About the Convening
Experience Two Days of Learning, Connection, and Impact
On Day One, explore sessions highlighting the strategies and innovations that have enabled cooperativas to remain operational during crises and lead in Puerto Rico’s recovery.
On Day Two, get hands-on with a visiit to the local cooperativas to learn more about the innovative products and community initiatives that are shaping long-term solutions for economic stability and growth.
Why Attend
- Witness how cooperativas act as financial first responders in times of crisis
- Gain insights into innovative solutions for long-term community growth
- Network with peers, partners, and local leaders
- Discover Puerto Rico's culture and resilience firsthand
Why San Juan?
In September 2017, Hurricane María struck Puerto Rico with Category 4 winds and torrential rain that devastated the island. The destruction was profound: massive flooding displaced communities, 95 percent of cell towers were damaged or destroyed, and the already fragile power grid collapsed entirely. Across Puerto Rico, residents, especially in rural and low income areas, faced severe disruptions to power, communications, water, food, and transportation.
The effects of Hurricane María, together with earthquakes, the pandemic, and constant power and water outages, have deeply affected Puerto Rico and continue to hamper its economic development. In the wake of these crises, local cooperativas have developed a culture of institutional preparedness to operate and provide services under the most challenging conditions.
Most reopened within 24 to 48 hours after the storm, and since then have strengthened their culture of resiliency, preparing their operations for worst case scenarios, supporting their communities through programs and specialized loan products, and advocating for recognition of their role as financial first responders at both the municipal and national levels.
Join leaders, practitioners, and advocates for a Regional Convening in San Juan, Puerto Rico - the second installment of a series of resiliency conversations Inclusiv is organizing - to share knowledge and experiences, learn how cooperativas have met these challenges, exchange best practices, and explore how their lessons can inform broader strategies for community recovery and economic stability.
Join us in Puerto Rico this January!