Social Economy

Communities, Economies and Solidarity in Atlantic Canada

Ebook

This book contributes to the growing literature on the social economy from the particular perspectives of Atlantic Canadians who have been part of the Social Economy and Sustainability Research Network. It illustrates the importance of the sector to the region’s social, economic and public life while exploring its potential for positive change. Prefiguring an economy based on principles of human values and principles of solidarity, the social economy offers a space for people to exercise democracy in realms thought to be “economic” and thus exempt from such priorities. The social economy has the aim of development in a double sense—development of the individual and local or community development.

Table of contents

Table of contents
Cover 1
Title Page 2
Copyright Notice 3
Table of Contents 4
Prologue: Communities, Economies and Solidarity in Atlantic Canada 6
Part I. The Social Economy of Atlantic Canada 18
Section Overview 18
The Foundations of the Social Economy: Co-operatives, Non-profits and Other Social Enterprises 23
The Social Economy in Atlantic Canada:A Taste of its Scope and Diversity 40
Part II. Mobilizing to Meet Community Needs 62
Section Overview 62
The Role of Social Economy Organizationsin Building Community Food Security 66
Community Management of Community Resources 83
Fostering Social Inclusion and Empowerment 96
Communicating in the Social Economy 116
Part III:Evaluation and Measures of Performance in the Social Economy 133
Section Overview 133
A Participative Approach to Developing a SocialAccounting and Planning Tool for Co-operatives:The Consumer Co-operative Sustainability and Planning Scorecard 139
Toward Total Participation in Worker Co-operatives 160
Assessing Performance for Changein a Non-profit Organization 177
Part IV. Policy Directions for the Social Economy 188
Section Overview 188
Overview of Policy Initiatives and Gapsin Atlantic Canada 193
Social Justice: The Transformative Value of Community Organizations Influencing Public Policy 215
Policy Recommendations for Financing Social Economy Organizations in Atlantic Canada:Research Results and Lessons Learned 228
Notes on Contributors 248
Index 256