The U.S. Solidarity Economy Network (SEN) grew out of a series of meetings held at the 2007 U.S. Social Forum in Atlanta.
SEN is on the board of RIPESS (the Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of the Social Solidarity Economy) through which we are connected to the global solidarity economy movement.
Mission
Updated August 2011. Please note that this is a working document that is open for discussion, debate and change.
The mission of the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network is to connect a diverse array of individuals, organizations, businesses and projects in the shared work of building and strengthening regional, national and international movements for a solidarity economy. Through publications, a website, mailing list, and face-to-face gatherings, the network will facilitate: ongoing communication and dialog relating to the development of solidarity economy ideas, values and practices; the sharing of experiences, models and skills; and the creation of collaborative, movement-building projects between network members.
Objectives
Global movement
To join with and build the movement for transformative social and economic justice. To develop strong relationships and exchange between U.S. and global organizations, practitioners and solidarity economy networks such as RIPESS (Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of the Solidarity Economy) and RIPESS-N. America.
Common vision and framework
To create a structure and vision that can promote a common identity and agenda among the currently fragmented elements of the U.S. solidarity economy. SEN will build a learning community on issues relevant to the solidarity economy, including discussing and debating strategies and practices, and helping each other to uphold the principles of the solidarity economy.
Collaboration
To investigate and develop ways to build collaborative support systems for solidarity economy development. Examples might include: coordination between solidarity economy producers, suppliers and distributors; collaborative marketing, branding and\ distribution; group purchasing of insurance, energy, supplies; peer support & tech. assistance.
Visibility and public support
To raise the visibility, legitimacy and public support for solidarity economy practices through public education and media coverage. Examples might include: development of accessible educational materials and workshops for different sectors; SEN speakers ‘bureau;’ the development/implementation of a media strategy to “mainstream” the solidarity economy into public consciousness; dissemination of research among social movements and opinion-makers.
Public policy and resources
To promote public policies and leverage resources for the support of the solidarity economy. Examples might include: loan fund for solidarity economy enterprises; reduction of barriers faced by ‘alternative’ forms of enterprise in terms of access to capital, tech. assistance, workforce development, etc.; tax incentives; support for research and dissemination; support for educational programs to train solidarity economy practitioners.
Knowledge
To facilitate research on the scope, scale, and impacts of the solidarity economy; best practices; opportunities for cooperation; and the development of training and technical support resources. To contribute to new theories of economic development informed by the dynamism and innovative practices within the solidarity economy. This knowledge base will be used to support objectives 3-5.
Sample of Past SE Workshops, Presentations and Events
SEN and our members have organized over 165 solidarity economy forums, workshops and presentations, reaching more than 4,200, including the first US Solidarity Economy Forum, a solidarity economy track of over 120 workshops, 2 week-long trainings, and 2 online SE courses.
