Cooperando por la seguridad ciudadana

Abstract

The Institutional Action Plan: “Cooperating for Citizen Security”, promoted by the Superintendence of Popular and Solidarity Economy (SEPS), aims to strengthen community safety by integrating cooperative financial institutions into preventive, educational, and collaborative initiatives. Running from October 2025 to September 2026, the plan frames security as a shared responsibility within the mandatory Social Balance, which functions as both an accountability mechanism and a platform for community engagement. The plan’s core objectives include training cooperative members, employees, and communities in crime prevention and self-protection practices; fostering alliances with public institutions such as the National Police and local governments; and encouraging investment in community-oriented security projects. The Social Balance report becomes a regulatory tool that measures impact beyond financial indicators, highlighting equity, environmental responsibility, democratic participation, and community development. Implementation is structured through five strategic components: institutional awareness, training, inter-institutional articulation, community-level actions, and monitoring and evaluation. Activities range from security workshops and neighborhood assemblies to infrastructure improvements such as lighting and surveillance systems. Progress will be monitored with indicators like number of trained participants, partnerships signed, neighborhoods impacted, and perception of security changes. Expected outcomes include reduced risk factors in vulnerable areas, increased civic involvement in public safety, enhanced trust in cooperative institutions, and stronger visibility of their social impact. The plan’s feasibility will be assessed through structured interviews with cooperative leaders, addressing institutional commitment, available resources, alliances, and operational capacity. Overall, the initiative positions the Popular and Solidarity Financial Sector not only as economic actors but also as key contributors to citizen security and social well-being.