In the second panel of the Enterprising for Tomorrow 2024 conference, Timothy Ghilain, Chief of Staff at EASPD discussed the role of networks in improving the implementation of the Social Economy Action Plan at the European level. He emphasized the importance of organization, collaboration, and shared learning among social economy enterprises.
“EASPD represents service providers for persons with disabilities, all of our members are part of the social economy even if they don’t know it or if they don’t agree with it.”
“If any one organization tries to push for such a reform it’s extremely hard to achieve in the field of social work, we need to work together.”
Key Ideas
Role of Networks in Social Economy:
- Networks like EASPD help organize and unify voices to effectively communicate with European institutions.
- EASPD represents service providers for persons with disabilities, integrating them into the social economy.
Importance of Organization:
- Effective organization allows for better advocacy and representation of social economy enterprises.
- Organized efforts help avoid the dilution of messages and ensure that collective goals are pursued efficiently.
Collaborative Efforts:
- Collaboration among different organizations and countries is crucial for the success of the social economy.
- Sharing experiences and innovative solutions across countries helps address common challenges.
Implementation of the Action Plan:
- Timothy Ghilain emphasized the importance of implementing the Social Economy Action Plan at the national level.
Unified Push for Reforms:
- Timothy Ghilain called for coordinated efforts at both national and European levels to push for social economy reforms.
- The speaker highlighted the role of various European networks and institutions in achieving common goals.