StreetWise INK is Memphis’ only T-Shirt Screen Printing Workers-Cooperative that is organized and operated exclusively by individuals with experiences of homelessness. We provide high-quality, custom, screen printed t-shirts for a variety of needs. Individuals who have experience or training in screen printing are able to subsidize their income by working with StreetWise INK as well as to hopefully gain skills of the industry, and possibly become potential member-owners after incorporation.
As you may know, StreetWise INK was invited to attend COOPECON 2018 over the weekend. Two of our members, two potential members, and one of our Advisory Board candidates had an excellent weekend while learning from and connecting with amazing leaders in the cooperative movement from across the South. We got to meet Ed Whitfield, Co-Managing Director with Fund for Democratic Communities, and the rest of their brilliant staff. We spent time with representatives and workers of multiple cooperative collectives, agencies, and organizations. We also got to skype in with Douglas O’Brien, President and CEO of National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International and attended break out groups with people like Esteban Kelly, Executive Director of United States Federation of Worker Cooperatives and talked about training possibilities with Melissa Hoover, Executive Director of Democracy at Work Institute. The New Economy Coalition in St. Louis invited StreetWise INK members to attend the upcoming 2018 Worker Cooperative National Conference in L.A., Common Bound 2018, AND we found out about Opportunity Threads’ amazing work. All this in one weekend!
We also had the great pleasure to enjoy music from Alabama Blues Hall of Famer and founder of Black Belt Roots Blues Festival, Clarence “Bluesman” Davis, with the unbelievable harmonica player, Jock Webb Sr, and Ed Whitfield himself on bass.
Maybe the best part though, was getting a chance to be recharge and get encouraged, informed, and inspired for the next phases of our journey! We met so many beautiful and dedicated people that we’ll probably need to write a book one day. But for now, let us send out a huge StreetWise IINK thanks to everyone we met, and everyone who helped get us there and home again! We are so excited to put everything we learned into action! THANK YOU!
Support StreetWise INK! If you have experience, resources, or skills you think might be helpful to StreetWise in any way, we appreciate all the ways people wish to contribute. We’re currently seeking people with screen printing skills they’d like to teach as well as individuals who are experienced in worker-cooperative business ownership and management to volunteer for whatever amount of time you have to offer. We gladly accept all donations, as your support is what keeps the free trainings free.
NEED SHIRTS??
****For Custom Order Inquiries, please fill out our Price Quote Form****
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StreetWise INK is a proud Community Coop Partner with Democracy at Work!