If you are looking for a support worthy cause out of the norm, here is a great one. Tightshift Laboring Cooperative has set a goal to raise $30,000 in order to purchase a 15’ box truck and be eligible to receive a grant for $75,000.
According to their website, “Tightshift Laboring Cooperative’s mission is to model a just, equitable economy, where workers profit from their labor through cooperative ownership. They are a worker-owned laboring service specializing in moving, hauling, cleaning and landscaping services. Through this model, the organization believes it can use their “power to build a world where all communities are free, and nobody needs to spend time behind bars.â€Their members are primarily formerly incarcerated people and others at risk of entering the criminal justice system.â€
The co-op was founded by Juan Reid and Allison Basile in December of 2017. Almost two years prior, Reid had been released from prison and was unemployed and homeless.
The co-op has set a goal to raise $30,000 by May 1, 2018, in order to purchase a 15′ box truck, a decal, a parking spot, and moving insurance. “Can you imagine a colorful Tightshift Laboring Cooperative truck driving around the city, meeting your moving and hauling needs?! In 2017 we spent over $10,000 at U-Haul, and were locked out of corporate moving jobs because we couldn’t yet afford the $9,000 per year insurance. Your donations will help to open many new business opportunities, and get more money in the hands of our worker-members, people who have been in jail or are at risk of that path without a viable alternative,†the organization’s GoFundMe page says.
They then would qualify for a grant of $75,000 toward their training, healing, and operational expenses.
“As one of DC’s only worker cooperatives and one built by formerly incarcerated people, this is truly a community effort. In order to grow the number of workers we can hire, we need to purchase a truck and moving insurance.†The company went on to say, “We also need to create opportunities for healing time and space for our members, who have experienced significant amounts of trauma. Can you make a financial contribution, and/or invite us to speak to your house or organization? We’re so thankful!â€
Every $1 you donate unlocks $3 from the foundational grant. Donations will be used to “open many new business opportunities, and get more money in the hands of our worker-members, people who have been in jail or are at risk of that path without a viable alternative.â€Â
To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/tightshift or learn more at https://www.tightshift.com/.
-Fancy
