Sub-node1 has two
main areas of research. The first is to capture a portrait of the social economy
of the Atlantic region, in as many of its facets as possible; to
learn what needs the Social Economy addresses, what, if anything, makes it
distinctive or innovative, the degree of interconnectedness
among its facets, the implications of these connections, and the
characteristics of social economy organizations in the region. This theme is generally referred to as "mapping".
The second
main area of research within Sub-node 1 is the "policy" area
- investigation of questions of government policy regarding
the social economy: how different understandings of the
social economy are reflected in government policy, what
needs are not being met, what changes are needed in the
regulatory environment, what indicators can be developed to
aid in policy development, etc.
coordinated by Dr.
Irené Novaczek, Institute for Island Studies,
University of
Prince Edward Island
Sub-node 2 will be
looking at issues of inclusion and empowerment in the social
economy. UPEI faculty in Island Studies, History, Anthropology,
Nursing, Psychology and Philosophy will collaborate with PEI
community organizations that work to advance the well-being of
low income people, single mothers, seniors, aboriginal people
and others who tend to be marginalized in society.
coordinated by Dr.
Patty Williams, Mount Saint Vincent University
Sub-node 3 is
focused on issues of food security. Food security is the ability
of individuals to obtain sufficient, nutritious, personally
acceptable food through normal food channels. The research
carried out in this sub-node will be deeply rooted in Participatory
Action Research (PAR). Team
members will work to develop specific research questions
collaboratively, and to effect positive change in the partner
organizations and their communities. A variety of methodologies
are anticipated, through which partners will take action, make
changes, develop learning tools and explore strategies for
public engagement.
coordinated by Dr.
Omer Chouinard, Université de
Moncton
Sub-node 4 will be
addressing issues related to community management of natural
resources and energy, such as what works, how, and why; what
inputs are needed to overcome obstacles and build capacity, how
community needs can be identified, and how the appropriate
strategy to address those needs (i.e. market, public or social
economy strategies) can be selected.
coordinated by
Dr. Sonja Novkovic and
Dr. Judy Haiven,
Saint Mary’s
University
Sub-node 5 will be looking
into the financial structures of the social economy, asking
such questions as: what can social accounting, co-operative
accounting, social auditing, and other techniques contribute
towards a better understanding of the work and contributions
of social economy organizations, where do social economy
organizations obtain the financing that they need, how can
social economy organizations attract financing, and what do
social economy organizations contribute towards financing
the social economy?
coordinated by
Ms. Penelope Rowe, The Community Services Council of
Newfoundland and Labrador, and Dr. Ivan Emke, Sir Wilfred
Grenfell College, Memorial University of Newfoundland and
Labrador
Communication, both internal
and external, plays a significant role in the success or
failure of a social economy venture. Sub-Node 6’s primary
research will investigate how to connect and encourage
knowledge exchange and knowledge transfer within the social
economy sector, looking at issues such as how social economy
actors can best communicate, technology as an equalizer vs.
technology as a barrier, and what our team can contribute by
developing and modeling communication processes and
technique
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