Yongin is a city where various community activities are thriving. Many groups with different interests and goals are contributing to local society in their own ways, all aiming for a "good life." However, the solidarity and collaboration between these groups have not yet been fully realised. There is a lack of clear explanation and discussion about how these different activities are organically connected in the bigger picture and what they mean for the community and the environment.
In this context, Y-Donut, the Yongin Doughnut Economics Coalition, was born. This group aims to transform Yongin into a more regenerative and redistributive space. Rather than merely pursuing economic growth, it seeks a development model that meets people's basic needs while respecting the planet's ecological limits. At the heart of this vision is Doughnut Economics.
Why Doughnut Economics?
Doughnut Economics is an alternative economic model proposed by British economist Kate Raworth. It emphasises two key principles: first, that a minimum social foundation must be met, and second, that the Earth's ecological limits must not be exceeded. The doughnut-shaped model visually represents these two principles.
This approach clearly explains the significance of Doughnut Economics for the community. Specifically, it delivers a core message of solving social issues and promoting sustainable development through cooperation among various groups in the area. Based on this, the following questions can be raised for deeper discussion.
Key Questions to Consider
Yongin’s Current Situation: What social and environmental challenges does Yongin face? From the perspective of Doughnut Economics, where does Yongin stand regarding its social foundation and ecological limits?
Community Engagement: How can the residents of Yongin actively participate in changes based on Doughnut Economics? What methods of communication and cooperation can be utilised to engage them?
Utilising Local Resources: How can Yongin’s unique local resources (both human and material) be leveraged to implement the Doughnut Economics model in concrete ways?
Revitalising the Local Economy: How can Yongin’s local economy be revitalised and local jobs created through the principles of Doughnut Economics?
The Goals of Y-Donut
Y-Donut is committed to making Yongin a more just and sustainable community through the principles of Doughnut Economics. Our goals are as follows:
Strengthening Community Connectivity: Our first goal is to build a network where different groups and activities in Yongin can be interconnected and collaborate. Rather than isolated, individual efforts, we aim to encourage recognition of each group’s contributions and promote collective efforts towards solutions for a better life.
Solving Local Issues through Doughnut Economics: By applying the Doughnut Economics model to Yongin, we will analyse the social, economic, and environmental challenges the community faces and explore solutions. For example, issues like climate change, inequality, and housing will be discussed within the framework of Doughnut Economics.
Building a Regenerative and Redistributive Community: We aim to develop the local community in a way that respects people’s basic rights and needs while preserving the environment. To this end, we are planning various programmes and workshops where residents can participate directly.
The Role of Neutinamu Library
At the centre of all these activities is Neutinamu Library. The library is more than just a space for knowledge and information; it serves as a crucial hub that embraces the diverse activities of Yongin’s community. It is where citizens meet, communicate, and connect through various activities. The library was the foundation for the birth of the Y-Donut group and will continue to be a central location for its activities.
Based at Neutinamu Library, Y-Donut will explain how local activities can create greater value through Doughnut Economics and will strive to make the community a more just and sustainable place.
The Path Forward
In this first post, we’ve introduced the origins of Y-Donut and outlined a vision for how Doughnut Economics can be applied in Yongin. Going forward, we will delve deeper into the theoretical background of Doughnut Economics, analyse the social and environmental realities of Yongin, and discuss specific practical measures. We hope these efforts will serve as a stepping stone towards a better future for Yongin. While Y-Donut has just begun, its vision is clear.
Let’s work together to build a just and sustainable community.
Join us on this journey!