COMAS = COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS or COMMONS ACTIVATION STRATEGIES

community not profit

• work from the ground up (vs. top-down policy/decision-making)

• strengths-based approach

• prioritize human wellbeing

• work for the underserved

The analogy of the tragedy of the commons or the notion of innate human selfishness has often been cited as the reason why the commons - sharing common resources - cannot support efficient, effective, and scalable systems and societies.

We believe the only way forward is to reject all forms of exploitation. Rebuilding social and cultural affectivity in collaboration to replace a culture of "zero-sum games" will drive a truly sustainable future for people and the planet. Technology, tools, and resources can be built and structured to support the commons 4.0

there is no waste in natural (eco)systems

terms like "circular economy", "sustainability", and "regenerative" have been popular to allude to all things green and good. all in all, when taken seriously, it directs us to the issue of respecting the planet and all other living things. those of us who grew up in scarcity understand how to be resourceful with used and "waste" materials; ancient, historic, and indigenous cultures often plan and utilize their resources according to respect for the land and other lives. it is a design and a sociocultural problem.

organize, participate, empathize

• participatory co-design

• researchers/planners as organizers

• planning and lean methodologies

• use resources wisely and regeneratively

ecosystems as a whole

• collaboration

everything is connected

• systems thinking

• interdisciplinary solutions

• cross-sectoral

The environmental, social, and economic had been defined as the three pillars of sustainable development - yet many initiatives focus solely on one or another

good things take time

• commitment

• responsibility

• research-based practice

• advocacy for systems change

• human development