Applications open: 2026 Economics for Emancipation (E4E) King County learning circle
Applications are now open for our 2026 Economics for Emancipation King County learning cohort!
We all need and deserve a safe and affordable place to live, good food on our table, clean water and air, and loved ones surrounding us.
As the cost of living increases and the federal government cuts basic services like food and healthcare assistance, it becomes more and more clear that the economy isn’t designed to work for everyday people. A small group of corporations and wealthy individuals have way more resources and control than the rest of us. They use their capital to tip the scales in favor of their own self-interest, to accumulate and hoard more and more wealth. They use politics to build and secure their power and to rig the rules. We’re told to keep up, but the rules are stacked against us.
So, what does it take to create an economy that truly serves people? To create the economy we all deserve?
PEL’s 2026 Economics for Emancipation King County learning series will answer this question and more, and prepare participants to take action on what they learn.
Apply to join us for an engaging series of interactive learning sessions where we delve into transformative economic systems and visionary alternatives to capitalism. Led by People’s Economy Lab, and using the Economics for Emancipation curriculum as our foundation, we’ll explore innovative economic models that can help us reimagine and reshape our local economy together.
Some of the topics we’ll cover:
What is an economy, and how do we understand and create value?
Intro to Just Transition and Solidarity Economics
Intro to Indigenous economics
Intro to Community Wealth Building
Intro to participatory governance
Moving from theory into practice
Read the recap of our first Economics for Emancipation learning cohort in 2024.
When & Where: January through March 2026
The afternoon of January 16, in person (location TBD)
January 29, 12-2pm, online
February 5, 12-2pm, online
February 19, 12-2pm, online
February 26, 12-2pm, online
The afternoon of March 13, in person (location TBD)
Who: A cohort of 20-25 participants, prioritizing those whose lived experience has been shaped by economic or environmental injustice. We’re looking for King County community members, especially those living or working outside Seattle; staff and board from community-based organizations, labor organizations, and philanthropic organizations; artists; organizers; small business owners; government employees; and elected and appointed leaders. We’re looking for people who are curious about alternative economic systems. Most importantly, we want participants who will apply and share this knowledge within their communities and workplaces. You must be affiliated with a group to participate, whether that’s a nonprofit, government agency, foundation, community group, collective, business, or something else.
How much: Free! No cost to participate. If you’re not being paid to participate by your employer, or your employer needs support to help you participate, we’ll pay you! $125 for each virtual session and $250 for the longer in-person sessions.
Apply to join the Economics for Emancipation King County Learning Cohort by December 7, 2025.
Watch the virtual info session here: COO E4EInfoSession 111425
November 14th info session recording