Active Citizenship for a Sustainable Economy Active

ACTIVEACTIVE CITIZENSHIPCITIZENSHIP FORFOR AA SUSTAINABLESUSTAINABLE ECONOMYECONOMY

Abstracts from the Fourth International Exchange Organized by the Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation and Kettering Foundation Havana, Cuba February 2-3, 2016

ACTIVEACTIVE CITIZENSHIPCITIZENSHIP FORFOR AA SUSTAINABLESUSTAINABLE ECONOMYECONOMY

Abstracts from the Fourth International Exchange Organized by the Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation and Kettering Foundation

Havana, Cuba February 2-3, 2016 Editors: Ileana Marin and Esther Velis Consulting Editor: Ramón Daubón Copy Editors: Joey Easton and Carlos Landaburu Translator: Ramón Daubón Design and Production: Long’s Graphic Design, Inc.

The interpretations and conclusions contained in this publication, unless expressly stated to the contrary, represent the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the Kettering Foundation, its directors, or officers, or of the Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation, its directors, or officers. www.kettering.org www.fanj.org

Introduction 1 Ileana Marin and Esther Velis

WHAT IS ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP? 5 Cayucas SOS: Active Citizenship for a Sustainable Economy 6 Liliana Núñez and Roberto Sánchez Cuba: Spaces for Citizenship in the Political Context of the Transition 9 Rafael Hernández Means and Obstacles for Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean 12 Aurelio Alonso The Role of the Corporate Citizen in a Newly Industrialized Cuba 15 Julia Sagebien

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP 19 IN GROWING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY? Economic Citizenship: Citizens in Economic Change 20 Randall Nielsen and Ramón Daubón Cities in Transition: Programmatic Bases and Practical Experiences of the 23 Break-the-Circle Transition Institute in Spain Emilio Santiago North American Association for Environmental Education: An Overview 27 Judy Braus

WHAT ARE THE CENTRAL CONFLICTS THAT NEED TO BE WORKED THROUGH 31 IN ORDER TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY (FROM AN ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND POLITICAL POINT OF VIEW)? Active Citizenship for a Sustainable Economy 32 John Dedrick An Overview of Cuba’s Economic Trajectory 36 Ricardo Torres Coaching as an Effective Tool for Community Work 39 Marilyn Fernández Female Employment in the New Cuban Economic Model: Unresolved Issues 42 Marta Núñez

HOW CAN INSTITUTIONS AND CITIZENS PRODUCTIVELY WORK TOGETHER 45 TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CREATION OF A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY? Developing Economic Citizenship in West Virginia 46 Betty Knighton Opening a Path: Active Citizen Participation for Environmental Rehabilitation 50 Ana Margarita de la Torre and Mirlena Rojas

Closing Remarks: The Value of an Active Citizenry 53 David Mathews Z Introduction Ileana Marin, Kettering Foundation, and Esther Velis, Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation

The Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation exchanges with groups in the United States (FANJ) and the Kettering Foundation (KF) are and in other countries around the world, engaged in ongoing exchanges to understand including Russia and China. how active citizenship can be strengthened For KF, there is particular interest in and nurtured to better people’s lives through- learning how NGOs that work with citizens out the Western Hemisphere. This exchange in communities are able to align their work began more than a decade ago and, to date, with that of an active citizenry—especially in has included four conferences: two held in addressing the kinds of complex, pernicious Cartagena, Colombia, in 2008 and 2009, and problems that require an array of community two held in Havana, Cuba, in 2014 and 2016. actors if any progress is to be made in address- This current publication brings together ing them. There are rich opportunities for abstracts of the presentations made by partici- learning from the work of FANJ and other pants in the 2016 conference, which was titled organizations it works with in encouraging Active Citizenship for a Sustainable Economy. active citizenship to address domestic issues The approach that KF has taken in the in Cuba, particularly at the local level of exchanges with FANJ is consistent with its neighborhoods, villages, towns, and regions. longstanding practice of developing learning We also think that what KF has learned about exchanges with foundations and other non- communities engaging effectively to address governmental organizations (NGOs) in other complex problems may prove useful to FANJ countries that work directly with communities. and Cuban NGOs as they attempt to engage The relationships develop over extended with local communities. periods of time—as the case with FANJ illus- One area of collaboration has included trates—and they are grounded in a shared an exploration of the role of communities in commitment to experimentation, learning, and addressing environmental protection, conser- sharing what the different participants are vation, and sustainability, particularly in light learning from engaging with citizens in com- of pressures for economic growth. Both foun- munities in their own context. Periodically, the dations want to understand how communities participants meet face-to-face to discuss the wrestle with these tensions. In this respect, KF problems they are addressing, why they are has extensive experience collaborating with addressing them, what they are doing about NGOs in the United States and in other them, and what they are learning from the work. countries that are engaging citizens in address- This approach has been pursued by KF in ing similar environmental challenges. Work

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 1 Introduction

in this area includes the development of is- further on this theme in the regional sue guides to encourage deliberation about context in his article, “Means and the trade-offs inherent in any decision. The Obstacles for Democracy in Latin deliberative issue guides that have been de- America and the Caribbean”; while veloped include The Environment at Risk Julia Sagebien, associate professor at (1989), Energy Options (1991), The Energy the School of Business Administration Problem (2006), Sustaining Ourselves (2012), at the Canadian Dalhousie University, America’s Energy Future: How Can We Take writes about the role of what she refers Charge? (2015), and, in collaboration with to as the corporate citizen in a newly the North American Association for Envi- industrialized Cuba. ronmental Education, Climate Choices: How • Randall Nielsen, KF program officer, Should We Meet the Challenges of a Warming and Ramón Daubón, independent Planet? (2016). consultant, discuss economic citizen- In its capacity as a Cuban foundation ship and the role of citizens in economic that does research on the protection of the change. Emilio Santiago, an expert in environment and its relationship to culture the politics of ecology and economy in and society, FANJ invited KF to Havana for Spain, writes about the “Movement for an exchange with practitioners and academ- Cities in Transition,” which was created ics representing eight Cuban organizations, by civil society and citizen organiza- two US organizations, and three organizations in his country to address today’s tions from Canada, Panama, and Spain. socio-ecological crisis. Judy Braus, The participants in the 2016 Havana ex- president of the US-based North change were invited to talk about their efforts American Association for Environmen- to encourage active citizenship for a sustain- tal Education, offers an overview of able economy in their particular contexts: how her organization uses education • Liliana Núñez, FANJ president, and to encourage a heightened level of Roberto Sánchez, director of the FANJ awareness about our environment. nature and community program, • The central conflicts that need to be speak to the role of active citizenship worked through in order to have a in developing a sustainable economy sustainable economy (from an envi- in their piece, “Cayucas SOS: Active ronmental, social, economic, and Citizenship for a Sustainable Econ- political point of view) are addressed omy.” So does Rafael Hernández, in the piece by John Dedrick, KF vice- director of Temas magazine, in his president and program director, and article, “Cuba: Spaces for Citizenship in the overview of Cuba’s economic in the Political Context of the Transi- trajectory by Ricardo Torres, professor tion.” Aurelio Alonso, deputy director with the Center for Studies of Cuban of Casa de las Américas, elaborates Economy CEEC. Marilyn Fernandez,

2 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY Introduction

program officer with the United similar challenges in the United States and Nations’ Habitat program in Cuba, Cuba, we decided to delve more deeply into makes the case for coaching as an the question of how communities become effective tool for community work, resilient. Representatives from Havana, while Marta Núñez, a sociologist and Cojimar, and Guanabo (Cuba), and from professor at the University of Havana, Mobile and Baldwin counties in Alabama focuses on one of the “unresolved (United States) have been exploring this issues,” as she calls female employ- question. Their work will form the core of ment in the new Cuban economic our January 2018 exchange, which will also model. be held in Havana. • Some of the ways in which institutions We would like to close by expressing our and citizens productively work together deep gratitude to each of the authors, transla- to contribute to the creation of a sus- tors, editors, and layout and design specialists, tainable economy are described in the and especially to our longtime dear colleague, pieces by Betty Knighton, director of Ramón Daubón, without whom this publica- the US-based West Virginia Center for tion would never have been possible in this Civic Life, Ana Margarita de la Torre, format. It has been a privilege to collaborate vice-president of the Center Felix with each and all of you! Varela in Cuba, and Mirlena Rojas, a specialist with the same center. Ileana Marin is a program officer at the Kettering • The last piece in this collection is based Foundation, U.S.A. She can be reached at upon the closing remarks delivered by [email protected]. David Mathews, KF president, on the Esther Velis is the director of international affairs at value and role of an active citizenry in Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation, Cuba. She can be reached at [email protected]. reinforcing the work of institutions. The Havana conference opened up opportunities to continue developing relationships between KF, FANJ, and a number of other Cuban organizations that FANJ works with in exploring the role of NGOs in engaging with people in communities facing challenging problems. This event also opened up opportunities to further explore the work of active citizens in communities that are facing severe environmental disasters and the effects of climate change. Building on previous collaborative work with Gulf Coast communities facing

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 3 Z WHAT IS ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP?

Cayucas SOS: Active Citizenship for a Sustainable Economy

Cuba: Spaces for Citizenship in the Political Context of the Transition

Means and Obstacles for Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Role of the Corporate Citizen in a Newly Industrialized Cuba Cayucas SOS: Active Citizenship for a Sustainable Economy Liliana Núñez and Roberto Sánchez, Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation

As part of its promotion of environmental communication between affected communi- dialogues, the Antonio Núñez Jimenez Foun- ties and local and national authorities. dation (FANJ) created its SOS Ecological Alerts program, which The general methodology involves: has become one of The Cayucas SOS in • Selection and definition of the issue as its most systematic it relates to specific conflict, territory, the Toa River basin and effective lines etc.; of work, coordi- offers a case study • Convening of staff resources; of FANJ’s work in nating diverse interests for the • Consultation and deliberation at promoting dialogue conservation of technical and policy levels; toward economic, ecosystems, • Recommendations for short and social, and management of medium-term policy; and sheltered environ- environmental • Production of documents and executive ments, and the reports. sustainability that protection of spe- involves communica- cies, all consonant FANJ antecedents in the River Toa com- tion between with development. munity go back to a first expedition in 1945, affected communities During the past systematic studies and expeditions in 1995 20-plus years, and 1996, and a broad Toa River SOS alert and local and national FANJ has issued issued in 1997. A subsequent Rainforest SOS authorities. more than 30 such led to expeditions in 2003, a Toa River SOS alerts. The SOS alert +10 in 2007, expeditions to the river in challenge is to 2014 and 2015, and the present Cayucas SOS generate proposals issued in October 2015. for sustainable Cayucas are traditional river boats of the economic activi- Toa basin made with wooden planks, designed ties that promote community stability and with high sides, and structurally reinforced to quality of life while protecting the natural navigate river rapids aided by poles and oars. surroundings. Traditionally, the transport system of cayucas The Cayucas SOS in the Toa River basin connected all the social sectors of the basin: offers a case study of FANJ’s work in promot- economic, cultural, educational, and health. ing dialogue toward economic, social, and Nonetheless, the FANJ expeditions and com- environmental sustainability that involves munity exchanges in 2014 and 2015 confirmed

