G8 comes to UK in 2005. Organising has already begun!
Alfie V. | 09.12.2003 19:43 | G8 2005
The G8 summit is happening in the UK in 2005. Already people are meeting and planning how to oppose the rulers of the world when they come to these islands. The Dissent! network was launched at a recent gathering. It aims to connect people who want to mobilise against the G8 on the basis of solidarity, mutual aid, direct action and autonomy, as defined by the hallmarks of Peoples' Global Action. For more info on PGA see www.agp.org.
Here is a summary of what was discussed at the two day meeting. It is a synthesis of about 20 typed pages of notes of discussions.
Obviously there is a certain level of subjectivity in these minutes, but hopefully they cover everything and are easy to understand. If anyone has any questions or was at the meeting has anything they think I've missed or misrepresented let us know!
The e-list that is mentionedhere is 'Resist G8' on Riseup. If you want to be added, email me. Working groups will also have their own lists.
SUMMARY OF MAIN POINTS
"We want to build a mobilisation against the G8 based on the PGA Hallmarks, rooted in the local, which involves autonomous mobilisations and that goes beyond the G8."
The name we settled on was:
"DISSENT! a Network of Resistance Against the G8"
ACTION POINTS:
ß Next meeting: Sat 7th and Sun 8th February, probably in Brighton
LOCAL BRIGHTON PEOPLE TO SORT LOGISTICS. PROCESS WORKING GROUP TO WORK ON AGENDA
ß We should put out a call to encourage people to get involved, set up groups and start thinking and talking about the issues.
PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP TO WORK ON THIS.
ß Contact details for local groups should be circulated and made into a contacts list
LOCAL GROUPS PLEASE SEND DETAILS TO LIST.
PROCESS AND NEWSLETTER WORKING GROUPS TO WORK ON COMPILING.
ß A number of working groups were set up. Each groups should contact the e-mail list with brief description of what they are doing and CONTACT DETAILS for group.
ß A percentage (this is a voluntary contribution, not a fixed tax!) of any
funds raised should be put aside for post-G8 anti-repression fund (prisoner
support etc.) Brighton ABC will sort a bank account for this fund.
ß Days of Action: 2 weeks after the February meeting in Brighton (so Fri
21st and Sat 22nd Feb) we should have a national day(s) of actions, street
stalls etc. to start doing co-ordinated stuff as a network and get the
message out there that we exist. (2 days, because weekdays and weekends are
more appropriate to different sorts of action)
Our media policy until further discussion at the next meeting is:
ANYONE WHO CLAIMS TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THIS NETWORK IS LYING.
Hallmarks of Peoples' Global Action:
1. A very clear rejection of capitalism, imperialism and feudalism; all trade agreements, institutions and governments that promote destructive globalisation.
2. We reject all forms and systems of domination and discrimination including, but not limited to, patriarchy, racism and religious fundamentalism of all creeds.
We embrace the full dignity of all human beings.
3. A confrontational attitude, since we do not think that lobbying can have a major impact in such biased and undemocratic organisations, in which transnational capital is the only real policy-maker;
4. A call to direct action and civil disobedience, support for social movements' struggles, advocating forms of resistance which maximize respect for life and oppressed peoples' rights, as well as the construction of local alternatives to global capitalism.
5. An organisational philosophy based on decentralisation and autonomy.
Obviously there is a certain level of subjectivity in these minutes, but hopefully they cover everything and are easy to understand. If anyone has any questions or was at the meeting has anything they think I've missed or misrepresented let us know!
The e-list that is mentionedhere is 'Resist G8' on Riseup. If you want to be added, email me. Working groups will also have their own lists.
SUMMARY OF MAIN POINTS
"We want to build a mobilisation against the G8 based on the PGA Hallmarks, rooted in the local, which involves autonomous mobilisations and that goes beyond the G8."
The name we settled on was:
"DISSENT! a Network of Resistance Against the G8"
ACTION POINTS:
ß Next meeting: Sat 7th and Sun 8th February, probably in Brighton
LOCAL BRIGHTON PEOPLE TO SORT LOGISTICS. PROCESS WORKING GROUP TO WORK ON AGENDA
ß We should put out a call to encourage people to get involved, set up groups and start thinking and talking about the issues.
PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP TO WORK ON THIS.
ß Contact details for local groups should be circulated and made into a contacts list
LOCAL GROUPS PLEASE SEND DETAILS TO LIST.
PROCESS AND NEWSLETTER WORKING GROUPS TO WORK ON COMPILING.
ß A number of working groups were set up. Each groups should contact the e-mail list with brief description of what they are doing and CONTACT DETAILS for group.
ß A percentage (this is a voluntary contribution, not a fixed tax!) of any
funds raised should be put aside for post-G8 anti-repression fund (prisoner
support etc.) Brighton ABC will sort a bank account for this fund.
ß Days of Action: 2 weeks after the February meeting in Brighton (so Fri
21st and Sat 22nd Feb) we should have a national day(s) of actions, street
stalls etc. to start doing co-ordinated stuff as a network and get the
message out there that we exist. (2 days, because weekdays and weekends are
more appropriate to different sorts of action)
Our media policy until further discussion at the next meeting is:
ANYONE WHO CLAIMS TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THIS NETWORK IS LYING.
Hallmarks of Peoples' Global Action:
1. A very clear rejection of capitalism, imperialism and feudalism; all trade agreements, institutions and governments that promote destructive globalisation.
2. We reject all forms and systems of domination and discrimination including, but not limited to, patriarchy, racism and religious fundamentalism of all creeds.
We embrace the full dignity of all human beings.
3. A confrontational attitude, since we do not think that lobbying can have a major impact in such biased and undemocratic organisations, in which transnational capital is the only real policy-maker;
4. A call to direct action and civil disobedience, support for social movements' struggles, advocating forms of resistance which maximize respect for life and oppressed peoples' rights, as well as the construction of local alternatives to global capitalism.
5. An organisational philosophy based on decentralisation and autonomy.
Alfie V.
e-mail:
g8_2005@graffiti.net
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