Shi(f)t Happens
The Shift Within: How We End Oppression and Divisiveness to Create Liberation and Indivisibility for All
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Shi(f)t Happens
The apex of power and resources within modern society is held by corporations and governments. Many people believe that it is up to leaders in these domains to relinquish power and share resources if we are ever going to achieve equity and sustainability in society. There are several initiatives that have been created to help organizations make that shift like the Economy For The Common Good (ECG) model. The Economy for the Common Good (ECG) is a socio-economic model launched in 2010 that proposes a new approach to the organization of economic activity that prioritizes the well-being of people and the planet over profits.
The ECG model is based on a set of values and principles that include cooperation, solidarity, sustainability, and transparency. The model proposes that businesses and economic actors should be evaluated not only on their financial performance, but also on their contribution to the common good. In the ECG model, businesses are encouraged to adopt a "Common Good Balance Sheet" that assesses their impact on various social and environmental indicators such as human dignity, social justice, ecological sustainability, and democratic participation.
Businesses that score higher on the balance sheet are rewarded with tax incentives, public procurement contracts, and other benefits. The Economy for the Common Good (ECG) has gained some traction in Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Spain, where it has been adopted by a growing number of businesses and organizations. The movement has also gained attention from policymakers and civil society groups, who are interested in promoting a more sustainable and socially responsible economy. Some US-based businesses have also adopted ECG principles and are using the Common Good Balance Sheet to evaluate their impact on society and the environment. These businesses include Ben & Jerry's, Patagonia, and Eileen Fisher.
The shift within society towards engaging in and amplifying power-with social systems is also taking place in several ways through grass roots and local community efforts like, for example, community gardens, time banking, and tool libraries. Community gardens are a great example of people sharing resources to create a more sustainable and equitable food system. They are typically managed by volunteers and provide access to fresh produce for members of the community. The gardens are often organized as cooperatives, with decisions about planting, maintenance, and harvesting made by the members of the garden.
Time banks are a system for sharing skills and services within a community. Members of the time bank offer their skills and services to other members in exchange for time credits, which can be used to receive services from other members of the time bank. They are based on the principle of reciprocity and help to build relationships and a sense of community within the group. Tool libraries are a way to share tools and resources within a community. Members of the tool library are able to borrow tools and equipment for a period of time, rather than having to purchase them individually. This helps to reduce the cost of owning tools and ensures that resources are shared within the community.
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