6 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY WHAT IS ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP?

that, while in 1995 there had been 15 cayucas tions for merchandise transport, particularly in operation, by 2014 there was only one— agricultural, in terms of volume, quality, and La Viajera—left. ease of travel. Their use energizes economic, Discussions further documented the area’s social, and cultural life. The disappearance of high outmigration, depressed economic activity the cayucas was not due to a conscious deci- and loss of traditions, problems with transport sion. They inadvertedly fell within a national of freight and passengers, and local desire to process to regulate small vesssels—one with resurrect the cayucas but lack of clarity about little awareness of mountain life. Boatmen how to proceed. There has been a prohibition in this remote on building new vessels since the 1990s, and area found it there is a general disconnect between remote hard to fathom A consensus was actors who make decisions and local stake- bureaucratic reached that holders who live with them. procedures. cayucas are vital The multiplicity of actors identified -in A Cayucas for the economic cluded local communities, boat operators, SOS roundtable sustainability of the ports and border authorities, the Ministries of was proposed the Interior and Transportation that deal with for Baracoa area. They generate maritime investments, security, and river for October income, carry transit, the Forest Service, the Comission for 2015, with a on tradition, the National Heritage, municipal governments commitment to and represent a and cultural authorities, national parks, and authorize the the Communist Party. construction of tourism asset. They In February 2015, a preliminary roundta- at least 7 new encourage rootedness ble at FANJ selected a coordinating committee cayucas and and stability in for a possible Cayucas SOS. The dialogues convene the communities. were, at first, confrontational, but later evolved institutions and into productive discussions where options local actors to were considered that would guide policy evaluate the reg- thinking about local realities, responsibilities, ularization of the and regulatory implications. cayucas system, A consensus was reached that cayucas are including the vital for the economic sustainability of the clarity of the regulatory process. Travel area. They generate income, carry on tradition, difficulties precluded the visit, but the long and represent a tourism asset. They encourage time delay allowed representatives of two rootedness and stability in communities. They ministries, Transportation and Interior, to preclude the illegal and unsafe use of bamboo meet at length with FANJ to understand their for rafts, the clearing for which is ecologically need to reconcile their respective regulations. damaging to the river. They improve condi- TheCayucas SOS roundtable was held at FANJ

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 7 WHAT IS ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP?

by telephone from Havana, with boatmen and area are too short for cayucas.” The arguments forest rangers in Baracoa, near the river. The posed after the dialogue reflected a higher proposals were approved. The challenge for level of understanding: “cayucas contribute to 2016 was to promote the clarity of steps to local development, recover cultural traditions, follow, including implementation of the and improve the quality of life”; “the issue can accords, and to brief additional entities like and must be resolved soon”; “authorization the National Forest Service on the importance procedures can be simplified”; “these people of the process. need support”; “children and seniors must be The end result was a heightened level of given priority in the context of priorities.” understanding of the issue by all involved and of the need to generate solutions consonant Liliana Núñez is the president of the Antonio Núñez with more complex national-level directives. Jiménez Foundation, Cuba. She can be reached at Previously, the dialogue arguments had been [email protected]. made out of ignorance: “not all locals can own a cayuca”; “boatbuilding in the country Roberto Sánchez is director of the nature and commu- is restricted”; “vessels must comply with nity program at Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation. international standards”; or “distances in the He can be reached at [email protected].

PROPOSED RANGE OF THE TOA CAYUCAS

8 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY Cuba: Spaces for Citizenship in the Political Context of the Transition Rafael Hernández, TEMAS Magazine

The presentation discussed salient issues of The Concept of Citizen in the Guide- the concept of citizenship as presented in draft lines for the VI Congress guidelines and later modified in the VI Party TheGuidelines , the basic document for Congress in April 2011 and in the National consideration by the Congress, had been Conference of 2012, and anticipated Cuban legitimized by a broad base of citizens through policies after December 2015 in view of the ample popular participation and was drafted demographic transitions and normalization from the proposals presented there. Noted of US relations, which increased interest in by item: the transition. 57...higher taxes shall be set for higher Resolved in the VI Party Congress incomes to mitigate inequality;

• Improvement of the standard of living 140 ...key achievements of the revolu- of the population complemented with tion shall be preserved, such as access the necessary formation of ethical and to medical attention, education, culture, political values of our citizens. sports, recreation, public tranquility (added by the Congress) and social • Economic policy embraces the concept protection through social assistance; that socialism means equality of rights and opportunities for all citizens but 143 ...will continue improving education, not equalitarianism, although no one health, culture and sports, which will in Cuba’s socialist society shall remain require reducing some social expendi- unprotected; that work is a right and a tures as well as generating new sources duty, a source of personal growth for of income and assessing activities that each citizen, and should be remunerated may be transferred from the public according to its quality and quantity. budget to private enterprise; 161 ...reiterated public support for all manifestations in physical culture and sport as a means for quality of life and the integral formation of citizens; 174 ...committed the Congress to the orderly and gradual elimination of the citizen ration book as a form of egalitarian distribution at subsidized prices.

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 9 WHAT IS ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP?

In the subsequent Party conference on Citizen Issues Regarding the USA Critical Thinking in the Public Sphere The report addresses the challenges to (Objetivos de trabajo del PCC aprobados por Cuba’s political and civic culture by the nor- la Primera Conferencia Nacional, La Habana, malization of relations with the United States, 29 de enero, 2012), it was mandated by how said normalization interacts with Cuba’s Objective: transition issues, and how it impacts on its 67 ...to tackle excess formalism, lack of citizen exercise. creativity, and obsolete criteria in the work The citizen reaction to seeing the US flag of social communication and propaganda, in Cuba was a clear “WELCOME BACK!” with particular attention to diversity of Beside fears of an “American tsunami,” the audiences; opening brought near-normal migratory relations, a newly circular migratory pattern 69 ...directed the Party to convey via with eased restrictions from either side, an audiovisual means, print, and digital increased influx of undocumented migrants press all of Cuba’s diversity of economic, through third countries, and an increased labor, and social situations, as well as of tendency for dual citizenship. From the US race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, side, the new relations brought about a change and regional origin; in the image of Cuba from dictatorship to 70 ...to compel mass media to inform in governance, from gulag to favored tourist an opportune, objective, systematic, and destination, and having People to People pro- transparent fashion the policies of the grams replaced Track II as preferred contact. Party and their evolution, the problems, The impact was substantial in terms of infor- difficulties, insufficiencies, and adversi- mation, communication, and technology (ICT): after an official conference in February ties that it must face, and suppress 2015, Cuba was opened to the Internet, information lacunae and secretism, being sidewalk Wi-Fi became ubiquitous, and open mindful of the needs and interests of the communications with US relatives became population; common. In all, it brought greater attention 71 ...demanded that mass media rely on on dialogues between Cubans, inside scientific criteria and studies, become and out. an effective platform for the expression There were underlying negative challenges, of culture and debate, and offer a path inherited from the Cold War. Normalization for knowledge, analysis, and the exercise drew attention to Cuba’s siege mentality; to a of opinion. The press and information US policy of regime change that encourages sources shall assume the responsibility Cuban pushback; to reactions to ideologized to develop a journalism that is news- concepts like human rights, civil society, worthy, objective, and investigative. democracy, pluralism, transition, and loyal opposition; and to suspicions about the intent

10 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY WHAT IS ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP?

of US civil institutions like foundations, aca- tem to take advantage of normalization and demic, cultural, or religious programs. its multiple actors, cultivate new interlocutors Other issues made more visible by the in the United States and third countries, pro- transition process included: mote initiatives from the Cuban side instead of from the other, and transit from a defensive • In governance, renewed resilience mentality to a strategic and creative one. of centralized decision making, of an overly bureaucratized institutional sys- By 2018, we anticipate a new administra- tem, and of administrative corruption; tion in the United States, the VII Party Con- an earlier-than-expected generational gress, the end of Raul Castro’s mandate, new transition in political leadership; more legislation by the National Assembly for heterogeneous and contradictory re-structuring municipalities and promoting opinions in official circles; and an decentralization, and a new electoral law. insufficient weight of the law as instru- Governance tasks include: ment of change and civic power. • improving the People’s Power Assem- • In civic life, changes in civic and ideo- bly’s decision making and legislative logical values; insufficient autonomy to roles; civil society actors; decreased citizen • creating a new public media system; participation in institutions and orga- • continuing the ongoing demographic nizations; intergenerational differences transition in leadership; in public representation and participa- • tion; gender differences in decision extending the co-op model to non- making; racial prejudice and disadvan- agricultural sectors; tage; insufficient access to information • expanding the non-state sector with and ICT; and limited extension and small and medium businesses; practice of free expression. • passing pending legislation on the • In the economy, evidence of greater Family Code and on the Law of Asso- inequality and poverty; fragility of the ciations; and basic family income and consumer • proposing a constitutional reform to basket; increased out-migration; col- limit the number of terms for elected lateral impact of massive tourism and or appointed officials in top state and transformation of economic cultural party positions. patterns of mercantilism and of ideal- ized visions of the capitalist lifestyle. Rafael Hernández is the director of the Cuban Challenges to the Transition: TEMAS magazine. He can be reached at Interacting with Normalization [email protected]. New policies designed from the grassroots and national levels allow Cuba’s political sys-

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 11 Means and Obstacles for Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean Aurelio Alonso, Casa de las Américas

This presentation refers to two previous power centers. Events in Argentina, Venezuela, presentations on the same topic in Cartagena, Brazil, Bolivia, and Ecuador suggested that the and discusses how more recent developments common good was being redefined as effective in Cuba and in its Latin American context sovereignty and a permanent realignment of may have made old concepts obsolete or center-periphery relations. With degrees of introduced new radicalization attuned to conditions in each ones. In Cuba’s country, these changes, though unanticipated, From 2000 onward, sui generis reality, were nonetheless tangible. it had seemed the turn in US This organized resistance to the system possible to achieve policy since 2014 of control imposed by the United States in through electoral (normalizing dip- its geographic neighborhood was met with a lomatic relations new disruptive strategy aimed especially at means a network and easing the Venezuela and Brazil. Venezuela, beyond of progressive economic embar- improving its living standards in collabora- governments capable go) should not be tion with Cuba, had become a key supporter of challenging the observed in isola- for changes in the region toward an integration tion or in relation project free from asymmetrical power centers. traditional dependence only to the United In Brazil, the largest country and greatest on the economic, States, but also economic force in the region, the Workers political, social, within the context Party came to power without the radicalism ideological, and of the unresolved of Venezuela, but with reforms promising an economic crisis attractive alternative for a sustainable regional cultural norms of the that began in autonomy. Moreover, Brazil came to represent world’s power centers. 2008 and was the region’s interests in the world’s middle- felt strongly tier alliance of powers (BRICS). throughout Latin But while Venezuela and Brazil are America. central to the US strategy to recover its tradi- There, from tional ascendancy over Latin America, one 2000 onward, it must also look at its approach toward Cuba. had seemed possible to achieve through Notably, the changes occurring elsewhere in electoral means a network of progressive gov- the region, including the most profound, arose ernments capable of challenging the traditional in market economies even in those designated dependence on the economic, political, social, socialist. But inherent weaknesses in these ideological, and cultural norms of the world’s new alternatives, or in their mechanisms for

