History of Distributism ~ Global Distributists: 4) Resurgence and Modern Distributism ~ 7) Economic Models and Organizations Inspired by Distributism

The fifteenth instalment of the series of articles from Global Distributists on the origins of Distributism and how it's been adapted and implemented around the world.

7.1 Cooperatives

Cooperatives are member-owned and democratically controlled organizations that operate for the mutual benefit of their members. Distributism emphasizes the importance of cooperative ownership as a means of achieving economic democracy and decentralization. Many cooperatives, such as credit unions, agricultural cooperatives, and worker-owned businesses, embody distributist values through their focus on localism, community empowerment, and equitable distribution of resources.

7.2 Community Land Trusts

Community land trusts (CLTs) are nonprofit organizations that hold land in trust for the benefit of local communities, promoting affordable housing and sustainable land use. CLTs align with distributist principles by emphasizing community ownership and stewardship of land, as well as the importance of equitable access to resources.

7.3 Local Currencies and Complementary Currency Systems

Local currencies and complementary currency systems, such as time banks, LETS, and regional currencies, aim to support local economies and promote self-sufficiency. These systems often encourage local trade, community engagement, and environmental sustainability, aligning with distributist values.

7.4 Social Enterprises

Social enterprises are businesses that have a social or environmental mission at their core, balancing profit-making with the pursuit of positive social impact. Many social enterprises focus on addressing local needs, empowering marginalized communities, and promoting sustainable practices, reflecting distributist principles of localism, community-centered development, and environmental stewardship.

7.5 Transition Towns Movement

The Transition Towns movement is a grassroots network of communities that work together to build local resilience, self-sufficiency, and sustainable development. The movement’s focus on localism, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship aligns with the principles of distributism.

7.6 Conclusion

While distributism may not have directly inspired all of these economic models and organizations, their underlying principles and goals often reflect key tenets of distributist thought. By emphasizing localism, community ownership, and equitable distribution of resources, these models and organizations contribute to the broader vision of a more just and sustainable society that distributism seeks to promote.