Social Cohesion – GSEF2016

SSE and Social Services

Studio créatif Coloc — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 20:03:00 +0000

Several countries and cities have explicitly recognized the role of SSE enterprises in providing certain social services, often complementing public or private services, including socio-professional integration of individuals excluded from the labour market, and integration of people with disabilities. These services are all the more important in the context of a demographic transition that is dramatically affecting public needs, not all of which can be met by government. The objectives and specific characteristics of different government measures, including at the local level, have a huge influence on the creation of SSE enterprises and their local impact.

Cultural Diversity

Studio créatif Coloc — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 20:02:36 +0000

Cultural diversity is both a big challenge and an invaluable resource for any city. When it is recognized and adequately taken into account, cultural diversity becomes a driving force of economic, social and cultural development because it generates multiple forms of civic engagement and synergy among the different approaches. By strengthening communities’ capacities to meet their needs and supporting local civic engagement, the SSE plays a key role in promoting social cohesion in a context of cultural diversity, while highlighting the benefits of this diversity. In this sense, it is a natural ally of local governments that are also seeking to promote the use of all the cultural resources of their territories.

Recognizing the Informal Economy

Studio créatif Coloc — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 14:53:22 +0000

The informal or popular economy comprises economic activities that may involve most of the inhabitants of a given territory and that provide essential public services such as the reuse or sharing of goods, home care, and waste management. While taking into account the diversity and the complexity of the informal economy, the SSE often plays a key role in formalizing these activities, generating positive spinoffs on different levels: municipalities are better able to serve their target groups; public revenues are increased; and the economic stability of those who work in these enterprises is ensured. In some contexts, exiting the informal economy also translates into decent employment for the communities concerned, including immigrants, thereby promoting their social integration.

Social Inclusion and Accessibility

Studio créatif Coloc — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 14:51:16 +0000

When it comes to the inclusion of marginalized groups, integration of newcomers, service accessibility, and inclusion of people with disabilities or diminishing autonomy, the SSE is a key partner of local governments to ensure service delivery to the entire population. By virtue of practices that enable communities to meet their own needs, innovative and sustainable solutions to complex social issues, and the diversity of groups it serves and sectors in which it operates, the SSE fosters inclusion and stronger social cohesion in cities, and, in so doing, makes neighbourhoods safer.

Culture, Leisure and Tourism

Studio créatif Coloc — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 14:01:09 +0000

Credit : City Of Montreal

Cultural and recreational initiatives reflect the ideas, identity and interests of a community’s inhabitants. Among other things, SSE tourism enterprises showcase these initiatives, which can be particularly attractive to visitors because of their specifically local character. By supporting the SSE in the areas of culture, recreation, and tourism, local governments are not only ensuring services that are essential to their residents’ quality of life and promoting local culture, they are also helping to consolidate a tool that fosters integration, and social and cultural cohesion, and that is rooted in its territory.