Invitation to the Convergence Festival which builds on Ireland’s rich tradition of co-operatives and the current interest in community ownership

 An invitation from Cultivate – a practical sustainability organisation which aims to equip people to respond to the twin issues of energy vulnerability and climate change by providing access to the knowledge and tools that cultivate sustainable lifestyles and resilient communities. It ‘co-works’ with think-tank Feasta, which aims to identify the characteristics (economic, cultural and environmental) of a truly sustainable society, articulate how the necessary transition can be effected and promote the implementation of the measures required for this purpose.

Join us for the 20th Convergence Festival, October 19th – 31st! (Full schedule)

Convergence is a sustainable living festival curated by Cultivate since 2000. This 20th Convergence features 20 workshops, facilitated conversations, field trips and conferences organised by co-operatives and organisations promoting co-ops. Events take place island-wide.

The events build on Ireland’s rich tradition of co-operatives and the current interest in, community ownership, co-housing, social enterprise, renewable energy co-operatives, co-working, community owned pubs and shops, buyers clubs, artist and food co-ops, and the emerging collaborative economy.

The co-operative model now, as much as ever, can play a significant role in the economic recovery of this country as well as fostering innovation, providing sustainable livelihoods, contributing to the regeneration of local areas and helping to strengthen the resilience of our communities.

Random visitors new to the site and the subjects mentioned might decide to read this excellent presentation on ownership which Ed Mayo of Co-operatives UK gave at a two day Transition ‘New Economy Summit’ in Bristol earlier this month: www.s.coop/whoownsit

Convergence Themes

• Can community co-operatives provide sustainable livelihoods?
• How can local co-operatives strengthen the resilience of our communities?
• Could the co-operative model play a greater role in our economic recovery?
• Does a more collaborative approach to social enterprise foster greater innovation?
  

For further information contact:

Davie Philip – Convergence Co-Curator
E-mail: davie@cultivate.ie

Office: 0505 56061
Mobile: +353 (0) 87 6340697

Full Schedule (Events are Free, unless otherwise noted)

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