Building Social Wealth by Building Better Hometowns

We talk a lot in our Caring Economy work about the relationship between a thriving "Household Sector" and fiscal prosperity...

Thanks to Conversation Leader Adam Chefitz from Miami, Florida for sharing this news item about a local contest that reminds us that a thriving "Community Sector" is also critical element of social wealth - and also a key element of economic prosperity.

This Miami contest calling for ideas for making better public spaces "...is based on a growing number of studies that show a close relationship between fiscal prosperity and cities whose residents feel a warm affinity for their hometowns. That’s in part because cities that people are proud to live in also tend to attract and retain the skilled, talented workers who drive economic growth."

Turns out that the key elements in creating better public spaces include keeping things beautiful, walkable, playable, encouraging relationship and connection, and staying human scale... Go figure.  Caring equates to prosperity at every level!

Adam has more than a passing interest in this contest - he's entering it!:  'I'm working with Catalyst Miami to propose a non-profit cafe that serves as a hub for local activists and artists modeled after "busboys and poets" cafe in DC." 

Way to take action Adam!

Sweden's economy through a different lens

Caring Social Programs + Fiscally Conservative Policy + Free Market Economy = Economic Success (?)

So says C. Fred Bergsten, senior fellow and director emeritus at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

This interesting Washington Post opinion piece "The Swedish Model for Economic Recovery" passed along by Kim Otis, Campaign Director, might prove quite useful to those of you who are talking with more conservative folks about evidence of economically successful caring societies.

Essentially, this discussion of Sweden's economic recovery stresses that it is the combination of social welfare programs and fiscally conservative policies that have enabled Sweden's economy to thrive.

It is so nice to hear from a economically grounded source the argument that caring social programs and well-administered free-market economies are not an either/or proposition, but rather can be a both/and proposition - leading to great success and prosperity!

See what you think...

Raising Minimum Wage Helps Women

Thanks to Caring Economy Campaign Director Kim Otis for sending on this great info graphic from the Economic Policy Institute that busts established myths about who works at minimum wage jobs.

Raising the minimum wage is a caring economics policy!  It supports the women who support their families.

See the full news story.

New Documentary Makes Economic Case for Early Care

Many thanks to Conversation Leader Cherri Pruitt for sharing this information about an exciting forthcoming documentary series "The Raising of America."

You'll see that the whole first episode "Are We Crazy About our Kids?" - viewable online - makes the economic case for investments in early childhood education - offering some wonderful fresh examples that you will find really useful as you share the keys to a Caring Economy with others.

http://www.newsreel.org/video/ARE-WE-CRAZY-ABOUT-OUR-KIDS

One specific example from the video:   Quebec's child poverty rates went from the worst to the best in Canada after they introduced universal early care and preschool (from birth to age five) available to all parents at a cost of $7 a day, along with paid parental leave and other family supports....

Doesn't get clearer than that for those seeking evidence of economic return on caring policies, does it?

Thanks Cherri!

Tooting CELP's Horn on the Radio!

Leadership Program Featured on August 28 Cathy Bennett Radio Show!   

Tune into "Caring Economy Leadership Program, Small but Far Reaching" featuring a lively interview with CELP Program Director Sara Saltee and Facilitator and co-developer Dr. Susan Carter - learn about the history of the program, the big ideas we teach, and the exciting results we've achieved!

Cathy was so excited by what she heard in this interview that she has now enrolled in CELP to become a certified conversation leader!  She'll be participating in our October Weekend Intensive.  

Welcome Cathy!   and thank you so much for the opportunity to talk about this work.

- Sara

CPS Seeks Development Assistant

The Center for Partnership Studies (CPS), founded by Dr. Riane Eisler, is seeking a development volunteer to provide fundraising support to the leadership of CPS.

Read the announcement.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a committed individual to join us as our new development volunteer, with the future potential for this to become a contract position.

S/he will have the opportunity to work with closely with leaders in the women’s movement, public policy, philanthropy, human rights and nonviolence, and others in coordination with an outstanding CPS team of volunteers, staff, and consultants.

The location is flexible – Washington, DC or California, Bay Area is ideal but not required.

Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Please send a cover letter and resume to: Kimberly Otis, Director of the Caring Economy Campaign.