Can I Call You Comrade?


I have had an interest in collective labor movements and worker's cooperatives for some time. Probably going back to the summer of 1995, when I briefly joined the Socialist Worker's Party. It was one of my many misguided attempts at that time to try and make a difference. I left the party because, frankly, the members of the group scared me with their rabid adherence to communist principles.

Still, working collaboratively has continued to interest me. This year I started a sewing collective for stitchers and craftspersons in Philadelphia. I'm still trying to define what it means for this group to work together. Initially, it was started as a means to create a community for stitchers and for the group to share large and small projects. Recently, it has grown to include the possibility of teaching and cultural exchanges.

The question of accountability once again makes it way into the equation. Quality control has been a big issue, as has project management. I have found that instead of functioning as a coordinator/member, I am in fact a project manager in all senses. This no longer makes a collective effort.

I wonder if small scale workers collectives are even feasible in this country, at this time. I believe that they are viable but it requires a lot of effort to first educate people on the basics. The "every man for himself" mindset of this country has created a culture where everyone expects their needs to be met but without any consideration of what that might require. These competeting demands make successful collaboration impossible.

San Francisco has a number of successful co-ops. Check out NoBAWC for more info.

There are also some other groups that act as collectives. Project Alabama is a good example.

It's also worthwhile to check out older collectives, like Oceanspray. Many farming communities have a long history of working cooperatively.