Center for Global Justice presents
Film
The Economics of Happiness
Tue, Feb 18, 11am
Teatro Santa Ana
70 pesos
Film
In Transition
Wed, Feb 19, 11am
Teatro Santa Ana
70 pesos
Panel
“Localism and Democracy”
With Cliff DuRand, Peter Weisberg, and Gregory Diamant
Thu, Feb 20, 11am
Sala Quetzal
70 pesos
By Cliff DuRand
The Economics of Happiness provides both inspiration and practical solutions. Arguing that economic localization is a strategic solution that can solve our most serious problems, the film spells out the policy changes needed to enable local businesses to survive and prosper. We are introduced to community initiatives that are moving the localization agenda forward, including urban gardens in Detroit and the Transition Town movement in Totnes, UK. We see the benefits of an expanding local food movement that is restoring biological diversity, communities, and local economies worldwide. We are introduced to Via Campesina, the largest social movement in the world with more than 400 million members.
The film In Transition gathers stories from around the world of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. You’ll hear about communities printing their own money, growing food, localizing their economies, and setting up community power stations. It’s an idea that has gone viral, a social experiment that is about responding to uncertain times with solutions and optimism.
The transition movement has been growing since 2005. It’s an approach that has spread to over 50 countries forming thousands of groups; in towns, villages, cities, universities, schools. In practice, they are reclaiming the economy, sparking entrepreneurship, reimagining work, learning new skills, and weaving webs of connection and support.
Localism and Democracy: It has been said, “all politics are local.” Nevertheless, most public attention is focused on national politics. But that is changing as local communities are feeling powerless at the national level and are trying to gain some control over their lives closer to home. People are looking to create land trusts, public banks, community development authorities, cooperatives, farm to market agriculture, and a host of resilient institutions that are more democratic.
