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.

Alternatives to Capitalism

This presentation was quite unique in its delivery – all experiential learning being applied.  There were two individual scenarios being used for role play: a bicycle manufacturer and a rubber company.  The scenarios involved some economic challenge that needed action.  Each action was designed to meet expected solutions found in typical Capitalistic, Socialistic, and Solidarity Economies.  The decisions were in the form of impacting the company sectors of MANAGEMENT, LABOR, and their CUSTOMER base.

The audience was divided into these management, labor, and customer base sectors and then challenged to choose the best of 5 solutions within capitalism, socialism, and solidarity models.  The solutions were common among the three models;

1.  Close the factory to save capital

2.  Move the factory overseas to protect the capital

3.  Reduce the worker’s wages to protect the capital

4.  Reduce the quality to protect the capital

5.  Raise the prices of the product being made.

A summary involves the idea that capitalism as popularly practice would move the factory or reduce the worker’s wages to save their capital.  A socialistic model would reduce quality or raise the prices to protect their jobs.  Customers would look at the price in capitalism.  It was interesting to me what each group’s interests were and their reasons behind their choice of actions.

Seems as if other models could be explored in an experiential manner such as a hybrid model that could pick and choose certain aspects of each model.  For my Baha’i friends reading this blog, an economic addition worth exploring could include our understanding of that “future” Baha’i Commonwealth.

Thoughts on Day 1

I’ve attended the networking group covering the exploration of responsibilities of communities of faith communities in the context of economic change.  David Korten, of course, framed our discussions on the current economic system and its impact on the wellbeing of everything.  Korten mentioned that money really is at the core of human existence.  It becomes the ticket to everything we need – and our servitude to it.

Of those who volunteered their models, all but one talked about what their group was doing…in some other place.  The country of Spain was featured for their cooperatives work in organizing workers.  Another talked about what a religious order is doing with home building in the South of America.  Everyone expressed their ideas about what is wrong with the present economy; its faults, shortcomings, and impact. 

In my own perspective, I see that people don’t generally do well with abstracts and intellectual ideas.  The vast majority of us really do need models to look at, feel and touch, and become a part of to actually embrace.  The PUSH Buffalo presentation provided just that. 

James Deming, the “father of quality control”, stated that if something could be measured, then it can be controlled.   It could also be duplicated.  I would like to see more case studies of alternatives that are in place and working – how they were set up, how it works, the successes and failures, and the metrics on what has been accomplished.  Perhaps a network of such people could establish this learning laboratory share results and offer the infrastructure for duplication.

Finally, there was discussion about The Calvert Foundation.  This is a funding organization who works directly with non-profits (particularly within communities of faith) for the common good.  From what was presented, this organization funds projects world-wide that somehow address the common interests held within a faith group.

One of the more dynamic groups involved in community building was from PUSH Buffalo. This organization is a grass-roots self help and empowering organization involved in several initiatives.  PUSH Buffalo has established a Land Bank to purchase existing housing/lots, develop the purchases and then sell them back to the neighborhood residents (at modest loan rates).  Seeing a "food desert" in another neighborhood, PUSH Buffalo uses community energy to create urban agriculture projects and selling produce back into their neighborhoods.  Another group is taking in food wastes, composting this material and then selling the compost to other gardeners for sustaining funds.

http://pushbuffalo.org/ 

David Korten, probably best known for his work on YES Magazine was a presenter during this morning’s Role of Communities of Faith and the New Economy.  Korten mentioned that of all the activity happening in this area, the interfaith activities are at the heart of it all.  He mentioned that any faith community brings with it the moral, ethical, and spiritual stories necessary to envision and create a new way of conducting human affairs.

http://livingeconomiesforum.org/great-turning

Science that excludes religion and our present neo-economic systems are examples of a faith-based organization that has been subjected to corruption and as a result, advances the over consumption of our valuable resources.  With our present world’s condition of exploitation and resource depletion, we have to, of a necessity, reach a balance for our future generations.  A new economy that places people and especially the earth, at the center of all systems.  Korten mentioned that in our present system, people have limited power and rights…corporations have more power and legal rights.  Nature has none and is the reason for its exploitation for profit and gain. 

Korten places great value on the retelling of stories – stories about new ways to operate.  A present story being advanced is the one that says “if you don’t have money, you’re dead”.  Humans are effected by stories, can envision how the stories impact them, and can be used to create workable and just systems for all concerned.  He believes that the popular culture tends to "zombify" people into not only accepting the things the way they are but also, make decisions the have dire consequences for all living things.

The Great Lakes Commons

Many years ago, I came across “The Tragedy of the Commons”, originally written by William Forster Lloyd. In his essay, he writes about the areas of a village whose land resources are shared by everyone in that village.  The story links what could happen when one member of that village uses more of the resources than everyone else. Today, “Commons” pertains to anything that is held in common with everyone and needed for mutual prosperity. Off of the top of my head, Education, Public Health, and the air that we breath may be examples of modern commons that, if abused, can lead to impoverishment.

It just so happens that I met Paul Baines of the Great Lakes Commons attending this year’s CommonBound2016 conference. Paul was very aware of our Lake Erie Green Water fiasco and shared what he and his organization is doing to preserve the Great Lakes Commons. What happens in Duluth Minnesota really does have a direct impact on the rest of the communities all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Perhaps understanding the need for guiding principles, the organization has created a Great Lakes Commons Charter Declaration.  The charter recognizes the individual and mutual actions necessary to insure the health of the Great Lakes (USA) waterways.

Conference - Solutions Toward a New Economy

From Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 10, the New Economy Coalition will be hosting CommonBound 2016 – Another World Is Possible.  Many presenters and speakers will be offering ideas and concrete examples on topics ranging across a wide spectrum of fair and just economics and social order.  For those wanting to learn more, please see the New Economy Coalition website. 

I will be attending many of the sessions of this conference plus the pre-conference activity involving the role of communities of faith in the creation and application of a fair and just social-economic system.  Some of my friends and acquaintances have expressed an interest in this conference but for personal   reasons cannot attend.  For this reason, I've decided to use this blog to communicate some of the important ideas of the presenters that I heard.  I plan to take notes and then translate them into
ideas/comments in this format.  Perhaps this way, readers can grasp some of the issues and information being provided during this event.  I'll try to update this information daily.  If you have any comments on my postings, please do so.  A little warning may be in order though - Blogs are an informal way of communicating among people.  Therefore, spelling and grammar errors may be encountered.  Please realize that Blogs are meant to communicate ideas and not meant to be literary masterpieces.

It will be my intention to update my posts as I have time throughout the conference so for those interested, please frequently check this blog.

JohnK

Conference - Solutions Toward a New Economy