How can I make Contributionism happen?
So, how can you help Contributionism make the jump from theory to reality? What steps can you take to help shepherd it into existence? I understand that a change can be daunting — but it will only get harder with each passing year, unless we take action.
The most important thing you can do? Talk about it. Truly.
Tell others about Contributionism. Words and ideas are powerful — and the more this one spreads, the more effectively we can articulate the change we want to see. So tell your friends about it. Share this site. Read the book - alone or with a group for accountability. There is strength in numbers.
We can either watch the uber-rich flaunt their wealth on social media and wish we were like them, or we can use that same platform to promote Contributionism. It’s better than plummeting deeper and deeper into debt slavery while being distracted by ads and consumerism.
What else?
Spreading the word is important - but without action, nothing will happen.
So, what action must you take to promote Contributionism?
Whenever possible, DO NOT shop from large, non-Contributionist corporations.
Instead, shop Contributionist, local, or independent.
Consumers, one and all
At the end of the day, whether you’re middle or working class, you’re a consumer. In our economic system, that means that you vote with your wallet.
If you want an economy dominated by a few mega corporations that pay terribly — keep on giving them your money. They’ll keep doing what they’ve been doing right along — giving the vast majority of their profits to a handful of extremely wealthy shareholders and executives, and siphoning it away from communities. They’ll continue to grow and crowd out smaller businesses until they are one of the only options. Our government will not bust them as monopolies because they own the government.
On the other hand, if you want to see:
Towns populated by small businesses filled with character…
Employees working right alongside business owners who pay them well…
Money remaining within the community…
A happier populace with less hardship-induced stress…
Vote for it with your wallet.
Every time you buy something from a mega-corporation instead of an independent business, that business is one step closer to having to shut its doors — giving you fewer options and ensuring that you must send money out of your community to get what you want.
Yes, buying from businesses that are Contributionist or independent might take a bit more research. It could be a little more expensive. Returns might be more of a hassle. But in the long term, we pay a price for these small savings and conveniences: less money within our communities, fewer options for us to buy from, and fewer employment options that pay fair wages.
Class collaboration
Contributionism’s strategy is both simple and complex. “Just buy from Contributionist or independent companies, and boycott corporations” sounds pretty straightforward — but I won’t pretend we live in a simple world. There are items we need, and in the late-stage capitalist society we’ve created, many of them might only be available through a mega-corporation — at least for now.
The success of Contributionism relies on two groups: consumers, and businesses.
Without consumers making an effort to shop Contributionist (or at least independent) these businesses will fail. If they fail, consumers have a harder time finding ethical options, and end up forced to give their money to a big corporation.
Without Contributionist companies opening (or existing companies converting) consumers will be forced to give their money to corporations — even if they’d prefer to buy Contributionist. This will make the corporations stronger, and independent companies less able to survive.
For this to work, we have to be in it together. We need solidarity amongst the working and middle classes.
Middle Class Readers:
I understand things aren’t that hard yet - but you’re a dying breed. You can sell your soul to roll the dice on being one of the handful that makes it to the top before the middle class is no more — or you can team up with the working class to expand the middle once again.
You’re the ones with the resources to start businesses. You’re in a position to take a risk. As Contributionism gains steam, people will be looking for Contributionist businesses to buy from. This is an opportunity. Find out what people need that isn’t being provided by a Contributionist company and start your own business. Spread the theory and advertise that you’re Contributionist, and you’ll have no problem finding customers.
Working Class Readers:
I know that things are hard. It’s getting more and more difficult to make ends meet, and uncertainty about the future lurks around every corner. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it will only get worse. Look at economic trends since the ‘60s. Look at the path we’re being led down by our wealthy (or wealthy-funded) leaders. The system we have is a one-way ride. We need to change it.
In order to do that, we need to make some sacrifices. I’m not talking about sacrifices that are the natural result of the situation getting worse — I’m talking about sacrifices that will lead to a better tomorrow.
Sacrificing a tiny bit of social media time to do some research before buying something.
Sacrificing the privilege of free next-day shipping to buy from an actual company.
Sacrificing a few dollars to invest in a Contributionist or independent business instead of giving it to a mega-corporation.
Yes, we are giving some things up — but we’re giving them up temporarily to create a future we want for ourselves.
How it works
So, how will this work? How can simply researching Contributionist companies and giving them your business whenever possible foster such deep and far-reaching change?
At the end of the day, our problem must be dealt with the way greed is always dealt with: by altering the math so it’s in the company’s best financial interests to change. They may not always do the right thing morally, but you can count on them to do the financially sound thing. If their choice is “make less” or “make nothing,” most will choose the former. Even if politics doesn’t lead to a change, altering this equation can bring one about organically.
The chart below should offer some insights. Each phase (numbered on the bottom left) is explained in more detail below the chart.
Synergy
Looking at the chart, you’ll notice that it forms a series of interlinked cycles. Giving your business to Contributionist companies instead of corporations causes two feedback loops:
One makes it easier for consumers to support Contributionism
The other makes it it harder for businesses to operate without being Contributionist.
