Innovation through Investigation: Creating a Cooperative Social Community

The community of Idlewild, located in Yates Township, Michigan, possesses a significant history as the largest historic African American resort community established during the Jim Crow Era. Established in 1912, it thrived for more than fifty years but declined with the passing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. However, Idlewild has begun to revitalize, with new full-time residents seeking work-life balance in a rural context and, most importantly, residency in a safe community. However, Idlewild was originally designated for seasonal residents, resulting in a new set of needs for community sustainment. A special focus on research that engages with community visioning to develop planning that realigns community, township, and county goals for Idlewild is a significant driver in this exercise. The use of community visioning will be coupled with the township master planning process with focus on sustainability; the implementation of social solidarity economics, as well as open book management, will solidify the continued success of the community in the spirit of “co-opetition”. The application of these theories and their effect on the sustainability of Idlewild will be of particular interest. In addition to the environment, sustainability will include concern for people and economy to develop a balanced community structure. Social solidarity economic principles refer to a set of values and practices aimed at promoting economic systems that prioritize cooperation, social justice, and sustainability. It is an alternative model to the mainstream capitalist system and seeks to address the inequalities and environmental challenges created by traditional market economies. The principles of solidarity economy emphasize the well-being of individuals and communities over profit maximization. Key Principles that will be addressed in this paper are: 1. Solidarity and Cooperation 2. Social Justice and Equity 3. Democratic Governance 4. Sustainable Development5. Localization and Autonomy 6. Diverse Economic Forms 7. Ethical Consumption 8. Education and Awareness A critical factor in the planning process is preserving historical community values while not stifling progress that will allow for a continued longevity. Embracing the African American heritage of Idlewild makes this instance of cooperative community living a unique example, amplified by its resort identity. Extensive literature review, community engagement, and active group communication will serve as the basis for planning.The strategic conversation of the Idlewild community members will be formulated through the lens of social solidarity economic principles and community theory, leading to documentation of solutions for the future of Idlewild. The aspiration for this process is to create a successful case study for other rural communities to begin planning and applying cooperative community modeling.

https://doi.org/10.35483/ACSA.AM.112.91

Volume Editors
Germane Barnes & Blair Satterfield

ISBN
978-1-944214-45-6