Sharing and cooperatives for urban commons - Revision history

Anna Bruen: /* Transformative potential */

2020-04-06T14:46:39Z

Transformative potential

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	==Transformative potential==		==Transformative potential==

	There is ~~indeed~~ a growing expectation that bottom-up and citizen-led common-based projects will challenge dominant institutions that reproduce power structures and prioritise profit-based values while not accounting for environmental and social externalities. ~~It is seen that at city level, as~~ urban governments work more closely together in domains like renewable energy and urban economy, and as the most progressive of those governments build synergies between public and common domains, socio-ecological transformation through citizen-led and -owned initiatives becomes possible.		There is a growing expectation that bottom-up and citizen-led common-based projects will challenge dominant institutions that reproduce power structures and prioritise profit-based values while not accounting for environmental and social externalities. As urban governments work more closely together in domains like renewable energy and urban economy, and as the most progressive of those governments build synergies between public and common domains, socio-ecological transformation through citizen-led and -owned initiatives becomes possible.

	As SHARECITY (2015-2020) project <ref>https://sharecity.ie/</ref> observes, for example, sharing is increasingly being identified as a transformative mechanism towards sustainable cities as it can help reduce consumption, conserve resources, prevent waste and provide new forms of socio-economic relations. This can pose challenges to dominant institutions and powerful interests which depend on ever-increasing production and consumption patterns, that is, of the growth of the formal economy. Research has shown that configurations of community-based initiatives such as cooperatives and commons-based projects do provide a fertile ground for productive transformations, as long as they constructively deal with the contradictions and challenges that they face, and thus allowing for more resilient strategies and structures to emerge <ref>Sekulova, F. et al. (2017) ‘A ‘fertile soil’ for sustainability-related community initiatives: A new analytical framework’, Environment and Planning A. SAGE Publications Sage UK: London, England, 49(10), pp. 2362–2382.</ref>. But research has also shown that inequality can be reproduced within micro-level interactions in sharing economies <ref>Schor, J. B. et al. (2016) ‘Paradoxes of openness and distinction in the sharing economy’, Poetics. Elsevier, 54, pp. 66–81.</ref>. Not all sharing initiatives are challenging socio-economic power relations, even as they do contribute to new forms of thinking and doing with regards to sharing. This reflects the tension on what type of transformations are sought, and towards what direction.		As SHARECITY (2015-2020) project <ref>https://sharecity.ie/</ref> observes, for example, sharing is increasingly being identified as a transformative mechanism towards sustainable cities as it can help reduce consumption, conserve resources, prevent waste and provide new forms of socio-economic relations. This can pose challenges to dominant institutions and powerful interests which depend on ever-increasing production and consumption patterns, that is, of the growth of the formal economy. Research has shown that configurations of community-based initiatives such as cooperatives and commons-based projects do provide a fertile ground for productive transformations, as long as they constructively deal with the contradictions and challenges that they face, and thus allowing for more resilient strategies and structures to emerge <ref>Sekulova, F. et al. (2017) ‘A ‘fertile soil’ for sustainability-related community initiatives: A new analytical framework’, Environment and Planning A. SAGE Publications Sage UK: London, England, 49(10), pp. 2362–2382.</ref>. But research has also shown that inequality can be reproduced within micro-level interactions in sharing economies <ref>Schor, J. B. et al. (2016) ‘Paradoxes of openness and distinction in the sharing economy’, Poetics. Elsevier, 54, pp. 66–81.</ref>. Not all sharing initiatives are challenging socio-economic power relations, even as they do contribute to new forms of thinking and doing with regards to sharing. This reflects the tension on what type of transformations are sought, and towards what direction.

	==Illustrations==		==Illustrations==

Anna Bruen: /* Narrative of change */

2020-04-06T14:45:01Z

Narrative of change

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	In the short term, a lot of projects are struggling to “fill the gap” that formal institutions leave unaddressed (e.g. making use of derelict land, making viable and accessible the production/consumption of healthy and organic food), and thus achieving change by “taking things in their own hands.”		In the short term, a lot of projects are struggling to “fill the gap” that formal institutions leave unaddressed (e.g. making use of derelict land, making viable and accessible the production/consumption of healthy and organic food), and thus achieving change by “taking things in their own hands.”

