Small Is Beautiful

Small movements can have an effect on the whole of society. They can grow from being almost invisible to universal proportions. Social movements and civil society organisations of the Mercosur region campaigning against FTAA or those campaigning against the many negative aspects of globalisation at WTO, IMF, World Bank and TNCs, the women's liberation movement for women's rights, the labour movement for workers rights and universal suffrage, or new religious movements like Focolare all started from almost nothing to what they are now and can have a great impact affecting society and its future.

Getting the mix right is important. A potentially great idea will come to nothing in the wrong market or environment or the wrong kind of management and support. The problems might be external, internal or a combination of both. Pressure from below may be a requisite for meaningful policy change in many areas of social, economic and political life. They all seem to want to create a better world though there are significant differences in what form it might take and how to go about doing it. It is generally recognised that land reform is required for poverty reduction. Social movements and civil societies have been very influential in it. They are also involved in efforts to change international trade rules, debt relief, global taxation, anti-corruption and fair trade. Let us hope that the efforts of these worthwhile movements will bear fruit in these areas as well.