So, What Can We Do About It?

In collaboration with Nova Arts, Cooperative Action Monadnock has been hosting a bi-weekly educational series of public discussions, titled "What Can we Do About it Here?" which is aimed at building community solidarity. The next, and fifth, session in the series, "What Kinds of Protests Work?" will be held on Thursday, April16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Nova Arts, 48 Emerald St. in Keene. "The idea for these (panels) is getting everyone together to discuss different views and think of different ways they can address the issues they are facing. Each session has a different theme," explained Sasha Davis of Cooperative Action Monadnock. "We take these larger, national or global issues and think about what we can do about them here in the Monadnock Region." With ten sessions total, each gathering features three community panelists who discuss aspects of current political crises before leading an open public conversation. Davis explained that, in addition to Cooperative Action Monadnock, Keene Mutual Aid has also participated in the discussion series. "The discussion series has been a really good way for people not to just learn, but have a chance to be heard," said Davis. "It's too easy on social media to argue with people." Attendees are able to express their opinions, take part in small group discussions and share their concerns. "People have found that really valuable to have the experience and find that connection with other people and helped put things in prospective." Held every other week, attendance has been strong throughout the series. The first session drew more than 100 people, and subsequent events ranged from 70 to 120 attendees. Cooperative Action Monadnock began forming last summer, drawing inspiration from similar groups such as Cooperative Vermont and Cooperative Jackson—all striving to build communities that emphasize value for and cooperation among all. "The idea is to have a healthier and more just community," said Davis, "to work for fundamental change." Upcoming sessions include: Session #5: What Kinds of Protests Work? Thursday, April 16 Session #6: Sustainability, Equality, and a Place to be Free: What is the Role of Land in the Struggle for a More Just World? Wednesday, April 29 Session #7: Mutual Aid and Solidarity Economies Thursday, May 14 Session #8: Replacing the State: How do We Make a Better World Ourselves? Thursday, May 28 Session #9: Living Well Together: Developing Communities of Partnership, Inclusion and Equality Thursday, June 11 Session #10: Next Steps for Organizing and Producing the World We Want (instead of complaining about the world we don't) Thursday, June 25 Cooperative Action Monadnock is currently accepting new members with meetings held every other week. Anyone can get involved and contribute to various projects. The organization has several subcommittees focused on areas such as skill-sharing, acquiring land for long-term education and food sovereignty initiatives, and creative projects. For more information about the sessions or Cooperative Action Monadnock, visit www.cooperativeactionmonadnock.org.