Collective Care, Relationships, and Accountability

Relationships based on trust and mutual respect which recognize and honor our inherent interdependence are the core of Solidarity Economy work. In order to build a radically different economy, we must practice a radically different culture: caring for each other in good times and in hard times, through disagreement and through conflict. As SE organizers, we commit to struggling for freedom together, and learning to face conflict and challenges directly. This means that we don’t exclude people from organizations or movements except as a last resort. We set healthy boundaries and we don’t let harm slide. We pay attention to our collective needs and support each other to stay true to our shared values.

PRINCIPLE: We value relationships over transactions and single outcomes.

• PRACTICE: Each level of SE work (global, national, regional, local, individual organizations) has its own sphere of work and responsibility particular to that level. Organizations should strive to collaborate and support each other in their work rather than compete. Decision-making and organizing work should be done at the most local level possible. All levels of work should be connected (i.e. the local should connect to national, and national or global should elevate the decisions and work of the local).

• PRACTICE: National SE policy advocacy should always include local associations and grassroots members who live and work within the districts represented by SE legislative champions. Even if a group does not have capacity, an invitation should be issued out of respect for the relationship and grassroots needs.
• PRACTICE: Spokespeople at any level should have clear accountability within movement networks and organizations. Organizations can provide formal training and acknowledge that this role is challenging and important.
• PRACTICE: Build communication structures and feedback channels that are mutually beneficial and supportive of multiple levels of SE work. Such structures should build clarity around who is taking responsibility for what part of the work, and should serve as the basis for developing policy platforms.
• PRACTICE: S E practitioners who interface with media must commit to elevating a wide variety of examples – not just the usual suspects. Those with frequent access to the media should look for opportunities to pass the opportunity on to others, especially those most impacted by the work and those who do not have the same opportunities for visibility.
• PRACTICE: Slow down. We move together in intentional alignment rather than giving in to opportunism. We should make sure those most directly impacted are leading. We should create accessible governance mechanisms and provide language and physical access accommodations. This is important at all levels but especially nationally, where federal policy shifts impact all the groups on the ground.
• PRACTICE: Build and honor peer networks. Prioritize resourcing these spaces with time, money, and support. Anti-individualism means that in a single organization it is insufficient to have just one member responsible for all peer networking. These relationships need to be deeper and spread throughout the organization, and for people to feel supported by each other both within and outside their group.
• PRACTICE: We honor cooperative principle #7 Concern for Community. We gauge whether something is a good decision not only short-term but for the long-term by asking: 1) Will this be good for all people? 2) Will this be good for future generations? 3) Will this be good for the Earth?
• PRACTICE: W e do not undermine the work or resources of other organizations in the movement. Constructive criticism and dialogue is necessary. Constructive engagement is necessary if a person or organization acts in a way that is harmful to the common aim or to a companion organization.