Local Economy

For all of human history, societies have depended on communal work to sustain themselves into the (often unpredictable) future. However, at a certain point, that all changed. Market forces took over, and communal projects ceased to have the same...

This recent discussion, hosted by Shareable, Resist & Build’s SE Narrative Circle, the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network, and the New Economy Coalition, offers inspiring examples of what community-ownership can look like in practice in our communities.   Imaginal Cells of the...

"Growing community is like growing food. It's a lot of work. You gotta till the soil. You gotta plant the seeds. You gotta have the right weather conditions. Community is just like that. You start with what you have...

Whether it manifests in painting murals, repurposing public spaces, or simply rethinking how decisions get made, the art of creative placemaking is helping towns across the country address their challenges and unlock their potential.   In a small town in Minnesota,...

Originally published on Sociocracy for All, this fascinating case study illustrates the capacity of children to act as effective, engaged decision-makers within their communities as well as the power of the governing tool sociocracy when employed at a neighborhood level.      The Dream,...

This short speech was given at an event that Local Trust ran in partnership with the Big Tent Ideas Festival on Levelling up ‘left behind’ Britain – the importance of a hyper-local focus in April 2021. Angela Fell was invited to speak on behalf...

Inspired by Shareable’s coverage of the sharing economy, Bibliothèque D’Objets De Montreuil, also known as La BOM, opened its doors as a “Library of Things” in April 2022 in the Parisian suburb of Montreuil. La BOM’s president and founder Sylvain Mustaki...

The article below is the fourth in Nonprofit Quarterly‘s series—“Remember the Future: Culture and Systems Change,” co-produced by Art.coop and NPQ. In this series, queer, trans, and BIPOC artists and cultural bearers reflect upon the unique role that culture has...

"What if you can still feel a sense of justice without reaching out to the legal system? What if you still can have access to healing without punishment? What if this person who harmed you can do the hard...

Mo•ai (/mo,eye/) Japan noun A group of lifelong friends A social support group that forms in order to provide varying support from social, financial, health, or spiritual interests Elders in Okinawa, Japan, one of the original blue zones longevity hotspots, live extraordinarily...