In the Ecuadorian context as well as in other Latin American countries like Brazil and Bolivia, during the 2000’s there was a search for alternative models of development. Emerging from a critique to the occidental-based model of development promoted by international rolling institutions such as the UN, this movement proposes to reconsider indigenous perspectives of society, nature and life as alternatives to the hegemonic model of development (Lang & Mokrani, 2013). This was in the base of the construction of the concept of Buen Vivir as well as the notion of a multinational State, which were integrated in the 2008 Ecuadorian National Constitution (Acosta, 2009). The dissemination of this idea and its political/intellectual backing resulted in a multiplicity of formal and informal movements that aimed to promote Buen Vivir in their spheres of influence. One of these movements is the familiar savings and credit cooperative Portada Bethania in the suburbs of Quito. Officially created in 2003 and with roots in 1964, the cooperative has nowadays more than 70 members and 4 types of funds: savings and credit fund; wealth fund; vehicles fund; common good fund and retirement fund. This self-managed project aims to strengthen the familiar bonds while promoting the well-being, autonomy and trust among members. Based on a six months fieldwork this communication will look to the commoning tools that this group uses to build their ideal life conditions for themselves and their communities (of human and non-human living beings) in the specific socio-political-economical context of Ecuador.

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