We’ve been piloting a community mapping process to produce a digital map of Oxford’s solidarity economy.
Oxford has a growing network of organisations, projects and initiatives who are working to create a fairer, socially just, and environmentally sustainable city. Around the world, activity like this is known as the solidarity economy. It thrives in many cities and countries – from New York City to Barcelona, and from Mali to Brazil.
Solidarity economy initiatives share a set of values and have been created to meet a need within their community, or broader society, that isn’t being met by our mainstream economy, or because those needs are being met in unethical or unsustainable ways. From swap shops and childcare circles to housing co-ops and community farms, these initiatives are meeting the needs of communities in ways that put people, and our environment, first.
If you think this sounds like your initiative, you’re very likely already part of creating an alternative economy for our city – one that’s based on co-operation and self-determination; one that empowers everyone, regardless of their race, sexual orientation, gender or background; and one that has the health and wellbeing of people and planet at its heart.