We have seen repeated failures and faltering of global political leadership in recent years, whether in response to covid, climate change or corrupting influences in global finance and democracies. Populism has a highly effective playbook which pits the “left behind at home” against the poor abroad, and which positions the short term against the long term. This is all harder because the once crucial solidaristic networks such as faith networks and trade unions are not as strong as they once were.

Furthermore, new forms of online organising too often separate us and sow divisions between cliques and silos rather than unify us under a greater cause. Weakly-regulated places online also foster hatred, othering, misogyny and misinformation. 

We need to counter the populist playbook with a compelling but credible vision of investment, abundance, inclusion, security and sustainability, where we all make a contribution, where we all see ourselves succeed in a better future which requires collective action for the long term - now. This vision requires great short-term advocacy to make the best of current political realities, but it also requires investing in new generations of creative storytellers and campaigners and in news ways of mobilising locally that are connected globally - "The Big Local".

This local 'place-based' organising and creative campaigning meets real people where they are at, tests what works where and for whom, doesn’t talk down to people, and takes us all on a journey of hope and accelerating positive action.