"Think Local First" is a term developed by the members of BALLE networks to refer to our commitment to our communities. Rather than simply promoting "buying" local, we are suggesting our larger role as stewards. By thinking local, we can make choices that have dramatic impact on our local communities, economies, and environments. We recognize that we will rarely be able to buy everything we need or use from local independent businesses. But we are advocating that people first think local - look first for local and locally owned sources of the things they need and want - to maximize the impact of their daily actions and purchasing decisions.

A Local First campaign educates consumers about the economic and social advantages that independent and local businesses bring to a community. The goal is to create a thriving local economy by maximizing the potential of local businesses, and transferring market share (business, government, and consumer purchases) from non-locally owned businesses to local independently owned businesses. (See The need for Local First campaigns.)

One of the greatest things an individual can do to support his or her local community is to patronize its locally owned businesses. Compared to their national competitors, local independent businesses recycle more money back into the local economy and give greater support to a community's nonprofit and civic needs. They are better positioned to respond to the special needs of the community, and they are more tied to the community's future. Additionally, unlike a homogenized Anyplace, USA, a community with vibrant independent businesses retains its unique character as a great place to live and visit. In promoting a Local First campaign, a community supports a thriving local economy and its way of life.

Read Who Benefits From a Local First Campaign? and check out the increasing number of studies detailing the benefits to businesses and the general community of Local First campaigns.

Read Ten Frequently Asked Questions About Local First Campaigns.

Read how we define "local" and our guidelines for determining who is eligible for inclusion in a Local First campaign.

Order a Local First manual

Based in large part on the successful and ongoing Think Local First campaign conducted by Sustainable Connections in Northwest Washington, this detailed 90-page how-to manual can help you quickly and easily launch a Local First marketing campaign in your community. How successful has their campaign been? Read for yourself.

View the manual's table of contents.

The Local First Manual is $100 (including shipping). If you are ordering from outside North America, please add $20 for shipping and handling. To pay online, click on the donation button below, or to pay by check, please send a check made out to BALLE to:

BALLE - Attn: Local First Manual
165 11th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

To make a donation to BALLE, or to purchase materials, please click on the Donate Now button below (all donations are tax-deductible; for purchases, we will deduct the market value of the item to determine the tax-deductible amount):