Introduction to the Solidarity Economy

[havnik.livejournal.com]

Time Trade Circle is proud to present:

Another Economy is Possible: Introduction to the Solidarity Economy

A workshop led by Professor Julie Mattaei

Tuesday June 16, 2009, 6:30 p.m.

Free!

Dominant economic institutions, based on narrow, materialist self-interest, profit-motivation and consumerism, are in crisis. While we have been taught TINA - there is no alternative - in fact we are surrounded by a rich diversity of economic practices and institutions that are rooted in values of sharing, cooperation, equality, sustainability and justice. This "solidarity economy" is growing on every continent, often in response to the crises created by the dominant system.

This workshop will introduce the solidarity economy framework and discuss some of the wide variety of old and new practices and institutions that are springing up (including Time Banks.) Then we will brainstorm about ways we can reclaim our economic power and support ourselves, our families and our communities by creatively participating in this exciting movement.

Julie Mattaei is a co-founder and board member of the U.S.  Solidarity Economy Network; she's a professor of economics at Wellesley College where teaches feminist economics and radical economics; she lives in Cornerstone Cohousing.

Following the workshop, there will be an orientation for the local time bank, Time Trade Circle, for those who are intersted. See TimeTradeCircle.org.

For more info:

See: TimeTradeCircle.org
Email: TimeTradeCircle@gmail.com
Phone: Katherine 617-868-9855

The meeting room (and restroom) is wheelchair accessible. Limited disability parking is available.

Comments

Moderator note

[ron_newman]

Could you add the location of this event, please? (It is neither in your post nor on the web site you mentioned.)

[moria923.livejournal.com]

In a post like this, it would be helpful to give the address of the event!

Sooo...

[rethcir.livejournal.com]

Communisim?

Re: Sooo...

[tober.livejournal.com]

You have to ask, even? :)

Re: Sooo...

[ifotismeni]

lol i like how communism has been rebranded to "solidarity economy" XD

Re: Sooo...

[ron_newman]

No, this is more like Ithaca Hours. A number of other communities in the USA and elsewhere have experimented successfully with this kind of local currency. The idea may be worth pursuing in Greater Camberville as well.

Re: Sooo...

[hissilliness.livejournal.com]

Eek! Eek! Horror! Consternation!

[redcolumbine.livejournal.com]

I'll be at my day job, but if somebody wants to take notes on how it can be useful to wage-earner types with precious few discretionary dollars or hours, let's work out a time when you can come over and tell me about it, and bring any jewelry you need new chains/clasps/earwires for. Seriously, I think very highly of collaborative arrangements, but I also recognize that they work a lot better for folks who have a bit of wiggle room.

[adrian-turtle.livejournal.com]

I joined the Time Bank a few months ago, and there seem to be a fair number of members who are only available for trades on evenings and weekends. I've found it tremendously useful for dealing with the "precious few discretionary dollars," because I could use Time Bank Hours for stuff I'd ordinarily have to spend money on. (And I'm out of work, so money is tight.)

When you don't have money OR time to spare...yeah, you're in a tough spot. Jewelry repair is certainly a reasonable service to trade, and it seems like the timing can be pretty flexible. When I traded Time Bank Hours for mending, the mender and I only needed to match schedules for a short meeting (to drop off clothes, discuss details of what needed to be done, and agree on how long it would take--both how many hours it would take her, and what day and time they would be ready) and about 5 minutes for pickup. Trading housecleaning or tutoring obviously requires more schedule coordination, but you don't have to do that sort of thing to be in the Time Bank. If you're interested, I'd suggest skipping the Tuesday night lecture and just going to one of the general orientation meetings.
http://timetradecircle.org/members.php
(There's a lot of information about specific trades being offered or requested, that's on the website but not visible to nonmembers. The "Join" header shows upcoming orientation meetings, and contact information for people who can answer more questions.)

[redcolumbine.livejournal.com]

Wow, thank you for all the information! Just looking at the website, it's more of a commitment than I want to make right now, in light of the fact that I don't really need anything done that I can't do for myself. But it's an awesome idea for folks who need services, and looks well-organized and conscientious about confidentiality.