	'''Challenges to change:" A great challenge for coop/commons and sharing projects is the ability to continue without burdening the community which sustains them. Many times, especially when projects do not constitute an important part of the participants’ livelihood, members that assume a lot of voluntary responsibilities get tired and burn out. While urban commons are often built around the concept of care, many projects still tend to privilege powerful positions or individuals. The challenge therefore also lies in building more empathetic and collaborative dynamic leadership within those projects, including addressing gender inequalities. Long-term institutional support from municipalities and other public actors proves crucial for these projects' sustainability. This support means both shifting materials/assets into common ownership and promoting an ethics of sharing, but also implementing more pro-citizen, socially just approaches to urban development and the decisions involved in it.		'''Challenges to change:''' A great challenge for coop/commons and sharing projects is the ability to continue without burdening the community which sustains them. Many times, especially when projects do not constitute an important part of the participants’ livelihood, members that assume a lot of voluntary responsibilities get tired and burn out. While urban commons are often built around the concept of care, many projects still tend to privilege powerful positions or individuals. The challenge therefore also lies in building more empathetic and collaborative dynamic leadership within those projects, including addressing gender inequalities. Long-term institutional support from municipalities and other public actors proves crucial for these projects' sustainability. This support means both shifting materials/assets into common ownership and promoting an ethics of sharing, but also implementing more pro-citizen, socially just approaches to urban development and the decisions involved in it.

	==Transformative potential==		==Transformative potential==

Anna Bruen: /* Narrative of change */

2020-04-06T14:44:38Z

Narrative of change

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:44, 6 April 2020
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	==Narrative of change==		==Narrative of change==

	Cooperatives and other common-based projects that practice sharing are addressing interwoven problems of unequal and insufficient access to resources, knowledge, and services that urban citizens deem valuable, if not necessary, for their well being. They also address environmental concerns at various scales (from global warming to environmental health issues) which have deep justice implications as they differentially impact urban populations. Whereas a lot of projects are struggling to “fill the gap” that formal institutions leave unaddressed (e.g. making use of derelict land, making viable and accessible the production/consumption of healthy and organic food), and thus achieving change by “taking things in their own hands”. However, an underlying premise in some cases under this approach is also that by fomenting and practicing equal participation, common management of resources and direct democratic control over processes, wider socio-cultural and systemic change will also be enabled and dominant institutions will be challenged.		Cooperatives and other common-based projects that practice sharing are addressing interwoven problems of unequal and insufficient access to resources, knowledge, and services that urban citizens deem valuable, if not necessary, for their well being. They also address environmental concerns at various scales (from global warming to environmental health issues) which have deep justice implications as they differentially impact urban populations.

	A great challenge for coop/commons and~~, to certain extent,~~ sharing projects is the ability to continue without burdening the community which sustains them. Many times, especially when projects do not constitute an important part of the participants’ livelihood, members that assume a lot of voluntary responsibilities get tired and ~~abandon~~. While urban commons are often built around the concept of care, many projects still tend to privilege powerful positions or individuals. The challenge therefore also lies on building more empathetic and collaborative dynamic within those projects, including addressing gender inequalities. Long-term institutional support from municipalities and other public actors proves crucial for these projects' sustainability. This support means both shifting materials/assets into common ownership and promoting an ethics of sharing, but also implementing more pro-citizen, socially just ~~approach~~ to urban development and the decisions ~~around~~ it.		An underlying premise in some projects utilizing this approach is that by fomenting and practicing equal participation, common management of resources and direct democratic control over processes, wider socio-cultural and systemic change will also be enabled and dominant institutions will be challenged.

			In the short term, a lot of projects are struggling to “fill the gap” that formal institutions leave unaddressed (e.g. making use of derelict land, making viable and accessible the production/consumption of healthy and organic food), and thus achieving change by “taking things in their own hands.”

