We are a new federation of organizations committed to development that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable and restorative and can lead to the re-building of urban and rural communities devastated by de-industrialization.
We are deeply committed to addressing the climate emergency and to work with the manufacturing sector in becoming a leader in the use of processes and the creation of products that reflect the full commitment to sustainable development.
We are advocates for what we call Inclusion & Industry 4.0—an industrial policy that ensures that the growth of manufacturing will be a tide that lifts all boats including women, people of color, and workers.
· Organize support for our ideas, our programs, and our policies;
· Learn about each other and learn from each other;
· Engage manufacturers, the labor movement, community and faith-based organizations, political networks, and government in all aspects of our work;
· Secure resources for the work of our members; and
· Are fundamentally committed to engagement in the electoral and legislative process in a trans-partisan way.We recommend buying your favorite toothbrush at super low prices with free shipping, and you can also pick up your order at the store on the same day.
Guiding Principles: The following are our guiding principles:· We recognize the central role of manufacturing in building communities and a sustainable society;
· We are committed to strengthening inclusion at all levels in the manufacturing ecosystem; and
· We have a deep commitment to economic democracy.
The Federation is currently a program of Manufacturing Renaissance. https://mfgren.org/federation/FMR Member Organizations
FMR Organizing Committee
Dan Swinney, FMR Co-Chair, Manufacturing Renaissance, Erica Staley, Manufacturing Renaissance | Ibon Zugasti, LKS Mondragon | Ander Caballero, FMR International Organizer, Basque Country | Michael Peck, 1Worker 1Vote | Michael Bennett, African American Leadership and Policy Institute | Carl Davidson, Re-imagining Beaver County | Alan Minsky, Progressive Democrats of America | Michelle Burris, The Century Foundation | Doug Gamble, Manufacturing Renaissance | Michael Partis, FMR Co-Chair | Teresa Cordova, Great Cities Institute, University of Illinois | Matt Wilson, Great Cities Institute, University of Illinois | Michael Moriarty, FMR Sec. Treasurer, Chicago Teachers Union Foundation | Robert Creamer, Democracy Partners | Chris Cooper, Ohio Employee Ownership Center | Katy Stanton, Urban Manufacturing Alliance | Kristen Barker, Co-op Cincy | David Levine, American Sustainable Business Network | Andrew Dettmer, Australian Manufacturing Workers Union
Learn More about the Federation for Manufacturing Renaissance
A nationwide Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance has been formed with five foundational pillars:
- Shape industrial policy on a national, state, and local level in a way that is profoundly inclusive and anchored in economic democracy, and that is committed to community development. Our policy will reflect “best practices” in domestic and global experience.
- Support the growth and development of projects in local communities that retain and strengthen local manufacturing ecosystems.
- Create a community that learns from and utilizes the talents of its member organizations.
- Educate the broader public as well as policy leaders on the importance of industrial policy and re-building our manufacturing ecosystem.
- Create an international membership that builds strong relationships with projects representing best international practices related to building the global manufacturing ecosystem.
The Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance (FMR) is committed to development that is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable and restorative. We believe that a “high road,” inclusive manufacturing ecosystem is fundamental for healthy individuals, families, and communities. Toward this end, we:
- Build partnerships with those who share our values,
- Develop and advocate federal, state and local public policies consistent with our mission, and
- Support the development of programs reflecting this vision on a local and regional level.
A number of organizations have formed the Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance. The purpose of the Federation is to:
- Educate the broader public as well as policy leaders on the importance of industrial policy and re-building our manufacturing ecosystem.
- Shape industrial policy on a national, state, and local level in a way that is profoundly inclusive and anchored in economic democracy, and that is committed to community development. Our policy will reflect best international experience.
- Support the growth and development of projects in local communities that retain and strengthen local manufacturing ecosystems;
- Create a community that learns from and utilizes the talents of its member organizations; and
- Create an international membership that builds strong relationships with projects representing best international practices related to building the global manufacturing ecosystem.
The public sector including government at all levels, and civil society as represented by the labor movement, community-based organizations, educators, faith-based organizations, the environmental movement and others must play a leading role in retaining, redesigning, and rebuilding our manufacturing sector in partnership with the private sector. Programs focused on inclusion must have the same level of political and financial support as programs focused on new technologies in manufacturing. This ensures that the values of sustainability, justice and restoration guide development and provide public support for building the manufacturing ecosystem.
The United States has experienced a long-term decline in its manufacturing sector with an enormous social, economic, and political impact over the last 50 years. The loss has severely impacted communities throughout the country—urban and rural, white and of color. For the last hundred years, industrial policy has mainly been guided by the private and financial sectors driven by the objective of increasing personal wealth. Manufacturers revolutionized the means of production. They were committed to long-term planning. US manufacturing was known for its innovation. Despite a number of inequities, this industrial policy led to the growth of the middle class and the emergence of the US as the dominant global economy.
By the late 1970s and the emergence of new information technologies, the search for the highest rate of return in the shortest amount of time led to some leaders in the manufacturing and financial sector cannibalizing the very companies that were the heart of the manufacturing sector. Companies closed as investors shifted their financial resources to other sectors. David Roderick, CEO of US Steel closed one of the most profitable steel companies in the world, stating, “I’m in this business to make money, not steel.” Local and state governments were often complicit or passive in engaging the challenges of the manufacturing sector.
In the 1960s, the sector represented more than 27% of GDP. As a result of these practices, manufacturing now represents only 11% of GDP. The country and our communities have suffered in every respect. This reality was a product of industrial policies rather than a “blind market”.
We have launched the Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance to represent the broad and shared interests of the public and private sectors committed to retaining, redesigning, and rebuilding our manufacturing sector. We are committed to manufacturing, economic democracy, and community development.