RESEARCH

We are a group of citizens concerned about the continuing growth in economic disparity in the United States. The goal of the Center is to make an impact. We are interested in targeting structural and systemic factors, not simply to provide charity. While board members share a passion to reverse wealth and income inequality, we do not claim to be experts. We were aware that our mission was ambitious hence needed to find a niche among the numerous efforts to address the growing wealth gap. Our question was: what could we do that adds to existing efforts? We began our work by researching and assessing current efforts to mitigate wealth and income inequality. The research considered unionization efforts, increasing taxes on the wealthy, universal/guaranteed basic income, increasing access to higher education, childcare, and Medicare for All. You will find the full report on this research here. 

We later conducted a nationwide survey on attitudes pertaining to wealth and income disparity, responsibility for mitigation and preferred mitigation efforts. You can find the full results here. In summary of that research, we learned about differing attitudinal trends among various demographic groups as well as mitigation preferences. Higher education was the most preferred mitigation strategy followed by guaranteed basic income and worker cooperatives.  In considering the results of research and attitudes regarding various mitigation efforts, our analysis and conclusion considered contextual factors. The current models of guaranteed basic income were limited in their impact and adoption. There have been growing concerns regarding the value of a four-year degree, the significant increasing costs and uncertainty given the evolution of artificial intelligence.  While the data is clear that higher education is correlated with higher incomes, we also questioned whether that distinction should continue to exist given the value and worth of labor performed by persons without a four-year degree. We continue to endorse all efforts that raise up the material benefit of persons but especially those below median income.  However, we were also critically aware that most if not all mitigation efforts have significant opposition.  Corporations dedicate significant capital to crushing unionization efforts.  There is little appetite among bi-partisan legislators for raising taxes on even the wealthiest.  Despite the universal appeal of Medicare for all, it appears that the insurance industry continues in its success at impeding legislation to enable its enactment.  Hence, development of new worker coops was chosen as the focus of our continuing work by the board.  We were convinced that the idea of greater compensation equity and democratization of worker owned businesses was a more compelling pathway.  A progressive work environment itself is also a source of education and continuing on the job training.  Also important is that there does not appear to be significant opposition to worker ownership.

As we continued to focus, again the question: what can we do that is different from the many organizations that advocate, train, incubate, lend and invest in worker cooperatives? If worker coops are a good idea with many progressive features, how do we get more people interested? 

It seemed only too obvious that the necessary capital to start a business is a critical barrier for many and especially those below median income. We are aware that there are many critically important lenders and investment groups. Despite their existence we considered that many individuals and smaller groups may need and benefit from a monetary incentive to initiate the spark to create a worker cooperative.

Hence, we have committed to take the next step to issue a call for proposals to grant seed money to small groups.  We have assembled an advisory committee to provide input and guidance on our grant proposal.  Our intention is to announce the details of our grant proposals on this website by the beginning of 2027. Joining our email list, and more critically, a donation will go a long way to enhancing our efforts.