Transforming Local Economies

If your congregation, nonprofit, or business aspires to contribute to the solidarity economy, Equity Exchange (EE) is the perfect platform for you! CCW collaborates with EE partners to align spending with social and racial justice values. Through intentional relationships with historically underutilized businesses, CCW's small business team connects small businesses to opportunities and provides necessary capacity-building support. EE partners commonly share facilities management responsibilities, leading to shared spending needs.

EE participants convene quarterly to:

• Discuss upcoming spending needs for potential vendor referrals by CCW.
• Share experiences with businesses met through EE.
• Support one another in fostering an inclusive economy.
• Collaboratively shape the parameters of Equity Exchange.

Join Equity Exchange for impactful discussions, collaborative efforts, and a shared commitment to creating meaningful change in the local economy — making very tangible your organization’s commitment to social and racial justice.

Are You Ready to Make an Impact? Check Your Readiness:

1. Commitment to Local Empowerment: Are you dedicated to shifting your organization’s spending towards local businesses owned by people of color and other prioritized groups such as women, LGBTQIA+, or veterans? We support partners in finding vendors that align with your values, while giving you complete discretion over spending choices.
2. Documenting Impactful Choices: Are you enthusiastic about tracking your organization’s spending and engagement with businesses that mirror your commitment to social, racial, and economic justice values?
3. Engage in Quarterly Check-Ins: While not mandatory, are you open to participating in our quarterly check-ins? This encourages the awareness of impactful spending among EE partners, fostering mutual encouragement and accountability.
4. Designate Your Liaison: Can you identify an administrative staff member or volunteer responsible for your organization’s purchasing to engage with EE? This ensures seamless communication and collaboration.
5. Champion Inclusive Local Spend: Are you prepared to champion and celebrate your organization's inclusive spending practices? Encourage your staff, congregants, and constituents to join in creating a positive impact through intentional and values-aligned purchasing decisions.

The History of Equity Exchange: (Do we want to include the history?)

In the fall of 2020, CCW launched Co-Purchase Colorado, a groundbreaking initiative to assist faith congregations in aligning their spending with the principles embodied by their "Black Lives Matter" banners. Our journey began with the collaboration of eleven congregations to co-create Co-Purchase Colorado, drawing inspiration from the impactful Washington, D.C.-based Community Purchasing Alliance (CPA). Uniquely adapted to local conditions, our version took shape, reflecting the distinctive needs and context of the Colorado community.