Every month, find on Lyon Demain, the editorial of Bernard Devert. This month of July, it is entitled “Solidarity Economy: Passage towards fraternity…”
Each month, Bernard Devert, founding president of Habitat and Humanism, shares with us his thoughts on the society around us, with its share of hope and worry… His editorial this month of July is entitled, “ Solidarity Economy: Passage towards fraternity…«
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We all live more or less to the rhythm of the school and university calendar, so much so that these “long holidays” seem like the end of a year opening up to a time of change, following the exams and passages that follow.
General meetings, following the presentation of the moral and activity reports, are they not presented as a notebook evaluating the progress and/or, depending on the circumstances, the difficulties of the financial year just ended?
I will remember this year as an entrepreneurial approach that honors the solidarity economy. Its purpose is not to win, but to make win those who are hurt by life, whose feelings reflect a bitter sense of never being able to get out of it.
What is the solidarity economy? It is a brotherhood.
This recognition is too important to be indulged in words, as the issue is precisely to put “out of play” the ideas of possession and power.
Fraternity is a compass to go towards humanized lands, places which give rise to more equality and thereby to a greater freedom.
In this spirit, I am pleased to share with you the alliance that has just been regularized between Sesame Autism and Habitat Humanism Care. These two associations have decided, while respecting their autonomy, to come together to create synergies.
The size of each entity had no impact on the negotiation. The project was existential enough to ask how solidarity economy may prove to be a launching pad for investments to respond to this cry for help: there is therefore no one to hear, no one to understand.
When the disabled person must wait years to find a place offering a secure connection, this absence does not require speeches but the firm will to act in the sense that Bernanos says that Hope is a risk to run.
This alliance does not shine with the brilliance of a power or the trace of a domination, but a search for creative intelligence where the heart has all its place to act better and faster. Here fraternity regulates equality, challenging consciences when some, already confronted with a handicap, find no doors that open. What freedom then…
The economy crossed by fraternity puts money in its place, its full place to be one of the instruments at the service of humanizing causes. The subject is not to get rich, but to enrich Society to favor relationships where side by side prevails over face to face.
That’s what Sesame Autism and Habitat and Humanism have just implemented. Together, we have assessed the relevance of supporting each other while respecting our respective vocations, ensuring that each of the entities is recognized in its respective capacities to be there, better where it is expected to take up fair and necessary challenges.
The alliance is that of three commitments:
– Hold on to the source of our creative values
– Maintain the course at all costs in order to weather the storms at a time when discernment reveals the attenuation of the Welfare State.
– It is imperative to serve the most vulnerable so that they are not forgotten, even more so the victims of these great waves that engulf hope.
There are some generosities that help us become better, this one and those.
Good summer
Also listen: The La France S’engage Foundation supports La Pause Brindille
Bernard Devert
Solidarity Economy: Passage Towards Fraternity
This month, Bernard Devert, founding president of Habitat and Humanism, shares his thoughts on the society around us, a society that harbors both optimism and trepidation. His July editorial, “Solidarity Economy: Passage Towards Fraternity…”, delves into the fundamental pillars of a society that prioritizes shared values and collective well-being.
The concept of solidarity economy is not a mere theoretical exercise but a vibrant philosophy that seeks to build a more equitable and compassionate world. Devert emphasizes that the goal isn’t merely to accrue wealth but to foster a sense of common purpose and mutual support. He beautifully underscores this notion with, “The economy crossed by fraternity puts money in its place, its full place to be one of the instruments at the service of humanizing causes. The subject is not to get rich, but to enrich the Society.”
Drawing upon his decades of experience leading Habitat and Humanism, Devert highlights a real-life example of solidarity economy’s power in action: the alliance between Sesame Autism and Habitat Humanism Care. In a move that transcends the often-rigid boundaries of organizational structures, these two entities have united to create synergies that benefit individuals with autism.
This partnership epitomizes the spirit of solidarity economy. It is not regarding power struggles or competitive advantage, but regarding recognizing the shared value of human dignity and creating meaningful solutions. This collaborative approach goes beyond mere words to deliver tangible results. The alliance ensures that individuals with autism receive the support and resources they need, addressing a critical need that has often been met with bureaucratic delays and inadequate support.
The Essence of Solidarity Economy
Devert articulates the core tenets of solidarity economy: fraternity, equality, and freedom. These elements weave together to create a society that embraces inclusivity and prioritizes the well-being of all members. He reminds us that, "The fraternity regulates equality, challenging consciences when some, already confronted with a handicap, find no doors that open."
Solidarity economy is not a passive concept – it demands active engagement. It challenges us to move beyond a focus on individual gains and instead embrace a collective responsibility to uplift the most vulnerable. “Hope is a risk to run,” Devert asserts, advocating for a more proactive approach to social issues.
Beyond Words: Action and Impact
Devert’s editorial transcends mere philosophical musings; it is a call to action. It emphasizes the need for tangible solutions that create a more equitable society. He calls for a shift in perspective where relationships are built on collaboration and cooperation, rather than competition.
The alliance between Sesame Autism and Habitat Humanism Care serves as a potent reminder that solidarity economy is not an abstract ideal but a practical framework for real-world change. This partnership demonstrates how different organizations can leverage their unique strengths and resources to address societal needs in a more impactful and humane manner.
The Path Forward
The editorial concludes with a call to action:
- Maintain the Course: Devert urges continued commitment to building a more just and equitable society, even in the face of societal challenges and the dwindling of the welfare state.
- Serve the Most Vulnerable: He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind, especially those who are marginalized and who are struggling to access essential services.
- Empower Generosity: Devert reminds us that acts of generosity have the remarkable power to inspire and transform us, both individually and collectively.
The message is clear: the path to a more just and compassionate society demands a collective effort. It requires a commitment to shared values, a willingness to act collaboratively, and a profound sense of responsibility to those who are most vulnerable. By embracing the principles of solidarity economy, we can create a world where fraternity, equality, and freedom are not just lofty ideals but tangible realities.
