In this paper, I have presented the basic structure of an argument that identifies fundamental changes in the social contract that threaten the progress we have made to date. I demand a fundamental reorganization of society.
Depending on what we do or do not do, the period of transition to a society that is truly economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable could be relatively quick--say 20-30 years. Or the transition could be extended and extraordinarily frightening, bringing out the ugliness that percolates in undercurrents in our society. Organizations and leaders advocating racist, nativist, and essentially fascist approaches to ease fear appeal to the sense of powerlessness of a growing segment of our population. Other networks, organizations and leaders are preparing for some "let the fittest survive" nightmare in the underground economy, coping with imprisonment and the violence of the streets. And a growing number of wealthy people are absolutely comfortable being sealed off and insulated from the consequences of a declining society, tolerating the worst abuses of our people and our environment as long as they are secure and comfortable. We live in a period where the vacuum of social, political, and economic leadership will be filled. The relative calm will not be permanent.
If we are determined to look honestly at the conditions of our cities and communities, rural and urban, and apply what we have learned as reported in this paper, we can create livable and sustainable environments for all people to prosper.
Well, if this is the beginning of a transition to a new economy that could take 30 or 40 years, what should those of us who embrace this strategic vision do for the next 5?
1. Continue to expand and refine the analysis through shared debate and critical reflection. This paper has just scratched the surface of a number of complex propositions. Each element of this vision needs to be refined, corrected, expanded, and finally reflected in a plan of action. Common intellectual work is an absolute requirement of those who lead, particularly at this early stage. Of course, this intellectual work must be reflected in our daily practical work as workers, union leaders, business people, community organizers, religious activists, and others.
2. Share your perspectives and experience and expand the debate by using the new technology. New information technology allows us to instantly internationalize the discussion and flow of information. This is one reason to immediately get on line, learn how to use E-mail and the Web, become familiar with the technology, and participate. CLCR will dedicate its new Web site to this exchange. Find us at www.CLCR.com. We list resources linked to this paper, provide interactive forums, and hotlinks to other Web sites relevant to this work.
3. Join with others in the coalition of labor, community, and business locally, regionally, and nationally. If you don't have a group to discuss and work around these concepts--organize one. If you know of an organization that embraces at least most of these concepts, you really have an obligation to join, or to get involved in one way or another. And all of us should become active in national organizations like Sustainable America that has become a strategic trade association for people like us.
4. We must pool our resources. We need to find every opportunity to combine organizations and capacity rather than continue to fragment. We need to financially support and privilege the businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations that embrace this vision.
5. We need the right mind-set for the beginning of a long process. This kind of difficult early stage requires the right mix of intolerance as well as tolerance, a determination to find what is positive in an experience--no matter how small the percentage--and to build on that to overcome the negative, a good sense of humor and humility, patience with set-backs knowing that we are in it for the long haul, and an absolute impatience with the paralysis and passivity that cedes power to the Low Road.
6. We need to contend.
It is up to our generation to seize the opportunity that was best expressed by the Russian poet Anton Chekov:
We willmake a new garden,
more splendid
than this one.
You will see it.
You will understand.
And joy,
quiet,
deep joy
will sink into your
soul
like the sun
at evening.
Resources
The following organizations are mentioned in the paper. If you want additional information on these organizations and business, your can contact them directly.
Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACENet)
94 Columbus Road
Athens, OH 45701
614/592-3854
Banana Kelly Community Improvement
863 Prospect Avenue
Bronx, NY 10459
718/328-1064
Campaign for Sustainable Milwaukee
1726 N. First Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414/444-0525
Cooperative Home Care Associates
349 E. 149th Street, 5th Floor
Bronx, NY 10451
718/993-7104
Corporation for Enterprise Development
353 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
415/495-2333
Crocus Fund
303-275 Broadway Avenue
Winnipeg,
204/925-2401
Equal Exchange
250 Revere Street
Canton, MA 02021
617/830-0303
Garment Industry Development Corporation
275 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10001
212/366-6160
ICA Group, Inc.
Statler Building, #1127
Boston, MA 02116
617/338-0010
Inter Valley Project
95 Fair Oaks Avenue
Newton, MA 02160-1143
617/796-8836
Locker Associates, Inc.
225 Broadway, Suite 2625
New York, NY 10007
212/962-2980
Center for Labor and Community Research
3411 W. Diversey Avenue, Suite 10
Chicago, IL 60647
773/278-5418
Email: clcr@mindspring.com
www.clcr.org
Natural Resources Defense Council
40 W. 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
212/727-4479
New York Industrial Retention Network
30 Flatbush Avenue, Suite 420
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718/624-8606
Steel Valley Authority
Business Innovation Center
2nd Floor, Room 201
Duquesne, PA 15110
412/460-0488
Email: tcroft@unidial.com
Sustainable America
350 5th Avenue, Suite 3112
New York, NY 10118
212/239-4221
WireNet
6516 Detroit Avenue, Suite 3
Cleveland, OH 44102-3057
216/631-7330
Women's Self-Employment Project
20 N. Clark Street, Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60606
312/606-8255