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Mission & Organizational Statement for the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network

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Drafted by the SEN Coordinating Committee, August 2007. Please note that this is a working document and is open for discussion, debate and change.

Mission of USSEN

The mission of the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network is to connect a diverse array of individuals, organizations, businesses and projects in the shared work of building and strengthening regional, national and international movements for a solidarity economy. Through publications, a website, mailing list, and face-to-face gatherings, the network will facilitate: ongoing communication and dialog relating to the development of solidarity economy ideas, values and practices; the sharing of experiences, models and skills; and the creation of collaborative, movement-building projects between network members.

Specific Objectives for USSEN

  • Common vision and framework. To create a structure and vision that can promote a common identity and agenda among the currently fragmented elements of the U.S. solidarity economy. SEN will build a learning community on issues relevant to the solidarity economy, including discussing and debating strategies and practices, and helping each other to uphold the principles of the solidarity economy
  • Collaboration. To investigate and develop ways to build collaborative support systems for solidarity economy development. Examples might include: coordination between solidarity economy producers, suppliers and distributors; collaborative marketing, branding and distribution; group purchasing of insurance, energy, supplies; peer support & tech. assistance.
  • Visibility and public support. To raise the visibility, legitimacy and public support for solidarity economy practices through public education and media coverage. Examples might include: development of accessible educational materials and workshops for different sectors; SEN speakers ‘bureau;’ the development/implementation of a media strategy to “mainstream” the solidarity economy into public consciousness; dissemination of research among social movements and opinion-makers.
  • Public policy and resources. To promote public policies and leverage resources for the support of the solidarity economy. Examples might include: loan fund for solidarity economy enterprises; reduction of barriers faced by ‘alternative’ forms of enterprise in terms of access to capital, tech. assistance, workforce development, etc.; tax incentives; support for research and dissemination; support for educational programs to train solidarity economy practitioners.
  • Knowledge. To facilitate research on the scope, scale, and impacts of the solidarity economy; best practices; opportunities for cooperation; and the development of training and technical support resources. To contribute to new theories of economic development informed by the dynamism and innovative practices within the solidarity economy. This knowledge base will be used to support objectives 3-5.

USSEN Structure

The USSEN Coordinating Committee was formed out of the Solidarity Economy Caucus meetings held at the U.S. Social Forum (Atlanta, GA) in June 2007. The SEN Coordinating Committee will be comprised of 10-15 members with diverse representation in terms of race, class, gender, geography and key issue areas. The SEN Coordinating Committee was charged with crafting a structure and process for moving the network ahead and will share the proposals as they emerge.

The SEN-CC will also work to convene the first national meeting of USSEN within a year to a year and a half.

The intention is for SEN to become an independent 501c3 (non-profit) organization. It was agreed that in this initial phase, the Center for Popular Economics would serve as the fiscal sponsor and provide core staffing, provisional upon raising financial resources.

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