ELAN - development policy network of Rhineland-Palatinate

ELAN is an association of organizations committed to development policy. Its members range from small solidarity groups, aid organizations, and "Weltläden" (Fair Trade stores) to working groups, youth associations. and networks. Overall, about 400 groups from Rhineland-Palatinate are organized in this statewide network. ELAN's work in development policy is very diverse. The main focus is on: Fair Trade, partnerships, campaigns, Local Agenda 21, as well as globalization and its effects in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

As a parent organization, ELAN is responsible for networking development policy initiatives within the state. Through publications or the Internet, its member organizations receive information about current subjects, activities, and campaigns and participate in discussion forums. The dialog between ELAN and the state government gives significance to the diverse aspects of the work related to development policy in the state. The ELAN office in Mainz coordinates the educational and public relations work and assists member organizations with projects.

To secure a viable future for people, animals, and in fact the whole planet, a new course must be set in global politics. Hence, the following principles determine the work of ELAN:

1. A more just, permanently inhabitable world can only be achieved if everyone is granted the right to live, and people can live in dignity and in a socially secure environment.
2. It makes sense to network efforts. In order to critically observe and monitor the process of economic networking and monopolization, both governments and NGOs must cooperate worldwide.
3. Democracy must be strengthened because informed citizens identify undesirable developments early on. They should not feel at the mercy of their governments, and they should assume responsibility for the preservation of the basic living conditions worldwide through their commitment to sustainable development.