The world over, crises of democracy are unfolding. While successive waves of social, ecological, and economic devastation pummel our communities and the global ecosystems we share, those who benefit from the disorder are also those who control governments and major economic institutions. Ordinary people bear the brunt of these problems, yet possess virtually none of the decision-making power necessary for real change. Even in ostensibly “democratic” nations, the ruling elite which controls key economic and political systems is becoming smaller and smaller. We at Symbiosis believe the time has come to take revolutionary action and establish popular control over common life. Toward that end, we hosted an in-person gathering in the summer of 2019—a congress of the movement. The goals of this congress were to:
- Connect organizers, activists, and thinkers who share our vision of a pathway to a free society, to learn from one another and knit together our movement with new and strengthened relationships;
- Deliberate as a gathering of movements through a participatory and democratic process, to determine the vision and structure of the organization we build together; and
- Launch a continental network or confederation of local movements building dual power through radical democracy.
This congress helped launch a movement organization, a collaborative co-creation among many individuals and partner organizations jointly shaping its vision and aims. Become a member of Symbiosis to learn more. If you represent an organization interested in joining our movement, you can reach out to us with our contact form or on Facebook or Twitter.