The Minus Plus Model: Building New Social Standards through Cycles of Learning

This article is based on an original publication by the Toyota Foundation in Japan. It reflects the thoughts and experiences shared by Sayami Gyomoto from the Certified NPO Glocal Human Resource Development Center. The project explores innovative solutions to climate change and poverty through Taiwan's Power to Change Minus Plus Model, emphasizing personal stories and youth leadership to drive sustainable change. For more details, you can visit the Toyota Foundation's article here.

In addressing today's complex social issues, fostering a continuous cycle of learning and dialogue is essential. Our journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled many energetic and eager students to share their stories about poverty and social challenges. These conversations set the foundation for a collaborative project aimed at tackling climate change and poverty through innovative solutions inspired by Taiwan's Minus Plus Model, an initiative by Power to Change, a branch of DOMI Earth.

This model, already implemented in Taiwan, was adapted for Bangkok and Kyoto, focusing on creating a business cycle that addresses both environmental and poverty issues. For example, Taiwanese companies reduced paper usage (Minus) and donated the saved costs to impoverished families (Plus), thus simultaneously addressing environmental and social issues. The Minus Plus Model exemplifies how businesses can make meaningful impacts on climate change and poverty through strategic resource management and philanthropy.

Personal Stories Drive Collective Action

The heart of our project lies in the personal stories that inspire action. Corey, the CEO of DOMI Earth from Taiwan, reflected on his newborn child’s future amidst environmental challenges, which motivated his shift from a businessman to a social activist. Similarly, our Japanese team shared their motivations, ensuring personal experiences and the question of "why" remained central to our efforts.

Through this process, we delved into the concept of "invisible poverty" in Japan—issues not apparent in data but felt deeply by individuals. This understanding helped us frame our project to address these less visible but critical challenges.

Youth Leadership in Creating Sustainable Solutions

A significant aspect of our project was leveraging the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives of young people. By facilitating a cross-border network at the municipal level, we aimed to develop young leaders who could address climate change through systemic social changes. Despite the complexities of poverty and environmental issues, our youthful participants continuously sought solutions, often illuminating blind spots for adults involved in the project.

The idea of leaving "blanks" or flexibility in the model was proposed to adapt to various contexts and needs, fostering organic collaboration and innovation. This approach has encouraged a more inclusive and adaptive mindset, challenging traditional compartmentalized problem-solving methods.

Expanding the Learning Cycle

Our efforts have sparked a broader movement, bringing together students, companies, and communities across Asia. This ongoing exchange of ideas and solutions highlights the interconnectedness of our challenges and the power of collaborative action. Moving forward, we aim to foster cycles of learning and action within Japan, transcending generational and sectoral boundaries to create sustainable change.

As we conclude this phase of our project, we recognize that our journey has just begun. By continuously engaging with young people and embracing innovative, flexible models, we can drive meaningful change. Our shared experiences underscore the importance of personal stories in shaping collective action, ultimately building new social standards that address both environmental and social challenges.