The Rio Cataniapo Commune, formed by 15 community councils in response to Hugo Chávez's call for socialist communes, has become a significant example of Indigenous communal organization in Venezuela. Approximately 1,500 participants, predominantly Indigenous, practice common land ownership, focusing on key agricultural products such as yuca, sugarcane, and cacao. The commune emphasizes self-governance and community solidarity, reflecting historical roots of communal living among Indigenous peoples. However, it faces challenges from U.S. sanctions and a lack of state support, which hinder its economic development [45a05efb].
In parallel, the commune's leader, Angel Prado, in El Maizal, is also working to refound the economy through an alternative communal economy. This initiative aims to implement new forms of production, such as cooperatives, while maintaining communal property and encouraging individual motivation. The concept of an 'alternative communal economy' in El Maizal is being developed as a way to build a new and better society, emphasizing collective imagination and experimentation [6e16cf2f].
Meanwhile, ReImagine Appalachia is working to revitalize the economy in Ohio and nearby states by developing worker cooperatives in sectors such as renewable energy infrastructure, sustainable manufacturing, and high-speed internet construction. These cooperatives will be structured with voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, and employee economic participation. The goal is to provide good jobs for over 235,000 Ohioans annually for the next decade, according to a report from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. This program will be funded by grants from the $350 billion infrastructure package and economic development agencies in central Appalachian counties [5554132b].
The initiative by ReImagine Appalachia aligns with the need to address the economic struggles faced by younger generations in Appalachia, focusing on sectors that promote sustainable growth. A virtual summit on sustainable manufacturing and federal funds for Appalachia is scheduled for mid-January, bringing together stakeholders to discuss opportunities for economic development [5554132b].
Additionally, federal workers in Maine are seeking state-backed loans to ensure they can pay their bills in case of a government shutdown. These loans would be repaid when the government reopens and employees receive retroactive paychecks. This situation underscores the challenges faced by federal workers and the need for financial support during periods of uncertainty [5554132b].
Furthermore, a bill before the New Mexico Legislature aims to halt approval of new drilling permits within a mile of school facilities starting in July. This bill is intended to protect children from pollution and prevent fresh water waste during the state's ongoing megadrought. New Mexico, being the second-largest oil producer and a top gas producer in the United States, recognizes the importance of balancing economic interests with environmental concerns [5554132b].