Interview with CEDESA and REMECC (Mexican Fair Trade Network)

The first organization works on integral development in several farmers communities in the region of Dolores Hidalgo Guanajuato. The second, on trade at a national level; they are part of the (Latinamerican Network of Community Trade), based in Equador. Works in the context of solidarity economy towards selfconsumption and responsible consumption in order to achieve a selfcentered development.

Chilo Villareal, dezembro 2003

Noutras línguas: français - Español

I. What is the main goal of your economic activity?

Cedesa’s main goal is to further the development of a solidarity-based and sustainable economy through organization for self-consumption and both community and family marketing. REMECC’s main objective is to promote alternative markets that will enable producers to offer their goods directly to consumers, in an ethical and responsible manner.

II. Are you engaged in a DIFFERENT economy? How does it differ from the dominant economy?

Yes, we are. It differs in that the economy we are engaged in is based on ethical concerns and solidarity, enabling people to become agents of their own development.

III. What does ABUNDANCE mean to you? Is material abundance an aim or the means to achieve something else? What is that something else?

Abundance means having enough to satisfy the needs of the people.

IV. What VALUES do you and your fellow workers put into practice in your daily life and in your work? Is it possible, in your opinion, for these values to become the predominant values of society as a whole? How can they be mainstreamed?

Mutual Aid, Solidarity, Fellowship, Transparency, Honesty. It is possible, if we are constant and consistent in everything we do, say and are.

V. What innovations have you developed in terms of organization, management and appropriation of the fruits of labor?

We’ve contributed a working methodology for the development of Solidarity Economy activities.

VI. Do you think working in solidarity networks or in solidarity production chains is important? What are these in your opinion?

Yes, it’s very important; we’re participating in REMECC and RELACC

VII. Does your activity influence the life of the community? How and in which spheres?

It does, it influences people’s awareness, making them more conscious of the need to produce in the first place for self-consumption, to produce good-quality healthy goods, to make an effort to achieve food safety.

VIII. What is work in your experience? What’s its value and meaning in life?

Work is experience in action that helps us realize ourselves as persons.

IX. What role do WOMEN play in a cooperation and solidarity-oriented economic initiative?

Women’s involvement is key, as family economy depends to a great extent on women.

X. How can public policies and the State contribute to the advancement of a Socio-Economy of Solidarity?

Allowing for the self-management of communities. Enabling women to access public office.

 

XI. Do you believe the globalization of cooperation and solidarity is possible? How can it become a reality?

Through networks of producers and consumers.

Fontes :

Vision workshop of the WSSE

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