2. • Economy is an important aspect of people’s
lives.
• It’s not only a technical discipline.
• Decisions have been put in hands of
“technical experts” instead of citizens and
politicians.
• “technical experts” are trained in one single
paradigm: maximize profit
4. • Economic rationality standard:
– Individualism (maximize self-interest)
– Instrumentality (behavior is a mean to maximize
my utility
• Economic rationality of communion:
– No instrumental reciprocity (gratuity)
– Intrinsic motivations (the strength of a new
culture)
5. • What about the real world?
The fragility of the communion...
depend on others, but …
not entirely
and
…the force of culture:
the difusion of culture of giving
increases the number of “givers”,
and therefore the percentage
of finding one who lives reciprocity
6. • No, it is not a utopia. Over 850 companies have have
adhered to the project
• Europe 501 (of which 242 in Italy)
South America 257
North America 35
Asia 25
Africa 43
• This new economic culture intends to favor a new
conception of economic behavior, not only
utilitarianistic, but aimed at the integral and
supportive promotion of the person and of society
7.
8. An original way to distribute profits:
1/3 : development of business
1/3: cultural formation
1/3: help poor people
A new dialogue, culture of reciprocity, a new
lifestyle, new relations with:
workers, clients, suppliers, competitors,
partners , government institutions (trying to
live a culture of legality), indigents (because
they are not rich people that helps poor
people. It is a culture of reciprocity)
We can define this "culture" as a "culture of
giving" which really is the antithesis of a
"culture of having".
9. • When did “the Economy of Communion”
start?
• An Italian woman, Chiara Lubich, the
foundress of Focolare Movement, in May
1991, visited Brazil.
• This video was produced to present EoC at
United Nations:
• ww.youtube.com/watch?v=ONNfMJbWtOc
10. What is really “giving”? Not every act of
“giving” creates a “culture of giving”
– "giving“ is contaminated by the desire to have power over
another person.
– "giving" that seeks satisfaction and self-gratification from the
act of giving. (egoistic, humiliating, offensive)
– "giving" that is self-interested, or utilitarian, found in some of
the current neo-liberal tendencies that always seek their own
advantage.
– It is not a form of philanthropy or welfare - these are
individualistic virtues
11. In a deeper sense, the very essence of a person
is to be in "communion.“
The giver opens up to the other person and
remains respectful of his or her dignity. It
may generate an experience of reciprocity
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_emb
edded&v=oQPzE-l9K88
12. These people choose, as do all participating in the EoC, to be part of the
worldwide communion of the EoC. They have overcome their reluctance
to let others know their financial needs with an openness as precious as
the openness of those who decide to share their financial resources.
• “Never thought I’d have to ask” Published on Wednesday, 16 April 2008
19:51
"Since the project to help people in need began, I always contributed with
great joy. I never imagined that one day I would find myself among those
in need of help. This year I cannot give my contribution; I can only
communicate my needs with the certainty that in front of God both things
have the same value: both are ‘giving’. I experienced that I am part of a big
family in which sometimes we give and sometimes we receive.” (Brazil)
13. “School and sewing machine” Published on Wednesday, 16 April 2008 19:50
• "Thank God for the care that He provides for my 3 children and me.
Thanks to the aid that arrives regularly, I could send my children to school
and buy a sewing machine. This enabled me to work and take care of my
family after my husband died." (Colombia)
“I no longer hate the rich” Published on Wednesday, 16 April 2008 19:49
• "The financial aid that I received allowed me to conclude my studies and
to get to know the lifestyle of an EoC business. Since then, many things
have changed inside me. Before, I had a deep hatred for rich people. I
thought that they didn’t care about the poor and that they only cared
about themselves. Today, I understand that love put in practice in a
business changes everything.” (Philippines)
14. Not only companies, but also industrial parks to share services
and advice:
• Spartaco (Brazil) 4.000 stockholders
• Lionello (Italy) 20 business
• Solidaridad (Argentina) visited by 25.000 people annually
• Mariapoli Faro (Croatia) The nursery school «Raggio di sole»
is recognized by the Croatian Ministry of Instruction as a
model for a new "pedegogy of communion“
• Guiossi Guella (Portugal) Business consulting on various
levels (quality, environment, security and property
management)
• Ginetta (Brazil) www.edc-online.org/en/eoc/industrial-
parks/polo-ginetta
15. Guidelines for conducting an EoC firm
1. Economy and work. Entrepreneurs, workers and business.
Define their own ‘business mission’ by adopting communion as a fundamental
value of one’s organization, at every level.
2. Relationships with clients, suppliers, financiers, civil society
and external subjects. They are not happy to just live the EoC, but desire
to let many others know about it, paying special attention to young people,
whom they will make welcome during periods of formation or internship.
3. Ethics. The work of the EoC is seen as an opportunity for growth, not only
professional, but also spiritual and ethical. Value also to difficulties and
hardships in the workplace, making them precious occasions for growth and
maturity. Not only respecting contract obligations and laws, but also to evaluate
the effects of its products on the wellbeing of the people and the environment
to which they are destined.
