Forum on the Solidarity Economy: Building Another World

Posted by on January 5, 2009

U.S. Solidarity Economy Network Announces

Forum on the Solidarity Economy: Building Another World

March 19-22, 2009 * Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst

Co-convened with:
Universidad de los Andes (Venezuela) &
RIPESS-NA (Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of the Social Solidarity Economy North America)

An Historic Opening
The current economic crisis offers us an historic opening to advance a new framework for economic development. We have an opportunity to push for a fundamental transformation in our economic and social system, one that puts people and planet before private profits and power.

This four day conference will include an inspiring range of solidarity economy tours, workshops, plenaries and cultural events. We invite solidarity economy practitioners and resource organizations, social movement activists, workers, academics, students, researchers, cultural workers, journalists and other fellow travelers, to come and be part of the growing global movement to build the solidarity economy.

What is the solidarity economy?

The Solidarity Economy (SE) is an alternative framework for economic development that is grounded in principles of solidarity, equity in all dimensions, participatory democracy, sustainability and pluralism. The solidarity economy framework seeks transformation rather than band-aid solutions, yet rejects one-size-fits-all blueprints. It isn’t abstract theory or utopianism. The framework plans to pulls together and builds upon the many elements of the solidarity economy that already exist. Other elements have yet to be realized or even imagined, and the journey of creation is ongoing.

The Solidarity Economy & CDFIs
USSEN recently joined the CDFI Coalition in supporting the Community Development Stimulus Program because of our belief that the work CDFIs are doing every day is essential in building a more just, equitable, and sustainable economic system. We encourage CDFIs to consider attending the conference and submitting a proposal to present a workshop or organize a panel.

Join us!
The time to advance real solutions, built on real experiences and successes is now. Another world is possible and necessary. Join the movement and together, we can build upon the foundation that already exists to make that ‘other world’ a reality!

To Register & For More Information:
Visit http://www.ussen.org and click on the link for the conference (on the right) for a registration form — Online registration will be available soon.

Or contact: Emily Kawano, Coordinator, U.S. Solidarity Economy Network, (413) 545-0743, [email protected]

CDB list instructions http://www.runonthebank.net/cdblist.htm