SHAPING THE WORLD WE LIVE IN

The current ecological, social and economic crisis requires a bold and strong vision and people who actively participate in developing a sustainable future.

In that sense, the Economy for the Common Good movement understands itself as an initiator and inspirational force for far-reaching change.

 

A CONCRETE, PARTICIPATORY PROCESS STARTING TODAY

The initiative, which is jointly supported by NGOs, politicians, private individuals and companies, began in October 2010. Since then, it has grown unexpectedly fast. More than 1000 companies officially support the initiative and over 300 have created a „Common Good Balance Sheet“. In over 80 local support groups, the Economy for the Common Good (ECG) is becoming an international, grassroots movement.

It is a growing, dynamic movement with global resonance. We see it as an open space, striving for networking and cooperation with other social movements. Everyone is invited to become part of this movement and help create an Economy for the Common Good.

The Economy for the Common Good places human beings and all living entities at the center of economic activity. It translates standards for human relationships as well as constitutional values into an economic context and rewards economic stakeholders for behaving and organizing themselves in a humane, cooperative, ecological and democratic way.

The key instrument for this behavioral guidance is the Common Good Balance Sheet.

Over 1000 companies and organizations already support the Economy for the Common Good. The first businesses which created the balance sheet are referred to as pioneer companies. Presently, organizations voluntarily create a Common Good Balance Sheet.

It is our goal, however, that legislation emerges requiring companies to produce such balance sheets. In the future, companies which do not create one or perform too poorly would not benefit from certain tax advantages and preferential treatment in public procurement.

The Common Good Balance Sheet was created by companies and activists within the movement. Consultants are called in for advice and once a balance sheet has been completed an external audit can be requested. Companies can also join together with other participating organizations to initiate a process of peer evaluation.