Gift Economy

One of the gifts of the World Café is continually being invited into great conversations. 

One such conversation happened last week when social visionary Nipun Mehta joined us in Mill Valley to reflect on the principles and resourcing practices at the heart of CharityFocus, the non-profit started in 1999 as an experiment in the gift economy. 

Our interaction stimulated some wonderful creative thought; afterwards Nipun wrote this post summarizing his ideas.

What are your thoughts on resourcing? How do you envision the "gift economy"?

Comments

[Tree Bressen]

I work full-time as a freelance group facilitator, conducting trainings in consensus, facilitation, conflict resolution, etc., and supporting groups through complex or controversial issues. For over three years now, when potential clients have asked me what my fees are, here is what i've told them:

"I am currently operating on a gift economy basis, meaning i do not have set fees for my work. I ask groups to pay me an amount that feels good and right and fair to you, that you can afford, and that you can give joyfully. Group process work provides my entire livelihood, and i trust the groups i work with to honor this and provide the support that makes it possible for me to continue offering my services." (Travel is additional and for that i charge whatever the actual expense is.)

So for me the gift economy is a lived, day by day experience, that provides fully for my material well-being.

Cheers,

--Tree