A Space for Sharing Stories of Transformation
On November 2, 2012, I had the honor of speaking at the symposium “Political Space – Intercultural Intersections in Politics and the Economy,” sponsored by the Tufts Intercultural Practice Group. My opening remarks (see below) helped to make the connection between interculturalism and the economy, challenged participants to think differently about economy, and introduced theContinue reading A New Economy Needed for True Interculturalism
In our first Practical Visionaries Workshop in 2011, one project team explored community control over development as a key means of realizing a justainable city. Below, we summarize 3 key strategies for community control: 1) government policy, 2) direct negotiation with landowners and developers, and 3) endogenous development and ownership. In addition to this framework,Continue reading Community Control Over Development: A Conceptual Framework
On Wednesday October 10, 2012, Mel King shared his wisdom with a group of 100+ students, faculty, alumni, and friends at the Colloquium of the Tufts Department of Urban & Environmental Policy and Planning (UEP). On this special evening, Mel — one of our great practical visionaries — reflected on a lifetime of building communityContinue reading Mel King: Practical Visionary
Now Recruiting for Practical Visionaries Workshop: Spring 2013 Popular Education for Building a New Community Economy Launched in spring 2011, the Practical Visionaries Workshop (PVW) brings together Tufts Department of Urban & Environmental Policy and Planning (UEP) and community partners in Greater Boston to share, learn and develop strategies for “justainable” (just and sustainable) cities.Continue reading Recruiting for Spring 2013 Practical Visionaries Workshop
The Practical Visionaries Workshop partners are launching the Practical Visionaries Forum Tuesday, November 27, 2012. This Forum is a place where our partners and our broader constituencies can share with and learn from each other. Details below: Real Economic Development: Beyond Walmart Tuesday, November 27, 2012, 6-8pm @ Alternatives for Community & Environment 2181 WashingtonContinue reading Practical Visionaries Forum Nov 27: Real Economic Development – Beyond Walmart
The Boston Globe reported on its front page story November 25, 2012 on a new report by Northeastern University showing that black commuters spend more time than white commuters traveling to work. On the bus system, this gap totals 66 hours more per year for black commuters in waiting, riding, and transferring. The report byContinue reading New Study on Racial Gap in Boston Commutes
The Tufts UEP Intercultural Practice Group is hosting a Fall symposium on Friday November 2, 2012. The theme is Political Space – Intercultural Intersections in Politics and the Economy. I’ll be opening the symposium, helping to make the connections between culture and economy and introducing solidarity economy concepts. For more information: https://sites.google.com/site/tuftsicp/events/politicalspace.
Participatory budgeting is starting to catch on here in the US. It has been developed in practice in other countries, most notably Brazil, and is seen as part of a solidarity economy. It is essentially a process for direct community control over city expenditures. A new report has just been released on New York City’sContinue reading New report on NYC Participatory Budgeting
Check out this op-ed piece by Boone Shear and Stephen Healy, first published in Truthout on October 23, 2012. Both are involved in the Worcester Solidarity and Green Economy Alliance and organizers of the October 13, 2012 conference. ****************************** Regulation and reform might eventually manifest a kinder, gentler capitalism, but we’ve seen how hard itContinue reading The Progressive Struggle to Save Capitalism (repost)
On Saturday, October 13, 2012 the Worcester Solidarity and Green Economy Alliance held an incredible gathering with more than 100 people. I had the opportunity to kick off the plenary session in the morning to help frame the day. Check out the video of the plenary (also my notes are below) and of a workshopContinue reading Plenary Remarks at SAGE Conference October 13