			'''Challenges to change:" A great challenge for coop/commons and sharing projects is the ability to continue without burdening the community which sustains them. Many times, especially when projects do not constitute an important part of the participants’ livelihood, members that assume a lot of voluntary responsibilities get tired and burn out. While urban commons are often built around the concept of care, many projects still tend to privilege powerful positions or individuals. The challenge therefore also lies in building more empathetic and collaborative dynamic leadership within those projects, including addressing gender inequalities. Long-term institutional support from municipalities and other public actors proves crucial for these projects' sustainability. This support means both shifting materials/assets into common ownership and promoting an ethics of sharing, but also implementing more pro-citizen, socially just approaches to urban development and the decisions involved in it.

	==Transformative potential==		==Transformative potential==

Anna Bruen: /* General introduction to approach */ edited for grammar and clarity

2020-04-06T14:31:57Z

General introduction to approach: edited for grammar and clarity

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:31, 6 April 2020
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	During the last decade, a number of efforts have focused on gathering information about the sharing economy, sharing initiatives, and innovations that enable sharing <ref>Schor J (2016) Debating the sharing economy. Journal of Self-Governance and Management Economics 4(3). Addleton Academic Publishers: 7–22.</ref>. People often identify sharing initiatives in urban contexts such as co-working, co-living and co-housing; These are are often more focused on sharing space rather than resources and services. Resources and services can be shared through cooperatives, community-led management, co-finance and food sharing, among others.		During the last decade, a number of efforts have focused on gathering information about the sharing economy, sharing initiatives, and innovations that enable sharing <ref>Schor J (2016) Debating the sharing economy. Journal of Self-Governance and Management Economics 4(3). Addleton Academic Publishers: 7–22.</ref>. People often identify sharing initiatives in urban contexts such as co-working, co-living and co-housing; These are are often more focused on sharing space rather than resources and services. Resources and services can be shared through cooperatives, community-led management, co-finance and food sharing, among others.

	Food sharing, for example, is a very prominent example of how resources can be optimised in order to strengthen social relations, while also securing food for the most vulnerable, and avoiding food waste. '''Sharing practices, especially when referring to the long-term sharing of a resource, can become synonymous of commons-based projects and/or cooperatives, in the sense that what is shared is managed by those who share it.''' However, this is not necessarily the case, as sharing can be to a large extent governed by external rules and formal institutions. For example, food can be shared between those businesses or households that have it in excess, and those organisations or groups that are in demand. This can be regulated by rules on quality, means of transport, and sanitary checks. However, food sharing can also mean the cultivation of food in a community garden and the distribution of the produce among participants in an informal manner. While one is a facilitated offer that does not necessitate social interaction between the two parties, the <u>second is an example of a commons governance</u>. With urban sustainability in mind, the idea of cooperatives and commons has been ~~very much~~ applied to the local production/distribution of “clean” energy, services such as bicycle-repairing, but also community gardens, social centers, and other public or private spaces ~~which~~ are reclaimed by citizen groups, ~~reconfiguring their use~~, ~~transforming~~ and ~~maintaining them~~. Cooperatives are often integrated ~~or themselves constitute forms of urban commons~~. ~~Whereas~~ in cooperatives the purpose and different roles within the “enterprise” are usually well-defined, in other forms of urban commons these are not always as clear.		Food sharing, for example, is a very prominent example of how resources can be optimised in order to strengthen social relations, while also securing food for the most vulnerable, and avoiding food waste. '''Sharing practices, especially when referring to the long-term sharing of a resource, can become synonymous of commons-based projects and/or cooperatives, in the sense that what is shared is managed by those who share it.''' However, this is not necessarily the case, as sharing can be to a large extent governed by external rules and formal institutions. For example, food can be shared between those businesses or households that have it in excess, and those organisations or groups that are in demand. This can be regulated by rules on quality, means of transport, and sanitary checks. However, food sharing can also mean the cultivation of food in a community garden and the distribution of the produce among participants in an informal manner. While one is a facilitated offer that does not necessitate social interaction between the two parties, the <u>second is an example of a commons governance</u>.

