Finally also in the U.S.!
The movement for the Social/Solidarity Economy meets in June 27-30, 2007 Atlanta, GA
The first U.S. Social Forum will be held in Atlanta and will bring together twenty thousand activists, organizers, educators, and other fellow travelers who are united in their opposition to the current, dominant model of globalization from above (neoliberalism) and in their belief that ‘another world is possible.’
In the spirit of building that ‘other world,’ we would like to invite you to join us at the US Social Forum to explore Economic Alternatives & the Social/Solidarity Economy (SSE). Various terms have been used to characterize current economic alternatives in the U.S., such as cooperative economy, green, high road, local, social economy, socially responsible, and solidarity economy. ~While our planned activities at the US Social Forum embrace all of these, we have chosen to call them “Economic Alternatives & the Social/Solidarity Economy (SSE)” both for simplicity and because the latter terms are widely used in the rest of the world.
We understand the Social Economy and the Solidarity Economy as having different definitions in different circles, regions, and countries. The Social Economy, as generally defined in the European Union and Canada, refers to enterprises that have social aims at the core of their mission – for example, cooperatives, mutuals, associations and foundations. The Solidarity Economy is generally much broader and constitutes an alternative economic model to neoliberal capitalism, one which is grounded on solidarity and cooperation, rather than the pursuit of narrow, individual self-interest, and that promotes economic democracy, alternative models of local economic governance, equity and sustainability rather than the unfettered rule of the market.
We hope that you will join us in building a movement for ‘another world.’
Please let us know if you are interested in attending the SSE caucus, organizing a SSE workshop/activity, or otherwise getting involved by emailing one of us. We have set up a listserve to stay in touch by email, as well as an electronic library so that we can share documents about the SSE. This is a work in progress, and we welcome your input and participation.
More information from:
Emily Kawano, Center for Popular Economics at [email protected]