International Alliance forLOCALIZATIONThe International Alliance for Localization (IAL) is a cross-cultural network ofthinkers, activists and NGOs dedicated to exploring radically new visions ofdevelopment and progress.
Across the world, people are coming to realize that today’s crises — ecological collapse,
economic instability, social disintegration, even terrorism — are inextricably linked
to a global economy dependent on rampant consumerism, financial speculation and“free” trade.
But what is the alternative?
We believe that the answer lies in economic localization: in other words, shortening thedistance between producers and consumers by encouraging diversified production
for domestic needs, instead of specialized production for export.
Localization does not mean eliminating international trade, or reducing all economic
activity to a village level. It’s about shifting the power from transnational corporations
to nation states, while simultaneously building up regional self-reliance.
Specifically, that means:� Using our taxes, subsidies and regulations to support the needs of people andcommunities, rather than big business.
� Insisting that banks and businesses be place-based and subject to both genuine
democratic control and ecological limits.
Local economies rebuild our connections to one another and to the natural world– connections that are essential not only for our wellbeing, but for our survival.

A Local Futures Initiative
www.localfutures.org

Localization: A Powerful Solution-Multiplier

Localization grounds economics in reality
In contrast with the make-believe of derivatives and debt-based
money, localization is founded in real productivity for genuine
human needs, with respect for the rich diversity of cultures andecosystems worldwide.
Localization reduces our ecological footprint
By shortening the distance between production and consumption,
localization minimizes transport, packaging, and processing —thereby cutting down on waste, pollution, and greenhouse gas
emissions.
Localization provides fuller employment
Localized economies rely more on human labor and creativity andless on energy - intensive technological systems. This increases thenumber of jobs while reducing the use of natural resources.
Localization strengthens democracy
By spreading economic and political power among millions ofindividuals and small businesses rather than a handful of corporatemonopolies, localization revitalizes the democratic process.
Localization rebuilds community and increases wellbeing
As the scale and pace of economic activity are reduced, anonymity
gives way to face-to-face relationships and a closer connection toNature. This in turn leads to a more secure sense of personal andcultural identity.
www.localfutures.org

Resistance and Renewal

The IAL provides a platform for both resistance and renewal:
helping to counter economic globalization while simultaneously
encouraging the regeneration of healthy ecosystems andcommunities.
Our activities include:� Spreading awareness about the growing threats to democracy,society and the environment posed by the deregulation of global
trade and finance;� Sharing information about the worldwide kaleidoscope of
initiatives aimed at localizing economies, rebuilding resilience,
strengthening food security, and protecting cultural integrity;
� Promoting local alternatives – at the grassroots and policy level– to large-scale mass-production for basic needs, especially food;� Fostering an understanding of the importance of cultural andbiological diversity for peace, economic security, and both
personal and planetary health;� Forging partnerships in support of economic localization aroundthe world.
We believe that localization can unite diverse groups in both Northand South — from business leaders and labor unions to farmers,social justice activists, environmentalists and indigenous people— in a movement powerful enough to turn the tide and point theway to a better world.
www.localfutures.org