RADICA Rochester Aid and Development Initative of Cooperative Academics

Name of Concept: RADICA Rochester Aid and Development Initative of Cooperative Academics

Overview

Real ecological Sustainability involves Social Innovation amongst the technological, on an International scale. Current trends of power relations and resource management need swift and radical change. A new ëengineeringí field, that of the Social, will be developed through a RIT co-sponsored regional college Aid and Development institute. This will provide an outlet for student led coops in programs that lack adequate options, as well as more alternatives for other programs too. COLAs International as with Urban and Community Studies programs could help in leading this. Periodically conference/forums will be held for students interested in group led coops/independent abroad study to discuss unsustainable social and other ecological happenings around the worlds, and how globalization of knowledge by student led initiatives can help foster change in systems making them able to address their own systemic problems and enter the global arena on an equitable ground -Enlisting also eligible participants of local colleges, businesses and NGOs. Starting small helping build networks of cooperatives changing social/labor divisions allotting community members means to focus more on building healthy well rounded communal relations and institutional foundations like education, and basic life necessities for sustainable growth that others *cough*, IMF, might oppose.

How this idea leverages current areas of RIT expertise

We have exceptional faculty in many fields and a student body of not just vast diversity but potential too. We have the facilities and resources for a body of students interested in leading the first expedition to secure enough internal/external funding and work with staff to develop sound plans. Dubai, Kosovo, Dubrovnik.

It is an Innovative idea relating to more coop creations in a globalizing context.

Main RIT on-campus champion(s) for this idea

This is essentially what I'm coming to school to do...and I'd love to work on this down the road as a faculty -but have not identified a champion yet whom Ive had time to discuss this any. Will be seeing Uli Linke of the Anthropology department Friday if shes available to discuss some of my initial thoughts for the coop project I'd like to lead.

Additional on-campus champions

Danielle Smith, Paul Grebinger

Potential off-campus individual, organization, company or government entity advocate(s)

Dubai gov/NGOs for Palestine/other projects

Rochester SDS

How you envision this idea advancing RIT's national or global stature in an important or emerging field

Sustainable Development is a necessity if we are to continue living without more readily noticeable problems. Developing countries wouldn't need 'helping hands', as badly at least, if they'd not been oppressed and exploited for so long by so many. We can draw global attention to ourselves by facilitating real change in mutually beneficial ways -and helping others follow suit. Sustainability really does include completely social aspects, many of which the knowledge culture upon which we were raised nearly ignore as relevant to life or even existent as impacts on reality. Cultural revolutions come easier by aid of certain institutionalization's ---and our dominant culture of capitalism is one which needs evolving to a more sustainable one.

Why you believe RIT has a unique opportunity or an ability to differentiate itself through this idea

Student/faculty led Aid and Development initiatives enhancing coop opportunities and attracting global recognition is not something I believe has been done much before.