CommonBound 2016 Final Thoughts

This is my final submission about an otherwise great and appropriate conference.  The New Economic Coalition raised over $150,000 to organize this event.  It had been attended by over 1000 persons representing every walk of life.  I observed that there were more women than men attending and the vast majority of those attending, I would consider youth (~18 to 30 yoa).  There was a strong showing by people of color discussing social justice especially appropriate to the racial tensions raised.  There were also older persons and people representing various communities of faith.  Of particular interest were 3 individuals from the United States Baha’i Community Office of Public Affairs – that made a total of 4 Baha’is in attendance.

The general consensus was that everyone was tired of the “making money is the most important thing in life.”  Fed-up with this idea, people were expressing the need to be “making a life” and living in community with others.  I was surprised to see people from South America, England, Germany, and Africa in attendance and contributing to the discussions.

I had many opportunities to discuss the need for spiritual virtues needed in human affairs – all with VERY positive response.  Of particular note, I had a very meaningful dinner with Dr. Edgar Cahn, the founder of TimeBanks.  He expressed a problem within his organization of participants not quite “doing the proper things” while TimeBanking.  He and his wife, Christine, were very taken with the concept of training people in virtues and realized the obvious benefits.  There could be a very good chance that Dr. Cahn will ask for that training.

I personally felt that there should have been more inclusion with other forms of wealth than just money – and the need to restore that wealth with intentional programs of restoration.  My memory of history includes the European Dark Ages whereby Rob Roy, Charlemagne, and Braveheart were leading dismal lives.  Battles were being fought over farmland by baron’s and lords.  At the same time, in the Islamic Countries, citizens were enjoying high culture of arts, sciences (cataract, zenith, azimuth are Arabic terms), and general human well-being; their economy was not based on an “industrial” or material model but perhaps on a sustainable one.

A final thought that I have is one based on practicality.  Our present economic system has a foundation within Adam Smith’s “Wealth of Nations”.  From this book, our economic model has advanced in complexity that utilizes PhD’s in Economics trying to predict economic futures with various tweeks and inputs.  All strata of society need to have some education and training in order to work in our present economy.  I’m thinking that for the next economy, whatever it may become, there really does need to have an educational and training component provided for everyone.  I believe that it would be expecting too much of people to figure how it works without the proper instruction manual(s).

I’m glad to have had the opportunity to submit some of my thoughts to this blog.  It really did provide for my time of reflection on what was a very packed conference.  Thanks for reading my conference updates and hope you find those useful.

JohnK

More Thoughts on The Next Economic System

Presenters started out with their observation that many-many people believe that the system is rigged against them…that the economy only benefits the 1% of the world’s population.  There is legitimate data to prove this.  Right now, 62 families control (?) over 50% of the world’s wealth.  Much of the wealth is actually trickling up to them and it’s not stopping.  There is evidence that the present economic system is flawed and that change is inevitable.  The reason for the conference is to encourage everyone to use their voice in deciding what that next economy is going to be.  Economic models being addressed during the weekend conference included Socialism, Modified Capitalism, a Hybrid Capitalist/Socialist, and Solidarity Economic models.  The CommonBound2016 made sure that everyone in attendance understand that they are NOT pushing one system over another.  Their intent for this exploration is for everyone to evaluate present models and decide which could be right for them. It must be a democratic decision made by all.

There are certains around what that next economic system is going to entail.  To avoid population conflict (and probably violence) due to some inequality to access and benefit, the next system must be inclusive.  Everyone must have a stake in its formulation and support.  No one person or entity can benefit more than another person.  It must be earth friendly in that we live on a finite planet with limited resources that every living person now and in the future must have access to.  The next economic system cannot be based upon growth and expansion as these must overtax the earth’s resources as well as human welfare.  Since economic laws and principles must be put into action, the next system must be democratic in administration and thereby guaranteeing public input and assessment.  The present economy does not address the common good necessary for ecosystem and human well-being therefore the next system must be sustainable.

There were examples of new approaches to alternative economic solutions to problems.  In one community in Japan, housewives were concerned about their food quality coming from normal stores.  The housewives pooled their money, paid a local farmer to convert his practices to organic and raise organic produce they were interested in purchasing.  The payment to the farmer was based upon a fair compensation for his expenditures in both setting up and maintaining his organic farm infrastructure.  The amount earned by the farmer allowed him to live comfortably with his business and also allowed for a reinvestment back into his farm.  The next system must involve local control and decision making.

Since we are all in a “new frontier” of systemic economic crisis demanding solutions, it was offered that the next economy must be in proper balance with all forms of life and living systems; ecological, natural, and human.  Rather than confine solutions to models already known, it may appear as Hybrid Models whereby mixtures of theories could be applied; i.e. socialism with capitalism…capitalism with democratic economies…perhaps what Yugoslavia had in the 1980’s a market-driven socialism.

This morning, I decided to take it easier in that I was not going to go to a presentation that involved a lot of thinking.  I did go to a presentation on a people-oriented Ujima Boston project in Massachusetts.  The organization is another example of people power when resources (money and human) are applied to address shortages within their community.  Some of the community needs being addressed include physical wellness, emotional wellness promoted by the arts and humanities, and passing on of skills.

