We are working to build communities where we are in the drivers seat of our futures. Where everyone’s basic needs of food, water and shelter are met. A world where everyone’s voice is heard. Where people are treated with dignity and respect. A world where we recognize reliance upon nature for our survival. A culture where we begin thinking of our actions impact 7 generations into the future. We envision a world beyond borders, of interconnected culturally diverse communities. We are inspired by the revolutionary social experiment in democratic confederalism in Rojava, the autonomous federated Zapatista communities in Chiapas and the alternative economic strategies of Cooperation Jackson in Mississippi. 

In joining this timebank you are becoming a Community Member of Symbiosis PDX.

You must agree to our collective principles

Truth and Reconciliation

The city of Portland sits on the traditional lands of many tribal groups who made homes on the around Willamette and Columbia Rivers, including Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, and Molalla. We seek to work directly in solidarity with indigenous peoples for justice. Additionally, we must work to dismantle mass incarceration and white supremacy at large. 

Consent Based Decision Making

Everyone deserves to have their voice heard. When it comes to decisions that impact us, we deserve power in the process. Together we can create a society where everyone has a part in shaping our collective future.

Gender Freedom

Patriarchal violence is the root of current state structures. We oppose the patriarchy in all forms. We collectively work to disengage from this way of thinking towards a full and free expression of gender in all its diversity. 

Social Ecology

We recognize that our environmental problems are rooted in our social problems. As such we must become protectors of the land. We see ourselves as interdependent with the natural world.

Solidarity Economy & Mutual Aid

We can begin organizing ways to free ourselves from the uncertainty and harm of capitalism. Through building community economic programs we can grow our own food, build our own housing. We can develop ways of communal physical, mental and emotional care.

Municipalism 

The political and economic self-determination of our communities is essential. By building new forms of popular civic participation on a local level, such as neighborhood assemblies and councils, we can begin changing local governments and institutions so that power is nested in the communities they serve, not the interests of a  powerful few.