12 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY WHAT IS ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP?

implementation, kept them from garnering the Cuban task is to decentralize, incentivize the needed electoral support, which then production, and stimulate output through became their challenge. more participatory structures and more diverse The Cuban case is different. Its revolution- forms of property in which private enterprise ary structure came to power through arms, assumes a greater contributive role in the and through arms it confirmed its legitimacy. functioning of the system, all without losing It distributed land to producers, universalized state control but also without hampering the literacy, reformed employment and housing, entrepreneur with the bureaucrat. instituted universal education and health, And whereas other societies struggle to prohibited discrimination, and expropriated consolidate social gains within their public enterprise, creating a state economy. It involved institutions, Cuba, committed to its socialist turmoil from the beginning; where it worked nature, leaves no room for deviations and can well and where it didn’t, how it could have been address other tasks, one being the economic done better, and how it might have worked efficiency of its socialist project. Another is without the US embargo, are matters for improving its deliberative processes, recog- other discussions. What is significant is that, nizing its diversity, and enhancing its citizen since 1959, Cuba showed a capacity for resis- participation. For while there can be no true tance and a possibility for effective sovereignty democracy without socialism, the latter often that could be exemplary for the region. The has difficulties in fostering a democratic cul- material limitations suffered by Cubans in ture and institutionality. those years did not preclude a pattern of social Thus, these two routes, the Cuban and justice and protection of the helpless, funda- the new Latin American ones, vary in appear- mental bases for any sustained action to ance and points of departure, but both aim at mitigate poverty and inequality. It also did a social and democratic complementarity not inhibit a culture of solidarity, elevated within their synergies. In today’s Latin to a central principle of the Cuban socialist America, an effective strategy requires iden- project and documented at the UN General tifying and addressing specific points of both Assembly in recognition of the legitimacy of coincidence and difference. Latin oligarchies Cuban socialism. The solidarity ethics devel- and other centers of opposition to progressive oped by Cuba have become a main point of governments will get their support from the Cuban agenda and a referent with pro- allied multinational interests, largely in the gressive proposals in other countries. United States, with Europe to a lesser degree. The coincidence of the Cuban experience Contrary to Africa and the Middle East, on with other platforms for change in the hemi- this side of the Atlantic one needs not involve sphere must be highlighted, even if their routes NATO partners, as it would defy the principal were not identical. While the other economies tenet of American geopolitics, the Monroe of the continent must deal with the weight of Doctrine. The US strategy appears to be to use oligarchies to empower the social interest, the neoliberal governments to counterbalance

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 13 WHAT IS ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP?

those with sovereign projects by relying on ative to locally manage each country’s juncture misinformation and cultural deformation to minimize social damage. about the latter’s reality. In 2010, then arch- Yet the visible reversal does not justify bishop Bergoglio of Buenos Aires—now accepting that the socializing effort is Pope Francis—denounced this affront to exhausted. Neo-liberal formulas must reject Latin America as a communication problem genuine citizen participation because they nurtured by three actions: “disinformation, offer no alternative to address unemploy- defamation, and ment, helplessness, inequality, poverty, hun- calumny, [with] ger, and environmental degradation. In the This self-referred, disinformation long run, their effort of restoration will end [being] the most autochthonous in a blind alley. History works against them. dangerous.” Such democracy can thus In David Mathews’ observations on citizen is the case of the participation, the importance of naming a neither be imported manipulation of civic problem in relation to things that people nor exported. the discontented hold valuable will encourage them to engage by propaganda to subvert electoral with it in creating new realities, things that results, as has only the civic action of the people can create. occurred in pres- This self-referred, autochthonous democracy idential elections can thus neither be imported nor exported. in Argentina and legislative ones in Venezuela. Given the decline in possibilities to develop Aurelio Alonso is deputy director of the Casa de and sustain social programs amidst global las Américas in Cuba. He can be reached at backsliding and economic crises, it is imper- [email protected].

14 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY The Role of the Corporate Citizen in a Newly Industrialized Cuba Julia Sagebien, Dalhousie University

The presentation addresses “the central But CSR and CC are opposed by the polit- conflicts that need be worked through for a ical right because “the business of business is sustainable economy from an environmental, business”: its social responsibility is to behave social, economic, and political point of view.” ethically and pay its taxes, and its social con- It adds that while corporations are among the tribution is the creation of jobs for its workers most powerful value-creating mechanisms and wealth for its owners. Meanwhile, available, globalization has extended corporate CSR and CC are rights but has not produced a countervailing opposed by the corporate responsibility. This raises further political left While corporations questions of what kind of value is created, for because they are among the whom, and at whose expense. The application do not alter the most powerful value- of market precepts understood as neoliberalism capitalist rent creating mechanisms and the concentration of new wealth generated dynamic and by corporate efficiency has weakened states’ its unequal con- available, globalization capacity to address those questions. In response, centration of has extended corporate social responsibility (CSR) and cor- economic power. corporate rights but porate citizenship (CC) concepts address such Yet both capital- has not produced “governance gaps.” For, while corporations are ists and socialists juridical persons, they are not fully citizens with are exploring a countervailing full rights and responsibilities. Nevertheless, CC, following a corporate they can become corporate citizens. reasoning akin responsibility. It is proposed that CSR and CC may be to the prisoner’s seen as the application of the 18th century dilemma. social contract theory to corporate behavior. In capitalist sys- In Hobbes’ theory, a person’s moral and tems, for-profit political obligations rest upon a contract or corporations agreement made with other persons to rule must be compelled to issue explicit social the society in which they live. Collaborative and environmental objectives because they governance (Simon Zadek) is its modern are legally bound to shareholder primacy, equivalent, whereby multiple stakeholders, whereby shareholder interests are assigned including government and private institu- first priority before all other stakeholders. To tions, NGOs, and individual citizens come deal with any absence thereof, the state can use together to evolve, implement, and oversee its powers of regulation and remedial action, rules, proposing ongoing solutions to social exposing corporate risk. But regulation in a challenges as they emerge. globalized economy is not a predictable

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 15 WHAT IS ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP?

enough normative or enforcement mechanism. handed way to bring back the old Track II Therefore, corporateself-regulation via CSR bugaboo. Yet it is important to discuss the role and CC arises to internalize the risk external- of corporate citizens in Cuba, mainly because ities. CSR has thus spread to developing they are there, and because the sector is countries, closing this governance gap. Mean- presently the main source of hard currency, while, in socialist systems, all enterprises technology transfer, managerial know-how, serve the interest and professional employment. of society as Corporate citizenship can also help Cuba To invite foreign defined, mediated, in its transition to a COP 21 low-carbon in- capitalist corporations and guided by dustrial ecosystem by taking advantage of the to involve themselves the state. Since Momento Coyuntural’s 10 Key Factors: state corporations directly in local • Cuba’s highly qualified stock of have implicit professionals; development or in societal objectives health and education within the aegis • Special period limitations have rendered is seen as inviting of the egalitarian much of the old infrastructure obsolete; the fox to manage objectives of the • It also created an “Accidental (and system, expres- Proactive) Eden”; the chickens. sions of multisec- • Need to update the Cuban economy gave tor social and expanded space for local enterprise; environmental • objectives are “17 December” opening with the implied, vis-à-vis United States can be the beginning of the socialist the end of the embargo; tutelage. • “17 D-Plus” is seen as the lifting of the In Cuba, a history of centralized economic international “bell jar” isolating Cuba; planning created sectoral silos with little moti- • The desired “Big Bang”: possible vation to forge cross-linkages. In addition, CSR membership in international financial and CC are seen as threatening to the monop- institutions; oly of the state and instill fears of protagonismo • US Immigration Reform: acceleration by the private sector. To invite foreign capitalist of the brain drain and loss of the corporations to involve themselves directly in escape valve; local development or in health and education • is seen as inviting the fox to manage the Threatened end of Venezuelan cheap chickens, the return of pre-revolutionary rural oil supplies; bateyes, or, ultimately, as the path to create • COP 21: This time, governments, new local bourgeoisies beholden to foreign institutions, businesses, and investors actors. At worst, it can be seen as an under- are ready.

16 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY WHAT IS ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP?

The evident strategy is to “Follow the science-based research and develop- Money.” From official sources, developed ment (R&D), and low-carbon produc- countries have already pledged US$10.1 billion tion and distribution modes, all led for the initial resource mobilization of the through a state-crafted industrial Green Climate Fund. The World Bank Group policy, targeted attraction of foreign has pledged US$16 billion per year in public domestic investment, and assisted by financing and possibly an additional US$13 improved universal benefits. billion per year beginning in 2020. The Inter- But A and B are not mutually exclusive, American Development Bank pledged an especially given Cuba’s development needs and increase from 14 percent per year to 25-30 circumstances. This may have been envisioned percent per year of its budget by 2020. The before, but now the leapfrog is possible as European Investment Bank has pledged there is a match between Cuba’s national US$20 billion per year globally for five years. development priorities and assets, post-17D From private sources, the Gates Foundation opportunities, Venezuelan oil insecurity, and has offered to create a Billion-Dollar Fund for global resources committed to innovation in Clean Energy. Warren Buffett’s grandson seeks de-carbonization strategies in developed and his own investment route based on “Social developing countries. Change.” Goldman Sachs, Citi, JPMorgan, and Option B can allow for jump-starting the institutional investment industry are mov- Cuba’s new infrastructure and industrial struc- ing increasing volumes in the capital market as ture to leapfrog into a 21st century low-carbon it matures and sheds risk. Finally, hundreds of world. It provides a desired future vision for leading corporations are involved in some as- an emerging economic model of a sustainable pect of de-carbonization (leaner supply chains, and prosperous socialism. It suggests ways to production technologies, carbon pricing, etc.). get there and who can help. And it can return Resources are there. Cuba to the world stage as a leader in scientific This presents a dual choice strategy for and technological innovation and equitable Cuba’s re-industrialization: development. What is required is leadership A. 19th century industrialization mode of by the Cuban state, adoption by state enter- heavy industry, low-wage manufactur- prises, trusted interlocutors, access to IFIs ing, and tourism service jobs, with high and development banks, R&D centers and carbon energy sources palliated through universities, a vibrant nonprofit sector, and social and environmental regulation and selected international investors and business provision of universal benefits; and partners. B. 21st century industrial economy that makes use of the global response to Julia Sagebien is an associate professor at the School of climate change and that leapfrogs Business Administration at the Dalhousie University, into highly paid knowledge workers, Canada. She can be reached at [email protected].

