Latest Event Updates

How New Economic Models and Technology Can Help the Development of an Integral Ecology

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The Pontifical University Sophia is holding an online symposium with a provocative title – Laudato Me or Laudato We – that will look at some of the recent economic and technology developments through the lens of ‘Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ recent encyclical, on May 15th, 2021 from 7 am ET – 1 pm ET.

How can new economic models and technology help or hinder the development of an integral ecology? Check out the program and register to expand your knowledge and gather new insights on these new societal developments.

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[Video] Businesses for a Caring Economy

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On March 7th, 2021, the Economy of Communion sponsored a panel discussion that highlighted how businesses can help address economic injustice and promote inclusion. Representatives from several organizations presented their experience and engaged in a lively debate.

We work to harness the potential of the private sector, to create a capitalism that enables everyone economic participation, as well as economic dignity, while protecting the planet. (Meredith Sumpter)

Access the Video Here

The panel discussion was part of a larger event – A Hearth for the Human Family – that was organized by the Focolare Forum for Dialogue and Culture.

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Featuring EoC Businesses – Communion Properties: Rebuilding homes and work opportunities

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This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Economy of Communion (EoC). On this occasion, we are featuring the experience of EoC entrepreneurs around the world through a webinar series. A March 11, 2021 webinar featured the story of Andy Gustafson, from Omaha Nebraska who is not only a Professor of Philosophy and Business Ethics at Creighton University but also the owner of a real estate company called Communion Properties.

His company aims to renovate old buildings and provide job opportunities for people in need, that may struggle with unemployment or various forms of addiction, and rent them to families that may otherwise not be able to afford quality housing. This virtuous circle contributes to revitalization of the community in which these activities happen.

Watch the webinar to hear more about his story.

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“The Startup for Start-ups”: How to Create a Business in the Spirit of the Economy of Communion

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This February 13th, 2021 webinar co sponsored by the Youth Center for North America (YCNA) and the Economy of Communion will give hope to anyone considering the journey to be enterpreneurial Forces for Good in our world!

YCNA coordinators Mike Morse and Chiara Luce Catipon welcomed all to learn what entrepreneurs are currently doing to create a more inclusive economy.

Ably guided by facilitator Loretta Rauschuber, EoC entrepreneurs John Mundell ( Mundell and Associates, Inc.), Paul Catipon (NetPro Communications, Inc. ), Nick Sanna (RiskLens) , Jon Hokama ( Jon Hokama and Associates, LLC ) and Nellie Torres (ProjectSpan, Inc.) shared their experiences starting businesses. This lively disccussion can give hope and practical tips for all considering entrepreneurship during the current pandemic. In additon to panelists sharing their lessons from their value-based experiences on starting their businesses, they also share how pitfalls are growth opportunities and respond to live Q&A.


To see the full February 13th, 2021 webinar: Click here to view the recording.

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Webinar: Starting a Business in the Spirit of the Economy of Communion

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Thinking about starting a business that can be a Force for Good in this world?

Join other aspiring entrepreneurs on February 13th, 2021 as they compare notes and learn from entrepreneurs of the Economy of Communion (EoC) movement. The program will include practical experiences on how to start a business and root it on a strong foundation, the pitfalls to avoid and live Q&A.

Click here to register for this free zoom gathering.

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Video: Economy of Communion Business Network Growing in New York

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The Economy of Communion in North America held its first of a series of bi-monthly meetings in 2021 on January 16.

Paul Catipon of Netpro Communications

Paul Catipon, President of Netpro Communication, an innovative and rapidly growing full-service IT consulting firm based in New York City, shared how the inclusive business practices inspired by the Economy of Communion (EoC) are put in practice by a growing number of businesses and people in the city.

Catipon says: “Instead of running the EoC principles by myself, can we involve other companies?” He then explained the network of relationships formed and the various initiatives that became the answer to that question.

The meeting agenda also included a reflection on the meaning of ‘poverty’ in the EoC, a few experiences from current and former entrepreneurs, as well as introductions to ‘The Economy of Francesco‘ and ‘The Hearth of a Human Family’, of which the EoC is a contributing partner.

Watch the Video Here

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Join Us For Our First Economy of Communion Meeting of 2021

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Dear friends of the Economy of Communion (EoC),

Happy New Year, with our best wishes of good health, happiness and prosperity in 2021. We hope that this will be a year of progressive, yet strong recovery from the pandemic and the economic, human and social challenges that came with it. May the year also bring renewal and growth to our relationships, within and around the businesses and the organizations that we are part of, so that they can be ever more authentic and fraternal.

Join us for our first online EoC meeting of the year on Saturday, January 16th, 2021 from 2-3 pm ET.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ZOOM MEETING.

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Online Economy of Francesco Event to Kick-Off on Nov. 19, 2020

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The Economy of Francesco, the international event with young economists, change makers and entrepreneurs encouraged by Pope Francis, that the Economy of Communion is supporting, will be held online from 19 to 21 November 2020, with live streaming with the young participants and speakers. The “virtual” participation of Pope Francis has also been confirmed.

