On March 18, the Comparte Network held its first Assembly of the year with the participation of more than 50 people from 12 countries in Latin America, the United States, Canada, and Spain. Representatives from social centers, universities, foundations, and partner organizations gathered at this meeting, reaffirming the Network’s commitment to building sustainable economic alternatives in territories affected by multiple social, environmental, and economic crises.
The session began with an analysis of the regional context and its implications for the construction of alternative economies, led by the CPAL socio-environmental delegate, Agnaldo Junior SJ, who invited participants to view current challenges as an opportunity to strengthen networking and deepen commitment to local territories.
Working groups that energize the Network
One of the central moments of the Assembly was the in-depth discussion on the work and dynamics of the Working Groups on Communication, Solidarity Economic Circuits (CES), and the Socio-environmental System (SASA), key actors in the implementation of the 2026 Operational Plan.
These collective spaces, defined in the Network’s Organizational System (SOC Comparte), are consolidating as operational engines where strategic lines are developed. Their voluntary and diverse nature—with participation from social centers, producer organizations, and experts from partner entities—strengthens collective construction, always supported by the Network’s technical team.
Achievements that consolidate progress and outlook for 2026
During the Assembly, the main results of the 2025 Operational Plan were shared, highlighting significant progress in Comparte’s strategic lines:
- Development of a mapping of potential strategic alliances, in collaboration with the Jesuit university ITESO (Mexico).
- Consolidation of the Comparte–Tinidia Financing Fund.
- Implementation of the Participatory Guarantee System (SPG) in new regions, incorporating Solidaridad CVX (El Salvador) and CIPCA (Peru), along with the third phase of the Online Agroecology School.
- Strengthening of Solidarity Economic Circuits in six territories and incorporation of two new ones: El Salvador (SVCX) and Piura (CIPCA Peru).
- Consolidation of the Socio-environmental Audit System (SASA), with more than 50 initiatives from 10 social centers participating in the annual impact measurement exercise.
- Production of audiovisual materials on responsible consumption (“I Choose Local”) and on the leadership of rural women in building alternatives.
- Progress in the development of the Common Gender Framework and in equity actions within the Network.
The 2026 budget and Operational Plan were also presented, aligned with the seven strategic changes guiding the Comparte Strategic Plan 2024–2027.
Renewal of the Coordinating Team
The Assembly also marked an important moment in the Network’s governance with the renewal of 50% of the Coordinating Team (ED), the body responsible for strategic coordination and monitoring of the strategic plan.
In accordance with the Comparte Organizational System, a call for candidates was opened in advance. The Assembly validated the incorporation of Lidia Verón (CEPAG) and Tany Huancahuire Garrafa (CCAIJO), who will assume this responsibility for a three-year period.
Next steps and upcoming Network meetings
Among the ongoing initiatives, participants were informed about the mid-term evaluation of the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, in which 14 social centers took part. The results will be presented at the in-person Assembly to be held in Chile from July 10 to 12, with the first day coinciding with the Assembly of the CPAL Social Centers Network.
In addition, the next online Network meeting will take place on April 23, where the results of the Common Gender Framework process will be presented.
The Comparte Network continues to strengthen its collaborative work, convinced that coordination among territories, organizations, and people is key to advancing toward more just, solidarity-based,