Level of complexity: Medium
Estimated time: 2.5—3 hours
Explore how existing social networks and community-based initiatives challenge dominant economic and social systems and create space for action, care, and transformation.
- Introduce the concept of Social and Solidarity Economy and invite participants to reflect on the importance of spaces and networks that operate outside or in resistance to the dominant capitalist logic. Use The Handbook of Diverse Economies (external link) as optional background reading.
- A more interactive alternative could be to, first, discuss in groups everyday experiences, resources, and routines, from the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep, to identify actions and practices that exist outside (or resist) the dominant capitalist logic.
- Invite participants to map local or global initiatives that embody principles of solidarity, mutual aid, and transformative action as part of a collective mapping process. These may include:
- Social and solidarity economy initiatives (e.g., worker cooperatives, solidarity schools, time banks)
- Mutual aid networks (e.g., social kitchens, community gardens)
- Social justice collectives (e.g., LGBTQI+ networks, migrant and refugee communities)
- Alternative cultural and community spaces
- If the workshop takes place online, a digital tool such as Padlet can be used to map these initiatives.
- As a final step, and depending on the time available, invite participants to discuss their contributions in groups and reflect on policies and interventions that could support the sustainability and impact of these initiatives.