Ecosystèmes des communs

Numerous initiatives are supporting the commons in different regions and sectors. The challenge we face is twofold: on the one hand, to make visible the political and societal meaning shared by th...

Numerous initiatives are supporting the commons in different regions and sectors. The challenge we face is twofold: on the one hand, to make visible the political and societal meaning shared by these initiatives, and on the other, to enable them to create synergies to reinforce each other and multiply their act to change. The “Ecosystèmes des Communs” project attempts to respond to this dual challenge by proposing an intervention strategy based on 3 objectives, the result of a process of co construction between the two project partners, Remix and Solidarius: - Explore, share and test a set of methodologies and tools to support and develop ecosystems of the commons (operational). - Integrate the culture of the commons to raise awareness and inspire on its transformative power by developing the ability to use storytelling as a collective practice (strategic). - Enhance the capacity of community initiatives to act on change (for an eco-social transition) through collective action and commons initiatives, strengthening their civic engagement (political).

A 5-day transnational seminar including a session to present the contexts and issues to be observed in the 4 ecosystems; 5 sessions to share and explore the methodologies to be deployed during the job shadowing; an introductory session on storytelling and its different techniques. 4 job shadowing in 4 different cities (Florence, Paris, Naples et Toulouse) and on 4 different topics, enabling participants to observe commoning initiatives while experimenting the methodologies analyzed during the seminar to tackle their challenges, and thereby strengthening their capacity to act for societal change. A cycle of 3 online sessions on storytelling and the various techniques for developing a narrative around commoning initiatives to reinforce their power to act and gain ‘political’ recognition.

The results of the project are characterised by a set of learnings and a set of outputs. In terms of learning, 32 people tested and analysed six methodologies. 61 people discovered four commons ecosystems and the issues they face. 195 people were trained in the practical application of at least one of the six methodologies. 153 people were able to participate in developing strategies to address the issues identified 97 different people, including education leaders, members of partner networks and activists, developed knowledge and skills in using storytelling as a tool for promoting commoning initiatives - Six methodologies were promoted and disseminated, and theoretical input was provided during the seminar and each commons lab. - Several articles were co-written by participants (some of which were published on EPALE). - Two maps representing the challenges of access and occupation of space were produced as counter-mapping in Naples and Toulouse. - Eight stories were produced to highlight the initiatives observed during the four labs and shared during the online storytelling sessions.