Starting Point: Failures of capitalism as a unifying theory of human development, and limits of financial models to be sustainable without other inputs
Organizing Strategy: Build an international network of activists from every sector
Tools: Internet, books, articles, speeches
Outcomes: Moving a sustainability, healthy agenda
Primary Resources: http://www.ecogood.org

1. The Economy for the Common Good is an Idea

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 (ECG) movement understands itself as an initiator and inspirational force for far-reaching change. In a democratic and participatory process, the ECG works towards an economic system which places the Common Good at the center of all economic activity. more »

2. The Economy for the Common Good is a Movement

Thousands of individuals, companies, cities and NGOs across the globe are actively involved in the ECG movement. There are many different areas to get involved such as local chapters, international cooperation, becoming a supporter, joining a working group and sponsoring. more »

Our Ten Guiding Principles

  1. The Economy for the Common Good (ECG) strives towards an ethical market economy designed to increase the quality of life for all and not to increase the wealth of a few.
  2. The ECG helps promote the values of human dignity, human rights and ecological responsibility into day-to-day business practice.
  3. The Common Good Matrix indicates to what extent these values are put into practice in a company. The Matrix is being continually improved upon in an open, democratic process.
  4. The Matrix provides the basis for companies to create a Common Good Balance Sheet. The Common Good Report then describes how a company has implemented these universal values and looks at areas in need of improvement. The report and the balance sheet are externally audited and then published. As a result, a company’s contribution to the Common Good is made available to the public and all stakeholders.
  5. Common Good companies benefit in the marketplace through consumer choice, cooperation partners and common-good-oriented lending institutions.
  6. To offset higher costs resulting from ethical, social and ecological activities, Common Good companies should benefit from advantages in taxation, bank loans and public grants and contracts.
  7. Business profits serve to strengthen and stabilize a company and to ensure the income of owners and employees over the long term. Profits should not, however, serve the interests of external investors. This allows entrepreneurs more flexibility to work for the Common Good and frees them from the pressure of maximizing the return on investment.
  8. Another result is that companies are no longer forced to expand and grow. This opens up a myriad of new opportunities to design business to improve the quality of life and help safeguard the natural world. Mutual appreciation, fairness, creativity and cooperation can better thrive in such a working environment.
  9. Reducing income inequality is mandatory in order to assure everyone equal economic and political opportunities.
  10. The Economy for the Common Good movement invites you to take part in recreating an economy based on these values. All our ideas about creating an ethical and sustainable economic order are developed in an open, democratic process, will be voted upon by the people and will be enshrined in our constitutions.
8762 Supporters
1939 Businesses
6496 Individuals
254 Associations
8 Municipalities
65 Politicians

THE MOVEMENT

Since it’s inception in October of 2010 the Economy for the Common Good has been growing extremely fast. Thousands of individuals and hundreds of companies across Europe are involved.

Local Support Groups

Local support groups, networks and entrepreneurial support groups of the Economy for the Common Good have emerged and continue to emerge all over the globe. You can find a guideline for support groups in the download area. If you are interested in starting a support group, please write to: energiefeld[at]gemeinwohl-oekonomie.org

Stakeholder’s Network

Consultants, auditors, public speakers, editors and public figures have joined in an international network of individuals and companies to do the hands-on work involved in the movement.

Companies and Organizations

Over 300 companies and organizations completed the Common Good Balance Sheet in 2011. Over 900 companies have endorsed the initiative.

Communities and Regions

A city can become an official Common Good municipality once the city council votes to endorse the entire process and support certain activities. Later cities can join together to form a Common Good region.

Association

In order to coordinate the various activities within the movement the non-profit organization “Association for the Advancement of the Economy for the Common Good” (German: “Verein zur Förderung der Gemeinwohl-Ökonomie”) was founded in July, 2011.