16. 4. Quality of life, happiness and relationships. One of the fundamental
objectives of an EoC business is to become a real community. (periodical meetings a
time for listening, dissent and suggestions; and the exchange of experiences, special
attention is given to physical health, sports, and care of the environment, since
communion embraces nature and body as well, give importance to a time of
celebration)
5. Harmony in the workplace without need for luxury but for simplicity.
Hygiene, cleanliness, and orderliness are part of the EoC culture as the harmony they
bring will put people like workers, proprietors, clients and suppliers at ease.
6. Formation, instruction, wisdom. The first school of formation is always the
business community with its various relationships. The business will provide
opportunities for continuous upgrading and updating
• Communication. Create a climate of communication that is open and sincere.
There can’t be communion without communication.
http://vimeo.com/27067188
17. An interesting aspect…
Benefits to share increase 27% according to the EoC 2013
report (even in crisis context):
2.250 families helped
980.000 euro shared
Being competitive, sharing benefits and living this business life
style is possible. EoC report 2013:
http://www.edc-online.org/en/publications/eoc-newsletter/n-
37.html
18. Youth and EoC
• A very strong relationship binds EoC with the young people.
Chiara Lubich invited the new generations to "spend their energies for this
program."
• “Cultural study" that passage of EoC’s life experience of a "theory" to be
spread in the economic, theological, sociological and philosophical sector.
(Thesis) www.ecodicom.net/tesi.php
• Today, many resources can be offered to young people. Books, courses,
masters, summer schools…. Video Spot about the EoC conducted by the young
participants in the 2nd EoC Summer School of Madrid, on September 11.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVqDJB8NMZM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SwtOIp8Y98
19. • Formy constitutes a further initiative of the Youth Project and
the EoC, intended to raise awareness of the Economy of
Communion to the younger generations. Through the comic
strips, Formy will try to explain EoC in a simple and direct
manner not only to the kids…
• Let us know what you think!
20. The Company Cube, a new way to create a new culture
Fold it!
Roll It!
Read it!
Live It!
Share it!
Experience it!
Work is a necessary and important part of our lives. The
Company Cube is a practical way of remembering the values
that create a work environment grounded in mutual respect,
concern, and shared responsibility.
21. The Company Cube, the small business revolution
Even small changes in the way business is done can have a
dramatic impact on the economy at large. Everyone can contribute to a
positive work environment by actively:
• Valuing every person and every idea
• Building relationships every day
• Supporting others with actions, not just words
• Helping as soon as there is a need
• Sharing ideas, time and ourselves with those around us
• Seeing everyone, even those who treat us badly, as worthy of our
friendship and respect
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS5QSZFoOyM
22. “The woman next to our store
was sweeping her steps when I
came in this morning. I told her
we were lucky to be located right
next to such a welcoming place.”
(Argentina)
“When I found out my competitor had
won a project we both had written
proposals for, I called to congratulate
her. She was surprised to hear from
me. She shared her approach and it
gave me an idea for our next project.”
(United States)
23. (J.R. – Indiana, USA) 25/11/2013 – Last week I
implemented a new process for one of my employees. I
explained in great detail what needed to be done the
following week. When it came time to enter the data, he
hadn’t finished his part. I had to sit and wait while he did
it. He asked me some more questions and at the end said,
“That was easy!.” While I was waiting I remembered The
Company Cube that said “Share Time & Expertise.” Instead
of making an “I told you so” retort, I let him know I was
glad that the process was working better. And I was!
24. (J.M. – Indiana, USA) – The Company Cube asked me
to roll it today, and it told me: ‘FIRST To Help Others!’
It was a busy day with many things to do. One of our
young scientists was having trouble with a
spreadsheet that was not giving correct predictions.
Instead of thinking “I’ll help her later.” I decided to go
right away and review printouts from the analysis.
After some time working together, we were able to
find the ‘first’ error, which she was able to fix quickly.
Now, instead of being stuck, we are on our way to
solving the entire problem. Thanks Cube for the
reminder that, sometimes, its just best to roll up your
sleeves and dive in!
25. (Ateki, Caxton – Yaounde, Cameroon) – One of my
colleagues had just lost her mother-in-law but in the
office she had two evaluation reports to develop. She
had to go meet the rest of the Family. The deadline for
our report was so close. So I opted, even with my own
tasks, to prepare one of the reports. This lessened her
workload and gave her time to look after her family
loss. I believe this really helped strengthen the bond
between my colleague and I
“ I went to the website today to roll the cube. It
read: VALUE Every Person, Every Idea! We
celebrated one of our employee’s birthday today
with a little gathering of fresh fruit and snacks. It
was great to find out ‘the story’ of his birth, what
was happening 28 years ago on his birthday,
what was the No. 1 song in America on that day,
and to get to know him better. Thanks Cube!
26. The Economy of Communion
last year in Spain
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmj8eYbDIXM#t=13
www.laminiera.es
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ltfggox9Ufc
http://alacarta.canalsur.es/television/video/co
nocemos-la-parroquia-de-nuestra-sra-de-
lourdes-y-san-juan-de-dios-en-bormujos--
sevilla/623807/112
27. See you in next summer school in Paris
26-31/08/2014 August
Informations
www.edc-online.org
eocsummerschool2014@gmail.com
