From October 4 to 6, the fifth edition of ComunESS, the Communication and Social and Solidarity Economy (ESS) meeting, took place in Bilbao, with the participation of REAS. Three members from the Comparte Network crossed the ocean from Guayaquil (Ecuador), Nariño (Colombia), and Xela (Guatemala) to share knowledge and identify common challenges. Discussions covered topics such as the potential of Artificial Intelligence in SSE, essential tools for creating narratives with greater reach, the importance of inclusive language in our messages, and the need for collective action. The event also allowed for personal connections and enjoyment in dynamic sessions—facilitated by groups like ColaBoraBora—and informal spaces that helped strengthen relationships and foster future collaborations.
In addition, members from Comparte, Hogar de Cristo, Suyusama, Alboan, and Serjus had the chance to explore inspiring SSE initiatives in Bizkaia. In the days following the meeting, they met with BIOZAKI, Kidekoop, visited Ekonopolo, spoke with Calala, shared a meal and engaging conversation with the Onjan team, and learned from Koopera and the Peñascal Cooperative. These SSE initiatives focus on areas such as agroecology, food sovereignty, political advocacy, activism support, and labor reintegration. These Social Market initiatives share a common goal with the Solidarity Economic Circuits that Comparte is building across Latin America: to shift local economic dynamics toward production and consumption models that promote the well-being of people and our shared home.
Participating in ComunESS and the subsequent visits was a pleasure. Eduardo Vega from Hogar de Cristo highly valued the chance to present and discuss the Social Center’s plan to launch a new umbrella brand for their ventures called “Resiliarte.” For Sandra from ASERJUS, it was particularly meaningful to see the variety of initiatives visited over these days and the support from public administrations in the labor reintegration model. David from Suyusama, inspired by collaborative consumption and production experiences like those at Kidekoop and Biozaki, returns to Colombia energized to continue advancing the Red Enjambre and green basket projects. Overall, participants felt a sense of a strengthened network after this knowledge exchange. The challenges we face are undoubtedly complex, but together we are stronger.