Evolution of Economics with Asset to the Resistance
Earlier in the year I saw an offering for an accounting course that is equivalent to an associate certificate in accounting, for free. The intention was to create access to information and training for people to gain employment or support their small businesses better.
The program was created by Asset to the Resistance. This organization is comprised of accountants, tax preparers and fiscal consultants aka Radical Money People (RMP) who understand the inherently flawed and oppressive logic of capitalist economics. They believe that in order for life to thrive, radical transformation is necessary. They want to elevate business models that focus on equitable labor practices and local resource consumption, distribution, and preservation. Through education and empowerment, they support our clients in constructing new ways of doing business, one where “success” is not solely defined by numbers, but rather by the overall health of all living things.
Our current economic system exploits the many in favor of the privileged few and tries to bury its truths and deceive its workers. From a young age, we are led to believe the “myth of meritocracy”: if we work hard enough then we, too, can achieve financial success. This “meritocracy” does not account for the impact of indigenous genocide, slavery, racism, gender inequality, transphobia, homophobia, xenophobia, ableism, etc., all of which dramatically affect our ability to earn a living. As a result, we are encouraged to fight for limited resources, competing with our neighbors and friends rather than directing our anger and frustration at the system itself. Capitalism is upheld by shame and scarcity. It is not healthy for building and encouraging a sense of self and community.
As assets for the resistance, we have the privilege and responsibility to address economic inequality. This includes educating our communities about the capitalist system, how it impacts them, and how to navigate it with a sense of power. Asset to the Resistance does this by creating a referral network through arpdx.org, offering grassroots fiscal education and providing Q&A sessions with RMP’s.
Asset to the Resistance’s mission is to build a stronger, more equitable community, one where we talk about money and privilege openly and with vulnerability for the purpose of supporting the broader social justice movement.
LEARN MORE https://www.arpdx.org/