GEODE began through a visioning process by Better Beginnings, Better Futures in the early 1990’s. It was spawned by the economic conditions in the Sudbury area during a major INCO strike and was based on an alternative Community Economic Development model (CED). CED engages community participation by identifying issues and creating community based solutions to economic problems. The premise is to maximize local talent and resources and is meant to target those who are most economically disadvantaged. It is a model that favours the consensual process and empowers people by promoting the personal responsibility and talents of individuals. As a result, CED has a huge potential for community building. GEODE was created by the community to incubate new models for economic development. Initial programs included a bartering system for goods and services, a community supported agriculture program and a food security program called The Good Food Box. Ideally, programs would evolve and become autonomous as has happened with The Foodshed Project. In 2000, largely because of GEODE’s history and partnerships, GEODE was seen as an ideal candidate by FedNor and the City of Greater Sudbury to co-ordinate the Stepping Stone Program and RideShare Programs respectively. GEODE continues to work with those whom traditional economic structures neglect. We continue to look at ways to improve the economic literacy of the public and partner with agencies and businesses that share our CED values. GEODE challenges society’s power structure and tries to create alternative opportunities for community members directed by the community.
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