These cycles mean that things will improve as we continue to stay the course. It will become easier to find Contributionist places to shop. More jobs will exist that offer fair pay.
Gradual change
Everything I have described above trickles up. Contributionism isn’t a “tear it all down” movement. It’s a shift. It doesn’t need to all happen immediately for it to work.
At first, just shop at Contributionist businesses (or at least independent ones) whenever possible. This means when you need to buy something, take just a minute to look for Contributionist options first. If you can’t find what you need from them, go where you need to — but make a habit of looking each time. You never know when a new Contributionist store might open. Support them. Give them your business. Even if it means planning a few more minutes for your drive or paying a couple dollars more — help them to succeed.
Moving up the chain
The complex nature of business these days means that most stores act as distributors, selling products that they purchase from other companies. An independent shoe store may be Contributionist, but still sell Nikes. Nike may convert to Contributionism, but still get the raw materials for their shoes from non-Contributionist sources. How do you navigate this tricky economic landscape?
In the beginning, Contributionist stores may sell many goods made by non-Contributionist companies, but it’s better to buy from them than to buy those same goods through a corporation. As it becomes easier to find Contributionist stores, start to favor stores who get their inventory from Contributionist companies.
Think of Contributionist stores in terms of levels:
Independent — The company isn’t formally Contributionist, but it’s a relatively small independent business. Due to corporate competition, they’re likely operating close to Contributionist guidelines already. They’re a good bet for your patronage, and a great choice to talk to about Contributionism — maybe they simply haven’t heard of it yet.
Basic Contributionist — The store itself is Contributionist. They get their stock where they can, often from non-Contributionist sources, but shopping with them is better than buying from a corporation that does the same thing.
Silver star Contributionist — The store attempts to buy only from Contributionist companies. It only buys non-Contributionist if it can’t find an option elsewhere.
Gold star Contributionist — The store policy is to exclusively stock products from Contributionist companies.
Always look for gold star companies first. If you can’t find what you need, try to find a Contributionist option at a silver star company. If you still can’t find what you need, look for a basic Contributionist company. If that fails, go independent. If all of those steps fail, only then should you buy directly from a non-Contributionist company.
Second: Embrace minor inconveniences
The fight to have self-discipline in the face of tempting convenience is our generation’s fight. I know convenience is nice. I know it’s hard to give up. We’ve been spoiled by instant gratification and ease of living, but remember: for most of human history, ordering something has meant a months-long wait as it’s shipped to you by horse-drawn carriage.
Could pushing for Contributionism make life a little less convenient for us for a while? Sure - but compare that inconvenience to the challenges that humanity has faced in the past. All of us have ancestors who faced down extreme, life-threatening adversity so that we could exist today. Someone in your family tree once fought a wolf in a snowstorm and lived.
Surely, we can face the adversity of doing a little research and supporting Contributionist businesses. Surely, we can have the fortitude to wait a couple of extra days for something to ship or to pay a few extra dollars to buy from good companies. If we can’t even do that, how can our ancestors look at us with anything but disappointment?
I often get some backlash canceling subscriptions and looking for independent businesses to buy from. People will make up excuses about how shipping will be less convenient, or prices will be marginally more expensive. All I can think when I hear this is, “How are you so fragile?” Have we really become so soft and spoiled that we can’t stand a tiny bit of hassle for a little while in order to improve our lives in the long term? Without taking action, our lives will only get harder and harder. There will never be an easier time than now.
Some time ago I myself realized that in spite of complaining about late-stage capitalism, I had an Amazon account. Let me tell you — it was hard to cut that cord. The convenience that it provided me was incredibly tempting. But ultimately, I realized that I have to vote with my wallet, and I cancelled my account. And guess what? Cancelling really hasn’t made my life any worse. I may have to order things a few days sooner, but all in all, things are pretty much the same as before. In fact, they might be better — because cancelling has led to new experiences, memorable adventures, local discoveries, and greater connection to my community.
Opposition
This is our fight
For some businesses, the social, moral, and financial pressures may inspire quick change. For others, it will lead them to cut costs — including jobs. This will be one of the things that supporters and servants of big business will latch onto. “These boycotters are hurting American jobs!” they’ll cry. When you hear this, remember: working in a factory for $1 a day is technically a job. Yes, people may lose jobs in the short term as companies try to cut costs — but many of these jobs don’t even pay a living wage. Through Contributionism, the jobs will come back — but this time they’ll actually pay enough to be worthwhile.
Though Contributionism will ultimately lead to a better experience of life and greater happiness for all (poor and rich) many of the wealthy throughout history and in our own time have proven to be stubbornly short-sighted and self interested. There will be people who oppose Contributionism. They will come out of the woodwork, calling it socialism or communism or impossible idealism. They’ll say it’s too complex or that it will hurt the economy or any number of excuses. They’ll try to find a way to convince people that Contributionism can’t or shouldn’t happen — just like they convinced people that “trickle down” economics would help the working class. The reason is simple: working Americans far outnumber the “leisure class.” The only way they can keep siphoning off money from the labor of their workers is if they can keep us divided and distracted.