All of the presenters are people under the age of 40 - and mostly women.  It’s very interesting to me to hear not only from these presenters but also other presenters during this weekend acknowledging and honoring the role of elders in their community.  I believe that this respect of elders represents a positive move within any self-help group activities.  Growing up through the ‘60’s, we certainly were not taught to honor our elders and certainly not depend on them for their guidance.  At least for me this was true.

Thoughts on Day 2

Perhaps David Korten is correct about our perceptions about money; “Without money, we’re dead!”.  This conference is all about transferring our understanding of money away from a possession to that being a tool.  A tool used to build, construct, and enhance.  However, I am thinking that with all of this conference’s focus on the new and emerging economy, it has to be more than just money.

I believe that it was due to Genghis Khan who “modernized” wealth.  It was under his administration that paper notes were created and used as accepted symbols for things of value.  By his decree, these notes had an equivalency to gold and could be traded for that gold.  When needing items of trade in barter, it was far simpler and easier to exchange these notes rather than a sack of potatoes, fish, and firewood. 

The things needed were naturally “scarce” to individuals and of measureable value – and perhaps in an economic sense, things of value represent capital that could be traded to improve human condition.  Money has been the sole item considered for this purpose of exchange, but I am thinking there are other things as well.

Chris Martinson has mentioned that now is the time for everyone to build their capital (or things of value that could be used in exchange) to be used to improve conditions.  He indicated that there are at least 14 forms of capital and money is just one of them:

• Money
• Knowledge – basic literacy
• Skills – used in vocation, profession, and arts
• Health – physical well-being
• Health – emotional well-being
• Health – spiritual well-being
• Mobility – ability to get around
• Nutrition  – adds to physical health
• Energy - physical and environmental
• Water – we all need to exist
• Residential Environment – where we personally live and its infrastructure such as housing
• Community Environment – where we interact outside of our residential environment
• Family
• Social

All of the above listed items, to me, indicate things of relative scarcity and therefore of value.  All of the above are needed for well-balanced lives of meaning and purpose.  Each item can be depleted and therefore must, in some way, be built up/restored/enhanced.  I would personally include these as a necessary part of any conversation involving a new economy.  I believe that when dealing with conversations of new economies, it must be more than just money.

My thoughts here anyway.

How to Move Non-Profits Away from Grants and Toward Sustainability

This is the one I attended for Science Alliance for Valuing the Environment – SAVE.  Seems as if many non-profits are having a very difficult time trying to find funds for their organizations.  The use of grant writers is proving to be ineffective much of the time and resulting in non-profit staff reduction and even the closing of the organizations.  Some of the ideas passed around include:

People support what they love.  Love is an emotional feeling that opens up virtues of generosity.  Solutions could include finding those individuals and companies that love your concept, establishing a relationship, and then ask for direct funding.

Non-profits cannot expect continuous funding for their organizational growth model.  If the organization grows, there may not be funds to sustain that growth.  A better idea would be to establish a sustainable organizational model and look for the interested people/organizations to fund it.

Look to creating ideas for projects and use the project ideas to solicit funding.  Instead of non-profit growth, it may be easier to get funding for great ideas and plans.

The extensive use of all kinds of social media to get the word out on what your non-profit is about.  This will make it easier to link up with those passionate about your organization and to solicit funding.

Make sure you have a plan / vision before you ask for money.  This will link funders to projects and not organizations.

What’s the Next Economic System?

The presenters started out with their understanding that the present economic system is in crisis.  They believed that it will not totally collapse but will continue to deepen until some change to a new system is applied.  They did not know what this economy would be but felt that opening the discussions to everyone needs to be done so that all may contribute to a system that works for everyone.  In reference to the Civil Rights Movement, this movement literally came out of no-where.  It was not predicted by social trends but when arrived, transformed this nation.  The same could be expected in our economic transition.

If the present economic system is not desirable, the next question becomes “what is it exactly do you want?”  We need to start discussing these now in order to come up with solutions to the crisis that we are now in.  In the past, our government had certain players promoting the good faith and common good.  Now we find those players in decay…and the very good possibility that they will not come back under the present system.  The question becomes “What will take its place?”

Some discussion starters to address the impending economic crisis are:

·        In economic decisions, to move away from a pure profit motive

·        Establish a democratic control of banks and money creation

·        A diversification of public and private assets

·        A movement toward locally-owned, controlled, and earth-friendly economic models

·        A model of “Public Utility” administration seemed to work well at one time.  Consider applying the Public Utility administration models beyond utilities – perhaps in other existing private sector situations

·        A move toward reestablishing large companies to a “Public Charter” entity with a public review process

·        Reassert the establishment and protection of all forms of “The Commons”

·        Move away from the use of the Gross National Product (GDP) as an indicator of economic wellbeing

·        Move away from a Growth Economy model and toward one involving sustainability

·        Move toward local controls over investments

The Cleveland Evergreen Project

I came across this group during one of the sessions.  Cleveland (Ohio) Evergreen Project is a grass-roots community effort trying to reshape their environmental, economic, and residential well-being.  Their approach involves pathways to Clean Energy, Economic Opportunities, and to Social Equity.  They have clearly-defined indicators for successful achievement.  They have organized themselves into sustaining several cooperatives of service to community members.  They also have an Urban-Ag program offering food grown within the cooperatives.