20 Years of Shifting Power from Governments & Corporations to Communities!
Support struggles for land rights and justice.
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Who We Are / What We Do
Change begins with informed and active citizens
The Oakland Institute is an independent policy think tank, bringing fresh ideas and bold action to the most pressing social, economic, and environmental issues of our time.
Hold Powerful Actors Accountable
We hold governments, corporations, and international institutions accountable for their actions that harm people and the planet. Our reports sunlight social and environmental justice issues; we organize advocacy campaigns, testify at the United Nations Human Rights Council, Congressional hearings, and more – till justice is delivered for the impacted communities.
Dismantle False Solutions
Our research and advocacy exposes and challenges the false solutions put forward by international institutions like the World Bank, governments, and corporations to fight hunger, combat climate change, and spur development.
Strengthen Land Rights and Livelihoods
In partnership with impacted communities, we document threats to land rights, livelihoods, and natural resources and develop advocacy campaigns to support and elevate these struggles in national and international arenas.
Support Sustainable Farmer-led Food Systems
We support sustainable Indigenous and farmer-led food systems and work to build a farm economy from the bottom up. Our research is providing blueprints of what these systems can look like and what policy changes are needed for them to flourish.
Stand by Our Partners in the Face of Criminalization
The Legal Defense Fund, started in 2015 to support land rights defenders, provides legal support to individuals and groups around the world. In 2023, we supported partners in Tanzania, Mali, DRC, Kenya, and Nicaragua.
Elevate People’s Voices
A key element of our work is responding directly to asks for support from impacted communities and working in partnership with them and local organizations. Underlying this is our commitment to elevate the voices of farmers, pastoralists, fisherfolk, Indigenous Peoples, and all those who are ignored, marginalized, and repressed in the name of development.
A Maasai women holding a sign saying “This is our ancestral land.” Source: The Maasai Elders, NCA
We are standing up to big money and power!
Communities rising up in defense of their lands and livelihoods turn to the Oakland Institute for support. We power their struggles with research and advocacy to challenge corporate greed and authoritarian governments. And we do NOT give up till we WIN!
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