by Peter Knight | Dec 21, 2024 | News
Looking back at 2024, it’s clear that the needle has moved on guaranteed income. With over 150 pilots happening in the United States, more people than ever know about guaranteed income, and a majority of voters support it. Independent researchers have begun releasing data on early pilots — and with 15 cities reported on so far, the data is overwhelmingly positive. Nearly every city evaluated has seen higher rates of employment, greater financial stability, improved housing security and many other benefits.
To read the MGI/CGI 2024 end-of-year report, click here.
A big part of MGI/CGI’s work is changing the narrative, and the organizations are proud of the ways they were able to introduce people to guaranteed income, challenge narratives around work and worthiness, and bring a spotlight to the opposition this year. And all while continuing to center the voices of recipients and our members. Here are some highlights:
NBC News anchor Valerie Castro spoke to CGI Co-Chair and President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Hon. Toni Preckwinkle in April for an in-depth look at Cook County Promise, the guaranteed income pilot in the greater Chicago area. Watch the full video here.
And Business Insider covered the growing success of guaranteed income programs through in-depth profiles with eight guaranteed income recipients from across the nation, in a digital feature released in November.
Guaranteed income recipient and Saint Paul resident LeAndra Estis has become an advocate for unconditional cash, sharing her story of the impact this type of support had on her and her family. Read the full story here.
by Peter Knight | Dec 21, 2024 | News
24th BIEN Congress – “Basic Income & Solidarity Economy: New Horizons for Social Protection” – Call for Papers & Early Bird Registration
The call for papers is now open!
Submit your proposals by February 18, 2025.
Early bird registration until March 31, 2025.
To visit the Congress site, register, and/or respond to the call for papers, click here.
by Peter Knight | Dec 18, 2024 | News
The Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN) is seeking a consultant to develop a comprehensive overview of the global fundraising ecosystem as part of our strategy to ensure financial sustainability in 2025.
Project Overview
● Scope: Conduct a systematic review of worldwide fundraising opportunities (both core and project-specific funding) for BIEN.
● Deliverable: A detailed report with specific, actionable recommendations, to be delivered by the end of March 2025.
● Duration: 2-3 months, with possible follow-up work available.
● Fee: USD 1,000.
To read the full advertisement, click here.
by Peter Knight | Dec 9, 2024 | News
The Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN) has collaborated with Prof Geoffrey Williams, a Malaysian-based economist and Basic Income advocate, to share their collective vision of a Basic Income in the Malaysian context. Involved with the collaboration from BIEN were our chair of the EC – Dr Sarath Davala, our Volunteer Coordinator and EC member from Malaysia – Lee Seng Kiat, and our Asia Pacific Hub Manager – John Michael.
Their 7-page infographic was soft launched in both English and Malay, offering an overview of Basic Income, proposals for implementation and funding, and comparison with policies already in place in Malaysia. They were also on air with business radio station – BFM 89.9, offering their insights to the robust questions posed by journalist Dashran Yohan. Their visions were also published by local newspapers including the Malay Mail, The Sun, and a the largest newspaper in Malaysia – The Star.
by Peter Knight | Dec 8, 2024 | News
Unconditional is a film created at the University of Bath that is focused on the prosperity of communities that sprouted from pilots basic income projects in India and Bangladesh. The strategy of basic income plus — not only providing direct cash but also community organizing support to those participating in the pilot — lead to meaningful impact on societal issues identified by pilot participants.
To view the film, click here.
