What is INDEP, and what is its mission?
INDEP was set up and launched in July 2024 as an international network of workers, students, activists, and researchers who share the common goal of advancing democratic economic planning as a post-capitalist economic system.
What activities will the network do?
The network will achieve its aims through the following activities:
- Maintain a website.
- Maintain a mailing list and publish a newsletter about recent developments and upcoming events in the democratic economic planning space.
- Maintain a membership directory.
- Organise events.
- Enable working groups.
- Set up any other communication tools that members might request.
Who can join the network? How can I join it?
Anyone who supports our aims and values and wants to contribute to the network can join it. See our registration page for more details.
Why is this network needed?
The network exists to enable members of the network to:
- Share information (news, events, publications, insights, etc)
- Build relationships with others in the community
- Support each other in advancing the theory and practice of democratic economic planning
- Collaborate on projects
- Foster constructive critical dialogue on democratic economic planning
What is the governance structure?
For the moment, the structure is minimal to start the project as soon as possible. A steering group consisting of the founding members takes care of the essential questions, with a few specialised groups taking care of particular tasks (like tech and organising events). As the network is launched and people join it, the structure will become open and democratic.
What is democratic economic planning?
We see democratic economic planning as an alternative to both command and market economies. We also understand that the very definition of “market” is hotly contested. Broadly, democratic planning means that important decisions over production, reproduction, consumption, distribution, investment – and, indeed, about our lives in general – are made consciously and collectively via democratic processes rather than determined by state authorities or market forces. If you want to know more about democratic economic planning, we recommend this website if you want a more detailed introduction to democratic economic planning.
Do I have to pay to join the network?
No, you don’t.
Can I just receive the newsletter and not attend any events or meetings?
Yes, you can. Most people do that. Sign up to the newsletter here.
Is membership open to individuals only, or can organisations join as well?
Yes, organisations are welcome to join the network. See our registration page for more details.
How can I contribute to INDEP’s activities?
You can tell us about events you are organising or things you are publishing, so we can let others know. You can also come to the events INDEP or others in the Democratic Economic Planning sphere are organizing in person or online.
How does the network collaborate with other organisations or movements sharing similar goals?
Currently, the network wants to partner with all organisations active in the democratic economic planning sphere to share what they are doing with people interested in these questions. Later on, the network will like to organise events with its partners.
Does INDEP endorse the content of every news item or event it shares?
No. INDEP functions as a platform to facilitate the sharing of ideas, news, and events related to postcapitalism and democratic economic planning. While we exercise editorial discretion to ensure relevance, our inclusion of a news item or event should not be seen as an outright endorsement. We aim to provide a broad and inclusive range of perspectives within the framework of our mission, as outlined in our About section. INDEP’s goal is to foster thoughtful discussion and collaboration, not to advocate for any single viewpoint or approach.