Co-convened with Universidad de los Andes (Venezuela)
& RIPESS-NA (Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of the Social Solidarity Economy - North America) 

• Background: About the Forum

• Forum Schedule (.xls download)

• Registration & Workshop Proposal Form (.doc download) Please note: Deadline for submissions extended until January 23!

• Register Online Here! (please pay separately)

An Historic Opportunity

The current economic crisis and the possible death throes of neoliberalism (corporate-led globalization), offers us an historic opening to advance a new framework for economic development. We have an opportunity to push for a fundamental transformation in our economic and social system, one that puts people and planet before private profits and power.

This four day conference will include an inspiring range of solidarity economy tours, workshops, plenaries and cultural events. We invite solidarity economy practitioners and resource organizations, social movement activists, workers, academics, students, researchers, cultural workers, journalists and other fellow travelers, to come and be part of the growing global movement to build the solidarity economy.

What is the Solidarity Economy?

The Solidarity Economy (SE) is an alternative framework for economic development that is grounded in principles of solidarity, equity in all dimensions, participatory democracy, sustainability and pluralism. The solidarity economy framework seeks transformation rather than band-aid solutions, yet rejects one-size-fits-all blueprints. It isn't abstract theory nor pie-in-the-sky utopianism. Rather, it pulls together and builds upon the many elements of the solidarity economy that already exist. Some are new innovations, some are old. Other elements have yet to be realized or even imagined, and the journey of creation is ongoing.

Join us!

The time to advance real solutions, built on real experiences and successes is now. Another world is possible and necessary. Join the movement and together, we can build upon the foundation that already exists to make that 'other world' a reality!

Logistical information

Travel by air, car, bus and train: The closest airport is Bradley International in Hartford, Connecticut.  For more details about all forms of travel, please visit http://www.umass.edu/visitorsctr/Directions_to_Campus/

Accommodations: We have reserved block of 20 double rooms at the University Lodge, which is walking distance from the University. The rate is around $60 total/night. We can reserve additional rooms at the Howard Johnson $62/night for a double, but need to make the reservations as soon as possible.  The Howard Johnson is 5 minutes away by car and is on a bus route. We will try to arrange additional transportation to facilitate travel to and from the Forum. 

There are many other options of places to stay in the area. For a more complete listing, please visit: http://www.umass.edu/visitorsctr/Area_Accomodations/

Event Cost

Registration for this event is on a sliding scale. The registration fee covers the cost of attendance, conference materials, and meals.

What is a sliding scale?
It is a tool for building economic justice into our structure, and it requires your active participation. People paying on the higher end of the scale make it possible for this event to be affordable for others. If your organization is covering the cost, we ask that, depending on the size of your organization, you pay accordingly. For individuals, please consider both your income and wealth (eg. property, investments, access to family money, trust funds, and other forms of savings) when choosing your payment. Everybody’s situation is different and in the end, you need to assess your own ability to pay. We just ask that you try to practice economic solidarity.

How much should I pay?                                     
For individuals, here’s the breakdown of income groups in the U.S.,  just to give you a sense of your relative income: 
     Low <$30,000 (bottom two fifths of income earners)
     Middle $30-60,000 (middle two fifths of income earners)
     High: >$60,000 (top fifth of income earners)
For organizations:
     Small <$100,000
     Medium $100,000-300,000
     Large >$300,000

Sliding scale: $50-$300 *Please note that $150 will cover the costs of your registration -- Paying additional helps us cover the collective costs of the conference and supports others who cannot afford the full price.*                                         
Please make checks payable to:  CPE / SEN

If you can’t afford the minimum, please let us know. We will make every effort to ensure that no one will be turned away for lack of funds.