Mennonite
Central
Committee

Summary by Listening Committee

Introduction

The listening committee was composed of three people: Carolina Débora Salazar Pino (Chile), Jack Lesniewski (MCC Guatemala) and Martin Shupack (MCC U.S. Washington Office). The objective of the committee was to collect important lessons learned from the first day and identify advocacy issues as a starting point for a discussion on a plan of action for advocacy work.

In order to complete their task, the listening committee was asked to:

• Identify advocacy issues.
• Identify possible ideas for advocacy that were expressed in the discussions and compile a list of them.
• Identify issues that were not covered in the previous day’s discussions, or those that require more dialogue in a future occasion.

Summary

Inherent in the word "globalization" is the idea of progress, and so we tend to equate globalization with modernity.

In the last day or so we have heard a lot about economic globalization and we have asked ourselves: "Where are the human values?" These values include democracy, participation, peace, equality, solidarity, justice, love, the local.

As we listened to the presentations, feedback and dialogue we heard three possible responses for recovering these human values within a globalized system:

1. Neo-liberalism with a human face
2. Resistance / progressive alternatives
3. A radical Christian vision

1. Neo-liberalism with a human face

   This attitude towards globalization starts with the assumption that "the train [of globalization] has already left the station," so we must get on board.

   Actions

   1. Reduce subsidies in wealthy countries.
   2. Reduce the level of corruption.
   3. Provide a period of protection for various economic sectors so that they can become competitive.
   4. Social investment for competitiveness.
   5. Invest in infrastructure for competitiveness.
   6. Partially cancel the international debt of some poor countries.
   7. Partial technology transfer.
   8. More transparency in multi-lateral organizations.
   9. Regulate privatization but not too much.

2. Resistance / progressive alternatives

   This attitude towards globalization says, "Take advantage of the system in order to change it."

   Actions

   1. Foment multi-national networks of resistance and popular organizations.
   2. Open and maintain spaces for civil society.
   3. Create and maintain trade-unions to ensure labor rights.
   4. Include labor rights and human rights in all commercial agreements.
   5. Protect and support agricultural producers and small and medium-sized businesses.
   6. Reject the development model that places emphasis on exportation.
   7. Decentralize the means of communication.
   8. Provide more control over foreign economic investment.
   9. Complete technology transfer.
   10. Cancel the international debt of poor countries.
   11. Accept minimal, regulated privatization.
   12. Support ecological sustainability.
   13. Foment local and grass-roots organization of the marginalized.

3. A radical Christian vision

   The motto for this attitude towards globalization is: "Be salt and light," or "Live and dream something different".

   Actions for the Church

   1. Alternative communities.
   2. A theology of enough.
   3. Intercultural education in the churches.
   4. Foment equitable economic and cultural exchange.
   5. Reduce our "slavery" to the system.
   6. Live differently together.
   7. A prophetic vision and accompaniment.

   These actions will result in our "dream" society:

   1. Local patterns of production and consumption.
   2. Decentralized political power.
   3. Small businesses run by the workers.
   4. Sustainable patterns of energy use and living.
   5. Reduced bureaucratic control.