Financial Transparency and an Invitation to Collective Support
Dear community,
Starting this quarter, the Mãe Mirra Portal will begin regularly publishing its financial reports. This decision aligns with the principles that guide our work: transparency, collective care, and the development of solidarity-based economic practices.
For us, transparency is not limited to fulfilling an accounting obligation. It is an ethical practice, a community-based education, and a commitment to the autonomy of the people who build and sustain this space.
Financial Transparency in the Solidarity Economy
Paul Singer, one of the leading thinkers on the Solidarity Economy in Brazil, emphasized that financial transparency is a fundamental condition for the legitimate functioning of self-managed enterprises. In his view, there is no true self-management without full access to information by all members of the organization.
Clarity regarding income, expenses, investments, and compensation allows for informed and collective decision-making, avoids internal inequalities, and strengthens mutual trust. For Singer, transparency is also an instrument of democratic participation and a way to strengthen the sense of belonging in supportive communities.
Among the main benefits of financial transparency, we highlight:
- Prevention of hierarchies and abuses of power;
- Strengthening shared responsibility among members and supporters;
- Ease of accountability to partners, funders, and the community;
- Consolidation of a culture of solidarity and collective ethics.
Why do we start now?
In recent months, the Mãe Mirra Portal completed its legal formalization as an association. This involved taking on new operational commitments, such as hiring an accountant, opening a bank account, and fulfilling tax obligations. These are the minimum costs to maintain a legally active and transparent organization.
Until the end of 2024, we had an average of R$ 600 in monthly donations, which were essential to cover these initial costs. Then, in 2025, with the expansion of our lodging activities, it became possible to guarantee coverage of operational expenses and the day-to-day maintenance of the center.
In February, we carried out an expansion of the dormitory. (This is listed under Other Expenses for the month of February.) As there was no money in the account, we took out a loan from supporters of the organization.
This project aimed to provide better accommodation conditions for coordinators and support staff, without them having to share the space with their families. However, this expansion brings new financial challenges to the sustainability of the space.
The regular disclosure of our financial data is part of building a transparent, accessible, and participatory process. It's about being accountable not just with numbers, but with context, history, and meaning.
Invitation to the Sponsorship Program
We are using this newsletter to announce that our Sponsorship Program is now open through the Benfeitoria platform.https://benfeitoria.com/projeto/portalmaemirra01?ref=search
The program's objective is to bring together supporters committed to the continuity of the Portal's following areas of activity:
- Educational activities with children, integrating art, nature and care;
- Support for the agroecological transition among neighbors and farmers in the region;
- Offering free Gergium retreats focused on listening, presence, and well-being.
We believe that sharing our finances and inviting the community to participate in supporting the Portal strengthens the bonds that keep us going. It is through trust, sharing, and clarity that we build a vibrant, sensitive, and regenerative economy.
Yours sincerely,
Mother Mirra Portal Team
Excellent to share the financial report 1st quarter/2025