			With urban sustainability in mind, the idea of cooperatives and commons has been applied to the local production/distribution of “clean” energy services such as bicycle-repairing, but also community gardens, social centers, and other public and private spaces that are reclaimed by citizen groups. Such spaces are reconfigured, transformed, and maintained "commons." Cooperatives are often integrated. Note: whereas in cooperatives the purpose and different roles within the “enterprise” are usually well-defined, in other forms of urban commons these are not always as clear.

	==Shapes, sizes and applications==		==Shapes, sizes and applications==

Anna Bruen: edited for grammar and clarity

2020-04-06T12:56:31Z

edited for grammar and clarity

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	Sharing in the context of urban sustainability and justice refers to a shift ~~in the paradigm of~~ individualistic ~~or exclusive~~ practices, which modern urbanism and urban ~~lifestyle have assumed with regard~~ to ~~certain~~ resources and services. ~~Cooperatives are jointly-owned and horizontally/democratically governed enterprises~~, ~~and can include consumer~~ cooperatives~~, worker cooperatives, or shared/hybrid cooperatives where ownership is shared between consumers, workers, and other stakeholders like non-profits~~. The concept of the commons represents a form of collective but decentralised control over resources, or forms of wealth, which (should) belong to all and must be actively protected and managed in a collective manner, for the collective good. ~~Sharing~~ is ~~a central aspect of commoning practices~~, ~~while commons governance often takes the form of cooperatives~~.		Sharing in the context of urban sustainability and justice refers to a paradigm shift away from individualistic and exclusivity practices, which are embedded in modern urbanism and urban lifestyles in regards to particular resources and services. '''Sharing is a central aspect of commoning practices, while commons governance often takes the form of cooperatives.'''

			The '''concept of the commons''' is important to cooperatives. It represents a form of collective but decentralised control over resources, or forms of wealth, which (should) belong to all and must be actively protected and managed in a collective manner, for the collective good.

			Cooperatives are jointly-owned and horizontally/democratically governed enterprises, and can include consumer cooperatives, worker cooperatives, or shared/hybrid cooperatives where ownership is shared between consumers, workers, and other stakeholders like non-profits. Cooperatives can govern housing, businesses, and food enterprises.



	This page is part of an ongoing, open-ended online collaborative database, which collects relevant approaches that can be used by city-makers to tackle unsustainability and injustice in cities. It is based mainly on knowledge generated in EU-funded projects and touches on fast changing fields. As such, this page makes no claims of authoritative completeness and welcomes your suggestions.		This page is part of an ongoing, open-ended online collaborative database, which collects relevant approaches that can be used by city-makers to tackle unsustainability and injustice in cities. It is based mainly on knowledge generated in EU-funded projects and touches on fast changing fields. As such, this page makes no claims of authoritative completeness and welcomes your suggestions.
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	==General introduction to approach==		==General introduction to approach==

	During the last decade, a number of efforts have focused on gathering information about the sharing economy, sharing initiatives and innovations that enable sharing <ref>Schor J (2016) Debating the sharing economy. Journal of Self-Governance and Management Economics 4(3). Addleton Academic Publishers: 7–22.</ref>. ~~Examples of what is identified on the ground as~~ sharing initiatives in urban contexts ~~include~~ co-working, co-living and co-housing ~~-which can be~~ more focused on sharing space than resources and services-, cooperatives, community-led management, co-finance and food sharing, among others. Food sharing, for example, is a very prominent example of how resources can be optimised in order to strengthen social relations, while also securing food for the most vulnerable, and avoiding food waste. Sharing practices, especially when referring to the long-term sharing of a resource, can become synonymous of commons-based projects and/or cooperatives, in the sense that what is shared is managed by those who share it. However, this is not necessarily the case, as sharing can be to a large extent governed by external rules and formal institutions. For example, food can be shared between those businesses or households that have it in excess, and those organisations or groups that are in demand. This can be ~~regularised~~ by rules on quality, means of transport, and sanitary checks. However, food sharing can also mean the cultivation of food in a community garden and the distribution of the produce among participants in an informal manner. While one is a facilitated offer that does not necessitate social interaction between the two parties, the second is an example of a commons governance. With urban sustainability in mind, the idea of cooperatives and commons has been very much applied to the local production/distribution of “clean” energy, services such as bicycle-repairing, but also community gardens, social centers, and other public or private spaces which are reclaimed by citizen groups, reconfiguring their use, transforming and maintaining them. Cooperatives are often integrated or themselves constitute forms of urban commons. Whereas in cooperatives the purpose and different roles within the “enterprise” are usually well-defined, in other forms of urban commons these are not always as clear.		During the last decade, a number of efforts have focused on gathering information about the sharing economy, sharing initiatives, and innovations that enable sharing <ref>Schor J (2016) Debating the sharing economy. Journal of Self-Governance and Management Economics 4(3). Addleton Academic Publishers: 7–22.</ref>. People often identify sharing initiatives in urban contexts such as co-working, co-living and co-housing; These are are often more focused on sharing space rather than resources and services. Resources and services can be shared through cooperatives, community-led management, co-finance and food sharing, among others.

