REVES, the European Network of Cities and Regions for the Social Economy, Assifero/Dafne – Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe, CEFEC Social Firms Europe and ECFI (European Community Foundation Initiative) are glad to invite you to a series of webinars.

Social economy organisations play a pioneering role in transition processes at local level – and therefore for Europe as a whole. However, their potential and alternative models still lack visibility and recognition in a number of areas, including green transition and circular economy or rural development.

These events will shed a stronger light on existing innovative practices and challenges, explore possibilities for new models of cooperation particularly between the social economy, public authorities and (community) foundations and discuss EU policy perspectives around the Recovery Plan and the new ESIF funding period.

16 April 2021, 9 am – 12.30am, “Participatory co-design of development strategies in rural and peripheral areas. Opportunities and Challenges”

The event will provide an insight in the role of the social economy as a partner for public authorities in the revitalisation of rural areas, newly emerging models of cooperation and innovative practices, but also the obstacles the various players are facing. Session II will focus particularly on initiatives in the cultural and creative sector. Finally, MEP Niklas Nienaβ and Laurent de Mercey, DG Regio, European Commission will join discussions around (upcoming) EU policies and initiatives that might help stimulating participation, creativity and innovation in rural areas.

Registration for the event of 16 April is possible here.

You will find the programme here.

28 April 2021, 2pm-5 pm, “Unlocking the potential of local action for global good. Foundations supporting local social economy for the 2030 agenda”

Save the date! More information to follow shortly.

Closed:

24 March 2021, 2pm-5pm, “Employment and Growth – Green economy for improving employment”:

This seminar will focus on the role of the social economy (with a particular focus on work integration social enterprises) in green transition. Beside a number of testimonies by social economy practitioners from different EU Member States, also Miia Rossi-Gray, DG Employment, European Commission and MEP Dragos Pislaru will join the discussions.

You will find the programme here.