The Social and Solidarity Economy SSE (also known as Social Enterprise in the UK):

SSE is a social movement aimed at promoting an economy organised collectively to satisfy people’s needs in their multiple dimensions (including care and social participation) and places cooperation and mutual respect above individual profit.

It is comprised of a wide variety of socioeconomic practices based upon a cooperative, democratic and transparent structure of fair governance that respects the rights and interests of all. SSE organisations act with social and environmental responsibility, as such, their activities, products and services have a strong social and environmental commitment. Its practices are developed mainly at a local level with a global perspective.

As a social movement SSE promotes an economy made with and by the people, as such, engagement of citizens and collaboration between related groups are crucial to foster this change in economic practice. It requires working together in three key areas: the creation of viable alternative economic practices, the active promotion and engagement with public institutions and the defence of existing economic rights.