What is a Solidarity Economy? [The Kola Nut Timebank Story]

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What if there was a way to trade time and share skills with your neighbors in a way that met a range of needs without involving cash?

In this episode, we have an in-depth conversation with Mike Strode, the Founding Coordinator behind an innovative solution that offers just that: The Kola Nut Collaborative. 

This Chicago-based initiative, operating since 2017, stands as a beacon of the solidarity economy, promoting timebanking as a means of social and economic transformation. Timebanking, distinct from traditional bartering, targets relationship-building over wealth accumulation, providing an alternative to profit-driven capitalist systems. Part of a growing new economy coalition, The Kola Nut Collaborative forges reciprocal networks of support and encourages a sharing economy.

In a timebank, time is treated as a currency, fostering fairness and enhancing community cooperation. Timebanking reshapes the conventional economic narrative and exposes participants to new economic thinking.

This enlightening conversation reminds us that there are multiple, co-existing economies within our society which transcend the confines of capitalism.

Tune in for more on timebanking, and how it just might work in your community. 

 “The notion of the lone entrepreneur funneling out on the boat is impossible. We get together by community. So starting a time bank involves you actually being in community.” - Mike Strode

“Solidarity economy is a post-capitalist framework. Ultimately we are still in capitalism . . . so until we rest ourselves from capitalism, we will continue to be very far from the solidarity economy.” - Mike Strode

Guest:  Mike Strode, Founding Coordinator, Kola Nut Collaborative Timebank

Full Episode Notes are located HERE.  They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.

Music In the Middle:  “Fill My Cup” by POSY (pronounced Pose -ee) and Markell Holmes courtesy of Bastard Jazz Records.

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