beginning to look closer to home for ways to exercise political agency and to reshape their world. This movement has been referred to as the “municipalist moment,” one which puts the city at the heart of the revolutionary struggle.
When decolonization meets post-capitalism: the third annual post-capitalism conference
The third annual Post-Capitalism Conference took place this past weekend — with one major shift from previous years: the conference is now titled “Decolonizing Economics,” and far from being a simple title change, the theme of decolonization was quite prominently weaved through the entirety of summit’s sessions. Decolonizing Economics was anchored by the Wiyot Tribe, Cooperation Humboldt, Cal Poly Humboldt faculty, and a number of different sponsors — including Shareable.
A world without profit with Jennifer Hinton
Can you imagine a world without profit? What if one of the main purposes of your job wasn’t to generate surplus value for your employer? What if work was centered around activities that gave you meaning and which strengthened your community? What might that world look like? Perhaps you’d be working less hours. Maybe you you’d wake up excited about work every morning. Maybe you would feel a deep connection to your community in a way that you don’t feel now in our alienated and isolated world.
Our struggles are your struggles: stories of Indigenous resistance and regeneration
By Robert Raymond, originally published by Shareable April 4, 2022 Standing Rock was a pivotal moment in regards to Indigenous resistance — but it was just one in a long line of battles that Indigenous peoples have been fighting against the twin forces of colonialism and capitalism since first contact.
Our struggles are your struggles: stories of Indigenous resistance and regeneration
Standing Rock was a pivotal moment in regards to Indigenous resistance — but it was just one in a long line of battles that Indigenous peoples have been fighting against the twin forces of colonialism and capitalism since first contact.
A people’s guide to capitalism with Hadas Thier
Why do so many of us often feel like shit when we leave work? Where does that ambient feeling of alienation come from? That nagging sense that we’ve somehow been taken advantage of? That subtle anger — or sometimes even outright hatred — many of us feel towards our supervisors, our managers, our bosses? And why — despite devoting the majority of our waking hours to “making a living” — does it still feel like we’re always one emergency away from financial ruin?
Serving More Than Food: Restaurant Co-Ops Put Economic Justice on the Table
Food service is not an industry that most would associate as a beacon of social or economic justice. In fact, the restaurant industry is notorious for providing paltry wages, for engaging in shocking levels of wage theft, and for generally being comprised of toxic work environments marked by sexual harassment and human trafficking.
Community Bonds and Mutual Aid Sustain Anti-Fascists Targeted by the State
The past four years have seen terms like “antifa” hit common parlance around the U.S., but have also seen confusing distortions of what that term means. As right-wing pundits work desperately to paint any and all potentially left-leaning protest action as anti-fascist, and then reframe anti-fascism as a series of nefarious terrorist plots, this has shifted much of the climate toward suspicion of anti-fascist activists.
Organizers Are Building Solidarity Through Holiday Mutual Aid Work
The holiday season is a particularly difficult time for many people. For those who are facing eviction, are isolated from loved ones, or are unable to afford gifts, there might not seem like a whole lot to toast to. And when you throw in the fact that we’re still wholly in the middle of an unprecedented global pandemic, it’s clear that a lot people are experiencing feelings of despair and hopelessness this time of the year.
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