What is a Solidarity Economy?

A solidarity economy is a system in which everyone has their needs met in a way that does not exploit anyone or harm the environment. It is an economy that embodies the values of economic and social justice, diversity, cooperation, self-management, and ecological sustainability. It highlights alternatives to capitalism. It articulates approaches to how our economy can better serve people and the planet rather than private profits and blind growth.

5 Principles of a Solidarity Economy

  • Pluralism - Solidarity economy is not a fixed blueprint, but rather acknowledges that there are multiple paths to the same goal of a just and sustainable world.
  • Solidarity - This includes a range of social interactions grounded in collective practices such as cooperation, mutualism, sharing, reciprocity, altruism, love, caring, and gifting.
  • Equity - Solidarity economy opposes all forms of oppression: imperialism and colonization; racial, ethnic, religious, LGBTQ, patriarchy, and cultural discrimination.
  • Sustainability - Drawing heavily upon indigenous perspectives of living in harmony with nature and with each other, solidarity economy upholds the principles of sustainability and regeneration.
  • Participatory Democracy - Solidarity economy embraces participatory democracy by enabling decision making and action to be as local as possible, thereby providing ways for people to participate directly in decision making about their communities.