We Are the Ones

A Panel Discussion on Co-op Power

Produced by Davika Thomas and funded by a Missouri Humanities grant, a four-part series called “We Are the Ones” is airing this fall on 89.5FM KOPN. In conjunction, we present this panel discussion on the role of co-ops in meeting the needs of citizens and bringing people together to strengthen economic futures for all. Adults.

2025 is the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives, and their slogan “Cooperatives Build a Better World” showcases the impact that co-ops have everywhere, including Mid-Missouri. Funded by a grant from Missouri Humanities, KOPN’s Davika Thomas has produced a four-part series,“We Are the Ones: Cooperative Power Rooted in People and Place” airing on 89.5FM KOPN and KOPN.org Wednesdays at 6 p.m., starting October 15. In conjunction, we present this panel discussion on the role of co-ops in meeting the needs of citizens while bringing people together to strengthen economic futures for all.

Adults.

Panelists will include:

Davika Thomas, a longtime KOPN producer and creator of the podcast series “We Are The Ones: Cooperative Power Rooted in People and Place.”  Since Fall 2024, Davika has collected interviews and sound in order to learn about the importance of cooperatives and their potential to bring about more democratic economies in the U.S..

Cathy Statz, cooperative outreach specialist with the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA CLUSA). In addition to her work with NCBA CLUSA, Cathy co-coordinates the Cooperative Development Foundation’s Cooperative Leaders and Scholars program and co-coordinates the National Farmers Union College Conference on Cooperatives. She also serves as outreach specialist for the International Centre for Co-operative Management at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Doug Genens, oral historian for the State Historical Society of Missouri. Genens is a historian of 20th century rural American history. Among other subjects, his scholarship has examined the role played by cooperatives in supporting small farmers during the War on Poverty. The State Historical Society of Missouri is based in Columbia with the mission of preserving and archiving materials and educating the public about subjects in Missouri history.

Jenny Murphy, a St. Louis-based artist and worker-owner at Garrity Tools, a ceramic tool manufacturing cooperative in St. Louis. Murphy is actively involved in building the cooperative ecosystem in the region through her work with Cooperation STL. Her artistic practice spans design, installation, community arts and sculpture, often focusing on solutions to the environmental and social impacts of mass consumption.

Zach Smith, a communications specialist at Boone Electric Cooperative, the first electric cooperative organized in Missouri. Boone Electric is member-owned, part of the network of Missouri’s electric cooperatives and committed to improving the quality of life for members and the community. Prior to joining Boone Electric, Zach served as the director of digital media for the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives and field editor of Rural Missouri magazine. At Boone Electric, Zach’s responsibilities include writing, photography, videography, public/media relations and serving as the host of the co-op’s podcast, "The Buzz."

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