Cooperatives were discussed as a means to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Eric emphasized the importance of prioritizing these values in decision-making, while Allanah shared insights from her experience at Weaver Street Market. Sylandi discussed strategies for ensuring member representation and engagement in food co-ops. Speakers also highlighted the need for inclusivity and diversity in organizational leadership and culture, and emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment and incorporating training and feedback mechanisms to ensure meaningful integration into cooperative culture and operations.

Chapter List
• Opening. 0:00
• Cooperative development and diversity leadership. 0:02
• Cooperative governance and diversity, equity, and inclusion. 8:25
• Cooperative diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on board representation and member needs. 15:03
• Understanding community needs and preferences for electric cooperatives and food coops. 21:23
Diversity and inclusivity in cooperative boards. 26:13
• Inclusivity and diversity in leadership roles. 35:01
• Fostering diversity and inclusion in a cooperative business model. 38:06
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion in a utility company. 41:39
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies for a cooperative organization. 45:42
• Board operations and inclusivity at a cooperative. 49:10
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion in cooperatives. 52:07
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges in cooperative organizations. 58:20
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. 1:03:06
• Cooperative development, diversity, equity, and inclusion. 1:10:08
• USDA equity commission recommendations for diverse representation in cooperatives. 1:16:08
• Mental health awareness, cooperatives, and resources for behavioral health care. 1:21:01
• Farmer cooperatives in the US, including gender diversity on boards. 1:25:59
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.