I. What is the main goal of your economic activity?

To position "Aromas de Felicidad Andina" ("Aromas of Andean Happiness") in the market, based on products such as quinoa, canihua (ecological products, cakes, snacks and others) and bee products, as well as to buy to community organizations.

II. Are you engaged in a DIFFERENT economy? How does it differ from the dominant economy?

The dominant economy has forgotten human aspects and values, as well as inter-family and community reciprocity practices. THE Solidarity economy Focuses first on human and social aspects and only then does it address economic, political, ecological, cultural and ethical matters.

III. What does ABUNDANCE mean to you? Is material abundance an aim or the means to achieve something else? What is that something else?

There is material abundance as well as material poverty. There is also spiritual abundance. Abundance means sufficiency and availability. What we want is solidarity, reciprocity to achieve common interests.

IV. What VALUES do you and your fellow workers put into practice in your daily life and in your work? Is it possible, in your opinion, for these values to become the predominant values of society as a whole? How can they be mainstreamed?

Solidarity, honesty, integrity, transparency and creativity are the basis for growth and development. IN OUR FAMILIES, We PUT ALL OF THESE VALUES INTO practice and discuss THEM. If we have BEEN ABLE TO DO IT in our families, WE can ALSO DO IT in society. TheSE VALUES can be mainstreamed through interpersonal and community IMPLEMENTATION, and by setting future objectives for populations.

V. What innovations have you developed in terms of organization, management and appropriation of the fruits of labor?

The oganization of family enterprises: long-term reciprocal team work, we implement THE delegation of functions and joint projects for collective interest achievements.

VI. Do you think working in solidarity networks or in solidarity production chains is important? What are these in your opinion?

It is extremely important because we:

 learn to value ourselves and the others

 share joys and sorrows

 confidently project our interests and wishes into the future

 learn personal service TOGETHER with the others

VII. Does your activity influence the life of the community? How and in which spheres?

 In the organizational and management spheres

 In productivity and production

 In finance

 In commercialization

 In the democratization of the decision making process

VIII What is work in your experience? What’s its value and meaning in life?

Work is a productive factor which, in combination with other factors, generates goods, services and values.

Work is necessary. In societies such as ours, IF ONE DOESN’T WORK, IT IS BETTER TO BE DEAD. Work dignifies people.

IX. What role do WOMEN play in a cooperation and solidarity-oriented economic initiative?

They are perceptive players in economic production. They are specially talented for solidarity oriented business initiatives, they enhance spirituality in the family.

X. How can public policies and the State contribute to the advancement of a Socio-Economy of Solidarity?

By delegating functions in healthcare, education and other areas.

XI. Do you believe the globalization of cooperation and solidarity is possible? How can it become a reality?

By progressing according to a plan and by setting annual goals for each area, as well as by committing awareness raising programs to public, private and institutional sectors. This will require intense work in terms of awareness raising and practical demonstration of potential impacts on society.

Justo Gonzales Mamani La Florida M-9, 2nd Floor, Wanchaq, Cusco Tel. 84-231785 Email: coorucu@cooru.org.pe