Last month we shared 10 ways to make Sustainable Economies Law Center part of your summer. Now, we have even more summertime magic for you! Check out our upcoming events, recent policy news, legal resources, and new cartoon library!
1. Two Wins for Community Solar! The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted three new programs to expand local solar in the most pollution-burdened neighborhoods of the state, also known as Environmental Justice (EJ) communities. Additionally, East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), the new community choice energy service provider for most of Alameda County, adopted a Local Development Business Plan that outlines measures to promote local renewables and community benefits. The Law Center joined community groups and leaders to advocate for the CPUC and EBCE to implement these programs to enable community-owned energy!
2. One Win for Urban Ag! Berkeley’s Urban Ag Ordinance: The City of Berkeley is in the final steps of adopting a comprehensive urban agriculture ordinance and we helped with drafting language. Get the details on our website.
3. Learn about Social Enterprise Law! To build a movement of legal professionals trained to serve the needs of local sustainable economies, we hosted an all-day training called Social Enterprise Lawyering so attorneys could learn how to advise worker cooperatives, nonprofits, food enterprises, social enterprises, and more! Access our training PowerPoint slides here.
4. Sustainable Economies Law Cartoon Library! Changemakers, need any cartoons for your communications and presentations on law, policy, social justice, finance, food systems, and more? Check out our library of 2,000 cartoon images organized by our summer intern, Jerry!
SAVE THE DATES - Workshops, Discussions, Legal Cafes, and More!
1. August 6th Community Capital Cafe and Teach-In: Do you need to raise money for your business? Have you considered raising money directly from your community? Come to the Community Capital Cafe to learn more about community capital, why it should be considered, and when it might be a good fit for your business. Topics will include perks of donation-based crowdfunding, 0% interest microloans, and investment-based crowdfunding. After the Teach In our attorneys will provide one-on-one consultations. Learn more here.
2. August 6th Cooperatives Featured at Berkeley Small Business Committee: Berkeley's Small Business Subcommittee has announced that its next meeting will be focused specifically on worker cooperatives! The meeting could turn the dial for the consideration of a Berkeley Worker Cooperative ordinance. We need coop members and advocates, especially those from Berkeley, to help us pack the room!
3. August 7th Night Out for Safety and Liberation: On August 7th, 2018, organizations across the country will host block parties, rallies, teach-ins, and other community gatherings to define what safety means to them. Come find Law Center staff at San Antonio Park in Oakland, or find an event near you! #SafetyIs Cooperation!
4. August 14th Join Compost Law & Policy Teach In: Now is the time to learn about and shape the future of compost law in California! Whether you grow food, eat food, or make compost, we hope you'll join us for a teach-in and discussion on this fascinating subject, which has deep implications for the future of health, nutrition, food systems, climate, jobs, and more. After the teach in our attorneys will provide one-on-one consultations. Learn more here.
5. September 14 - 16 Worker Cooperative National Conference: Join the Law Center staff at this annual three day conference in Los Angeles. There will be space for connection, education, skill-building, and sharing, for worker-owners and our partners working to create better jobs and a fairer economy.
6. September 18 California Farmer Survey Informational Briefing: The results are in! Join us and the California Farmer Justice Collaborative to hear the results of the recently completed survey of over 150 farmers across California (⅔ from ethnically diverse communities). The survey results will highlight the barriers they face and opportunities they have to flourish on issues including access to land, farming practices, access to government resources, health care options, labor needs, and more. Please RSVP before September 13.