Circular Economics AmeriCorps*Volunteer in Service to America at MSU Center for Community & Economic Development

A circular economy (CE) stands opposite of the current linear models such as the “take, make, waste” paradigm. CE proposes a fundamental shift from extraction to consciously designing communities for reuse, repair, and recycling. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation identifies three goals of CE as (1) eliminating waste and pollution, (2) recirculating products and materials, and (3) regenerating nature. With a holistic view to developing Michigan circular economies, the Center takes an asset-based approach to community and equitable economic development centered in justice. This is one of the first in the country focused on CE at the local levels for low-income business owners. With the intention of priming at-risk ecosystems, the Center and partners will identify low-income entrepreneurs and assist to build strategy to support their business within the unique contextual framework of their communities and value chains for economic resiliency. This includes data collection and assessment in year one that ultimately builds into holistic methodologies by year three. Asset mapping for ecosystem alignment and research to bring down procurement barriers to local sourcing are examples. The VISTA member will also support partner recruitment and meetings, building a database of contacts and conducting outreach. Lastly, the member will also connect with MI Healthy Climate Plan AmeriCorps*State members to identify ecosystem linkages for climate justice that facilitate knowledge transfer and resource sharing.