Cooperatives like Co-op Power are part of the commons, but what are “the commons?” As Mr. Bollier’s website puts it:
The commons is….
A social system for the long-term stewardship of resources that preserves shared values and community identity.
A self-organized system by which communities manage resources (both depletable and and replenishable) with minimal or no reliance on the Market or State.
The wealth that we inherit or create together and must pass on, undiminished or enhanced, to our children. Our collective wealth includes the gifts of nature, civic infrastructure, cultural works and traditions, and knowledge.
A sector of the economy (and life!) that generates value in ways that are often taken for granted – and often jeopardized by the Market-State.
“…(explains) the rich history and promising future of the commons — an ageless paradigm of cooperation and fairness that is re-making our world. With graceful prose and dozens of fascinating examples, David Bollier describes the quiet revolution that is pioneering practical new forms of self-governance and production controlled by people themselves.”
The February Dinner Club will be at 6 pm on Sunday, February 7th, 2016 at Panda East, 103 North Pleasant St, Amherst, MA. Appetizers are on us, guests cover their meals and drinks. See their menu on their website here: http://panda-east.com/menu.htm