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 17 Z WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP IN GROWING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

Economic Citizenship: Citizens in Economic Change

Cities in Transition: Programmatic Bases and Practical Experiences of the Break-the-Circle Transition Institute in Spain

North American Association for Environmental Education: An Overview Economic Citizenship: Citizens in Economic Change Randall Nielsen and Ramón Daubón, Kettering Foundation

The presentation rests on the premise that they wish to structure the civic ecology, (b) citizenship cannot exist outside of community, the norms under which such choices are made as it can only be manifested by the interactions and which, themselves, evolve over time and among citizens. By community, we mean a through practice, and (c) how to interact contextual environment—an ecology—in which within a given structure on specific issues interactions among people occur continuously that constantly emerge and which compel and across time. It shares the basic character- the structure to adapt and evolve. istics of all ecologies of (a) continuous adaptive Some ecologies—human and otherwise— movement, (b) interactivity, where every thrive, while some wither and disappear. The action ripples in direct and indirect reactions, key environmental characteristics of places and (c) subsidiarity, where adaptations occur that prosper across time are resilience, or the first at the most ability to respond protectively to pressures local levels. Com- generated from outside the ecology, and munities differ By community, we innovation, the ability to create beneficial from non-human changes—conscious or serendipitous—from mean a contextual ecologies in that environment—an people can pre- sources within the ecology. In communities ecology—in which sumably choose everywhere, people are continually interact- interactions among to structure the ing in ways that cause changes—conscious environment of or unforeseen—and elicit adaptions to those people occur their community changes for their particular circumstances of continuously and ecology in ways time and place. across time. that affect the Which raises the following questions: nature of future 1. What encourages these interactions interactions and to be conscious acts of citizenship, so the trajectory of that they can consciously produce more the community. resilient and innovative communities? The community ecology, thus, evolves as its members contin- 2. What are the inner attributes of com- uously interact and learn to shape future munities that support this capacity of interactions. people to deal constructively—i.e. as A citizen of a community is a person able citizens—with change, and can these and willing to make choices about how to live attributes be encouraged? Four possible in interaction with others regarding (a) how attributes present key implications:

20 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP IN GROWING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

• people who share a sense of tunities to jointly acquire information about ownership over their civic space, particular issues, to realize the legitimate the occasions, and opportunities tensions between alternative ways to deal with wherein citizens interact; them, and to • people who are constantly creating devise new ways new forms of association and of to interact in the interactions among associations; self-governance of these shared The key environmental • people who recognize that tensions challenges. characteristics of are inevitable among things everyone holds dear; We call this places that prosper active citizen- • people who recognize the impos- across time are ship. Only when resilience, or the sibility of certainty, and from this people interact insight come to recognize learning in the work of ability to respond as a human condition. doing these protectively to To address these issues, Kettering Research things are they pressures generated has already focused on: acting as citi- from outside the • practices through which people arrive zens. There can at a shared recognition of important be no passive ecology, and issues; citizenship. innovation, the ability Likewise, we • naming such issues in ways that people to create beneficial refer to economic can place them within meaningful local citizenship as changes—conscious experience, and that implicate the peo- active citizenship or serendipitous— ple themselves as resources, individually in the context and in their local associations; from sources within of challenges the ecology. • practices through which people frame for economic alternative approaches in ways that change. It is the clarify both the tensions among the awareness that legitimate things everyone holds valu- the individual able and among the opportunities to and collective ac- act within those tensions; tions of citizens • practices through which people man- can alter the broad economic environment, age those tensions and opportunities including the behavioral norms that impact the and create ways to put their available economic environment. The key implication resources, their assets, to work in is that the act of strengthening the practices of complementary ways. citizenship also strengthens the potential for When done constructively, these practices sustained long-run prosperity of communities. become, in effect,learning exchanges: oppor- Therefore, development of citizenship,

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 21 WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP IN GROWING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

particularly economic citizenship, is a neces- • about the economic impact of everyday sary element of economic development. issues, especially those that cannot be Which raises a practical question: How can addressed by unilateral institutional the practices through which people learn and action; do the work of cit- • to recognize the latent power of every- izens be built into day practices through which people How can the practices the design of ini- recognize and make sense of shared through which people tiatives that in- concerns; tend to develop learn and do the • how to reorient those practices in ways economic prosperi- work of citizens be that encourage more productive learn- ty? The question is ing exchanges and, thus, more sound built into the design critically import- judgments about collective action; of initiatives that ant because most intend to develop so-called devel- • to deal constructively with legitimate and inevitable tensions among things economic prosperity? opment initiatives typically do that all people hold valuable; and not do so. • to recognize and avoid the unfortu- Important nate collateral effects of well-meaning learning occurs institutional efforts to help people and in the process of communities. dealing with this question. With it we are developing a general learning-based theory of Randall Nielsen is a program officer at the Kettering change. Meanwhile, in the daily practices of Foundation. He can be reached at [email protected]. economic citizenship, people discover and Ramón Daubón is an independent consultant. He can learn: be reached at [email protected]. • about the transformational power in the associational life of community ecologies;

22 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY Cities in Transition: Programmatic Bases and Practical Experiences of the Break-the-Circle Transition Institute in Spain Emilio Santiago, Break-the-Circle Transition Institute

The world’s Movement for Cities in perspective untethered by historical Transition was created to address today’s socio- determinants. The movement challenges ecological crisis by using civil society and some traditional citizen organizations. The paper presents the premises of The basis of the movement’s general guidelines and their development, implementation by a local organization in with a critique movement is creative Móstoles, Spain, near Madrid. They derive of the capitalist decline: to manage the from four basic principles: way of life in decline in energy use 1. A future with less energy consumption light of the and find a mid-point is inevitable; anthropological failure of abun- between unsustainable 2. Society has been brought to this crisis dance proposed perpetual growth and a by its dependence on fossil fuels; by authors like catastrophic collapse 3. The only effective action is collective Illich, Mumford, of industrial society. and the action must happen now; or Max Neef. 4. Proper actions can lead to social change Its seven toward habitable and sustainable cities. principles can be The concept, born in Ireland and popu- summarized as: larized in 2006 in Totnes, England, is today Resiliency the world’s referent for cities in transition. It The capacity to adapt and emerge aims to create a grassroots process to endow strengthened from destabilizing external local governments, neighborhoods, or regions traumas. It contravenes the model of with tools to make them more resilient and prior social movements based on con- less vulnerable to climate change and limita- flictive notions of resistance rather than tions of petroleum production. flexibility. The basis of the movement is creative decline: to manage the decline in energy use Credible and Appropriate Solutions, and find a mid-point between unsustainable based on five premises: perpetual growth and a catastrophic collapse • Doing, instead of theorizing—to of industrial society. It promotes a vision of focus on practical steps to increase a simpler future, not as imposed by destiny the autonomy of local communities but as a constructed reality, a liberation to manage their basic needs;

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 23 WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP IN GROWING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

• Scale, tailored to one in which the • Connected to the local institutional initiatives can incide; and policy context; a facilitator and • Open code, to disseminate and not a “co-opter”; supporter rather adapt each initiative’s uniqueness; than director. • Catalytic reactive processes that rip- Consciousness raising by promoting ple and generate further actions; and using neighborhood gatherings. • Following a thread—build on exist- Psycho-social factors for change: ing processes and weave them into • Hopeful and constructive; sees the a story. transition as an opportunity, not a Relocalization curse; Relocalization builds on Schumacher’s • A community-life experience, premise of “small is beautiful” and adds focused on the interpersonal as the that “local is inevitable.” It seeks relocal- key link; a learning and growth ization of production to the local economy process for all engaged; as key to the system, where every exter- • Importance of personal growth, of nal business represents a drain of local learning for behavioral change; resiliency. • Celebratory, an opportunity for Visioning and visualizing, divided into: enjoyment; aware to not obsess or • The importance of a positive vision burn-out. of a future in the process of being The movement has expanded worldwide built; to more than 10,000 nuclei, from tiny initia- • A positive vision of the process tives to large cities like Bristol, England. Our itself as non-isolated, in constant local Instituto de Transición Rompe el Círculo communication with its surround- takes from the success of the movement and ings and reaching outside its hopes to become in Spain what the labor comfort zone. movement was in prior centuries. Its weaknesses, however, are: Inclusion Underscores its basic difference with • Its strictly nonpartisan nature; other movements (at the same time, • Its failure to address the capitalist one of its greatest weaknesses): economy’s bias against small scale; • Works for, not against; is nonparti- • It does not address the distribution of san and non-ideological; wealth; rather, it assumes a middle- • Inclusive; with room for all because class perspective where all people are all are needed; no “us versus them”; able to save;

24 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP IN GROWING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

• It comes from an Anglo-Saxon links, social networks, and events. It is also relational context. In Spain the rela- helping to develop a phased plan for the city: tionships of local governance are First phase: Shared formation, dissemi- more complex; nation and diagnosis, with 17 sessions • Approaching only the local can be a in 2014, including top experts in limitation for broader transition tasks sustainability; that tend to be national or interna- Second phase: project design, with 22 tional and may yet end up facilitating projects proposed and broadly discussed the local. in 2015; The Break-the-Circle Transition Institute adapts these principles to the working-class Third phase: public presentations of the community of Móstoles. With a population projects, execution, and grassroots con- of 200,000, it retains a “small-town” feel with nections. As of April 2016, several of the a strong community weave, firm sense of projects have been initiated. All 22 proj- place, working urban small-scale agriculture, ects are based on experiences elsewhere and a long tradition of community activism brought to Móstoles as a model for other and worker self-management. The Institute cities in Spain. began its transition work there in 2011 along The work has three axes: research, outreach, and involve- followed a two- But the crisis ment in projects, which include: pronged strategy: down to the also presents an • A widely available locale; grassroots, and opportunity to • A garden for agroecology, permacul- up the institu- re-imagine an urban- ture, and recovery of traditional skills; tional scale by development model • An experimental community garden; connecting with the partisan led by social • Several consumer groups for eco-foods campaign of movements and an and a fair-trade collaborative; GANAR Móstoles, active citizenry, who, • A time and skills bank; which emerged with their capillary net- • A “guerrilla gardening” collective; from the PODEMOS works and micro • Catering for gatherings with locally access, will be the produced foods; national movement. In July fundamental keys • Discussion groups for a future 2016, GANAR to success. Móstoles, aimed at 2030. won the munici- In addition, the Institute has acted as pal elections and advocate before local governments, helping introduced with their diagnoses through joint articles, the Institute’s

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 25 WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP IN GROWING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

initiative in four program areas: social economy, given their limited resources and restricted based on social-solidarity cooperative prin- radius of action. But the crisis also presents ciples, new models of production, culture and an opportunity to re-imagine an urban- community organizing, and formal and non- development model led by social movements formal education. and an active citizenry, who, with their Over the next decades, cities will have to capillary networks and micro access, will be deal with radical transformations while being the fundamental keys to success. constrained by budgetary situations, given the generalized economic stagnation and growing Emilio Santiago is an expert in politics of ecology unmet demands. Moreover, local governments and economy in Spain. He can be reached at will be unable to lead the needed changes, [email protected].

