Co-operative Commonwealth 

“A map of the world that does not include Utopia is not worth even glancing at, for it leaves out the one country at which Humanity is always landing. And when Humanity lands there, it looks out, and, seeing a better country, sets sail. Progress is the realisation of Utopias.”
― Oscar Wilde 

The Co-operative Commonwealth is a concept where all the fundamental needs of a group of people are met through a complex of strong communities, active commoning, and a strong network of co-operating, Co-operative businesses dedicated to the common good. 

Beginning with the formation of the “Climate Co-ops”, we will incrementally build an interlocked system of:  

• Strong and well connected cooperative communities, from the local scale, through the bioregional scale, nationally, and internationally. 
• A politics which is based on sovereignty at the local level, with responsibility for decision making and enforcement taken at the lowest possible level, then delegated to the levels above only if required.  
• A culture of commoning within these communities to provide for as many of our needs as is practical, reducing the need for paid work and introducing a culture of abundance (rather than scarcity). 
• Interlinked cooperative businesses in all sectors. With a common mission to maintain the common good, the co-ops can cater for any tasks which require a dedicated workforce. 
• Regeneration of Earth, and of human culture 

 
This regeneration of human culture could be similar to the Voices for Indi movement in the Indi electorate in Victoria, or take inspiration from stateless democracies like the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria, or any of the myriad experiments in grassroots democracy which are available. 

The Cooperative Commonwealth is where we want to be at the end of our journey. 

A place where work does not dominate our lives. 

Where work serves the needs of people and planet, and money is only a means to that end. 

A place where everyday life contributes to the flourishing of nature and community. 

A place where all are treated fairly and equally, and all take responsibility on a daily basis for the upkeep of their society.