In alphabetical order
This glossary has been compiled to clearly and understandably explain the DOEN Foundation’s mission and its operations. It is intended for everyone curious to find out more about our role, driving pioneers in their transition towards a just, inclusive and circular society.
Asset Based Community Development
Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) aims to strengthen and develop communities by focusing on assets and resources already available within the local community (district or neighbourhood). This approach involves finding the skills that people, organisations and locations in the neighbourhood possess, and harnessing them to solve local problems and improve the community.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the presence of many different types of life in nature. This not only includes people and animals, but also plants, trees, insects and small creatures in the ground. The more species there are, the stronger and healthier nature is.
Blue economy
The term blue economy refers to sustainable and economic activities linked to the ocean, seas and coastal areas. The aim is to use these resources to achieve economic growth, create better living conditions and jobs, while maintaining the health of the oceans, seas and coastal areas.
Circular entrepreneurship
Circular entrepreneurship relates to an economic system in which materials and products remain in use for as long as possible through sharing, renting, reusing, repairing, revising and recycling. The aim is to extend the life cycle of products and prevent the loss of raw materials.
Collective imagination
Collective imagination represents the power of the imagination to bring about change. It is the ability to perceive things differently and come up with new ideas. As a result, problems and circumstances can be viewed and solved differently.
Community interests
Community interests in a society refer to the aspects of the society that people share with one another, such as common interests, values, norms, goals and possessions.
Community-based businesses
Community-based businesses are established and run by people within the community itself. They aim to improve the neighbourhood or district’s living environment. They often take the form of cooperatives, foundations or socially-inclusive businesses, in which the local residents themselves carry responsibility.
Community-based projects
Community-based projects embrace ideas or actions originating from within the community itself, implemented to improve the neighbourhood’s living environment or the connections between local residents in the neighbourhood, district or village. This could involve all kinds of activities like organising an event, building a playground or fixing up a public area.
District cooperative
See neighbourhood cooperative.
District economy
District economy refers to the economic activities that take place within a district, such as those of neighbourhood shops, catering establishments, socially-inclusive companies and informal initiatives. It forms part of the city’s economy. And it’s all about making good use of the strengths of a district and its inhabitants.
Ecosystem
An ecosystem comprises people, animals and planets within a particular area, including their living environments. It functions as a whole, with everything working together and in a state of mutual dependence in order to live well.
Equity investment (in a company)
By this we mean that you actively invest in a company, for example by purchasing shares, making an investment and/or acting as a sounding board and contributing towards important decisions.
Frontrunner
See pioneer.
Grant
A grant is a financial contribution intended to support or stimulate a particular initiative.
Impact investment company
An impact investment company focuses on investing in companies that – as well as generating a profit – have a positive social and/or ecological impact. In other words, the aim is to make money as well as making a difference in the world.
Inclusion
Inclusion means just that; it’s the exact opposite of exclusion. It hinges on participation and belonging for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. Inclusion creates a society in which everyone has a chance and an opportunity to develop.
Innovative (community-based) projects
Innovative (community-based) projects involve new, original forms of action that drive positive change, often in a particular context or environment. This relates to ideas or solutions that break the mould leading to improvements.
Making an impact
Making an impact means driving positive and sustainable change, making a difference in the world. It’s all about exerting an influence and having an impact that improves the situation for others or the environment. Making an impact is more than just achieving a goal: it’s about doing something good that lasts.
Neighbourhood cooperative
A district or neighbourhood cooperative is a form of self-organisation within a district or neighbourhood. It relates to an initiative by residents to work together with residents, entrepreneurs and district partners to create a better neighbourhood or district, often aiming to establish better ties between local residents and improve the living environment.
Niche
A niche is a specific target group, with common needs or interests.
Parties within the system
Parties within the system include organisations that work according to fixed rules and agreements. They are integral to how society is organised. Examples here include government bodies, housing associations, healthcare institutions and schools. They carry out important tasks such as implementing legislation and making sure everything goes according to the rules.
Pioneer
The terms frontrunner and pioneer are used to describe someone who leads the pack in a particular area, idea or development and therefore serves as a good example.
Radical imagination
Radical imagination embodies the power of viewing the world not as it is, but as it could conceivably be. Often in a more just and sustainable manner. Artists and designers are masters of the imagination.
Regenerative agriculture
Regenerative agriculture serves to enhance natural resources rather than depleting them. This involves improving soil quality, stimulating greater biodiversity and restoring the land so we can benefit from it for a long time.
Regenerative economy
Building a regenerative economy means working and acting in the better interests of people and the environment. It focuses on restoring, strengthening and renewing natural systems. It goes beyond sustainability and aims to create an economy that actively contributes to making a positive impact in the world.
Right to challenge
The right to challenge enables residents, socially-oriented organisations and/or local businesses to take over municipal tasks if they think they can do them better or for less money. This means they can challenge the municipality to look again at its current approach and opt for a community-based project instead.
Sector-strengthening organisations
Sector-strengthening organisations aim to support and stimulate a particular sector as a whole.
Social inclusion and solidarity in society and the workplace
Social inclusion and solidarity in society and the workplace means that people support one another and carry joint responsibility for everyone’s wellbeing. People are willing to care for each other, to help each other and to work together for a better society for all, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Social practice (art practice)
Within the context of artistic expression, social practice means that artists and cultural institutions focus on supporting social change and engagement. They do so by cooperating with people, communities and organisations. This forges a different relationship between the creator, the audience and the other people involved, resulting in a different view of the world.
Socially-inclusive companies
Socially-inclusive companies pursue a socially-inclusive mission. They often provide work to people who have difficulty finding jobs due to personal circumstances.
Solidarity
Solidarity in its most general sense means “togetherness” or “connectedness”. It’s all about a sense of mutual belonging, which makes you willing to help or support others, and vice versa.
Startup
A startup is a new, small business. It often starts with a good idea for a product or service that doesn’t exist. Startups aim to grow quickly and usually work in a new or smart manner.
Steward ownership
Steward ownership manifests in a business structure where leadership (control) lies with stewards who run the company in pursuit of the mission, and not merely for profit. The stewards are often responsible for managing shares through a foundation. They ensure the long-term sustainability and feasibility of achieving the company’s socially-inclusive mission.
Sustainability
Sustainability means the ability to support or sustain something continuously. Within the context of the environment and the economy, this also means balancing the needs of the present with the needs of future generations without damaging the environment.
System change/transition
System change refers to changes in the structures and processes of a system. By a system, we mean a set of interdependent elements that together form a larger whole such as an organisation, ecosystem or economy. In essence, this relates to changing the foundations of how a system works.
The system
The word system refers to the body of rules, plans, sub-systems and structures within an organisation or society.
The commons
The commons or common resources are shared and cared for by everyone. Examples here include water, air, a neighbourhood vegetable garden or a shared workplace. People use and care for them together, without them belonging to just one person.
Transition
Transition involves a period of change or switching from one situation to another. It can refer to a major change in society, the economy, the culture or at an individual level.