26 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY North American Association for Environmental Education: An Overview Judy Braus, North American Association for Environmental Education

The presentation introduces NAAEE and childhood learners, to build life-long steward- definesenvironmental education and literacy, ship values and support curiosity, experiential discusses the key role of civic engagement in learning, and healthy habits. Another priority environmental education and the importance is to help young people develop leadership of deliberation, and lays out future plans. skills, promote “green” careers, and understand NAAEE is the professional association for the roles and responsibilities of citizenship. environmental educators throughout North Finally, NAAEE America and around the world. Its mission is and its partners to advance environmental literacy and civic strive to create Another priority is engagement through education. It has more a more diverse to help young people than 50 state, regional, and provincial affiliates and inclusive develop leadership throughout North America, and more than movement, skills, promote 30 country members on every continent, who to ensure that work individually and together to strengthen everyone has “green” careers, and the field of environmental education. NAAEE access to understand the roles and its affiliates serve a broad audience: edu- high-quality and responsibilities cators, from early childhood to elementary, education and of citizenship. secondary, and university teachers, as well as to integrate informal educators, foundations, nonprofits, diversity and governments, and corporations. inclusion into NAAEE supports education for a sus- all aspects of tainable future via informed and motivated its work. citizens. Beyond integrating environmental NAAEE sponsors an Annual International education into school systems at all levels, Conference, bringing educators from more than including with in-service and pre-service 30 countries. For 2016, it planned to gather educators, NAAEE works through various over 1,000 people in Madison, Wisconsin, to approaches. These include helping people learn, network, and share best practices. become more informed citizens and better Two days before its conference, NAAEE advocates and building leadership through holds an International Research Symposium, environmental stewards, as in the Community which gathers more than 150 researchers from Climate Change Fellowship involving commu- around the world to present the latest think- nity educators from across North America. ing in the field. NAAEE also supports connecting people NAAEE looks at environmental education to nature for all ages, but especially for early as a tool to create a more sustainable society

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 27 WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP IN GROWING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

through a process that leads to a more envi- • lifelong learning; ronmentally literate citizenry. For its principles, • sense of place; we refer to its first international conference • civic engagement; on environmental education in 1977: awareness, knowledge, skills, attitudes, and informed • sustainable communities (formal and action. These help people to understand issues informal); and develop skills and the motivation to • schools as a formal pipeline; address them and take action. NAAEE later • non-formal education; defined “environmental literacy” asknowledge , competencies, dispositions, and responsible • community education; behavior, underscoring that an environmen- • interdisciplinary approaches; tally literate citizen is one who makes informed • solution-oriented decision making; decisions, is willing to act to improve the well-being of individuals, societies, and the • scientific thinking and research, linked global environment, and who participates in to practice and made accessible to civic life. But we practitioners. Environmental realize that All these are part of experiential learning. knowledge alone Unlike passive learning, experiential learning education is a tool does not lead to gives people life experiences; processing these to create a more behavior change experiences and reflecting on what is observed sustainable society and that people creates deeper understanding. Environmental through a process need disposition education thus teaches people how to think, and caring to feel not what to think. It focuses on both short- that leads to a more that they have and long-term change, on building a sustained environmentally power to make a environmentally literate citizenry. It moves literate citizenry. difference, and people beyond awareness to action—to steps thus be more like creating consumer activism, giving money, likely to act. So improving habitat directly, or educating oth- NAAEE employs ers to create a new future. We help people to a combination of first engage and then be active in whatever key concepts to ways make sense to them. create the best opportunities for people— NAAEE has worked with the Kettering individually and collectively—to become Foundation as their environmental education better advocates and actors, including: partner to promote deliberation in the United • systems thinking; States. Facing many wicked problems like climate change—so complicated that they • sustainability; defy direct solutions—people often don’t do • diversity, equity, and inclusion; anything, thinking that they can’t make a

28 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP IN GROWING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

difference. As part of our civic-engagement other issues, including a growing divide strategies, deliberation is an important first step between the “haves and the have-nots,” empow- in helping people understand the complexity ering and educating themselves about how of such issues and yet come up with feasible environmental quality impacts their health actions that they can take. It is decision mak- and well-being. Notwithstanding the many ing in which people come together to discuss wicked challenges, we can tackle them better complex issues and think critically. It helps if we work together. In fact, we cannot tackle people discuss options from different points them if we don’t. of view and encourages enlarged perspectives, I encourage new opinions, and deeper understanding— you to check out Environmental and hopefully results in better decisions and our website at policies. NAAEE is presently working on a education thus naaee.org. There series of guides for forums on environmental teaches people is a learning hub issues, starting with one titled Climate Choices: called eePRO for how to think, How Should We Meet the Challenges of a anyone looking not what to think. Warming Planet? Others that deal with com- for resources, munity issues will follow. For this, NAAEE is learning oppor- conducting moderator training and helping tunities, research, our network partners moderate discussions in formal and informal settings. Such forums jobs, news, and serve to: (a) clarify one’s own thinking, (b) discussion help one hear others’ views, (c) create a safe groups. There is also a free global online environment for discussion, (d) discourage course on Transdisciplinary Approaches to sharp, non-nuanced decisions (e.g., environ- Addressing Wicked Problems. Finally, there ment versus economy), (e) consider a range is a new global network of countries called of value trade-offs, and (f) focus on the key the Global Environmental Education Part- values that people care deeply about. nership, available at thegeep.org. We would There has never been greater need for love to have Cuba be a part of it. environmental education, as we now face challenges from loss of biodiversity to severe Judy Braus is the president of the North American weather, water shortages, and water-quality Association for Environmental Education, U.S.A. issues. Communities are also grappling with She can be reached at [email protected].

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 29 Z WHAT ARE THE CENTRAL CONFLICTS THAT NEED TO BE WORKED THROUGH IN ORDER TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY (FROM AN ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND POLITICAL POINT OF VIEW)?

Active Citizenship for a Sustainable Economy

An Overview of Cuba’s Economic Trajectory

Coaching as an Effective Tool for Community Work

Female Employment in the New Cuban Economic Model: Unresolved Issues Active Citizenship for a Sustainable Economy John Dedrick, Kettering Foundation

Kettering’s research finds that making in that it requires all sectors to be actively progress on complex public problems like engaged in building the economy they want. having a sustainable economy requires an Kettering calls this economic citizenship, and active citizenry that is engaged, makes diffi- as it has no “right” or quick answer, it becomes cult choices, and works together even when a classic public problem. they disagree. It Policy researchers have used the terms looks at how complex or wicked—as opposed to simple or Tensions rooted people make tame—to describe problems like economic in the differences decisions about sustainability. While tame problems have in what people what is important technical solutions, wicked problems are value can hinder when there is resistant to technical remedies because they sound decisions more than one are based on people’s values. For example, a valuable option. technical remedy can set a broken arm, but and collaborative For instance, treating diabetes involves the behavior of both work. Economic people may value patient and doctor. As noted in Kettering’s sustainability, a both good jobs book The Ecology of Democracy, the prob- and environmen- lems that require citizens to make decisions universal systemic and act together have wicked characteristics: challenge, is also a tal preservation, but these can be • The problem is enduring and systemic; public problem in competing imper- • There is no clear, prior definition for that it requires all atives. Tensions the problem; rooted in the dif- sectors to be actively • People experience a discrepancy ferences in what engaged in building between what “is” and what “ought people value can the economy to be”; hinder sound • they want. decisions and There are ethical or moral disagree- collaborative ments over what action should be taken; work. Economic sustainability, a • Responding to symptoms exposes universal systemic deeper dimensions of the problem; challenge, is also • Any effective action requires judgment a public problem as well as complementary efforts.

32 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY WHAT ARE THE CENTRAL CONFLICTS THAT NEED TO BE WORKED THROUGH IN ORDER TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

The research finds that progress on wicked Through collaborations with other groups, public problems, such as maintaining a sus- Kettering has observed how people work tainable economy, requires a citizenry that is through conflicts over issues involving values engaged, makes difficult choices, and works where they live, together even when they disagree. Working work, or worship. Working through It found that through the conflicts inherent in choices is conflicts between what essential to forming a judgment about what when people a community should do and how it will go do not work is held valuable is, about doing it. “They have to work through through conflicts, thus, part of making the feelings aroused when the things they conversations sound judgments. might like to do have a negative impact on become polar other things they hold dear. People don’t have advocacies for to reach total agreement, but they can reach competing solutions. To help a point at which they can move forward on identify tensions solving a problem.” 1 among things held valuable and encourage By values, we mean the underlying people to work them through, Kettering creates human motivations that drives us to be a issue guides on critical community or national part of a community ecology. These are basic issues. Many of these guides are related to things, like the desire to be secure, to be treated having a sustainable economy, such as: fairly, or to have a relatively fair distribution • Making Ends Meet: How Should of the products of collective work. These are We Spread Prosperity and Improve confirmed by everyday experience and Opportunity? documented in social psychological, anthro- • The National Debt: How Can We Pay pological, and cognitive research. Some of the Bills? the basic things that Kettering research has identified as valuable to people include:2 • Economic Security: How Should We Take Charge of Our Future? • personal safety; • Jobs: Preparing a Workforce for the 21st • group security; Century • being treated fairly; • Coping with the Cost of Health Care: • care for the vulnerable; How Do We Pay for What We Need? • freedom to act; • America’s Energy Future: How Can We • having a secure future; Take Charge? Working through conflicts between what • not harming others; and is held valuable is, thus, part of making sound • self-reliance judgments. And progress on complex public

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY• 33 WHAT ARE THE CENTRAL CONFLICTS THAT NEED TO BE WORKED THROUGH IN ORDER TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

issues like a sustainable economy involves account the pros and cons of addressing the more than understanding the facts about how problem. The process takes time and is not economic systems work. It also involves unidirectional, but eventually people can judgments about what actions people can live work through an issue and come to some with, knowing that there are some actions they considered judgment about it. will not like. As The National Debt, another example of an example, the an issue guide, helps citizens work through By deliberating, recently released the complex public problem of the United people also create Making Ends States’ enormous debt. Many consider it Meet issue guide unsustainable and a threat to the country’s the will to move relayed a sense ability to invest in areas like education and forward, as that the way of infrastructure. The issue is grave enough to individuals and life the United motivate people to want to do something, but as communities. States economy basic disagreements arise over what course has long support- to take and how it will affect both current ed is at risk. The and future generations. Being systemic, any three framed op- action will ripple through the entire nation. tions (and related From people’s expressed concerns and research values) include: on policy ideas, three distinct options emerged. • Make it easier for people to start new They (and their related values) are: enterprises (freedom to act); • Agree to all make sacrifices now to reduce the future debt (shared sacrifice); • Expand and secure safeguards so people are not pushed into poverty • Strengthen checks and balances so (collective security); we are forced to control new spending (collective security); and • Reduce inequality/shrink the income gap between the wealthy and the poor • Invest in growth first to expand the (fair treatment). economy (freedom to act). Note that the term working through Over 1,000 people who took part in often arises in the context of making choices National Debt forums around the United about the kind of community citizens want. States gained awareness of the problem and It is grounded in social psychology and public began to work through what is most valuable opinion research by the Public Agenda orga- to them and identify trade-offs that need nization. They observed that public judgment to be accepted in order to advance. While on most issues goes through a phased process, short of a final judgment, several things have from initial awareness, to working through become clear: the need for change and confronting it with • The forums on how to deal with the core values, to a resolution that takes into debt have been focused and civil;

34 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY WHAT ARE THE CENTRAL CONFLICTS THAT NEED TO BE WORKED THROUGH IN ORDER TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

• Older participants were concerned Observations of deliberations repeatedly that the debt would affect future gen- show that people are willing to engage with erations, while younger participants each other over tough and controversial issues. were concerned about their parents In so doing, they create an otherwise unavail- and grandparents; able knowledge about the issues and the will • Participants have accepted that mov- to make progress together. It is about what is ing forward may require some changes really important to people, what the issues that they will not like; mean to them in their daily lives, and what they can and cannot live with. By deliberating, • Participants accepted shared sacrifice people also create the will to move forward, but wanted assurances that the load as individuals and as communities. would be shared equally; • The inability of political leadership John Dedrick is vice president and program director at to work together is fueling citizens’ the Kettering Foundation, U.S.A. He can be reached at distrust of government. [email protected].

