When it comes to building a new kind of economy that is built on mutuality, shared ownership and co-operation – a solidarity economy – many of us are convinced. We know that the extractive economy can’t continue without causing increasing levels of economic inequality, environmental destruction and human suffering. We know why we need change.

However, there is an increasing hunger to find out how we can start to really build things together. If this observation is correct then it might be a good time to form a learning circle for this new kind of economy.

The 888 Co-operative Causeway has a small co-working space in the centre of the Melbourne CBD. Members have been organising workshops and panels for quite some time. However, the Causeway would like to change course a little and bring more like-minded people together to learn, share and practically develop approaches to building the solidarity economy. These discussions would occur monthly at 6pm on the last Tuesday of the month at the Causeway space with those attending having the opportunity to continue on for drinks and/or a meal at the Kelvin Club.

Our learning circle explorations will be focussed on addressing questions relating to meeting basic human needs – community, education, energy, food and water, health and shelter through new and old approaches as outlined in the above diagram from Solidarity NYC. The group would be self-managed with a revolving convenor and invited leaders to inform our discussion and fact-finding.

Would you and/or your organisation/network like to join us?

Come along to our first discussion Tuesday November 27 at 6.45-7.45pm – the Kelvin Club to informally discuss how we can run the learning circle and what topics to choose first. Pre-Christmas drinks and a meal will also be an option!