Following earnest discussions at September’s debate, which looked at the problems of tackling contemporary issues by engaging with the state, there are hopes for new and inspiring angles on how people can organise and support themselves as the mechanisms and activities of the government become further removed from the will and understanding of the people.

The Sumac Debates are about self-education, knowledge and opinion sharing, and a timely exchange of ideas about strategy and organising. The debate this Tuesday 21st October an opportunity to make use of a rare space in which to realise it is still possible to conceive of and prepare for a world of social relations which are based on co-operation rather than competition, equality rather than exploitation, and freedom instead of domination. We invite people to come and listen, encourage people to speak if the wish to, and learn from a process of respectful and free-flowing discussion.

The debate is recorded so we can later publish it through the currently internet-based Nottingham free radio project, Riseup! Radio. Riseup! Radio begun in January 2008 and aims to involve local campaign and youth groups in sharing their news, creativity and resourcefulness with a wider audience. The project began with a single monthly podcast but now comprises several shows, with more to come in 2009. Anyone interested in producing a show or content for existing shows should come to the Riseup! Radio skillshare day at the Sumac Centre on November 1st, or send an email to riseupradio indymedia.org.

 http://riseupradio.wordpress.com

The ‘Anarchy: Prepare for Decentralisation’ debate intends to explore questions and issues such as:

+ A need for radical social change?
+ What does radical social change look and feel like: a historical perspective
+ How do we want it to be and how will we get there
+ Learning lessons from current examples of anarchic organisation
+ How do we engage with people
+ How do communities resist repression and fascism?

Please come and get involved! If you have not been to the Sumac Centre before, this is a good opportunity to become acquainted with a resource centre that enables people to meet, socialise and engage in activities in an environment that promotes egalitarianism and organising in a more ‘horizontal’ and less hierarchical way. Many groups already use the space and there are lots of events to get involved in (join the new Sumac Entertainments Collective!), but new projects and ideas may find a place to start at the Sumac (sumac.org.uk).