Notes 1 David Mathews. Naming and Framing Difficult Issues to Make Sound Decisions (Dayton, Ohio: Kettering Foundation, 2016), https://www.kettering.org/catalog/product/naming-and-framing-2016 (accessed November 24, 2017). 2 Adapted from Brad Rourke, Developing Materials for Deliberative Forums (Dayton, Ohio: Kettering Foundation, 2014: 17), https://www.kettering.org/catalog/product/developing-materials-deliberative- forums (accessed November 24, 2017).

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY• 35 An Overview of Cuba’s Economic Trajectory Ricardo Torres, Center for the Study of the Cuban Economy

Starting 1959, with massive external help, fallen dramatically as the economically active Cuba put in place a unique social support population decreases and the ratio of active- network. That network was battered after 1990, to-inactive population deteriorates. with the withdrawal of Soviet aid and only Pre-emptive new investment is necessary partial replacement by other sources, partic- in social and health services, while improve- ularly Venezuela. This led to a re-thinking of ments are needed in education, health, hous- Cuba’s socio-economic model in an attempt ing, public spaces, and public transportation to maintain principles of social equity while in order to balance maintaining quality of adapting to a changing world. life with promoting labor productivity. But While Cuba’s social achievements were investment is constrained by limited access to legendary, others, such as infrastructure, international credit, a discretionary attitude housing, and information and communication toward foreign capital, low levels of domestic technology (ICT) availability, lagged. More- saving, and difficulty servicing Soviet-era over, in the last 20 years, Cuba has regressed high-consumption equipment given unreliable in health and education services, housing access to energy supplies. Meanwhile, global stock, and income equality, even relative to economic downturns have increased uncer- other Latin American countries. External trade tainty, restricted credit markets, and decreased balances worsened with the collapse of the international trade flows, hurting prices for sugar industry and falls in exportable produc- Cuba’s sugar and nickel exports. While Cuba tion, compounded by powerful hurricanes and has made new connections with Brazil, Russia, a severe draught that crippled infrastructure Algeria, Angola, and China, the deficit remains. and agriculture. The world financial crisis Cuba continues to exhibit low-performing affected the exchange rate for the convertible productive sectors, poor international com- Cuban peso, froze Cuba’s trade supply accounts, petitiveness, and a high concentration of its and forced suspension of its foreign debt exportable goods in few low value-added payments. Today, its economic sustainability sectors. Of further concern is the decline in key remains exposed and fragile. industries like capital goods, the high concen- An added concern is demographics, as tration of employment in non-transactional Cuba’s birth rate drops, its life expectancy services or services disconnected from value increases, and its population ages and dimin- chains, and the slow growth of productive ishes in absolute terms, with a related new sectors, all diminishing productivity and demand for health, economic, and social- capital accumulation rates. Cuba’s economic support services. Meanwhile, primary, center of gravity has shifted toward services, secondary, and university enrollments have but employment and value-added sectors are

36 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY WHAT ARE THE CENTRAL CONFLICTS THAT NEED TO BE WORKED THROUGH IN ORDER TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

concentrated in social and government ser- services transportable across borders, allow vices with low economic impact and which coordination of widely dispersed services, depend on transfers from other sectors, rather and favor investments abroad for enterprises than in the commercial, productive, or tech- with brand ownership of products and services. nological service areas dominant in advanced Instead, Cuba relies on the most elementary economies. Agriculture displays similarly and standardized direct supply of medical stagnant production, low labor productivity, personnel (modo cuatro), mostly to Venezuela, and a minimal contribution to exports, capital which presupposes the absence of a support accumulation, or industrial inputs. Manufac- infrastructure abroad to allow cross-border turing growth has also fallen in historically services like tele-medicine. As this infrastruc- significant areas like machinery, chemicals, ture is also deficient inside Cuba, this belies a construction materials, and sugar, given their capacity to attract customers to the service’s high dependence on imported inputs and the place of origin (modo dos), as in medical difficulty in sustaining a high-energy, non- tourism, which could bring spillover benefits competitive industrial base. Exceptions have in infrastructure plus greater benefits to Cuban been pharmaceuticals, nickel metallurgy, patients. Finally, it is yet unproven whether beverages, and petroleum refining. Cuban firms have the capacity to penetrate Export-related services—tourism and other markets via direct investments using medical—are relatively non-diversified and their own brands and know-how. This has are centered in low value-added activities. In been explored by the government through tourism, the high-value tasks are dominated inter-governmental agreements, but with by travel agencies, airlines, and tour operators. only minor participation by the firms them- The dominant attractions are sun and beach, selves. This has precluded full utilization of with much of the hotel base focused on the personnel knowledge base, has limited autonomous all-inclusive packages that are entrepreneurial development and opportuni- disconnected from the support infrastructure; ties for competing in markets with higher as a result, their contribution to incomes and requirements, and carries the risk of depend- labor absorption is lower than the number ing on political support for its continuity. Thus, of visitors. Some tourism-related production none of the services now marketed abroad has increased in industries like textiles, food- have been linked to domestic productive stuffs, and beverages, but given some recent activity and, except for generic pharmaceuti- backsliding, Cuba presents itself as not that cals directed at Venezuela, there are no other different from other Caribbean destinations. flows in this sense with Cuban personnel Medical services—half of Cuba’s total stationed elsewhere. This reflects the weakness exports—rely on direct provision of personnel of Cuban industry as much as the lack of a and services. But new international standards strategy to assemble interconnected clusters have led to a global structure of knowledge- of the health-related services now available intensive and ICT procedures that make piecemeal.

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY• 37 WHAT ARE THE CENTRAL CONFLICTS THAT NEED TO BE WORKED THROUGH IN ORDER TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

A worse consequence is the underutiliza- inhibit rewarding performance, impel labor tion of the labor force, inserting a noxious migration toward more generous sectors or aspect into the labor market. There is a high abroad, and heighten the demographic crisis. concentration of low-wage workers in the Inserting Cuba into international markets public sector while potentially well-paying thus remains a work in progress, waiting for jobs in the dynamic sectors remain scarce, economic policy reforms. The opening with fomenting alienation, an internal brain drain, the United States presents new possibilities, and low returns on investments in education. but will not be a solution. Yet there remains Quality job creation requires elements gen- an unexplored opportunity for a new policy erally absent in design more aligned with the times and A new educational Cuba, especially Cuba’s own characteristics, and dependent connections to a on external flows in finance, business, and system is needed high-value chain technology. A new educational system is to foster new with specialized needed to foster new fundamental skills and fundamental skills backward link- coordinate professional formation with tech- and coordinate ages. But state nical development, contributing to a more enterprises face balanced structure with complementary skill professional formation limitations in levels and a better balance between creators with technical promoting and users of knowledge. Cuba must improve development, innovation, new before irreparable damage is done to its pro- contributing to a more products, or new ductive structure. It must address difficult markets. There monetary adjustments, hypertrophy in admin- balanced structure with are, in fact, istrative structures, and low productivity complementary skill mechanisms growth. But it has to do it. levels and a better restricting private and balance between Ricardo Torres is a professor at the Center for the Study cooperative of the Cuban Economy, Cuba. He can be reached at creators and users sectors from [email protected]. of knowledge. more complex activities. Per- worker capital has decreased nationwide as its creation in the non-state sector is penalized through taxation. This leads to degradation of the public sector and its enterprises, where low salary differ- entiation, overstaffing, and low productivity

38 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY Coaching as an Effective Tool for Community Work Marilyn Fernández, UN-Habitat Cuba

Coaching is a working relationship whereby find creative ways to help others and society, a coach assists his client—the coachee—to while being mindful of his own needs. achieve his best and obtain desired results for Social coach- his personal life. It addresses the question: ing holds a belief Social coaching holds “How can I be better?” Central to coaching is that human a belief that human the nature of the coach’s relationship to the beings are, by clients, who can be individuals, businesses, nature, agents beings are, by nature, organizations, or communities. It is based on of individual and agents of individual the assumption that the coach has the knowl- social change. and social change. edge, experience, and desire to help the client Its mission is to achieve his dreams by visualizing them as activate human realizable goals. These goals begin as wishes autonomy and related to a desired future. Coaching’s maxim freedom, work- is: “Don’t tell a person who asks you what to ing first from the do, rather, teach him how to think.” individual and integrating the person’s under- The wordcoach originated in the 15th standing of social reality to subsequently century in the Hungarian city of Kocs, a nec- extend that change to the collective level. essary stop on the travel route from Vienna Coaching can be oriented to vulnerable to Budapest. It referred to a comfortable car- groups like immigrants, women in situations riage that sometimes incorporated a suspen- of gender inequality, minority cultures, and sion. Kocsi szekér or Kocs carriage became people with serious economic problems. It is known as a symbol of excellence. The word useful with social and religious organizations, kocsi evolved into coach in English, kutsche and among social workers, coordinators of in German, and coche in Spanish; coach also social projects, and government authorities came to mean the car of a train. in charge of addressing citizen demands. The concept of acoach also came to refer Coaching can be helpful for those promoting to a tutor, who “conveys” a student through social change on the largest scale, such as examinations. The coach is thus a trainer who mass media or journalists, so that their dis- accompanies his coachee to design his dream seminating role is fulfilled in a clear manner, future, believe in his great potential, establish provokes reflection, and encourages appro- better objectives, present new alternatives, and priate social action.

