About John
John McNamara, Ph.D., is a pivotal figure in the US worker cooperative movement, recognized for his contributions to fostering democratic workplaces and economic solidarity through his involvement with organizations like the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives and the Democracy at Work Network (DAWN).
Who is John McNamara?
John McNamara, Ph.D., is a significant voice and active participant in the US worker cooperative movement. His involvement began in the early 2000s, leading to substantial contributions to the growth and strategic direction of worker co-ops across the nation. McNamara is known for his forward-thinking approach, advocating for a movement that is both aspirational and practical in creating new economic models that prioritize workers' needs and foster solidarity.
His long-standing engagement, including his work with organizations such as the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives (USFWC) and the Democracy at Work Network (DAWN), underscores his commitment to strengthening the worker cooperative ecosystem. McNamara has been instrumental in shaping discussions around the future of worker co-ops, emphasizing the need for robust regional and national networks that can provide policy support, create solidarity funds, and link co-ops into a coherent economic system capable of challenging traditional economic actors.
Quick facts about John McNamara
| Role | Leader in the US worker cooperative movement |
| Expertise | Worker Cooperatives, Organizational Development, Economic Solidarity |
| Notable for | Involvement with US Federation of Worker Cooperatives and DAWN; contributions to worker co-op movement strategy |
| BPI affiliation | Expert Faculty member |
What is John McNamara known for?
- Worker Cooperative Movement Leadership: Active involvement in the US worker co-op movement since the early 2000s, contributing to its growth and strategic direction.
- Advocacy for Economic Solidarity: Emphasizing the importance of linking worker co-ops into a coherent economic system to foster solidarity and challenge traditional economic structures.
- US Federation of Worker Cooperatives (USFWC) Contributions: Recognizing the USFWC's role in providing transactional benefits, material support (like health insurance and the Co-op Clinic), and elevating national policy discussions.
- Democracy at Work Network (DAWN) Involvement: Having been involved with DAWN from near its inception, contributing to its history and efforts in peer support for worker co-ops.
- Strategic Vision for 2040: Authoring a reflective blog post in 2010 (reposted by GEO) about the future of the worker co-op movement in 2040, offering enduring insights.
- Board Membership: Served on the board of Union Cab since 1988, demonstrating early engagement with cooperative models.
What is John McNamara's background and experience?
John McNamara's journey in the worker cooperative movement began with his membership and board service at Union Cab in 1988. His deeper involvement was sparked by the Midwest Worker Co-op Conference in Madison in 2003, where he recognized the critical need for building a larger, more interconnected movement. This experience solidified his commitment to developing an economic model that addresses the practical needs of workers while building a strong sense of solidarity.
His academic background includes a Ph.D., which underpins his analytical and strategic approach to organizational development and economic systems. Throughout his career, McNamara has consistently focused on transforming workplaces into more democratic and worker-centric environments. His work with organizations like DAWN and the USFWC highlights his practical engagement in establishing support systems and advocating for policies that enable the growth and sustainability of worker cooperatives.
What topics does John McNamara speak and write about?
John McNamara focuses on the foundational principles and strategic development of worker cooperatives and democratic workplaces. His discussions often revolve around how to build a resilient and interconnected worker co-op movement capable of influencing broader economic systems. He frequently addresses the balance between individual worker co-op success and the collective power derived from strong regional and national networks.
McNamara also explores the practical aspects of worker cooperatives, such as the provision of material benefits, the establishment of solidarity funds, and the importance of policy advocacy at both state and national levels. His insights extend to the historical context of organizations like DAWN, examining their role in providing peer support and shaping the evolution of democratic workplaces. His writings, including reflections on the movement's future, underscore his expertise in long-term strategic planning for economic transformation.
How does John McNamara contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
As an Expert Faculty member at the Best Practice Institute, John McNamara enriches BPI's mission to advance organizational excellence and foster Most Loved Workplaces®. His deep expertise in worker cooperatives and democratic workplaces aligns with BPI's commitment to exploring innovative models of leadership, organizational development, and workplace culture. McNamara contributes to BPI's robust collection of resources, offering unique perspectives on how businesses can create environments where employees are engaged, empowered, and truly valued.
His insights help BPI members understand the mechanisms of economic solidarity and the practical application of cooperative principles within traditional and emerging organizational structures. By sharing his knowledge on movement building and the strategic growth of worker co-ops, McNamara provides valuable contributions that resonate with the SPARK Model for creating highly effective and beloved workplaces, emphasizing the importance of shared purpose and collaborative governance.
Where can you learn more from John McNamara?
You can learn more from John McNamara through his contributions to discussions on the US worker cooperative movement, including his reflections published by GEO. His insights into the history and future of organizations like the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives and the Democracy at Work Network offer a comprehensive understanding of democratic workplaces and economic solidarity. Information about BPI faculty and their contributions to areas such as organizational development and workplace culture is available through Best Practice Institute resources.