Fwd: March 2026 Newsletter

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Nada Khader

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Mar 25, 2026, 10:57:55 AMMar 25

to WESPAC Discussion, WESPAC Food Justice, WESPAC Environmental

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Delia Marx at Westchester Cooperative Network <deli...@8975799.brevosend.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 23, 2026 at 8:28 PM
Subject: March 2026 Newsletter
To: <wespacfo...@gmail.com>

Growing Food, Growing Community: The Mi Oh My Farms Story

Report on WCN’s January 29th Co-op Mixer

Despite severe winter weather and transportation difficulties for our presenter, Marc Konkoly, Steward for Education at Mi Oh My Farms, we were still able to gather together and connect virtually to hear the inspiring story behind the Mi Oh My Farms Cooperative.

This worker-owned cooperative began as a hydroponic farm dedicated to growing nutrient-dense superfoods such as microgreens and mushrooms. From the beginning, the cooperative has been guided by the belief that socially responsible, sustainable food production can positively influence our lives on nutritional, environmental, and economic levels. Their mission centers on empowering individuals and communities to grow their own healthy food while renewing their connection to nature.

In addition to distributing their harvest through a CSA, Mi Oh My Farms offers project-based learning workshops for middle and high school students. These programs provide hands-on opportunities for students to build practical knowledge, strengthen critical thinking, and develop creative engineering skills — while also sparking curiosity and passion for ecology and nutrition.

The evening created an intimate and welcoming space where participants openly shared their experiences, discussing both successes and challenges. The honest exchange of ideas and perspectives made it a meaningful learning experience for everyone involved.

Looking ahead, we invite you to keep an eye out for our next Co-op Mixer planned for May. More details will be shared as the date approaches, and we look forward to gathering again to connect, learn, and continue building a vibrant cooperative community together.

Exit Planning and Transition to Worker Ownership Webinar

On February 27, the Westchester Cooperative Network was invited by the Catalyst Office of Westchester County, part of the Westchester County Department of Economic Development, to host a panel discussion on business exit planning and worker ownership. The webinar was part of the county’s virtual Lunch & Learn series and drew strong interest from the community.

WCN was pleased to welcome three outstanding panelists: Shelley Miller from the ICA Group, Rob Brown from the Cooperative Development Institute, and Joe Marraffino from the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast.

The panel explored employee ownership as a practical option for business succession and exit planning. Speakers explained how worker cooperatives allow employees to jointly own and manage a business, sharing both responsibility and profits. They also discussed the importance of thoughtful planning, understanding ownership options, and setting clear personal and business goals when considering a transition.

Organizations like CDI and the ICA Group help businesses explore and implement employee ownership models, while the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast provides flexible financing tailored to cooperative enterprises.

WCN also introduced itself as a local starting point for business owners interested in learning more about worker ownership. The organization is happy to connect with owners considering this path and offers presentations for local groups and organizations interested in the topic.

This webinar also marked the first video on our new YouTube channel. You can watch the full recording here. Be sure to subscribe to stay updated on future webinars and resources!

Register Now: April 26 Social Forum in White Plains

If you’re curious about worker-owned cooperatives and building a more democratic economy, the April 26 Social Forum in White Plains is an event you won’t want to miss. Organizers, community leaders, and changemakers from across the region will be gathering to share ideas and connect around building an economy that works for people—not just profits. The Westchester Cooperative Network is excited to be a co-sponsor and part of the planning team.

The Social Forum will bring together dozens of community groups and activists for a day of conversation, learning, and collaboration. As part of the program, we’ll be hosting a breakout session on worker rights and the solidarity economy. We’ll explore how worker cooperatives, community ownership, and organized labor can help create stronger, fairer local economies.

Whether you’re already involved in this work or just curious to learn more, it’s a great chance to meet others who care about building a solidarity economy right here in the Hudson Valley.

Registration is required, find the details at www.wespac.org/wsf.

Curious what the breakout session looks like in practice? Watch highlights from last year's breakout session on Solidarity Economy on our recently launched YouTube channel! Subscribe to follow along as we continue sharing this work!

In the Media: Progressive News Network Interviews

The Westchester Cooperative Network was recently featured by the Progressive News Network in two interviews highlighting the growing role of worker ownership in building local, resilient economies.

In “Westchester Cooperative Network: What Are Worker-Owned Cooperatives?”, Chuck Bell speaks with Delia Marx, one of our co-founders, about WCN’s work to promote and support the development of worker-owned cooperatives across Westchester County.

In “Worker-Owned Cooperative Transitions”, Chuck Bell sits down with both Delia Marx and Rob Brown, Director of Business Ownership Solutions at the Cooperative Development Institute to explore how business owners can transition their companies to worker ownership — creating pathways for succession while preserving jobs and community wealth.

We hope you enjoy them!

LET'S KEEP BUILDING TOGETHER

Whether it's at a mixer, a social forum, or a neighborhood celebration, Westchester Cooperative Network is proud to be growing a cooperative movement rooted in justice, care, and connection. Want to get involved or learn more about upcoming events? Visit our website or follow us on social media by clicking any of the icons below!