			Food sharing, for example, is a very prominent example of how resources can be optimised in order to strengthen social relations, while also securing food for the most vulnerable, and avoiding food waste. '''Sharing practices, especially when referring to the long-term sharing of a resource, can become synonymous of commons-based projects and/or cooperatives, in the sense that what is shared is managed by those who share it.''' However, this is not necessarily the case, as sharing can be to a large extent governed by external rules and formal institutions. For example, food can be shared between those businesses or households that have it in excess, and those organisations or groups that are in demand. This can be regulated by rules on quality, means of transport, and sanitary checks. However, food sharing can also mean the cultivation of food in a community garden and the distribution of the produce among participants in an informal manner. While one is a facilitated offer that does not necessitate social interaction between the two parties, the <u>second is an example of a commons governance</u>. With urban sustainability in mind, the idea of cooperatives and commons has been very much applied to the local production/distribution of “clean” energy, services such as bicycle-repairing, but also community gardens, social centers, and other public or private spaces which are reclaimed by citizen groups, reconfiguring their use, transforming and maintaining them. Cooperatives are often integrated or themselves constitute forms of urban commons. Whereas in cooperatives the purpose and different roles within the “enterprise” are usually well-defined, in other forms of urban commons these are not always as clear.

	==Shapes, sizes and applications==		==Shapes, sizes and applications==

Karlijn Schipper: /* Illustrations */

2020-03-01T14:53:11Z

Illustrations

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	* In Finland, the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Recycling Centre <ref>https://www.kierratyskeskus.fi/in_english</ref> is an example of a community-based initiative that assists in the recycling and recirculation of things that people donate, offering a sustainable and affordable way of purchasing furniture, clothes and bicycles, amongst many other goods. The initiative grew from a small grass-root activity to an influential actor in the recycling and re-using business. In 2014, they recirculated over 3 million items in their five shops (see also PATHWAYS project<ref>https://www.path-ways.eu/</ref>).		* In Finland, the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Recycling Centre <ref>https://www.kierratyskeskus.fi/in_english</ref> is an example of a community-based initiative that assists in the recycling and recirculation of things that people donate, offering a sustainable and affordable way of purchasing furniture, clothes and bicycles, amongst many other goods. The initiative grew from a small grass-root activity to an influential actor in the recycling and re-using business. In 2014, they recirculated over 3 million items in their five shops (see also PATHWAYS project<ref>https://www.path-ways.eu/</ref>).

			* [https://www.somenergia.coop/ Som Energia] - Green Energy Cooperative, Spain. Energy cooperative based on funding from its associates, which main activities are producing and commercializing renewable energy. Their value proposition for potential associates is defined as follows: to support a renewable energy model that is efficient and citizen-owned, to support the development of a social and solidarity-based economy, to help dismantle the current energy oligopoly, to participate in a transformative social movement, and to obtain transparent information and a people-based customer-service.

