Voices of Hope in a Time of Crisis

Local Futures – International Society for Ecology and Culture and the Cooper Union will be hosting an event entitled Voices of Hope in a Time of Crisis, as the launch of the International Alliance for Localization (IAL) from 10am to 6pm on November 8. From the announcement:

Concerned about climate change?
Care about stopping global conflicts?
Worried about financial insecurity and income inequality?
Want to support local food systems and local businesses?
Interested in the future of education? Healthcare? Endangered species?

Then join us for a day of thought-provoking and constructive talks on our multiple crises and how we can solve them. It can sometimes seem like there is no reason for hope. But there is a solution. We call it the “economics of happiness.”

In our film, The Economics of Happiness, we documented how the global economy is destroying ecosystems, cultures and any prospect of financial security. The economy also deeply affects our personal wellbeing, with rates of depression, alienation, suicide and violence on the rise. There is an alternative: localization. Rebuilding local economies is a solution multiplier—tackling our most pressing environmental, social and economic crises, while creating the conditions for increased wellbeing.

This event will celebrate the launch of the International Alliance for Localization (IAL), which aims to connect a growing network of individuals and organizations dedicated to exploring new approaches to today’s ecological, social, and economic problems – approaches that respect and protect ecological and cultural diversity while expanding international dialogue and exchange. The IAL will provide a forum for cross-cultural support and collaboration, and has the potential to be a united and powerful force for positive change, internationally.

2009 Buckminster Fuller Challenge Juror Helena Norberg-Hodge, founder of the International Society for Ecology and Culture and one of the filmmakers of The Economics of Happiness, will be speaking about the film, and will be joined by many other illustrious speakers for this exciting event. Make sure to register here!

For more info: http://www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org/economics-of-happiness-nyc