Global Solidarity Network

When you have no power locally, international solidarity creates leverage. Build the global network that amplifies your voice.

Pressure addressed: psychological, economic, leadership

Time: Years to build effective network

People: Local community, diaspora, international supporters, solidarity organisations

Resources: International communication, travel for relationship building, coordination capacity

About this tool

Local power is limited. The government doesn't listen. The corporations don't care. The international community? That's different. Reputation matters. Trade matters. Diplomatic relationships matter. Global solidarity networks connect communities facing erasure with supporters around the world. Diaspora who remember where they came from.

How to do it

  1. Map existing diaspora and allies

    Who already cares? Where are your people? What organisations are already working on related issues?

  2. Build relationships before asking

    International solidarity requires trust. Invest in relationships before you need them activated.

  3. Create clear asks

    What do you want supporters to do? Specific, actionable requests get better responses than vague solidarity.

  4. Provide support infrastructure

    Talking points, graphics, model resolutions. Make it easy for supporters to take action.

  5. Reciprocate

    Solidarity isn't one-way. Support others' struggles. Build the mutual aid culture.

  6. Coordinate across locations

    Synchronised actions have more impact than scattered ones. Build coordination infrastructure.

Before you start

  • International connections
  • Communication capacity
  • Clear advocacy asks

Implementation guidance

Starting point

  • Active solidarity groups in multiple countries
  • Coordinated campaigns across locations
  • Diaspora engaged and mobilised
  • Clear asks that supporters can act on
  • Reciprocal solidarity with other movements
  • Measurable impact from international pressure

Building on it

  • Some international connections
  • Diaspora awareness of struggle
  • Occasional coordinated action

Advanced practice

  • Isolated appeals that go nowhere
  • International attention without sustained infrastructure
  • One-way requests without reciprocal solidarity

Isolated appeals waste the moment, attention fades without infrastructure to sustain it. Viral moments without follow-up accomplish nothing lasting. One-way solidarity requests burn goodwill and leave you without allies when you need them.

Examples

BDS movement

Coordinated international solidarity for Palestinian rights

$12+ billion divestment, 120+ companies left settlements, global network of solidarity groups

Source

Anti-apartheid movement

30+ years of international solidarity against South African apartheid

Contributed to ending apartheid through economic and political pressure

Indigenous peoples' movement

Transnational indigenous solidarity and advocacy

UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples, international advocacy wins

Further resources