The contributions to this series are a result of collaborations with inspiring peoples and networks from various regions that the Global TapestryThe weaving of networks of Alternatives of AlternativesAre activities and initiatives, concepts, worldviews, or action proposals by collectives, groups, organizations, communities, or social movements challenging and replacing the dominant system that perpetuates inequality, exploitation, and unsustainabiity. In the GTA we focus primarily on what we call "radical or transformative alternatives", which we define as initiatives that are attempting to break with the dominant system and take paths towards direct and radical forms of political and economic democracy, localised self-reliance, social justice and equity, cultural and knowledge diversity, and ecological resilience. Their locus is neither the State nor the capitalist economy. They are advancing in the process of dismantling most forms of hierarchies, assuming the principles of sufficiency, autonomy, non-violence, justice and equality, solidarity, and the caring of life and the Earth. They do this in an integral way, not limited to a single aspect of life. Although such initiatives may have some kind of link with capitalist markets and the State, they prioritize their autonomy to avoid significant dependency on them and tend to reduce, as much as possible, any relationship with them. has been connected with (GTAGlobal Tapestry of Alternatives). They have contributions from Africa, Latin America, South and South-east Asia and Central America. The decision to include these was based on active collaborators who were available to contribute to the series on a short notice as we do realise that such groups are active everywhere. Additionally, we wanted to bring forth stories from the Global South and regions that are under-represented in the corridors of power. These series have been produced with mutual respect, care and deep solidarity. We are truly grateful to all the contributors for sowing the seeds of future envisioning.
Currently, these series are being published using what is a colonial language for much of the world, i.e. English. We do, however, feel that regional languages are an important tool for the dissemination of these stories. Hence, we intend to translate these stories in multiple languages and would urge you as readers to offer to translate these stories in your own mother tongue, in case you can and would like to.
Our request to the readers is to also see this collection as a work in progress and engage with it as a long term process of cultivating inspiration to create better societies that are already being created. We need to weave at every level efforts challenging patriarchal or masculinist, capitalist, racist, casteist, and anthropocentric forces, and advance the continuation and continuous reconstruction of a pluriversal world in which many worlds can be embraced.
This series features stories of resistance, resilience and regeneration across the world that highlight how peoples proactive responses to the multiple crises the world faces—ecological, socio-cultural, political, economic, spiritual—are widespread and diverse.
This series contains thematic reports showcasing real world examples coming from alternatives as a response to problems, crises and challenges in the context of the global pandemic crisis.