When the excuses do come, you need to remember that they’re just that. Excuses. As discussed at length in the book, there are plenty of actual case studies calling B.S. on any criticisms that might be raised by economists. The people making these excuses are doing so out of self interest driven by greed, not the well-being of our nation. They aren’t opposing Contributionism just because they want to be wealthy — because Contributionism does allow for wealthy individuals and an upper class. They’re opposing it because they want to be unfathomably wealthy (a person who makes $1 billion per year makes $8,000 every minute they work) and they don’t mind if that means the people who make it possible for them have to struggle.
We might just have to make a better world for everyone in spite of them.
Businesses and entrepreneurs
So what about for businesses? How does a business become Contributionist?
If you’re an independent business, I’ve got good news for you: you may already be informally Contributionist! For you, this could be the start of your golden age. So — how do you go about making the switch?
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Make sure your employees understand what Contributionism is, and state that your business will be Contributionist. Follow the requirements laid out in the next section.
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First, be transparent with income, costs, profits, and pay. Make the numbers available to your employees, or a representative they choose. Show them that you recognize their time and effort by not hiding the results of their labor from them.
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Advertise the fact that you’re a Contributionist company. This will attract business from Contributionist consumers.
Work to spread the idea of Contributionism — as more people get onboard, more customers will prioritize you over the mega-corporations you’re competing with.
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Whenever possible, seek out suppliers who also abide by Contributionist principles. In the short term, this may mean a slight price increase, but in the long term, it will mean more options for you to choose from.
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Many people working for companies that refuse to adopt Contributionism will be seeking better employment. Play it right, and you can staff your business with a dedicated workforce that is already experienced in the field. As above, seek out Contributionist suppliers.
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As Contributionism builds momentum, demand for products from small businesses and Contributionist companies will grow, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs. Now is the time to act! Look for areas of opportunity to start a Contributionist company.
The law of supply and demand is foundational to business. Right now, there is low demand for products from small businesses, as so many consumers give their money to mega-corporations instead. This means high risk for starting a new business since you must compete with stores that have far greater resources and reach. As more people jump aboard the cause, this will begin to change. Where before you would have had to compete with huge corporate department stores and delivery companies, you may find yourself the only Contributionist option in an area full of Contributionist consumers.
Requirements to be a Contributionist business
Transparency — Transparency is the foundation required for Contributionism to work. Workers nominate three representatives who meet with the business owner to go over financial info. These meetings are recorded and made available to the rest of the workers. On a monthly basis, the boss sits down and goes over financial information with them, including expenditures, revenues, profits, pay rates, and reinvestment plans for the profits, as well as the status of investor payouts if applicable. This includes going over bank statements, accounting information, and expense reports. These representatives then brief workers on what they’ve learned so that the workers of the business understand exactly what is going on.
While you may not need to go into exhaustive detail every month, the information should be made available to the workers’ representatives.Investment — Many businesses need startup funds to begin, and those funds are often gained from investors. Ensure that your investment terms state that the investor will be bought out at no higher than a 300% ROI. This allows you to retain ownership of your company and to distribute profits back to yourself and your workers.
If you already have investors, consider talking to them. Explain Contributionism and see if they’re willing to start working towards that 300% ROI cap now. There are plenty of good folks out there with money who want to make a positive difference — offer this as a way to make that difference.Pay ratios — Ensure you follow Contributionist pay ratios for your size of business, both for wages and for profit-sharing.
Left or right, most of us can agree that the government as it currently stands is owned by business interests and lobbying groups. They won’t all fight for us — so we must fight for ourselves. The way to do that is through supporting one another and using the free market.
Listen — I understand that our attention spans are shot. We’ve been so overstimulated that we have difficulty focusing on anything for a length of time. We’ve been so over-convenienced that going out of our way to buy from good companies seems like a mountain.
I’m here to tell you: we can do this. We have the power — so long as we can commit to just two things.
First: Stay the course
In our consumerist culture, a fast pace means fast profits. Fashions change monthly. News stories capture national attention, then fade into obscurity. Billion-dollar industries exist solely to mine our attention for profit.
We’ve been conditioned by corporations to have short attention spans — the very thing we NEED if we want to take our nation back from them and fix the damage they’ve caused to our world and our society. What we need to do now is focus up.
I used to work as a personal trainer, and I would tell my client that fitness doesn’t come just from a month in the gym. It’s a lifestyle change.
If we want a nation of economically “fit” communities, individuals, and businesses, we need to make Contributionism a lifestyle change. So commit to it. Not for a week or a month as part of a trend, but as a habit. Like all habits, you may fall out of it — but it’s whether or not you get back into it that counts. That’s what reveals true character and tenacity. And the longer you keep at it, the easier it will be to continue.
It doesn’t even take all of society being onboard to facilitate this change. In general, it only takes 12-15% of a population to make economic change. This is incredibly achievable — but not if each person does it for a month and then stops. Like hoisting a sail, everyone needs to be pulling at once. So commit, tell others about it, and stay with it.
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