Make > Shift: From Finding a Job to Crafting a Livelihood

from OnTheCommons.org:



Make > Shift: From Finding a Job to Crafting a Livelihood
Jan Hively offers a starter guide for collaborative entrepreneurship

By Jan Hively WITH Kirin Loomis


“The word ‘Shift’ implies a willingness to think radically different – to see the abundance of possibilities that come with change. We need to tap the collective good for the good of everyone.” —Julie Ristau, Co-Director, On the Commons


This Make > Shift Guide offers a no-cost group process for exploring possibilities for meaningful work that will generate both income and community benefits. Based on the experience of a pilot group in the Twin Cities, the guide goes step-by-step through an orientation and seven meeting, four month process that can be adapted by any community group or adult education/workforce development program.

Participants brainstorm ideas for products and services stemming from current demographic and market trends . Members form teams to research the feasibility of business concepts based on the ideas. Some go on to develop business plans. Others say simply that they have garnered some useful ideas and professional relationships while having fun and connecting with interesting people.

The guide was written by Jan Hively, who convened and coordinated the pilot group in 2010, with assistance from Kirin Loomis, one of the Make > Shift pilot group entrepreneurs. Kirsten Wedes created the diagrams that are included in the Resource file. ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.onthecommons.org/make-shift-finding-job-crafting-livelihood

Be that as it may, there is an increasing fracturization of society into isolated individuals who don't have any idea who their next-door neighbor is. Overcoming indifference and inertia will demand a small army of charismatic and agressive leaders. That is what has moved this Alpha-oriented country historically.