The innovative, participatory and global program, includes group workshops, plenary sessions involving keynote speakers, the places and spirituality of St. Francis, silence and meditation, artistic performances and interviews.

Detailed agenda

Today the Economy of Francesco is a movement of young people with faces, personalities and ideas, which is present and growing around the world in order to change the current economy and give a soul to the economy of tomorrow. Today, more than ever, the world needs the creativity and love of young people, who as craftsmen of the future, are creating the Economy of Francesco, weaving between the “already” and “not yet”.

For more information and to follow the event online. visit www.francescoeconomy.org

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#7 Key to Business Survival: Cultivating”Communication” EoC Monthly Webinar November 4, 2020

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November 3 , 2020

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Come join the Monthly EoC North America Webinar Wed, Nov. 4, 10am, EST CLICK HERE TO RSVP

This time of ongoing pandemic uncertainty is the best time to return to the foundational principles and practices on “How to Be an EoC Business.”

Economy of Communion firms are committed to living by seven principles known by colors. This vision is articulated by Focolare/EoC founder Chiara Lubich:

Love is light, it is like a ray of light that passes through a drop of water and opens out to display a rainbow, whose seven colors we admire…. And just as the rainbow is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet, love, the life of Jesus in us, is manifested in different colors; it is expressed in various ways, each one different from the others.

A New Way, p, 76

In November, we will be reflecting on the color “violet”, “Communication.” Rev. Jon Hokama , EoC Coordinator, Co-founder of Papa’s Home International and management consultant, will be our presenter.

Living with this pandemic has shown us that “Communication”–building relational capital– is not just a “nice to have” but essential to cultivate our businesses to help our people to counteract the anxiety, loneliness, and stresses of the pandemic, whether we are at working and schooling at home, working in the office, juggling jobs or unemployed.

This month Jon will walk you through this  “Communication” assessment to reflect on your own work situation and explore steps to improve it:

* What is relationship capital? How do you observe and measure it? 

* What can you do to create an environment to build relationship capital with internal stakeholders? 

* What can you do to create an environment to build relationship capital with external stakeholders? 

* What are examples of matching needs and benefits both locally and internationally?

* How might this “culture of communion” help you to find common projects to build unity in a divided country and a divided world?

We encourage you to see the full description and come ready to take an assessment of your workplace tomorrow using this “Communication”  assessment.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP to register for  our “Communication” webinar on Wed. Nov. 4, 10am EST.

FUTURE DATES: Here is the final dates for the remaining EoC webinar in 2020:

  • Wed., Dec. 2, 10am EST: “2020 Wrap-up/2021 Preview”

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Email Jon Hokama at eocassoc@gmail.com or jon@jonhokama.net.

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#6 Key to Business Survival: Cultivating “Formation, Instruction and Wisdom” EoC Monthly Webinar October 7, 2020

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September 24 , 2020

eoclogoalt3

Come join the Monthly EoC North America Webinar Wed, Oct. 7, 10am, EST CLICK HERE TO RSVP

This time of ongoing pandemic uncertainty is the best time to return to the foundational principles and practices on “How to Be an EoC Business.”

Economy of Communion firms are committed to living by seven principles known by colors. This vision is articulated by Focolare/EoC founder Chiara Lubich:

Love is light, it is like a ray of light that passes through a drop of water and opens out to display a rainbow, whose seven colors we admire…. And just as the rainbow is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet, love, the life of Jesus in us, is manifested in different colors; it is expressed in various ways, each one different from the others.

A New Way, p, 76

In October, we will be reflecting on the color “indigo”, “Formation, Instruction and Wisdom.” Dr. Celeste Harvey Gustafson, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at College of St. Mary’s and recent author of “A Person-Centered Theory of the Firm: Learning from the Economy of Communion” will be our main presenter.

Living with this pandemic has shown us that “Formation, Instruction and Wisdom” are not just “nice to haves” but essential to cultivate our businesses to help our people to counteract the anxiety, loneliness, and stresses of the pandemic, whether we are at working and schooling at home, working in the office, juggling jobs or unemployed.

Our session will allow you to explore some of the following questions for your own work situation:

What impact does “communion” have on a company’s people-development? 

How might our colleagues share their talents, ideas and competencies to enable my professional and personal flourishing? 

What might I offer to enhance the the professional growth and flourishing of my colleagues ?

What fresh “case study” from our company might most benefit academic research, teaching, and post-secondary learning?  

We encourage you to see the full description and take an assessment of your workplace at this “Formation, Instruction and Wisdom” Assessment link.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP to register for  our”Formation, Instruction and Wisdom” webinar on Wed. Oct. 7, 10am EST.

FUTURE DATES: Here are dates and times for the remaining EoC webinars in 2020:

  • Wed.,  Nov. 4, 10am, EST: “Communication”
  • Wed., Dec. 2, 10am EST: “2020 Wrap-up/2021 Preview”

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Email Jon Hokama at eocassoc@gmail.com or jon@jonhokama.net.

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