Janan McNaughton had a PhD in social work, worked in that industry, was a researcher, freelance writer and travelled the world. So how did she end up opening Proof Line Farm Creamery and Farm Market in rural Ontario?

Janan talks about her experience moving from the city to a rural community and the culture shock she experienced. She shares the journey she and her family have had starting a farm creamery and farm market and the challenges she/they faced in navigating the food system and government regulations.

She talks about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how these conversations were common in her social work world, but more challenging in a rural context.

She emphasizes the need for urban and rural communities to connect and work together in the local food system and how partnership building and finding the right resources aligned with the farm's values are crucial for success.

Janan also highlights the need for clarity and intentionality in pursuing a business that provides personal satisfaction and has a positive impact. You have to start with a mission, values and then any relationships you enter into, any choices you make, will align.

Janan gives a shout out to her business coach, Chelsey Hart at Your Initiative Co.

Summary

Kerri Neil, co-chair of Social Justice Cooperative Newfoundland and Labrador, discusses the formation and work of the cooperative. The organization operates as a member-run, non-profit cooperative focused on social and environmental justice. They advocate for feminism, decolonization, and care for individuals, the land, and all living beings. The cooperative primarily consists of individual members, with a few organizations also involved. They prioritize financial independence and rely on monthly donations from members and community supporters. The cooperative engages in a wide range of activism, including disability justice, women's equality, Indigenous activism, and more. They emphasize the importance of mutual aid and building relationships within the community.

Takeaways

• Social Justice Cooperative Newfoundland and Labrador is a member-run, non-profit cooperative focused on social and environmental justice.
• The cooperative advocates for feminism, decolonization, and care for individuals, the land, and all living beings.
• Financial independence is prioritized, with monthly donations from members and community supporters funding the organization.
• The cooperative engages in a wide range of activism, including disability justice, women's equality, Indigenous activism, and more.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:12 Formation of Social Justice Cooperative

03:36 Membership and Organizational Structure

04:59 Transition to Virtual Organization

05:22 Importance of Cooperative Model

06:45 Funding and Financial Independence

08:09 Understanding Social Justice

09:12 Diverse Range of Activism

10:40 Challenges and Critiques

11:18 Vision for a Post-Capitalist, Post-Colonial World

12:31 Long-Term Planning and Growth

15:17 Navigating Resistance and Ensuring Safety

18:57 Importance of Mutual Aid

20:41 Gaining Supporters and Building Relationships

22:21 Getting Started in Activism

24:35 Taking Care of Yourself and Others

28:31 Lessons Learned and Financial Oversight

Summary

Mani Chakrabarty grew up in Yellowknife, NWT, where she found her desire to make a social impact through looking at world problems with a community-oriented lens.

She has a business degree and a master's degree in Economics from the University of Alberta and a master's in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Mani's work experience spans both the public and private sectors. She was an economist with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and, most recently, a Senior Consultant with Deloitte.

Mani is pleased to call Yarmouth, NS her current home.

In this conversation, Mani Chakrabarty from ASBB Economics and Research discusses the importance of humanizing economics and the work her organization does to provide evidence-based research to clients.

She shares her personal journey and motivation for focusing on rural communities, highlighting the potential for growth and the strengths of rural areas.

Mani also addresses the challenges and weaknesses faced by rural communities, such as the need for affordable housing and improved infrastructure.

She emphasizes the importance of employment in rural areas and the role it plays in providing purpose and dignity.

Mani discusses the need to address systemic issues and social stigma in rural communities and encourages curiosity and understanding as a way to combat ignorance and build trust.

She concludes by expressing her hope for the future of rural communities, emphasizing the importance of contentment and community-oriented values.

Takeaways

• Humanizing economics is essential for understanding the socioeconomic factors that shape individuals' lives and for collaboratively solving systematic issues.
• Rural communities have the potential for growth and offer unique strengths, such as strong community support and a conducive environment for creativity and innovation.
• Challenges faced by rural communities include the need for affordable housing, improved infrastructure, and diverse employment opportunities.
• Addressing systemic issues and social stigma in rural communities requires curiosity, understanding, and building trust.
• Contentment and community-oriented values are important for the well-being and sustainability of rural communities.