First of all, the economy that we have today is sort of Capitalist – which means that our economic system is based on domination. It is all about who gets there fast, who made it bigger, who got invested huge etc.
However, the economy built on kindness would definitely be radically - Different.
Over the years, especially post-pandemic, we have come to realize that having more doesn’t always means better. How we live, buy and sell is now changing. The post-pandemic era now is all about care, respect and understanding the implications of our actions. We want to know who we buy it from, how and why things are made, who will benefit from those purchases and how it will benefit them.
(Above visual: Our Community Giving box that we initiated few years back under our previous platform in one of the neighborhood's mall. We encouraged shoppers to leave non perishables in the box so we can distribute it to those in need)
But what is a Kindness Economy? There are several definitions of this out there but I will stick to mine (see below).
Kindness Economy is about initiating, co-creating and driving ideas or initiatives that will impact lives or the world for the better. It is also about recognizing, validating and rewarding the society that did good.
We rarely validate and reward people for the good deeds they do – regardless who they are or where they come from. They deserve it as much as anyone prominent that you have read in the media. Psychologically, it is also rewarding because your brain releases endorphins that makes you feel good whenever you do something that makes a difference.
THE FUTURE OF KINDNESS ECONOMY
The Kindness economy is certainly to look out for and the future is indeed promising. Kindness Economy will eventually change the way companies will do their businesses. As mentioned above, Consumers (in particular Gen X and beyond) will insist to know if the products and services that they buy or subscribed to will impact the world and how their participation in the process makes a difference.
THE CREATION OF KINDNESS ECONOMY
There are many online social platforms created for the masses but none focuses in bringing the community together to ideate, initiate and co-collab for the benefit of common good.
I know it’s a tall order, but I look forward to kickstart this on Sharetribes.
By creating a virtual community platform and then driven by communities from any parts of the world where everyone gets connected to cross collaborate, share, support, get ideas validated, discuss, reward and create awareness, builds own community/groups with a mission to create a better world is timely in the post pandemic era.
HOW TO BE PART OF THIS SOCIAL CHANGE?
a) USERS (Activists, Community Leaders, Change Makers, Forward Thinkers & Do Gooders)
May sign up HERE (it's FREE!) and join our Waitlist. We will notify you once we go LIVE. The more the merrier, don’t forget to tag your friends too.
b) BRAND OWNERS
It’s a fact that many prefers to support brands that incorporate good in their business. And we are on the lookout for Brands to collaborate as social good partners by being part of our reward & giving eco system. We want to work with brands that wants to give back for those that support the business of good. Get in touch with me at thesharetribes@gmail.com or leave your message below if you wish to join our Sharetribes family.
REWARDING THE DO GOODERS
While we acknowledge and validate the good work of others, why not reward their work as well? And with that, we are planning to tokenise every good initiatives & effort via mass votes. Collected points can be converted to tokens where users can choose to exchange for something or donate (pay it forward) them away to causes or missions raised on the platform.
THE NEW ECONOMY NEEDS YOU - YES YOU!
In order to change how the existing economy work, we need to come together and kickstart an initiative to change that. We need to create a new channel.
We believe that the pandemic happens for a reason. It gives the exhausted world a chance to pause, reset and allows us humans to reflect on what really matters and rebuild it.
Humans keeps taking and taking, but rarely gives back. Imagine cutting down trees, robbing and raping the jungle to benefit mankind, but what about the environment? Wild lives? Did we pause for a while and think about the impact? Who do we blame in creating imbalance in the eco system? Whose responsibility is it to restore them?
Or did we exploit others for our gains? Food for thought, a day-old bread may be discarded by some, but to some others, it could still feed a hungry stomach.
YOU CAN PLAY A ROLE - BE A CHANGE AGENT
Anyone regardless the status, race, culture or beliefs can do something good for the world and they deserve a shout out and a huge pat on their backs. We need to share their good work and validate the contributions they have made. Everyone plays a part, whether they donate time or resources.
We certainly cannot do this alone.
We have a platform that serves like a vehicle and all we need is people like you - that wants to create a better world to drive it together.
(Above visual: Distributing devices to the underprivileged rural students in Sabah, Malaysia so they can continue learning during the pandemic)
So what’s the future behold for Sharetribes?
For now, we are taking it one day at a time and continue to nurture her to be the best version of herself so she can continue to serve others. But she needs you to be part of that journey. I believe we can make it happen.