What is Commanalism?

Local Democracy at the Heart of Change. Communalism is a vision for a fairer, more democratic society, where power is returned to the people, not controlled by distant politicians or powerful corporations. Inspired by the ideas of Murray Bookchin, Communalism offers a bold, transformative alternative to our current political and economic systems. Unlike traditional political movements that aim for small reforms, Communalism seeks a complete transformation of society. We don’t just want to fix a few issues; we want to replace the systems that create inequality, environmental destruction, and disempowerment. Through local councils and direct democracy, we’re building a movement for long-lasting change that will transform our society for the better.

People Power, not Corporate Power. Communalism challenges the influence of corporations and big-money interests on our society. Instead of prioritising profits, we believe in putting people first. By keeping decisions in the hands of local communities, Communalism ensures that social, economic, and environmental decisions reflect the true needs and values of the people — not the bottom lines of distant shareholders. In a communalist society, we focus on building an economy that serves communities through locally-owned businesses, cooperatives, and sustainable industries. This approach protects our resources, strengthens our local economies, and promotes fairness.

A Society That Works with Nature not Against it. Communalism calls for a sustainable approach to living, one that respects the environment and works in harmony with nature. Inspired by Bookchin’s philosophy of social ecology, we recognize that social justice and ecological health are deeply connected. Our aim is to create societies that meet human needs without destroying the planet. This means local communities have control over how resources are used and are empowered to take bold actions to protect natural spaces, reduce waste, and adopt clean energy. By making these decisions at the community level, we create sustainable practices that support both people and the planet.