	==References==		==References==

Panagiota Kotsila: /* Shapes, sizes and applications */

2019-12-16T11:23:40Z

Shapes, sizes and applications

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:23, 16 December 2019
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	‘Sharing cities’ is an idea and an approach of how cities can battle against some of their main challenges (e.g. poverty, health issues, housing needs, lack of space, lack of available land etc.), through the actions and networks of citizens and supported by committed city governments. The Sharing Cities network emerged in 2013 from a non-profit organisation based in San Fransisco (Shareable <ref> https://www.shareable.net/about/</ref>) which set out to be a news, action and connection hub for cities and urban issues. Now, the ‘Sharing City Network’ comprises local communities and group of activists in more than 50 cities, who engage in a cooperative process by organizing sharing projects. The Network thus acts at multi-territorial and transnational level to collect information and promote sharing. They have brought together a collection of over a hundred sharing-related case studies and model policies from more than 80 cities in 35 countries <ref>Sharing Cities. Activating the Urban Commons. Available for download here: https://www.sharingcities.net/</ref>, which covers examples of housing (e.g. cooperative Housing, short-term rental, open-source design), food (surplus food redistribution, community gardens, farmers markets), work (e.g. FabLabs, cooperative ownership, community wealth, maker-spaces, social entrepreneur networks), waste (citizen compost initiative, repair café, worker-owned recycling cooperative) and more. This shows the breadth of implementations that the sharing idea can have in cities, and the connection with cooperatives and commons projects.		‘Sharing cities’ is an idea and an approach of how cities can battle against some of their main challenges (e.g. poverty, health issues, housing needs, lack of space, lack of available land etc.), through the actions and networks of citizens and supported by committed city governments. The Sharing Cities network emerged in 2013 from a non-profit organisation based in San Fransisco (Shareable <ref> https://www.shareable.net/about/</ref>) which set out to be a news, action and connection hub for cities and urban issues. Now, the ‘Sharing City Network’ comprises local communities and group of activists in more than 50 cities, who engage in a cooperative process by organizing sharing projects. The Network thus acts at multi-territorial and transnational level to collect information and promote sharing. They have brought together a collection of over a hundred sharing-related case studies and model policies from more than 80 cities in 35 countries <ref>Sharing Cities. Activating the Urban Commons. Available for download here: https://www.sharingcities.net/</ref>, which covers examples of housing (e.g. cooperative Housing, short-term rental, open-source design), food (surplus food redistribution, community gardens, farmers markets), work (e.g. FabLabs, cooperative ownership, community wealth, maker-spaces, social entrepreneur networks), waste (citizen compost initiative, repair café, worker-owned recycling cooperative) and more. This shows the breadth of implementations that the sharing idea can have in cities, and the connection with cooperatives and commons projects.

	A strong component of what is observed as urban sustainability-oriented cooperatives are those dedicated to, or include, the local production and consumption of clean(er) energy (see Rescoop <ref>https://www.rescoop.eu/</ref> for a collection of identified such projects, geographically referenced). One example stemming from the results of the INCONTEXT (2010-2013) project <ref>https://incontext-fp7.eu/</ref> is the Emission-Zero initiative in Les Vents d'Houyet <ref>http://www.vents-houyet.be/</ref>, Belgium. After its initial phase of experimenting with raising awareness and spreading information on renewable energy, now it is focused on raising capital for and volumes of renewable energy. The cooperative connects about 1000 cooperators and 10 000 affiliated members (2011). It built seven wind turbines that are now jointly owned (and democratically managed) by the cooperative.		A strong component of what is observed as urban sustainability-oriented cooperatives are those dedicated to, or include, the local production and consumption of clean(er) energy (see Rescoop <ref>https://www.rescoop.eu/</ref> for a collection of identified such projects, geographically referenced). One example stemming from the results of the INCONTEXT (2010-2013) project <ref>https://incontext-fp7.eu/</ref> is the Emission-Zero initiative in Les Vents d'Houyet <ref>http://www.vents-houyet.be/</ref>, Belgium. After its initial phase of experimenting with raising awareness and spreading information on renewable energy, now it is focused on raising capital for and volumes of renewable energy. The cooperative connects about 1000 cooperators and 10 000 affiliated members (2011). It built seven wind turbines that are now jointly owned (and democratically managed) by the cooperative.

