Dissent! Resistance Against the G8: Gathering in Manchester

The G8 (Group of Eight most industrialised nations) Summit is coming to Britain in the Summer of 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, firmly rooted in local networking, which it is hoped will exist well beyond the summer of 2005.

Work has already started on producing publicity and information
materials and putting together road-shows to mobilise people for action. The 'Dissent!' network, is committed to taking a confrontational stance, calling for direct action. Nobody owns the network and it has no leaders. It is open to anyone who wants to work under the hallmarks laid down by Peoples' Global Action (PGA) - see end of mail.

The next Dissent! gathering will take place on the 24th/25th April. 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). The Gathering will take place at the Manchester Environmental Resource Centre (see travel details at bottom of page), for more information about the venue look at our website at www.bridge-5.org . It's a big place so all meetings and social things can take place here. We'll have some food, drink and music on friday evening and a proper do with music, films etc on the saturday evening.

If you want to attend the Gathering IT IS ESSENTIAL that you let us
know in advance so we know how much food and drink to get and if we
need to arrange accomodation. so please tell us asap:

* How many people you are
* If you have any special requirements (the NEED for a proper bed, for
example)

Please email this address:  g8gathering@yahoo.co.uk or send a letter
to: G8 Gathering, MERCI, Bridge-5 Mill, 22a Beswick St, Ancoats,
Manchester, M4 7HR.

The process group will be working out the the practicalities of the
meetings if you would like to get involved with the agenda and meeting
process for the weekend, or volunteering to facilitate, please e-mail
 dissentprocess@yahoo.co.uk .

Please let us know as far in advance as possible if you require, or can offer, translation during the weekend..

Food will be provided by a newly formed cooking co-operative, we will be asking for £10 towards the cost of food and meeting and accomodation space. See you in Manchester!

PGA Hallmarks:

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 maximise
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.

Travel Details

Bridge-5 Mill is situated in Ancoats, a fifteen minute walk East of the city centre. It is situated on the corner of Beswick Street and Spectator Street on the Ashton Canal.


Walking.
If you are travelling from Manchester City Centre, during the day walk
along the Ashton Canal since it is quiet and picturesque. It takes about 10-15 minutes. From Piccadilly Train Station (at the bottom of the ramp on Piccadilly Approach) turn right up Ducie Street. After the bridge on your right, turn right and drop onto the Ashton Canal at Paradise Wharf. Turn left, continue past Piccadilly Village and under Great Ancoats Street. Walk along the canal and up the steps at bridge no 5 onto Beswick Street. Turn right and Bridge-5 Mill is the grey building on the opposite side of the bridge on your right.


By Bus.
A bus leaves Piccadilly Gardens every three minutes for Ancoats - it takes about five minutes. Board bus no 216 outside Nobles Amusement Arcade, ask for 'The Mitchell Arms' pub. Get off just after you see the pub on the left, on Ashton New Road, and turn left. Take an immediate right turn up Beswick Street and continue up the hill. After the second road on the left (Spectator Street), you'll find the entrance to Bridge-5 Mill

Travelling by car from the city centre.
Make for Great Ancoats Street (the inner relief road) east of Piccadilly train station. Then travel out of the city centre up Old Mill Street (on the corner is an Argos superstore). Travel up Old Mill Street, past Ancoats Hospital on the right until you come to a set of traffic lights at the cross roads of Butler Street, Beswick Street and Bradford Road. Turn right down Beswick Street, immediately over the canal bridge is Bridge-5 Mill on the right. Access is required at all times by our neighbours on Spectator Street so please park on Pollard Street which is the next street on from Beswick Street.