AMERICAN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ALLIANCE

In early 2015, we created signs and graphics for businesses and organization to help stand against localized outbreaks of bigotry. More widespread problems following the 2016 U.S. elections inspired us to produce window decals and an action plan to help our local affiliates take a lead in countering bigotry.

Additional components of the campaign are:

Production and distribution of 50,000 “We Welcome Everybody” window decals to enable free distribution to businesses, churches, schools and organizations.
Designing and distributing advertisements for free adaptation and co-branding by non-profits or businesses continent-wide to create a small business voice against discrimination. Ads also will be offered in Spanish.

Recorded radio public service announcements conveying how diversity strengthens local economies and community -- freely available for broadcast on radio anywhere.

Providing multiple “trainings of trainers,” from which participants will return home with experience and models to facilitate community forums — ideally partnering with other local organizations, churches, etc. These forums aim to host people of diverse perspectives for challenging discussions — organized and facilitated to help deepen understanding, defuse confrontations and ultimately create local action plans for safer and more respectful communities.

While other related programs exist, we believe local business coalitions are uniquely positioned to attract people that may not feel comfortable joining forums presented by groups with obvious political or cultural agendas.

In 2019, we will add a program director to drive and build this important program.

https://www.amiba.net/welcome-signs/

Currently in development, the Center for Community Ownership (CCO) The Center for Community Ownership will assist under-served rural communities and urban neighborhoods in creating community-owned, for-profit retail and grocery stores to fill essential needs. The CCO will compile best practices, common challenges, and resources for creating community-owned businesses that can be shared with communities nationwide. The CCO will refine, adapt and help people employ community-owned business models to address critical local needs and seize opportunities to build equitable local prosperity while enabling people with wealth to invest in their own communities. Other community-owned business opportunities include locally-generated media, general stores, child care, and food production facilities.