From September 11 to 23, AU students have the opportunity to gain insight and awareness in the field of international social co-operatives in Monte Genezzo, Tuscany.

“The Transition to Cooperative Commonwealth: Pathways to a New Political Economy” was created in partnership with The Synergia Institute, and co-conceived by Dr. Mike Gismondi, who is currently a professor of sociology and global studies at Athabasca University. This incredible opportunity will allow 15 to 20 students from around the world to learn about and experience such topics as cooperative development, community-owned initiatives, social enterprise, and social finance firsthand; students will be lead by some of the world’s leading thinkers in the field.

Additionally, this opportunity may not solely be for students that will participate in the trip itself. Dr. Gismondi is working to incorporate the research material that will be taught in Italy in a future AU MOOC entitled “The Transition to Cooperative Commonwealth: Pathways to a New Political Economy.” The material uses a great deal of research conducted by Synergia Partners.

After the excursion, participating students will have an understanding of alternative and innovative enterprises, and practical factors that contribute to such innovations. The trip will also include visits to local enterprises, and meetings with members of local cooperatives. Students will also explore factors that may enable the transfer of social cooperatives from Europe to Alberta and British Columbia.

Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Gismondi, and take advantage of this opportunity to study in this hands-on, personal environment.

References
Explore Italy “Eco-Educational”-style | Athabasca University News. (2016, August 05).
Retrieved August 18, 2016, from http://news.athabascau.ca/news/explore-italy/

Scenes of crime, war, and devastation plague our news channels and media sources, often fueled by racial, religious, or political motives. Although there are real problems occurring both at home and abroad, the ability for people to come together, compete, and celebrate in the spirit of athletics from around the globe is remarkable. News channels continue to cover other stories throughout the games, but they are often, for better or for worse, overshadowed by athletes competing in Rio.

When spectators cheer during the events, they may be cheering for a particular athlete, but often are cheering for an entire country. It is not only across borders but within them that we are able to come together in support of a common cause.

Additionally, our media coverage extends beyond star athletes and sporting events. We are exposed to inspirational athletes and nations who would likely be overlooked were it not for the Olympics. The refugee team, for example, features ten athletes from countries torn by conflict and often in need of international aid. Also, athletes from smaller nations are able to represent their countries on a global level, and they too can illuminate global issues of poverty, and a lack or resources in their home countries.

Living in a developed country, it can become very easy for us go about our daily lives with little regard, or awareness, of the conditions that others face daily. The lack of education and resources, not just for sports, in countries around the globe is rarely at the forefront of any media coverage unless there are political or economic reasons for our country to intervene. The Olympics include coverage of athletes’ stories from such countries, which ultimately brings awareness important issues.

Lastly, the world is focused on something positive. Despite the challenges that we face at home, and that others face abroad, or maybe because of them, we are able to take a moment and pause our daily routines in order to be a part of the joy of the Olympics, even if it is only for several days.

To see athletes from countries that are in conflict with one another, to see athletes of all races, religions, and ethnicities, and to see athletes of all economic and social statuses overcoming borders and other barriers to compete and celebrate the spirit of sport and international friendship is extraordinary. Because, at the end of the day, this is something that we, not as citizens of any one country, but rather, as citizens of this earth, participated in together.