On January 18 and 19, 2020, the new Italian national network was founded, bringing together associations, networks and companies from all over the country who identify with Solidarity Economy values and practices.
There are 22 founding members of the new association that on Saturday 18 of January in Rome signed the articles of association of the Italian Network for Solidarity Economy (RIES). The new Network marks a fundamental point of arrival and turning point for the the Italian Solidarity Economy movement, which for about twenty years has operated through an informal network, the RES, and after a long debate has chosen to recognize itself in a single formally constituted entity.
The RIES will thus be the official association of reference and the meeting place of different entities, but moved by common principles and objectives, able both to deal with institutions and public bodies and to relate with civil society, with the aim of promoting and disseminating culture and practices of Solidarity Economy.
The event, saw about forty participants. Saturday afternoon was dedicated to the founding assembly and the composition of the various bodies by elective vote, while the following day the assembly opened the discussion to all the initiatives that are interested in potentially becoming members of the network. The debate was highly participatory and many ideas and expectations emerged, that will form the basis of strategic orientations and work plan of the newborn association in different areas: identity and vision, unitary paths, solidarity development of territories, models of solidarity economy, ethical finance, training, relations with other national and international movements and networks.
The declared final objective is to promote an alternative to the dominant economic and financial system and a response to the situation of growing economic, environmental, social and cultural crisis.
The 22 founding members of the RIES, Italian Network for Solidarity Economy, are: DES MODENA, GASTORINO, CAES, DESR PARCO SUD, ALTRO MODO FLEGREO, ASSOBOTTEGHE, FEDERAZIONE PER L’ECONOMIA DEL BENE COMUNE ITALIA, AERES VENEZIA, FONDAZIONE FINANZA ETICA, RES LOMBARDIA, CO-ENERGIA, GAS NETWORK PATTANTI MARCHE, EQUO GARANTITO, CRESER, MERCATO & CITTADINANZA (network CS Bergamo), BILANCI DI JUSTIZIA 2.0, DES ALTRO TIRRENO, OLTRE MERCATO SALENTO, SOLIDARIUS ITALIA, ASS. DEGROWTH, FAIRWATCH, OLTRECONFIN.
Here are the 9 members of the newly elected RIES Board of Directors: Jason Nardi, Patrizio Monticelli, Domenico Maffeo, Davide Biolghini, Adanella Rossi, Virginia Meo, Diego Moratti, Pietro Negri, Maria Teresa Pecchini.
Photos by Alberta Cardinali and Riccardo Troisi