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 39 WHAT ARE THE CENTRAL CONFLICTS THAT NEED TO BE WORKED THROUGH IN ORDER TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

Early Phase of the Development of observation and from interviews to joint- Coaching at the Community Level ly analyze and discuss it and shape a • Prior to the First Coaching Session: shared vision. First: The prospective coachee group con- Fourth: The coach directs the group in an tacts the coach, requesting services and exercise so that they begin to create the stating a general objective. basis of a group identity and future trust. Second: The coach explains the rules, mu- • Second meeting: tual responsibilities, and general norms of The coach convenes the group to generate coaching. a diagnosis of the community. A circular Third: The coach makes initial inquiries enneagram of the community, divided about the coachee group and what it into nine sections, is applied, with each wishes to achieve. section of the graph representing an area of community life to be identified, de- Fourth: The coach reaches a work agree- fined, and rated for its relative importance. ment with the coachee about the coaching The areas are: health, employment, emo- sessions and the work to be carried out. tive qualities, finance, relationships, edu- • First meeting (Initial Approach to the cation, family life, spirituality, and recre- Community by the Initiating Group) ation. Each member of the pilot group then rates each area’s importance on a After the initial contact, the coach 1-10 scale, with areas rated 0-4 consid- convenes a first meeting with the initiat- ered weak and those rated 6-10 considered ing group, also called brainstorming or an strong. idea workshop, to discuss the initial approach to the community: Image of the Enneagram of Life First: The coach orients the initiating The enneagram provides the coach with group to walk and observe the communi- a visual image in real time of the relationships ty and provides a series of questions to among various areas, and identifies which are form a first impression of the community. strong and which are weak. It is feasible to apply this in different moments in the coach- Second: The coach orients the group ing process—at the beginning, middle, and to interview several people in the com- near the end, thus serving as a guide to the munity to gauge their self-perceptions coach and the coachee to gauge advances or guided by a series of questions. declines on the road to the objectives. Third: The coach asks the group to The enneagram is also a prelude to other present the information gathered by coaching instruments needed to achieve the

40 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY WHAT ARE THE CENTRAL CONFLICTS THAT NEED TO BE WORKED THROUGH IN ORDER TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

Emotive Qualities desired results, such as a SWOT matrix, a Health Dreams Map, and a Plan of Action. It is important to recognize that these Recreation tools are all part of an integral social inter- Relationships vention process, each linked to the others by responding to a dialectical, systemic cycle. Finance Marilyn Fernández is program officer with the Education UN-Habitat in Cuba. She can be reached at

[email protected].

Spirituality

Family Life Family Employment

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY• 41 Female Employment in the New Cuban Economic Model: Unresolved Issues Marta Núñez, University of Havana

Female employment in Cuba faces three managerial jobs. Notably, female workers principal problems in the context of its recent continue to exhibit higher university and sec- economic model of transition toward social- ondary school completion rates than employed ism. After half a century of state ownership males, underscoring the importance of female of all sectors, the new model has broadened labor in a sustainable economy, for its eco- the space for nomic importance as much as for the ethical Female workers small-scale pri- issue of gender equity. vate property The first problem is that for 2013, after continue to exhibit while maintain- 3 years, private businesses by self-employed higher university and ing state control workers (cuentapropistas), saw a female secondary school over essential participation rate of only 17 percent. One completion rates than sectors of the explanation is that the 206 approved self- economy. This employment categories are typically male employed males, has introduced occupations, such as laborers and service underscoring the relationships in work in areas like transportation. Women importance of female the economy workers, 46 percent of whom are profession- labor in a sustainable and way of life als and technicians, are thus more restricted not seen since to the public sectors. This introduces salary economy, for its 1959. Citizens differences since incomes in private businesses economic importance face new rules are between 6 and 10 times higher than for as much as for the and ideas, such public employees. While data for 2014 and ethical issue of as paying taxes, 2015 show the female self-employed share incomes that vary increased to 30 percent, it is yet unclear which gender equity. depending on lines of activity absorbed the increase, whether business results, as owners or employees, to ascertain if the competition, increase will also reflect a rise in incomes. doing account- The evident long-term solution would ing, and raising be to broaden the occupational categories to business capital. include professions more accessible to women, Meanwhile, female participation retains char- such as accountants and notaries. Likewise, if acteristics of the last 25 years: 39 percent of more state enterprises were to be converted total employment, 59 percent of professional to private nonagricultural cooperatives, it is and technical personnel, and 34 percent of anticipated that female employees would

42 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY WHAT ARE THE CENTRAL CONFLICTS THAT NEED TO BE WORKED THROUGH IN ORDER TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

benefit from increased incomes. This would, cific attitudinal conflicts that hinder equitable in turn, increase tax receipts, benefitting not participation. Such solutions, aimed at all only general social services but also allowing age groups, should be integrated into policies room for higher salaries for public employees. in all sectors. Examples could be the sex- The second issue affecting female workers, education programs for male and female in both the public and private sectors, is the students required at all educational levels double workload. Women disproportionately since 2011, which are aimed at changing sexist bear the burdens of domestic chores, the lack behaviors. Mass media should also incorpo- of home appliances, and the housing scarcity, rate a gender perspective in their content which results in several generations living and language. Marilyn Fernandez of UN under one roof. In these family units, women Habitat can tell of her experience with solu- continue to assume household chores, as wages tions for equitably shared spaces with limited are insufficient to hire household services. resources, supported by local governments Moreover, women are more likely to care for and civil society. elderly relatives in a country where 19 percent The third conflict hampering economic of the population is over 60. Many working sustainability is low female participation in women are thus compelled to leave work senior levels of employment, despite the fact to attend to ill or aging relatives, sometimes that women are the majority of professionals for years. and should be a natural source for managerial Long-term solutions to achieve gender talent. Possible reasons include a lingering parity in household duties will surely require male managerial culture, the fact that salary more resources. Care for aging relatives will increases for management in the public sector require more “grandparent homes” where they —where women are more represented—tend could spend workdays while still living with to be small, the established preference to relatives who could go to work. There is also assign managerial tasks to men, that women need for home-care personnel and for equip- professionals already see themselves as deci- ment and supplies like beds, wheelchairs, sion makers at work and, most of all, women’s canes, and disposable diapers. belief that accepting a managerial job would But addressing today’s conflicts should imply a third work load. not have to wait for such improvements. Since the 1990s, studies by Cuban social Programs to incorporate women under equal scientists have compared the management conditions—some from 57 years ago—have styles of men and women and evidenced the shown ways to confront patriarchal attitudes innovative energy that managerial women of men and women while pursuing material would bring if they had a larger presence. improvements. Policymakers could thus bring They show female managers as being more a gender focus into policy designs, beyond proactive than men and more able to clearly language about concepts and addressing spe- define their objectives and the ways to achieve

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY• 43 WHAT ARE THE CENTRAL CONFLICTS THAT NEED TO BE WORKED THROUGH IN ORDER TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

them. The studies showed that women tend to must be transformed with the participation multi-task and explore avenues of participatory of both men and women. An important step work and communication with subordinates would be to offer management training with more often than men, encouraging their a gender focus. Cuba already has the knowl- educational advancement and taking more of edge to design such programs and apply them. an interest in In sum, to insure the participation of all Women tend to their personal Cubans in pursuing sustainable solutions in problems. Yet the short, medium, and long terms, changes multi-task and women can still being introduced in the new economic model explore avenues of be competitive must incorporate a realistic gender approach participatory work and assume and not just an exhortation. and communication commanding attitudes toward with subordinates Marta Núñez is a professor of sociology at the subordinates to University of Havana. She can be reached at more often than achieve needed [email protected]. men, encouraging goals, as befits a their educational managerial culture conceived advancement and by men. taking more of an Therefore, interest in their to have more personal problems. women enter management positions in the public and private sectors and thus contribute more to a sustainable economy, we need first to redistribute the double work- day burden between men and women before other economic goals are reached. This requires educational efforts in schools, the media, civil-society organizations, and in the design of policies for housing, transportation, salaries, access to health services, and elder care. Second, the managerial culture

44 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY HOW CAN INSTITUTIONS AND CITIZENS PRODUCTIVELY WORK TOGETHER TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CREATION OF A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

Developing Economic Citizenship in West Virginia

Opening a Path: Active Citizen Participation for Environmental Rehabilitation Developing Economic Citizenship in West Virginia Betty Knighton, West Virginia Center for Civic Life

In West Virginia, as in many places and institutions that support such economic around the world, community members are citizenship, with particular focus on the role developing practices that help them talk with of regional centers or networks that intention- one another, set ally develop relationships, build connections, We have witnessed direction, and and create coalitions to support these local take actions that and statewide civic interactions. deliberative community develop positive For the past two years, such a coalition discussions that economic futures has been working together to create What’s tap the wisdom and for their regions. Next, West Virginia?, an initiative in which experience of our The West Virgin- residents are talking and acting together to ia Center for build stronger local economies. This nonpar- residents, encourage Civic Life tisan statewide initiative has been designed participants to see (WVCCL) is a by a broad and growing coalition of state and possibilities in a new nonpartisan, local partners from nonprofit, philanthropic, light, break through nonprofit orga- governmental, educational, and faith-based stagnant polarizations, nization that organizations. partners with West Virginia currently faces myriad and create community- local and state- economic and social challenges that impact based patterns of wide organiza- its capacity to create a supportive and sus- acting—and tions to help tainable economic future. With the downturn interacting—that communities in a mining and manufacturing base that has do just that. address some of the traditionally provided living-wage jobs, it is Our work in immersed in the challenging process of con- most pressing issues West Virginia— sidering what economic opportunities can that our communities as well as ongo- be created or enhanced. are facing. ing learning While a number of organizations and exchanges with foundations were working in West Virginia the Kettering to address specific problems that impact Foundation over economic well-being, there had been little the past twenty opportunity for West Virginians to connect years—has with one another in deep discussions of local allowed us to glean insights into the transfor- needs in ways that allow residents from all mative practices of citizens, communities, walks of life to take actions to address them.

46 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY HOW CAN INSTITUTIONS AND CITIZENS PRODUCTIVELY WORK TOGETHER TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CREATION OF A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

The coalition of organizations supporting West Virginia Community Development this initiative believes that a compelling need Hub is providing coaching and other exists for open conversations about our state’s assistance to help communities develop future that encompass the diversity of West complementary actions that address Virginians, that bring together sectors of the public needs; community that don’t normally talk and work • Along the way, West Virginia Public together, and that encourage fresh, innova- Broadcasting is sharing community tive thinking to emerge. stories so that West Virginians can find What’s Next, West Virginia? is intended out what their neighbors are doing for to be localized to the needs and opportu- a more prosperous future. nities of each community—whether a neigh- As an orga- borhood, a town, a county, or a region. nization that Whether the geographic focus of the discus- Developing practices promotes and sion is small or large, participants will of sharing learning practices ongo- consider common questions: Where are we ing learning across geographic and now? Where do we want to go? How will we relationships, institutional borders get there? WVCCL is also is fundamental to Over the past two years, we have witnessed capturing and deliberative community discussions that tap continued practices sharing insights the wisdom and experience of our residents, from West that support encourage participants to see possibilities in Virginia com- economic well-being. a new light, break through stagnant polariza- munities with tions, and create community-based patterns others in the of acting—and interacting—that address some state and be- of the most pressing issues that our commu- yond who are nities are facing. facing similar While the initiatives are all locally orga- economic challenges and want to encourage nized, statewide partners help in several ways: the active citizenship required to address • WVCCL itself offers regional work- them together. We are learning together with shops and ongoing assistance for those others throughout the United States and oth- who want to convene and facilitate er nations who are developing inclusive ways local initiatives. For this, we have cre- for people to engage in productive dialogue ated discussion guides for community about issues that affect their communities. members and provide support materials Our work in West Virginia and our for local planning teams; learning exchanges about economic change • As communities come together to hold with the Kettering Foundation have yielded conversations and set directions, the key insights:

