What is solidarity economy?

The term solidarity economy is interchangeable with social economy, popular economy and labour economy. But the word solidarity describes the processes involved in the best possible way. The coming together of people as a cohesive unit working to serve common vision and interests form the foundation of these initiatives. As the interests vary so do the activities. They range from the obvious micro-credit schemes through local exchange systems, income generation groups, barter groups to collective kitchens and others.