Seasoned squatters & protesters needed!
susanna | 13.07.2007 13:40 | Analysis | Free Spaces | Repression | London
If you've got experience with the police, owners of squatted buildings and/or the court system, you believe in squatting and the history and philosophy behind it; and/or you have experience of protest camps and you're interested in spreading the word - read on...
I'm looking to talk to anyone with experience of squatting and/or protest camps. In April next year a new book is coming out - a a toolbox for campaigners and a historical look at activism in the last two centuries. It aims to give detailed practical information about a wide range of tactics – such as shareholder actions, blockades and strikes, or petition-writing for a few examples - and their legal implications. We also want to look at what really works in effecting change, through studying previous victories and how they were achieved, as well as looking at notorious failures to see what went wrong.
We believe strongly that this book needs to be written and that it needs to be written now, particularly given the current political climate in the UK and all of the measures that have been taken that repress our freedom of expression and our right to protest.
I'm looking at the legal side of things but I need first-hand accounts of how the law has actually been used to repress those squatting and to disrupt the activities of those in protest camps. If you're interested in helping out my background research by sharing your experiences or if you've got any questions please email me.
We believe strongly that this book needs to be written and that it needs to be written now, particularly given the current political climate in the UK and all of the measures that have been taken that repress our freedom of expression and our right to protest.
I'm looking at the legal side of things but I need first-hand accounts of how the law has actually been used to repress those squatting and to disrupt the activities of those in protest camps. If you're interested in helping out my background research by sharing your experiences or if you've got any questions please email me.
susanna
e-mail:
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Comments
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that words and writing were...
13.07.2007 16:39
Is this book being written for the cops, you, or the 'protestors'. Perhaps you could get funding from the DTI ( who apparently have been involved, along with the state, other university/activist funding ). There's also plenty of other books and forums from Roadraging to Sqautters and Cotters, Squatting: the Real Story, No Trespassing, Anarchism In action etc etc etc plus all the EF! - related skillsharing stuff .
Best thing is to get together with other skilled workers. Any good with electrics, plumbing, chemistry, farming, etc etc etc.
What are deemed 'activist skills' is open to debate ( remember beyond activism debate in DOD. I was like to say that networking isn't one. Being able to read a DIY manual may quite well be, likewise composting. But then I these are not activist skills per se. Perhaps writing a flyer that has the appropriate information and is not necessarily aimed at activists is an overlooked skill ( as is being able to shut down the worlds largest arms fair this September in the Docklands,or the Sq Mile for that matter, which would certanly help the rest of the planet... ). Anyway I digress... the floor is open.
community compost toilet
Dissent for the masses
13.07.2007 21:16
I had better clarify, for anyone reading - it's being written for the general public. It's not being written for seasoned activists who already know where to look online for resources and who have a network around them; it's being written for people who haven't taken direct action before, or who aren't very experienced. It's also going to cover the entire range of protest/campaigning actions: very broad.
I realise a few people will object to the idea of such a 'mainstream' project, and also the idea of a book, which will be for sale, rather than a free download or leaflet. I don't take that view; the nature of this book is that people will come across it who would not come across - for example - the A.S.S guide to squatting, or Delia Smith's Basic Blockades. It's about reaching a whole new audience.
So far, the response from activists young and old has been really positive - thanks to those who've been in touch!
susanna