A recognition of the culture of mutuality where profits go to citizens and territory

What do Italy's first specialised centre for the protection of minors and their mothers who are victims of violence and social renewable energy communities, where green transition marries benefits for the community, have in common? These are the two projects by the social cooperative Villaggio Sos Vicenza and the Milan-based social enterprise Fratello Sole that won the fourth edition of the Mutualità award promoted by Itas Mutua and Reale Mutua. An award destined for organisations that carry out their activities in the field of social economy. And a boost to the culture of mutuality as an engine of the economy.

"Itas and Reale," emphasises Luciano Rova, president of Itas Mutua, "are the only Italian insurance companies in the form of Mutua. This means that they do not have shareholders, as is usually the case in the capital market, but owners are individuals who become members simply by subscribing a policy. Their participation in the life of the company is guaranteed by the appointment of delegates, who represent them and meet annually at the Shareholders' Meeting where, among other things, the balance sheet is approved'. The mutualist model, which is widespread in Europe, Rova points out, 'is complementary to the capitalist model. It is successful and sustainable not only from an economic point of view but also from a social one: in fact, it allows us to dedicate part of the profits generated to activities that actively contribute to the growth of the society in which we operate, thanks to the fact that we do not need to distribute dividends to a few investors. It is not just about offering economic support, but a real way of operating in the social economy. These concepts are well defined in our bylaws and are a qualifying element of our DNA, oriented towards the common good'. Itas Mutua, in particular," he continues, "is the oldest insurance company in Italia, founded in 1821, and in over 200 years it has maintained unchanged its model of doing business, which in the Mutualità (mutuality) premium also finds an important expression of promotion".

The fourth edition of the prize, underlines Luigi Lana, president of Reale Mutua, 'allows us to draw a decidedly positive balance of a path that, year after year, has been able to grow and consolidate. Participation has been broad and qualified, but above all the quality of the projects presented and their concrete impact on the territories and communities is striking. Over these years, the Award has established itself as a valuable space, a place where different experiences of the Third Sector can meet, dialogue and strengthen, contributing to the construction of a shared vision of the future'. The many valid proposals received,' explains Lana, 'convey a clear message: "Mutuality is not just a legal form, but a living trust pact, which is renewed every day. A generative model, capable of offering a compass even in the most complex moments. "Reale Mutua,' the President continues, 'is approaching its 200-year anniversary and this long journey shows how the mutual model knows how to renew itself over time, remaining firm in its founding values. In this sense, the Mutualità prize represents an authentic expression of our spirit: it valorises projects that transform needs into opportunities and that not only work, but are also replicable, becoming models capable of generating impact over time and in different contexts".

This is the common thread linking the two award-winning projects. The first is called 'I am there too'. "Specifically,' says Marta Trecco, director of Viaggio Sos Vicenza, 'this is the first centre in Italia dedicated exclusively to minors who are victims of witnessing violence and their mothers. Aided by a multidisciplinary team, they are accompanied through customised paths (currently being validated by the University of Padua) to re-elaborate the traumatic experience and rebuild a family relationship that allows them to move on'. Started in April 2024, so far it has welcomed 21 households in the Vicenza area for a total of 72 people. "Taking charge, which is currently free of charge thanks to the contribution of the Gabaldo Foundation, lasts about a year according to the needs of the nucleus, and our action," he adds, "has a significant impact on multiple levels: from the family nucleus to the territorial community to the broader system of the service network. The award can act as a flywheel to broaden the take-over, making the project replicable also in other realities'.

The second project's code name - Social energy revolution community Phase 2 - contains precious clues: it all revolves around the innovative concepts of Cers (renewable and supportive energy communities) and ecowelfare. "In the first phase," says Fabio Gerosa, president of Fratello Sole, which deals with the energy transition of the Third Sector and religious bodies, "we focused on planning and set up 14 Cers throughout Italia: seven in the North financed by the Vismara Foundation and as many in the South thanks to the Foundation with the South.