A Project based on the Unconditional Basic Income in Brazil

In October 2008 an extraordinary project was launched in Quantiga Velho in Brasil, the countryside near Sao Paolo: The non-governmental organization ReCivitas has begun paying a basic income to every member of the community. Bruna Augusto Pereira (28) and Marcus Vinicius Brancaglione (33), two of the main coordinators of the project have now come to Europe to report of their success.

ReCivitas began their work with two exchange projects. The first was an open library, the other a toy collection – one could bring the finished book, or toy and exchange it for a different one.  The fact that this worked showed them that one of the main foundations must be trust in one another, and that financial instability causes many of our issues, such as social inequality, environmental problems and societal discontent.

Senator Eduardo Suplicy introduced them to the concept and movement of the unconditional basic income, which they then decided to test in this pilot project.

Their first attempt to begin in Paranaciabaca, 30m outside of Sao Paolo, where they were stationed, failed due to trust issues of the financiers.

Far from giving up, Marcus stated: “ It is our aim to show that creativity and courage for your own life can only unfold if there is the proper space.”

In the following months ReCivitas looked around for an appropriate community. Qantiga Velho, with its 100 inhabitants seemed ideal, and even though many were skeptical they were not completely opposed to this novel idea.

There was fear that they were either politicians out to gain votes, or from the mafia to launder money – either way, the enthusiastic youth from ReCivitas was in for a challenge.

They went from door to door asking people to join their movement, however only 27 people actually agreed to receive 30 Reals every month, which is about 11.50 Euros.

Only a few months into their project there were noticeable changes in the participant’s lives. Even though 30 Reals is not enough to live off of, it allows them to for example upgrade to a better position further away, or continue building on their house.

Every month Bruna and Marcus go from house to house, handing out the income. Their relationship changed quickly from disbelief to trust and thankfulness. Their mantra is that this income is not a handout but a basic human right and to receive this basic income generations before us have worked hard.

The number of recipients has steadily increased – today there are 65 people involved. Once a month they all gather to discuss common interests, projects, and enterprises. Quantiga Velho has become a strong community in support of each other. “It is tough to be concerned about others when one is hungry.

“For me, the most touching thing was that it’s not so much about changing people for the better but to enable them to unfold who they really are.”

The main objective of this European trip for Bruno and Marcus is to give others the courage to start their own basic income project. “Trust in human beings is the key here – trust and go!”

They will be in Europe until March 12 and will report from Berlin among other places and are happy to visit you to report of their experience.

By Benjamin Hohlmann