Member-only story

Community Control In The Face Of Global Capital

Eric Hayes

·3.1k Followers· Follow

Published in Unmaking Goliath: Community Control In The Face Of Global Capital

4 min read

417 View Claps

27 Respond

Save

Listen

Unmaking Goliath: Community Control in the Face of Global Capital

by James DeFilippis

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2359 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	202 pages

In the face of globalization and the increasing concentration of wealth in the hands of a few multinational corporations, communities worldwide are seeking ways to regain control over their economic and political destinies. Community control is a concept that has been gaining traction in recent years as a means to empower local communities and challenge the dominance of global capital.

This comprehensive guide will explore the concept of community control, examining its significance, the challenges it faces, and strategies for its implementation. By understanding the principles of community control, communities can work towards creating more equitable and sustainable societies.

What Is Community Control?

Community control is a form of self-determination that allows communities to have a decisive say in the decisions that affect their lives. It is based on the belief that local residents have the knowledge, expertise, and right to determine how their communities are developed and governed.

Community control can take many forms, including:

Community ownership of land and resources
Community-based planning and decision-making
Community control over local businesses and institutions
Community-led economic development

The Significance Of Community Control

Community control is essential for creating more equitable and sustainable societies. By empowering local communities to make decisions about their own lives, community control can help to:

Reduce poverty and inequality
Improve access to education, healthcare, and other essential services
Promote environmental sustainability
Strengthen local economies
Foster social inclusion

Challenges To Community Control

Despite its potential benefits, community control faces a number of challenges, including:

Lack of resources: Communities often lack the financial and technical resources to effectively exercise control over their own affairs.
Political opposition: Powerful interests, such as corporations and governments, may resist efforts to give communities more control.
Lack of capacity: Communities may need training and support to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage their own affairs.

Strategies For Implementing Community Control

Despite the challenges, there are a number of strategies that communities can use to implement community control, including:

Community organizing: Communities can organize and mobilize to build power and demand change.
Legal advocacy: Communities can use the law to protect their rights and advance their interests.
Policy change: Communities can work to change government policies that support community control.
Economic development: Communities can develop community-owned businesses and institutions to create wealth and economic security.
Education and training: Communities can provide education and training to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for effective self-governance.

Community control is a powerful tool that can be used to create more equitable and sustainable societies. By empowering local communities to make decisions about their own lives, community control can help to reduce poverty, improve access to essential services, promote environmental sustainability, and strengthen local economies.

While there are challenges to implementing community control, there are also a number of strategies that communities can use to overcome these challenges and achieve their goals. By working together, communities can build the power to control their own destinies and create a better future for themselves and for generations to come.

Unmaking Goliath: Community Control in the Face of Global Capital

by James DeFilippis

4.4 out of 5