PACA emphasizes promoting cooperative economics, the co-op business model and its benefits to individuals, communities, business entrepreneurs, elected officials and government staffers, as well as potential Community of Practice members.
PACA invites its co-op members, co-op supporters, and other community members to support our region’s cooperative economy through participating and sharing in these events and education opportunities. Join our email list to stay updated on all the things. For more information, please send an email to info@philadelphia.coop.
Upcoming Events 2025-2026
What is a Co-op? Workshop Series
Have you ever wondered what makes a cooperative different from a traditional business, or how people can come together to own and run something collectively?
Join us for “What Is a Co-op?”: a new, FREE, three-session workshop series introducing the cooperative business model: what it is, where it comes from, and how it can strengthen communities.
Through hands-on activities, real-world examples, and group discussions, you will:
- Learn how co-ops foster democracy, equity, and community wealth
- Explore the history, values, and outcomes of the cooperative movement
- Gain resources on how to take the first steps to start a co-op of your own
🗓 When: three Tuesday evenings, 6:30 – 8:00 PM from January 20 through February 3
📍 Where: Online
💬 Who: Everyone is welcome, no prior experience needed!
💰 Cost: Free
Whether you’re dreaming up a new business, thinking about converting an existing one, or just curious about how co-ops build a more community-centered economy: this series is for you.
👉REGISTER HERE!: https://tinyurl.com/whatisacoop2026
**Registration closes January 12, 2026
Past Events
2023
Introduction to Cooperatives 101
Click here to access the recording
2021
Community Trusts and Cooperatives: What’s the Connection?
Click here to access the recording
Study Circles Info Session // Sesión informativa sobre el programa Círculos de estudio
Click here to access the recording
Financing Philadelphia’s Future
Click here to access the recordingPACA’s Past, Present, and Future
Click here to access the recording
2020
PACA Annual Member Meeting // Reunión anual de membresiaThe Practice of Democracy in Our Daily Lives
Use password d$iraP+7 to view the recording.
Housing Justice, Organization, and Cooperation
Use password 0fw1s?^! to view the recording.
Study Sessions on Mutual Aid and Cooperative Economics
POSTPONED – Ujima, Ujamaa: The Cooperative Hxstory of the Civil Rights MovementOn Products and Pricing: Being a Fair Grocer in a Complex Food System
Facilitated in partnership with South Philly Food Co-op
2019
Co-op Summit and Annual Meeting
Let’s Watch It! The North Pole Web Series
Participation & Equality in Cooperatives: Lessons from Spain
Co-op Month Kick-off! Fun & Games Gathering
POSTPONED – Let’s Study Co-op Principles! Why and how we practice them
PACA Fundraising Cookout and Cooperative Market Exchange
Systems and Design Thinking Workshop
Financial Practices for Co-ops & Collectives: Getting on the same page about money
Business Finances for Anti-capitalists
Democratic Principles Workshop
Inclusive & Participatory Meeting Facilitation (for new facilitators!)
Let’s Study! Municipal food system efforts, are they for co-ops?
What is a Worker Cooperative?: Workshop on Immigrant-led Cooperatives in Philadelphia
2018
Seeking Cooperation, Building a Cooperative MovementCommunity Economics Panel and Workshop with PACA (hosted by the Jewish Farm School)
Sustaining Cooperation: Promoting & Practicing Principle Six in Philly Area Co-ops
2018 PACA Co-op Summit & Annual Meeting
Cooperative Practices of Belonging with Dr. Alice Bryer
Cooperative Leadership Institute Workshops (Spring – Summer 2018)
2017
CO-UP: a community teach-in for cultivating economic justice