Black Money Business Jobs : Ujamaa and the American Economy

[Ankhur]

For the most part, it's safe to say that we all know that "Ujamaa" means cooperative economics. What I'll attempt to do in this thread is give examples of current and previous institutions in America that are/were economically cooperative.

Credit Unions
Credit Unions operate similarly to banks. The only major difference between the two is Credit Unions are not-for-profit and owned by their members. Typically, Credit Unions provide lower interest rates on loans and higher interest rates on saving accounts. Also, Credit Union employees are a lot more personable with their customers. Any financial surpluses that a Credit Union has is returned to account holders in the form of dividends in savings accounts.

Learn more here: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/BetterBanking/DitchYourBankForACreditUnion.aspx

Food Co-ops
According to LocalHarvest.org, "Food cooperatives are worker or customer owned businesses that provide grocery items of the highest quality and best value to their members.....all food coops are committed to consumer education, product quality, and member control, and usually support their local communities by selling produce grown locally by family farms."

The food co-op benefits everyone. The farmer gets an immediate customer base to sell the produce to and the members of the co-op get high quality food at a significant discount. If you're an avid believer in natural health, the benefits are even more numerous for you because you can take part of your produce and treat any illnesses that may arise.

Mutual Insurance
Mutual Insurance companies are wholly owned by their policyholders. These policyholders elect the leadership of the company which in turn gives them control over the rates that they pay. Any surpluses are returned to policyholders in the form of savings(ie Allstate's Accident Forgiveness - even though they're not a mutual insurer.)

At this point in the economic decline of capitalism, do we really have a choice to do or not do?

Or at least make this a major issue of discussion?

 

[abdurratln]

I am down with all aspects of African Economic Development. I will only say one thing: American capitalism has failed us thus far. So, I think we must return to mutual aid economics and co-ops. I have called it Nkrumahist-Toureist Economics.

 

[Knowledge Seed]

A simple budgeting tool

http://www.mint.com/

 

[Clyde C Coger Jr]

In the Spirit of Sankofa and Real Truth!

http://www.mint.com/

Mint.com/MintLife...good stuff, wave of the future.