'Building the Solidarity Economy' 

Editor:

Thank you so much for your story about the Humboldt Area Foundation Social Justice Donor's Circle and for including Cooperation Humboldt's work in your coverage ("Looking Upriver," April 4).

Cooperation Humboldt exists to build a solidarity economy on the North Coast by supporting existing cooperative efforts and create new solutions where needed. A solidarity economy is one that empowers us to meet our needs in harmony with nature, without exploiting anyone. It puts people and planet over profit by prioritizing collaboration over competition and cooperation over domination.

We at Cooperation Humboldt have been humbled by the overwhelming support we've received from Humboldt County residents since our inception. We wish to thank everyone who has participated in our growth and invite all interested parties to connect with us to help build a future that supports health and happiness for all. We also invite you to check out our Facebook page and website at www.cooperationhumboldt.org.

We hold monthly vegan potlucks, which are a great way for new folks to learn about who we are and what we do.

In addition, we're hosting a conference April 26 and 27 titled "Post Capitalism: Building the Solidarity Economy." We're bringing together some amazing presenters, including Kali Akuno of Cooperation Jackson, Emily Kawano of the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network, Jerome Scott of the U.S. Social Forum and Cutcha Risling Baldy, professor of Native American studies at HSU. This event is open to the public, with free child care provided, and sliding-scale admission (students are free and no one will be turned away for lack of funds). More information can be found at www.post-capitalism-hsu.com.

Again, thank you to the Journal, the members of the Social Justice Donor's Circle, and everyone in our community whose enthusiasm and support has helped us launch successfully and bring our programs to fruition.

Tamara McFarland, Eureka