In our last update we issued an open invitation to join the International Alliance for Localization (IAL) – a new cross-cultural network of groups and individuals focused on resistance, renewal, and radically new visions of development and progress.
The response has exceeded our most optimistic expectations. In less than two months, individuals from 28 different countries have joined. These include farmers, teachers, builders, community organizers, environmental stewards, peace activists, homesteaders, students, health workers, business consultants, writers, engineers, artists, radio producers, researchers, and more.
Many organizations have also signed up: groups focused on social justice, ecological restoration, spiritual values, sustainable food and farming, holistic education, and policy research and advocacy. (Below, farmers’ markets were pioneered in Britain and elsewhere by ISEC founded by Helena and others, which promotes locally based alternatives to the global consumer culture by writing, filming and practical action.)
Among these are:
Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (India);
Digo Bikas Institute (Nepal);
Localize West Midlands (UK);
The Sustainability Institute and Greyton Transition Town (South Africa);
Noakhali Rural Development Society (Bangladesh);
Centre for Global Justice (Mexico/USA);
Gaia Education (UK);
Holy Cross International Justice Office (USA);
Small Farm Training Center (USA), and many more.
This broad-based interest in the IAL shows that people worldwide are beginning to recognize that localization is a viable strategy for positive change on a global level.
New Era Network 