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January 2023 Newsletter
January Newsletter Word Graphic with Artisans Cooperative logo

Hi friend!

We closed out the calendar year with reflections on our journey so far and a look at the year ahead. 2023 is going to be a big year!

In this edition, we're sharing some important developments:
a strategic alliance, grant funding, our first Open House, marketplace progress, "what is handmade", and more. 

Support the co-op: Volunteer. Donate. Spread the word.

Yours in cooperation, 

- The Organizing Team at Artisans Cooperative

Word graphic for the Artisans Cooperative Open House Jan 26

You're Invited: Our First Open House

January 26, 4 pm Eastern / 1 pm Pacific. Register with EventBrite (free) for the event link. Ask questions and hear a brief presentation.
 

RSVP to the Open House >>>

Strategic Alliance & USDA Grant Funds 

Thanks to our early donors, we've joined the US Federation of Worker Co-ops (USFWC) Co-op Clinic and been allocated USDA grant funds to pay for democratic governance set-up and business plan support.
Learn More >>>

1st Annual Report

Our first annual report is, we hope, a glimpse into what it’s like to be a member-owner of a cooperative business. We report on our activities with openness and transparency and hard numbers. This charmingly simple first report reflects our humble beginnings.  

Read the Report >>>
Illustration of a chicken voting and putting a ballot in a ballot box

Marketplace Update

The Marketplace Priorities Poll closed on January 8 and we're analyzing the results. Watch our blog or join our Open House for more updates soon. 

About the Poll >>>
Leathercrafter skiving an edge with a hand tool

"Handmade" Policy

Our next big order of business is to define "handmade": Who gets to list their products? How do we verify / validate before joining? How will we enforce it? Who decides? We're developing another poll to get your input.

Email to Help with the Poll >>>

Artisans: 

Join the Marketing Campaign
It's free: we're continuing the holiday marketing campaign throughout the year to bring you customers. Submit your products and submit your shops for inclusion in gift guides, artisan profiles, social media posts, and SEO backlinks all year-round.

Buy Handmade Campaign >>>

Educational Content 

Our blog writers have been busy writing informative content. 
Read the latest:

Spread the Word

Why'd the chicken cross the road? To tell their neighbor about the co-op! Use our grassroots tools and ideas to spread the word with your friends, family, colleagues, neighbors: digital business cardsflyers and more! 

Grassroots Tools >>>

Visit Our Website

On Discord...


We use Discord to engage in real-time chat with members.

Organizer Lizzy has started a regular weekly report in our #progress-reports channel and organizer Valerie was seeking input on budgeting.

Get behind-the-scenes with us as we go through the exciting process of developing a cooperative behind-the-scenes.

Discord server invitation >>>

Our priorities are to 1) grow our cooperative and 2) develop the marketplace while 3) supporting your artisan businesses.

Questions? 
Email us anytime or join our Discord to ask in chat rooms.  

Artisans Cooperative logo with chicken face
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