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 47 HOW CAN INSTITUTIONS AND CITIZENS PRODUCTIVELY WORK TOGETHER TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CREATION OF A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

• A wide range of interconnected issues We have seen that the deliberative nature have impact on economic well-being; of the What’s Next discussions and the ques- • The opportunity for residents to tions they examine—Where are we now? see themselves as actors to improve Where do we want to go? How are we going economic conditions is critical to to get there?—are accessible, relevant, and their capacity and willingness to productive means to consider costs, benefits, work together; and trade-offs of particular actions. And when this practice of diverse community- • Developing practices of sharing learn- based conversations becomes embedded in ing across geographic and institutional the life of the community, more citizens take borders is fundamental to continued responsibility for the vitality of their commu- practices that support economic nities and become engaged in community well-being. improvement. We have confirmed that if people in a A strong future for West Virginia will community take responsibility for their eco- require new economic opportunities, but also nomic future, the result will be an increased new ways of talking and working together, quality of life and a stronger local economy. new relationships, and new connections. There are multiple parts to this civic trans- It will require economic entrepreneurs, but formation— it will also require civic entrepreneurs. We individuals, or- A strong future for have had many opportunities to learn from ganizations, the work of these civic entrepreneurs in West Virginia will collaborative require new economic partnerships— West Virginia, such as the residents of this opportunities, but also that are all a small community in the central part of the state. Several months after a localWhat’s Next new ways of talking necessary part of engaged and initiative began, I ran into a community and working together, thriving commu- member at a conference. I asked her if she was new relationships, and nities. Diverse, aware of the local What’s Next discussions tak- new connections. It deliberative ing place there. Not only did she know, she was heavily involved and she enthusiastically will require economic community forums can then recounted the way in which the community entrepreneurs, but it create a frame- was coming together to discuss local issues. will also require civic work to generate She said that they had originally planned to entrepreneurs. and thoughtfully convene cross-sector public discussions three consider multi- times, then expanded it to five, then decided ple options for to meet on an ongoing basis. She said, “We community decided that this is the way we want to be action. from now on.”

48 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY HOW CAN INSTITUTIONS AND CITIZENS PRODUCTIVELY WORK TOGETHER TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CREATION OF A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

Although we have witnessed many an ongoing basis and to develop habits and examples of local work emerging from practices that support the deepening of indi- What’s Next initiatives, it is this example of vidual, social, and political capital as assets a systemic change in community dynamics to be applied to future community work. that is one of the most powerful we have heard. It illuminates the goal of What’s Next: Betty Knighton is the Director of the West Virginia to help communities develop the capacity to Center for Civic Life, U.S.A. She can be reached at talk and work together on public issues on [email protected].

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 49 Opening a Path: Active Citizen Participation for Environmental Rehabilitation Ana Margarita de la Torre and Mirlena Rojas, Félix Varela Center

The Félix Varela Center (CFV) is a Cuban institutions and citizens collaborate produc- volunteer civic organization formally regis- tively in the creation of a sustainable economy? tered in 1993 with the Ministry of Justice as an Presented initially as the challenge of pro- “independent civil association, autonomous, moting an ethics of sustainability, it evolved nonprofit and nongovernmental, with the ca- over time as follows: pacity to own patrimony and be subject to all 1993—A focus on sustainable develop- the rights and obligations under its enabling ment as an issue of citizenship and a legislation.” In 1997, CFV obtained a special culture of peace. consultative status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council. 1996—Development of CFV’s green CFV espouses a holistic concept of map initiative, an interactive exercise sustainable development with institutional, focusing on social responsibility for all social, political, economic, and environmental actors in a community. dimensions. As part of a larger humanistic 2000—Fostering the construction of project in Cuba based on civic ethics and a network of facilitators, focusing on participation, CFV engages in a web of con- developing a culture of peace and refer- nected activities dedicated to the continued encing green maps of communities. betterment of the country. CFV collaborates 2002—Development of diagnostic with a variety of institutions that all share a methodologies for mediation and vision of sustainable development and see concertation and for trans-sectoral, humanistic principles and active citizen multidimensional gender equity. participation as fundamental to society’s improvement. For this presentation, CFV Present—Focus on participation and talked about its general operation and gave active citizenship, with operational examples of its work with vulnerable com- concepts defined as follows: munities, where it promotes personal and • Mediation for sustainability based collective empowerment and an overarching on a notion of education for peace. commitment to protecting the environment. It is a heuristic approach based on The following timeline shows the general techniques for conflict prevention evolution of the various lines of CFV’s work, and resolution, managing tension in which is further described below. The seminal interactions, and forging agreements question posed in each instance was: How can toward consensus.

50 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY HOW CAN INSTITUTIONS AND CITIZENS PRODUCTIVELY WORK TOGETHER TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CREATION OF A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

• Conflict management. A nonvio- • Citizen participation. A collective lence approach focusing on commu- engagement expressly aimed at influ- nication, reciprocal understanding, encing power and the capacity to and empowering all people to assume make things happen. The tangible ownership of their problems within expression of active citizenship, it their conflicting interests. implies the development of capacities for initiative and decision making. • Concertation based on deliberation It requires conscious and active between people or institutions. Starts involvement of people in socio- from initial formulations of problems political processes and should always and possible solutions and works be directed toward the concerted to discover new judgments and wishes of participants, working reflexive shared decisions leading from their particular interests and to agreements between the parties. needs as deliberated in their shared Operates within a public space: a public space. universally accessible circumstance Sustainable development is thus a CFV where all citizens may interact. final goal, emerging from theinteraction of • Green map. A methodological its green map, a culture of active citizenship, visual instrument used for identify- and citizen participation initiatives. CFV ing a community’s strengths and explains sustainable development as: potentials. Managed by the partici- • multi-dimensional and holistic, pating social actors themselves, it encompassing the institutional, social seeks to design and implement political, economic, and environmental actions that foment a broad and dimensions of communities; diverse culture of engagement in • focused on satisfying present needs the public space. without injuring the potential of future • Active citizenship assumes that generations to satisfy theirs; citizens are endowed as actors with • fostering a development model that is the capacity and agency to promote careful not to harm the environment; their own development by exercising • aimed at guaranteeing the welfare of responsible citizenship. Its precepts both present and future generations are applicable to the routine man- while paying special attention to agement of daily life, both individual the most vulnerable persons and and collective. communities.

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 51 HOW CAN INSTITUTIONS AND CITIZENS PRODUCTIVELY WORK TOGETHER TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CREATION OF A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY?

Interactions occur when the green map equity for vulnerable communities, courses network—with its own icons, participatory on green mapping and climate change, skills environmental diagnosis, and culture of development for vulnerable communities, participation—connects with the peace culture training of facilitators, and acompañamiento, network—with its basis in methods for medi- or “walking along,” with local community ation and concertation, dialogues, gender initiatives. Several community examples illus- equity, and education for peace and nonvio- trated this interaction in the presentation. lence. Both networks overlap conceptually and operationally in communities committed Ana Margarita de la Torre is the vice president to equitable sustainable development. CFV of the Félix Varela Center. She can be reached at links these local communities throughout [email protected]. Cuba with joint trainings on mediation and Mirlena Rojas is a specialist with the Félix Varela Center. concertation, workshops on indicators of She can be reached at [email protected].

52 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY Closing Remarks: The Value of an Active Citizenry David Mathews, Kettering Foundation

David Mathews reflected on conference the US Centers for Disease Control and themes throughout his closing remarks about Prevention, which shows that community care the role of active citizens in reinforcing the can reduce the incidence of heart disease, work of institutions. The tendency, he said, strokes, and lung cancer. is to think in terms of everything that large Another example has to do with educa- institutions do for citizens, but it is really the tion. The work of schools is teaching, which other way around. Elinor Ostrom won the is part, but not all, of educating. Schools can Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2009 benefit enormously from what citizens do for demonstrating that the coproduction of with citizens to prepare the next generation public goods by citizens is critical to the of young people for the future. While most functioning of large institutions. formal instruction is best left to profession- The Kettering Foundation explores how als, what children learn in educating institu- institutions can align their work with a pro- tions other than schools can reinforce what ductive citizenry—people who are more than happens in classrooms. These institutions, clients, consumers, or voters alone. The work which are in and of the community, provide of this active or productive citizenry comple- a valuable real-world context for learning. ments the efforts of schools, governments, Take, for example, the case of a fishery and and other institutions, which is why Kettering aquaculture program that was developed by has come to use the term complementary a lakeside community not far from the US production. Gulf Coast. Students were able to come to the Kettering also uses the term to emphasize fishery and work alongside area fish farmers, that the work that citizens do is different from an experience that offered a rich context for the work of institutional actors. The work of the science they were learning in the class- citizens involves doing things professionals room and so much more. don’t—and can’t—do. Health care is a case in There are two primary obstacles to this point. Institutions can care for people but they kind of complementary production. Profes- cannot care about them; only people can do sionals often don’t see a meaningful role for this. Strong “networks of nurture” organized citizens to play, and citizens often don’t see a by communities can be a powerful force in role for themselves either. One of the reasons combating the behavioral and social prob- citizens are so often overlooked is that the lems that contribute to many illnesses. This resources they bring to bear are themselves has been demonstrated in research done for not recognized.

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY • 53 Closing Remarks

Kettering has learned a lot about how Selma and Birmingham, and lots of media people can come to see the assets and resources attention—but this was not the beginning of that they have to offer from the work of John the civil rights movement. McKnight and Jody Kretzmann, who devel- Some communities in Alabama have oped an asset-based approach to working in been involved in the civil right movement communities. They took issue with the con- since 1870. As one person described the ventional organizational strategy that begins early efforts that led to the desegregation of with a survey of people’s needs and instead schools: it was thousands of unnamed people created asset surveys. They walked around doing thousands of unnamed acts that created neighborhoods and asked people what they a community whose children knew they could do. The answers were often as simple as belonged in the same schools as other children. cooking, sewing, or fixing a car. They would And they knew those schools should be built. write down all the things that people could Nobody had to teach them that. They knew do and then explore what might happen if it. They taught each other, over a long period people combined their efforts. This was the of time. The power these people created start of asset organizing. It has led to a global among themselves not only changed those network of people who use what they call communities, it also changed the state, the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD). country, and perhaps the world. In fact, one Another example of complementary pro- of the Cuban organizations represented in duction is the work of Mothers Against Drunk this very conference carries the name of one Driving (MADD). Their efforts began with of the more visible leaders of that movement: mothers trying to protect their children and Martin Luther King, Jr. loved ones from drunk drivers. They didn’t The work of complementary production is have legal authority or money. They just did exactly what an active citizenry contributes. it. Their efforts have brought national atten- It is the power of people working together. tion to the issue and have helped to shape Mathews ended his remarks by noting how legislation and other policy responses. productive the conference has been and that Perhaps the most significant example of Kettering is looking forward to continuing a movement created by citizens working with the exchange between the United States and other citizens is the civil rights movement Cuba. in the United States. People often think of the civil rights movement as beginning in the David Mathews is the president of the Kettering 1950s and 1960s. There were certainly dra- Foundation, U.S.A. He can be reached at matic events at that time—the march on [email protected].

54 • ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY Z