Communication and Solidarity Economy: Common Paths for Social Change

Abstract

In Colombia the social economy brings together various organizations with diffrent political and economic stakes. For the legal specificity of how they are formed, these organizations can be also recognized as nongovernmental, for this reason here can be foundations, corporations, associations and traditional cooperatives, among others. Given this diversity of organizations, the question of the role communication can play in organizations of social economy suggested the central theme of this article. The reflections presented here emerged from the results of a characterization of non-governmental organizations promoting social development in the municipalities of Bucaramanga and Barrancabermeja, Santander State, Colombia. As a result of this characterization, the concept of communication and action that organizations have highlighted. At the same time, some challenges were suggested by organizations according to three possible scenarios: media processes to strengthen the area public, organizational communication and action linking the field of communication for social change and supporting processes of empowerment and community participation.