Most activists and social change leaders today would argue that a sustainable future will only be possible by making profound changes to our lives and our political and economic systems. Yet in many campaigns and strategies, this is not reflected. Not few would agree that neo-liberal capitalism is at the root of many ecological and social problems. But for many activists’ terms like system change, Great Transition, a paradigm shift is too big, too utopian or too abstract and very difficult to be broken down into tangible strategies and steps. If it is already so difficult to achieve our small little steps – and often we do not achieve them – what sense does it make to work towards utopia? The idea of changing our economic system and the underlying culture that supports it can seem like an impossible task. But the current system was not given by the laws of nature. Instead, it was created and continues to be shaped by human beings. And as such we as human beings can change it again. In fact, only if we take on this
task collectively, will we have a chance to create a fairer and much more equal society where current and future generations thrive in harmony with nature.

The purpose of this handbook is to help bring the dream of the Great Transition to life. Based on the research collated and the ideas and experiences generated by the Smart CSOs Lab, we provide guidance and support to activists who want to make a meaningful contribution to this deeper change.