In this episode, I speak with Bert and Emma from the Simone Weil Catholic Worker House in Portland, Oregon. We talk about their community cooperative banking project and how this model is a tangible way to live Catholic social teaching, and most importantly, strengthen community bonds.
"this lending system actually becomes a way of deepening and strengthening community bonds. We don't usually think about taking out a loan as deepening and strengthening community Bonds in some profound way but this actually creates a way... to strengthen real relationships through...vulnerability and offering. [...] Our community here is trying to emphasize mutuality. This is not you know a handout to someone this is rather we're trying to create the kind of container that allows this to be a really mutual relationship."
How to Donate to Simone Weil Catholic Worker
Go to https://www.simoneweilhouse.org/
Make an electronic donations via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/InMyBackyard
Check donations can be written out to “In My Backyard” and mailed to: In My Backyard, 5311 NE 15th Ave, Portland, OR 97211Other ways to connect with Simone Weil Catholic Worker
Wednesday Open Dinners, 6:30pm at the Simone Weil House (*we ask all guests to be fully vaccinated*)
Thursday Agronomic University seminars, 5-6:15pm Pacific via Zoom (email us for the readings and links)
First Monday Mutual Economy Gatherings, 5-6:15pm Pacific via Zoom, first Monday of every month
Email them at [email protected]Excerpts from the teaching segment: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17LT12YTM0_foe7t9jm-ZWlAD9uJnZepw9O2msk9PJ8E/edit?usp=sharing
NEW! You can now submit your thoughts and recommendations of the podcast by filling out this feedback form: https://bit.ly/reclaimingsjfeedback