The G8 (Group of Eight most industrialised nations) Summit is coming to Britain in the Summer of 2005. Their meeting will be held at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Scotland from Wednesday 6th-Friday 8th July 2005. In past years, everywhere they have tried to meet they have been met with a massive response from the world's social movements. Now, in Britain, a network of groups and individuals is emerging that hopes to resist the Summit, and build a lasting movement against capitalism.
'Dissent! A Network of Resistance Against the G8' was formed at the end of November 2003. Local groups and working groups are now forming to build a response to the G8 which it is hoped will exist well beyond the summer of 2005. Work has alre ady started on producing publicity and information materials and putting together roadshows to mobilise people for action. Networking with social movements in Europe and further afield has begun, and across the UK solidarity actions were taken with those resisting the 2004 G8 Summit in the US.
The 'Dissent!' network is committed to taking a confrontational stance, calling for direct action. It is a Network without leaders or an official membership list. It is open to anyone who agrees to work under the hallmarks laid down by Peoples' Global Action (PGA) - see end of text.
The next Dissent! gathering will take place at the 1 in 12 Club in Bradford from the 3rd-4th July 2004. Come along and get involved!
Practical Information
The Gathering is taking place over a weekend, people are welcome to arrive on Friday evening, as the meetings are likely to begin fairly early on Saturday morning (the exact timetable is to be worked out later).
If you want to attend the Gathering IT IS ESSENTIAL that you let us know:
How many people you are
If you require accommodation
If you have any special requirements.
Please email this address: g8gathering@yahoo.co.uk as soon as possible.
If you would like to get involved in the Process Working Group, responsible for putting together the agenda and co-ordinating facilitation - or if you have an item for the agenda – e mail: dissentprocess@yahoo.co.uk
The 1 in 12 Club is at 21-23 Albion Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. A map can be found at: http://www.1in12.go-legend.net/map.htm
We look forward to meeting you in Bradford!
PGA Hallmarks:
A very clear rejection of capitalism, imperialism and feudalism; all trade agreements, institutions and governments that promote destructive globalisation.
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.
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;
A call to direct action and civil disobedience, support for social movements' struggles, advocating forms of resistance which maximise respect for life and oppressed peoples' rights, as well as the construction of local alternatives to global capitalism.
An organisational philosophy based on decentralisation and autonomy.
For more information about Peoples`Global Action (PGA), visit: www.agp.org