Academy for the Common Good
An Open Safe Learning Space for Knowledge, Critical Thinking, Dialogue, and Democratic Participation
The Academy of the Cooperative for the Common Good offers an open, safe and inclusive educational space designed to strengthen knowledge, critical judgment, dialogue skills, and democratic competence.
In uncertain times, we provide well-founded and fact-based education on the common good — with a special focus on the deeper and global interconnections of economics, money, finance, and financial practices that support sustainable, community-oriented, and fair societal systems. Our work raises awareness of key issues such as political economy in the context of climate change, money, interest, redistribution, and democratization. Our educational programs are part of Austria’s National Financial Education Strategy.
We understand education in a broad and holistic sense — as education of the heart, human development, and professional qualification. Our key audiences include young adults, multipliers and trainers, future cooperative members, change makers, journalists, and anyone interested in the common good.
Most of our events take place at the Cooperative Office in Vienna and at partner locations across the federal states. We also collaborate with external venues when appropriate. In addition, we offer online formats such as webinars and livestreams to ensure broad accessibility across the German-speaking world — and beyond.
To help cover the operational costs of the Academy, participation in our events is generally subject to a fee. However, cooperative members benefit from discounted rates, and many events also offer a limited number of free spots.
A Space for Shared Learning and Meaningful Exchange
- Our Academy is more than just a place for acquiring knowledge — it is a space for inspiration, exchange, and co-creation. We bring together people who are committed to building a more just, sustainable, and democratic future. Our formats are designed to be participatory, engaging, and reflective, encouraging mutual learning and active involvement.
- Whether you are taking your first steps in exploring the common good economy or looking to deepen your understanding of financial and social transformation — you are warmly invited to join us.
- Explore our upcoming events, workshops, and online offerings, and become part of a growing community that is rethinking the economy and shaping the future together.
Our Understanding and Vision
- Our top priority is the ongoing renewal of reflection and practice around the common good — especially in the context of rapid change driven by artificial intelligence, climate-induced disasters, and the global rise of neo-feudal, anti-democratic power structures. Within the German-speaking region (DACH), we serve as a central point of contact for expertise related to the common good.
- We emphasize that “money” is not an abstract force — it is our money, and the financial system does not exist separately from society.
- We actively engage with current developments in the world of money and finance, fostering open discussion and encouraging participatory, critical, fair, and more just approaches to systemic transformation.
- Through our programs and events, participants gain a well-informed, reflective understanding of the current state of affairs and are invited to view the world through the lens of the common good and socio-ecological transformation.
- The Academy creates spaces for dialogue, learning, encounter, and exchange. We make alternative approaches tangible and experiential, and highlight concrete ways individuals and communities can regain agency and shape the future.
- We stand for constructive solutions and take a clear stance against the “only bad news is good news” mentality of the mainstream media.
Our Mission
The Academy for the Common Good organizes educational, informational, and discussion-based events focused on political economy in times of global upheaval and climate change. Central themes include money and finance, interest, redistribution, democratization, and economic practices that serve the common good. A key focus is the reflection on public goods (commons) and processes of their social re-appropriation (re-commoning). We foster awareness, highlight possibilities for action, and present concrete, hands-on alternatives.
At the heart of our approach is a holistic understanding of education — one that combines personal development with professional qualification. We believe that education must aim at the full unfolding of human potential and strengthen respect for human rights and sustainability.
The Academy creates educational opportunities especially for young adults — including those with migrant backgrounds — as well as for our cooperative members, clients, partners, and of course, the wider interested public. Our offerings include seminars, workshops, lectures, collaborations, and a range of online formats.
We aim to finance the Academy through participation fees, grants, and sponsorships. Cooperative members and staff receive discounted rates. For individuals with low income, we also offer reduced or free participation.
Who We Reach
- Decision-makers, business leaders, and executives
- The public, especially young adults (apprentices, students, and aspiring change makers)
- Members of our cooperative, staff, and regional group participants
- Partner organizations of the Cooperative for the Common Good
- NGOs, advocacy groups, social movements, and grassroots initiatives
- Teachers, adult educators, and multipliers
- And everyone else interested in our topics!