Several foundational principles can be established that help to define
the boundaries of the Social Economy and the organizational entities
that comprise it. They also serve to delineate the values upon which
Social Economy-based initiaves are founded. These "building blocks" of
the SE are:

• locally-based, community "ownership"
• "democratic" member-based control and power over decision-making
• promote values of mutualism, collectivity and reciprocal interdependence
• highlight social, socio-political and economic benefits of activities, not solely market-based profit maximization
• autonomous management of enterprises and organizations
• primacy of persons and work over economic capital and profits
• an emphasis on the importance of social capital in producing healthy societies
• based on principles of participation and empowerment
• support for sustainable, equitable and "fair" economic and political practices
• establish and build links between citizens, communities and government