Reach And Teach says:

For years we've been inspired by Design Action Collective and Inkworks Press, two worker-owned cooperatives that have not only survived hard economic times but have grown and thrived through them. And, most importantly, they've served critical roles in successful movements for peace, social justice and the environment. They and other worker-owned cooperatives face a lot of challenges that more top-down, "traditional" businesses don't have to face, and they've done it all with a lot of grace, without a lot of examples of other similar businesses to guide them. This film gathers their stories, their best practices, their bumps and bruises, along with a bunch of other group's stories and experience and engagingly passes along those lessons to anyone who wants to start, or wants to help strengthen, a worker-owned cooperative. It is a pleasure to watch and an incredibly valuable resource.

This 2-DVD set is fantastic!

Bullet-Points About the DVD:

• Geared towards small start-up’s with little access to capital
• Bookkeeping crash course
• Funding
• Hiring & Training
• Cooperative Principles
• *Permits, Zoning, Licenses
• Intro to By-Laws
• Choosing A Legal Entity
• Biz Advice
• Communications & Process crash course
• State filings
• Prep list
• Group Discussion Topics
• Unions & Coops
• Resources
• Over four hours of workshop-ready subjects divided into chapters
• Ideal for activists, individuals, high school, university & community college programs
• Regional development
• Community and faith-based organizations
• Cooperative-incubating non-profits
• Libraries
• Existing cooperatives renewing & reviewing/new members
• Vocational programs

Reviews:

“The videos are extremely well done, informative & well worth the price for the easy to use information! “ Doreen R., Satellite Beach, FL “I got "This Way Out" in the mail the day before yesterday. Man, I was blown away. For two DVDs, I think this is quite a comprehensive toolbox. Furthermore, I reviewed a lot of the websites you listed for further resources. All good there too. As a person recovering from the non-profit industrial complex, this DVD set was cathartic as well as informative.” Christian S., New Orleans, LA

“One of the best parts about the project is that it is made up of interviews with many vibrant worker cooperative owners who are blazing a path with their successful businesses. The sneak peak promo shows worker-owners from Design Action, Electric Embers, Arizmendi, Heartwood, Box Dog Bikes, Biofuel Oasis, Quilted, Co-Soap, and others. A project like this only seems to come a long once per decade, so it is worth checking out. Meanwhile an impressive collection of source videos are available free on (the filmmaker’s) YouTube channel.” - Joe Mancini, www.America.coop

This Way Out: A Guide To Starting A Worker Cooperative - Promo Trailer 2012 from MightySmall Films on Vimeo.