Conferencia InternacionalUniversidades desarrollando la economía social y solidaria a través de

la colaboración multi-sectorial

York St John University, UK1 – 3 Sept. 2015

• The university´s extension experience in the “Feria Canaria de Economía Solidaria” (Canelones, Uruguay)

Three dimensions of the solidarity economy

• 1. Ideological dimension: the solidarity economy as a movement of ideas which tries to convince of a more just, equitable, democratic and sustainable economy.

• 2. Scientific dimension: Solidarity Economy as a new scientific paradigm of the socio-economic behavior .

• 3. Practical dimension: the solidarity economy as an expression of thousands of initiatives characterized by the associativism, cooperativism, and mutualism.

The university´s extension and the University´s Latin

Americanist model • Our University define Extension as: "a transforming

educative process where there are no stereotyped roles of educator and student and where everyone can learn and teach (...) It contributes to the production of new knowledge which critically intertwines the academic knowledge to the popular one (...) which tends to promote associative and group-like ways in order to overcome significant issues on a social level (... ) is a function which allows orientative lines of research and teaching plans, creating a university commitment with society and its problem-solving understanding. In its pedagogic dimension it constitute an integral and humanizing method of learning" (CDC, 2009).

The university´s extension in solidarity economy

• Background :• In 1988 the “Unidad de Estudios Cooperativos” (UEC) was created

with the purpose of “fostering teaching, research and extension in the cooperative / associative subject at University, as well as supporting the development of the cooperative and associative national sector"In 2002 it acquires a greater role in connection with the solidarity economy movement and self-managed cooperative movement, promoting in 2006 a nesting programme of popular and associative economic enterprises.That same year the Thematic Network in associations and coop was created, renamed in 2010 Thematic Network of Social Solidarity Economy (ESS).There are other specific programmes such as Food Production and Community Organization (PAOC) to support the development of family and community crops patches during the severe economic crisis in our country.

Background in Labor Relations Carreer

• A project to strengthen economic organizations through barter´s economies (1999 - 2001) and a project to support popular - economic organizations (2007 - 2009)

The extension´s “feria canaria de economía solidaria” case

• In 2009 we started a new experience with the idea of implementing the pedagogic principle of understanding the practice as a fundamental source for theoretical reflection, in order to supplement the areas of classroom and fieldwork, where participants could interact with the outmost realities

The context

• Since the 80s, there was a strong expansion of the so-called “popular and solidarity” economy in Latin America.

The markets (“Ferias”) in Latin American countries

• Beginning in the 90s in Chile (FESOL), then expanding to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay and then extending to other countries in the region.

Markets (“Feria”) solidarity economy in Uruguay

• In 2002 the first market was in Montevideo (Hope Market). Then, in 2005, the “Feria Canaria de Economía Solidaria” was experienced for the first time in Atlántida (Canelones)

The pedagogic value of SSE markets

• We understand the Markets as fundamental pedagogic spaces where it is possible to build solidarity values applied to economics. This experiences show the “embedded economy” (in the words of Polanyi) where the values of solidarity, mutual assistance and cooperation inspire these places. They are therefore instances where the people can understand the meaning of solidarity in practice

Markets, Identity and SSE

• The markets are self- managed by an associative and democratic way, keeping organizational meetings which take place some months earlier, establishing working committees and dividing roles that are assumed in an honorary capacity. The “Consejo de Canelones en Economía Solidaria” is responsible for the organization phase.

• To participate in the Market, the projects must meet a number of formal requirements on solidarity economy (e.g: being an associative group or belong to a network of solidarity economy).

• Marketing schedules (approved by the groups) usually occupy the night period (18-01 pm). Mornings are left for training, exchange of knowledge and meetings (workshops, seminars) where it is intended for all to participate.

• There is a set of common cash-desks, which facilitates handling money and also cultivates the value of trust among colleagues, who honorary assume this function.

•The organization assures four-day accommodation to all groups as a result of the solidarity of other institutions. International delegations also have meals. This mechanism encourages reciprocity between uruguayan and not uruguayan groups, because when travelling abroad, they are also received and accommodated by the local groups.

• The “Consejo Canario de Economía Solidaria” retains 10% of the sales, which goes to a Solidarity Common Fund. This fund has allowed, among other things, to capitalize on tables, chairs and tarps for tents. What´s more, the Fund has allowed its members to offer micro credits

The cultural ambiance helps to promote values of collaboration and cooperation practices, for example: look after other member´s goods; advise on best production or marketing strategies; share goods; assist in the collective tasks; support people who are in a vulnerable situation,etc.

• At the end of the event we organize a meeting where we evaluate and collect the experience and the views of all participants. The strengths and weaknesses are then analyzed by the “Consejo Canario en Economía Solidaria”.

Repercussions among students

• “The Market opened its doors to many issues, to many questions. But it also gave me hope for a better, cooperative, prosperous future, where human values are prior to economic” (Natalia).

• “My experience was rewarding as to know more on the subject of solidarity economy and highlighted the human values that we sometimes see as lost in many ways /…/ I am very grateful for our participation, committed to the issue and personally enriched by the group of people I met during these days” (Silvia).

• “My personal experience was very rewarding in every sense. Firstly, because I learned a lot from the concept and experience of the solidarity economy and also because I learned concepts that expanded my economic and cooperative idea, listening to both experts and workers" "(Gabriela).

• “As an experience it was so enriching, I could see from the social point of view values which are rare today to see (solidarity, respect, trust…)”(Graciela).

• I have no words to describe what I felt and learned… The last day I had the opportunity to tour around the exhibition and before leaving the lodge for the last time I stopped at the stands and looked from afar, looking at what a group of individuals with a common purpose are able to achieve " (Joaquín).

Two conclusions

• 1. Solidarity Economy Markets are not just marketing but also experiences of implementation of solidarity values

• 2. This experiences are areas of great interest to the university extension