			Other examples range from tool libraries to financial cooperatives for mutual self-management, democratic engagement through/with digital means <ref>https://www.oikos.be/english/about-oikos/157-english</ref>, and multi-faceted initiatives like Cooperation Jackson in Mississippi, USA <ref>https://cooperationjackson.org/story</ref>.

	==Relation to UrbanA themes: Cities, sustainability, and justice==		==Relation to UrbanA themes: Cities, sustainability, and justice==

Panagiota Kotsila: /* Narrative of change */

2019-12-16T11:14:49Z

Narrative of change

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:14, 16 December 2019
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	Cooperatives and other common-based projects that practice sharing are addressing interwoven problems of unequal and insufficient access to resources, knowledge, and services that urban citizens deem valuable, if not necessary, for their well being. They also address environmental concerns at various scales (from global warming to environmental health issues) which have deep justice implications as they differentially impact urban populations. Whereas a lot of projects are struggling to “fill the gap” that formal institutions leave unaddressed (e.g. making use of derelict land, making viable and accessible the production/consumption of healthy and organic food), and thus achieving change by “taking things in their own hands”. However, an underlying premise in some cases under this approach is also that by fomenting and practicing equal participation, common management of resources and direct democratic control over processes, wider socio-cultural and systemic change will also be enabled and dominant institutions will be challenged.		Cooperatives and other common-based projects that practice sharing are addressing interwoven problems of unequal and insufficient access to resources, knowledge, and services that urban citizens deem valuable, if not necessary, for their well being. They also address environmental concerns at various scales (from global warming to environmental health issues) which have deep justice implications as they differentially impact urban populations. Whereas a lot of projects are struggling to “fill the gap” that formal institutions leave unaddressed (e.g. making use of derelict land, making viable and accessible the production/consumption of healthy and organic food), and thus achieving change by “taking things in their own hands”. However, an underlying premise in some cases under this approach is also that by fomenting and practicing equal participation, common management of resources and direct democratic control over processes, wider socio-cultural and systemic change will also be enabled and dominant institutions will be challenged.

	A great challenge for coop/commons and, to certain extent, sharing projects is the ability to continue without burdening the community which sustains them. Many times, especially when projects do not constitute an important part of the participants’ livelihood, members that assume a lot of voluntary responsibilities get tired and abandon. Long-term institutional support from municipalities and other public actors proves crucial for these projects' sustainability. This support means both shifting materials/assets into common ownership and promoting an ethics of sharing, but also implementing more pro-citizen, socially just approach to urban development and the decisions around it.		A great challenge for coop/commons and, to certain extent, sharing projects is the ability to continue without burdening the community which sustains them. Many times, especially when projects do not constitute an important part of the participants’ livelihood, members that assume a lot of voluntary responsibilities get tired and abandon. While urban commons are often built around the concept of care, many projects still tend to privilege powerful positions or individuals. The challenge therefore also lies on building more empathetic and collaborative dynamic within those projects, including addressing gender inequalities. Long-term institutional support from municipalities and other public actors proves crucial for these projects' sustainability. This support means both shifting materials/assets into common ownership and promoting an ethics of sharing, but also implementing more pro-citizen, socially just approach to urban development and the decisions around it.

