Getting ready for the commons 4.0...
COMAS builds tools and resources to help connect people and things to develop sustainable communities.
Curiosities....
COMAS
COMAS = COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS or COMMONS ACTIVATION STRATEGIES
COMMUNITY
community not profit
work from the ground up (vs. top-down policy/decision-making)
strengths-based approach
prioritize human wellbeing
work for the underserved
COMMONS
The analogy of the tragedy of the commons or the notion of innate human selfishness has often been cited as the reason why the commons - sharing common resources - cannot support efficient, effective, and scalable systems and societies.
We believe the only way forward is to reject all forms of exploitation. Rebuilding social and cultural affectivity in collaboration to replace a culture of "zero-sum games" will drive a truly sustainable future for people and the planet. Technology, tools, and resources can be built and structured to support the commons 4.0
CIRCULARITY
there is no waste in natural (eco)systems
terms like "circular economy", "sustainability", and "regenerative" have been popular to allude to all things green and good. all in all, when taken seriously, it directs us to the issue of respecting the planet and all other living things. those of us who grew up in scarcity understand how to be resourceful with used and "waste" materials; ancient, historic, and indigenous cultures often plan and utilize their resources according to respect for the land and other lives. it is a design and a sociocultural problem.
MANAGEMENT
organize, participate, empathize
participatory co-design
researchers/planners as organizers
planning and lean methodologies
use resources wisely and regeneratively
CONNECTION
ecosystems as a whole
collaboration
SYSTEMS
everything is connected
systems thinking
interdisciplinary solutions
cross-sectoral
The environmental, social, and economic had been defined as the three pillars of sustainable development - yet many initiatives focus solely on one or another
STRATEGIES
good things take time
commitment
responsibility
research-based practice
advocacy for systems change
human development