The PGI aims to reimagine economics, by drawing from what's already working to offer viable ideas for a fair and regenerative, full-circle economy beyond capitalism; revitalize communities, by facilitating processes that reveal the true wealth in communities; and reorient organizations, by providing social entrepreneurs and local leaders with the skills, advice, and support to advance purpose-driven initiatives.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reminds us in this amazing talk of the urgent need for a variety of narratives and perspectives to shape the view of any given phenomenon. In recognizing that the current, dominant socio-economic system(s) are extractive, oppressive, and violent, the core of our work at the PGI is a keenness to explore alternatives.

In acknowledgement of the necessity of nuance and a multiplicity of perspectives in the movement, the Post Growth Fellowship amplifies the voices of diverse researchers, activists, and academics from around the world. The Fellowship acknowledges that while some of this work is not known or categorized as ‘post growth’, it is nonetheless part of the story of the circulation of money, power, and resources that defines a post-growth system. Recent insight from Post Growth Fellows includes an inspiring video on how cooperatives are building solidarity and resilience in Indonesia, an article about the anti-racist feminist leaders redefining social enterprise in Canada, and a study of small businesses in the Global South that are prioritizing social and environmental impact over economic growth.

Social reciprocity is essential for our wellbeing; as we circulate resources and care for one another we cultivate our sense of belonging. However, the modern social fabric has frayed—for many groceries are bought at supermarkets rather than farms, and when we need something we click on Amazon’s website rather than asking a neighbour. An extractive and consumerist culture has led to the commodification of many relationships.

Honoring exchange as an essential part of humanity and recognizing the need to create inclusive spaces, the PGI spent a decade developing the Offers and Needs Market (OANM), a two-hour facilitated process for exchanging knowledge, skills, resources, opportunities, and needs. Years of experience have shown that these events have a tangible effect on community cohesion by inviting people to connect with their inherent worth and, in doing so, recognize the same in others.

The OANM is the primary means through which the PGI works to revitalize communities, not only hosting sessions but also training and certifying facilitators. This process shifts the narrative around community resources while building a culture of trust, empathy, and connection. The applications are diverse, and include: an electrician's cooperative in Chicago, a wilderness education center in Australia, the Solidarity Economy Network of Virginia, timebanks, and at an intentional community in Scotland.

When we turn towards each other and heal from social isolation, we discover a wellspring of generosity and care.

Similarly, identifying what's already working in a business is one of the strongest ways to create resilience. In doing so, we discover that we have more than enough—that's one of the core realizations catalyzed in our Offers and Needs Markets. However, plenty of good intentions are often constrained by limited funding and energy for new not-for-profit businesses. The PGI offers workshops and consultancies for entrepreneurs and business leaders to successfully start, scale, and sustain a not-for-profit business using a selection of innovative tools and approaches.

While it’s useful to separate our work into the big-picture level, the organizational level, and the community level, we also acknowledge that for systemic change to occur, the work must be done holistically. As this Post Growth Fellowship article explains, the intersections and interdependencies themselves are as important as the categories and their contents. The work is necessary and we are here for it.