Eurodiaconia and the Social economy

1. Eurodiaconia and the Social economy

2. Eurodiaconia and the Social economy • 2011 AGM workshop on the Social Economy • 2011 Survey among members (main findings in discussion paper) • Briefing on the Social Economy • AGM 2012 workshop: focus on integrating people with disabilities • Workshop 26-27 June 2012 • Further explore what SE means to members in their context • Learn more about EU level developments in this area • Share best practice of social enterprise such as sheltered workshops… Eurodiaconia – an overview

3. What is the social economy? According to our members… Eurodiaconia – an overview

4. A definition? • The understanding of the term “social economy” varies widely • For some: analogous with the terms voluntary or third sector, for others their national governments have a specific definition and category of social economy organizations. • Members do not want a detailed definition, but rather common principles… Eurodiaconia – an overview

5. common principles for diaconia • A social economy organisation must have social aims as their primary aim and principally reinvest any profit made. • Output could also be defined in terms of a public or general interest benefit generated, such as contributing to social cohesion or quality of life. • Activity should not necessarily be able to run unsupported. • Democracy/participation in a broad sense: cooperation with local community and participation and empowerment of service user. Eurodiaconia – an overview

6. What does the Commission define a Social enterprise? “A social enterprise is an operator in the social economy whose main objective is to have a social impact rather than make a profit for their owners or shareholders. It operates by providing goods and services for the market in an entrepreneurial and innovative fashion and uses its profits primarily to achieve social objectives. It is managed in an open and responsible manner and, in particular, involve employees, consumers and stakeholders affected by its commercial activities.” Eurodiaconia – an overview

7. Does that include all our work? • Under the Commission’s definition, based on existing EU law on the meaning of the word “enterprise”, all diaconal organizations operating in a market with a social aim would be seen as social enterprises/businesses. Eurodiaconia – an overview

8. Challenges for the social economy • Low value given to the social care sector and social services • Profits made by not-for-profit organisations are treated in the same way fiscally as for-profit organisations. • Our societies define success on levels of economic output = barriers for valuing activities that bring a low or no direct economic benefit. • Funding cuts in the social sector are seen in part as a result of the low value attributed to social care. Eurodiaconia – an overview

9. Questions to explore today and tomorrow… • Is the Social Business Initiative relevant for diaconia? • How can diaconal organisations and churches cooperate with local or national authorities and other civil society bodies? What are the potential challenges? • Should workers in a sheltered workshop receive a wage and have social security coverage? Eurodiaconia – an overview

10. Questions… • Should sheltered workshops be phased out and replaced with supported employment in the regular workplace environment? What actions are needed to work towards this? • What other challenges are there for WISE? Should WISE have a strong element of participation? Is a diaconal WISE different from/special others? • What are the next steps for you internally and as Eurodiaconia? Is there political action to be taken nationally or at EU level? • Should Eurodiaconia take a position on a particular element of social economy? Eurodiaconia – an overview

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12. Conclusions and follow up actions • What are the next steps for you internally and as Eurodiaconia? Is there political action to be taken nationally or at EU level? • Should Eurodiaconia take a position on a particular element of social economy? • Would you find more exchange of practice useful? Eurodiaconia – an overview