Post-2008 Crisis: Discovering Tools for Commons & Resilience
By Dave Darby
TL;DR: The 2008 financial crisis spurred a personal quest leading to the discovery of interconnected tools for building a commons economy and society.
- Alternative economic models build resilience and foster community ownership.
- Participatory governance empowers communities in managing shared resources.
- Technology enables new forms of collaboration and decentralized organization.
- The commons offer a path beyond traditional ownership and control.
Why it matters: Understanding and implementing commons-based approaches can create more resilient, equitable, and sustainable communities by redefining resource management and economic systems.
Do this next: Explore a local alternative currency or time bank in your community.
Recommended for: Individuals and communities seeking alternative frameworks for economy and governance, especially those interested in collective resource management and local resilience.
The author recounts a personal journey of discovery following the 2008-2009 financial crisis, which led to an exploration of alternative economic and social models. Initially, these concepts appeared as isolated ideas, but over time, a pattern emerged revealing their interconnectedness and potential for synergistic growth. This realization sparked an understanding of how these seemingly disparate tools could be integrated to foster a "commons economy" and a "commons society."
The core idea revolves around the concept of the "commons," which refers to resources or systems managed collectively for the benefit of all, rather than being privately owned or state-controlled. The author emphasizes that while the idea of the commons has historical roots, contemporary challenges necessitate new approaches and tools to effectively cultivate and expand these shared resources.
One significant area of exploration was the development of new economic frameworks that move beyond traditional capitalist models. This included investigating alternative currencies, local exchange trading systems (LETS), and time banks, which facilitate resource sharing and mutual aid within communities without relying on conventional financial institutions. These systems are designed to build local resilience and foster a sense of community ownership over economic activities.
Beyond economic tools, the author also delved into innovative governance structures and decision-making processes that empower communities. This involved studying models of participatory democracy, open-source governance, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). The aim here is to shift power dynamics, allowing for more inclusive and equitable management of shared resources and collective endeavors. These tools are crucial for ensuring that the commons are truly governed by and for the people who rely on them.
Technology plays a crucial role in enabling the growth of the commons. The author highlights the potential of digital platforms and open-source software to facilitate collaboration, information sharing, and resource management. Blockchain technology, for instance, is discussed as a potential tool for creating transparent and secure systems for managing shared assets and tracking contributions within a commons framework. The internet itself, when used strategically, can act as a powerful infrastructure for connecting individuals and groups working towards common goals, transcending geographical boundaries.
The author also emphasizes the importance of legal and policy innovations that support the establishment and protection of the commons. This includes exploring new legal entities for collective ownership, advocating for policies that promote resource sharing, and challenging existing legal frameworks that prioritize private ownership over collective well-being. The goal is to create an enabling environment where commons-based initiatives can thrive without facing undue legal or regulatory hurdles.
A key insight from this journey is the understanding that these various tools and ideas are not meant to operate in isolation. Instead, their true power lies in their ability to be integrated into interconnected networks. For example, a local currency system could be linked with a participatory governance model, supported by open-source software, and protected by innovative legal structures. This networked approach allows for exponential growth and resilience, as each component strengthens and reinforces the others.
The ultimate vision is to create a systemic shift away from a dominant paradigm of scarcity and competition towards one of abundance and collaboration. By building robust networks of commons-based initiatives, the author believes it is possible to challenge the existing status quo and construct a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient world. This involves a fundamental rethinking of how resources are managed, how decisions are made, and how communities interact, all centered around the principle of shared stewardship for the common good.