This document summarizes an article about building community economies through solidarity. It discusses how community economies aim to circulate wealth within a community to create jobs with livable wages and affordable housing. The document emphasizes that cooperative ethic and commitment are vital for members to contribute and lead in developing their community over time. It proposes introducing community economies in Chicago by identifying local assets, educating community members, and providing opportunities to cultivate new economic cycles.

1. Civics Lab
Instructor:
Tom Tresser
Civics: 1/08/2012
Cycle 43#:
Nina Antuna

2. To Build a Community Economy,
Start With Solidarity
Abby Scher posted Apr 03, 2013

3. To Build a Community Economy, Start
With Solidarity
This articles gives us insight in what it takes to build a foundation for a “Community Economy”.
Solidarity, unity among individuals with a common interest and the mutual support within; is the core of
a community economy being successful.This article written by Abby Scher touches on what began as
a “Powerful Idea” is now a movement.
Keya Hicks Deputy Director “Alliance Develop Power” (ADP), tells us how the purpose of the
community economy is to build wealth and circulate it within the community. Making alliances along
the way with other community organizations with the same vision of aiming to stabilize their local
economy, to create affordable housing and liveable wages within their communities.
She speaks of Cooperative Ethic and its importance to the success of these community
economies, as they don’t develop overnight. The mentality of not just having a job but the mindset of
the shared values to be involved, contribute, and grow within the community is vital. The mindset is
vital as trades can be thought but committing to this mindset can only be inspired The commitment of it
is a members is a choice for progress.

4. Keya Hicks was an active worker before joining the staff of ADP. She
joined while living in Section 8 housing. She tells us how having the
cooperative ethic is the most important. States jobs will come along with
progress and the development of the community. The wages from these
jobs will be actual liveable wages. She fights for the continued
empowerment of members to become leaders, for them to contribute to
their own well-being and that of their neighbors.
Keya Hicks
Now Deputy Director
At Alliance to Develop Power

5. “The ongoing fight against”
● Lack of Jobs or lack of rights at these jobs
● Exploitation of people who cannot compete or
demand for better wages
● Uneven distribution of wealth “ The Poor stay Poor,
While the rich become richer.
● Creates a society influenced by money as a priority
and ruler of ethics
● Not taking care of our communities and abusing our
environments just to increase the bottom line.

6. Solutions
By Bringing Community Economies we can develop under-utilized
local assets of many kinds, for the benefit of our local residents. We
can promote local ownership . By adopting the “buy-locally” we keep
the money circulating within our communities. As we develop the
economy, it encourages different players of the economy to join our
efforts by setting the standard. Everyone involved has the same
commitment to create inclusiveness and living wages that help all
families enjoy economic security. Members go from being part of the
initiative to leadership roles expanding the reach of this mindset and
lifestyle.
“Support your Local Economy”

7. Chicago
Introducing “Community Economy”
Targeting one community at a time in Chicago we can develop “Community Economy”.
Identifying the assets and resources of each community often overlooked. Educating
the members of each community to identify opportunities where there is none. Provide
resources to create opportunities within the community. I would start by bringing
individuals willing to promote this initiative and resources within the community. Often
we overlook our own riches because they do not mirror those of that are the “social”
standard. Bringing these new concepts to schools, educating our young to
simultaneously reach both adults, parents and children. Breaking cycles and cultivating
new ones.

8. Thank you for your time!!
Nina Antuna