	==Transformative potential==		==Transformative potential==

Panagiota Kotsila at 11:11, 16 December 2019

2019-12-16T11:11:12Z

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	‘Sharing cities’ is an idea and an approach of how cities can battle against some of their main challenges (e.g. poverty, health issues, housing needs, lack of space, lack of available land etc.), through the actions and networks of citizens and supported by committed city governments. The Sharing Cities network emerged in 2013 from a non-profit organisation based in San Fransisco (Shareable <ref> https://www.shareable.net/about/</ref>) which set out to be a news, action and connection hub for cities and urban issues. Now, the ‘Sharing City Network’ comprises local communities and group of activists in more than 50 cities, who engage in a cooperative process by organizing sharing projects. The Network thus acts at multi-territorial and transnational level to collect information and promote sharing. They have brought together a collection of over a hundred sharing-related case studies and model policies from more than 80 cities in 35 countries <ref>Sharing Cities. Activating the Urban Commons. Available for download here: https://www.sharingcities.net/</ref>, which covers examples of housing (e.g. cooperative Housing, short-term rental, open-source design), food (surplus food redistribution, community gardens, farmers markets), work (e.g. FabLabs, cooperative ownership, community wealth, maker-spaces, social entrepreneur networks), waste (citizen compost initiative, repair café, worker-owned recycling cooperative) and more. This shows the breadth of implementations that the sharing idea can have in cities, and the connection with cooperatives and commons projects.		‘Sharing cities’ is an idea and an approach of how cities can battle against some of their main challenges (e.g. poverty, health issues, housing needs, lack of space, lack of available land etc.), through the actions and networks of citizens and supported by committed city governments. The Sharing Cities network emerged in 2013 from a non-profit organisation based in San Fransisco (Shareable <ref> https://www.shareable.net/about/</ref>) which set out to be a news, action and connection hub for cities and urban issues. Now, the ‘Sharing City Network’ comprises local communities and group of activists in more than 50 cities, who engage in a cooperative process by organizing sharing projects. The Network thus acts at multi-territorial and transnational level to collect information and promote sharing. They have brought together a collection of over a hundred sharing-related case studies and model policies from more than 80 cities in 35 countries <ref>Sharing Cities. Activating the Urban Commons. Available for download here: https://www.sharingcities.net/</ref>, which covers examples of housing (e.g. cooperative Housing, short-term rental, open-source design), food (surplus food redistribution, community gardens, farmers markets), work (e.g. FabLabs, cooperative ownership, community wealth, maker-spaces, social entrepreneur networks), waste (citizen compost initiative, repair café, worker-owned recycling cooperative) and more. This shows the breadth of implementations that the sharing idea can have in cities, and the connection with cooperatives and commons projects.

	A strong component of what we observed as urban sustainability-oriented cooperatives are those dedicated to, or include, the local production and consumption of clean(er) energy (see Rescoop <ref>https://www.rescoop.eu/</ref> for a collection of identified such projects, geographically referenced). One example stemming from the results of the INCONTEXT (2010-2013) project <ref>https://incontext-fp7.eu/</ref> is the Emission-Zero initiative in Les Vents d'Houyet <ref>http://www.vents-houyet.be/</ref>, Belgium. After its initial phase of experimenting with raising awareness and spreading information on renewable energy, now it is focused on raising capital for and volumes of renewable energy. The cooperative connects about 1000 cooperators and 10 000 affiliated members (2011). It built seven wind turbines that are now jointly owned (and democratically managed) by the cooperative.		A strong component of what is observed as urban sustainability-oriented cooperatives are those dedicated to, or include, the local production and consumption of clean(er) energy (see Rescoop <ref>https://www.rescoop.eu/</ref> for a collection of identified such projects, geographically referenced). One example stemming from the results of the INCONTEXT (2010-2013) project <ref>https://incontext-fp7.eu/</ref> is the Emission-Zero initiative in Les Vents d'Houyet <ref>http://www.vents-houyet.be/</ref>, Belgium. After its initial phase of experimenting with raising awareness and spreading information on renewable energy, now it is focused on raising capital for and volumes of renewable energy. The cooperative connects about 1000 cooperators and 10 000 affiliated members (2011). It built seven wind turbines that are now jointly owned (and democratically managed) by the cooperative.

	==Relation to UrbanA themes: Cities, sustainability, and justice==		==Relation to UrbanA themes: Cities, sustainability, and justice==

Lin at 07:25, 21 November 2019

2019-11-21T07:25:03Z

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	[[Category: Approaches]]		[[Category: Approaches]]
	[[Category: Sharing and cooperatives for urban commons]]		[[Category: Sharing and cooperatives for urban commons]]
	[[Category: ~~Sustainable food supply chain~~]]		[[Category: Co-living, co-housing & intentional communities]]
			[[Category: Experimentation labs]]
	[[Category: Community gardens and food]]		[[Category: Community gardens and food]]
			[[Category: INCONTEXT]]
			[[Category: SomEnergia]]
			[[Category: SHARECITY]]