Invitation to the Dissent! Network Gathering in Edinburgh 17th - 19th September

'Dissent! A Network of Resistance Against the G8' was formed at the end of November 2003. So far, those involved within the Network have produced publicity and information materials and put together road shows to mobilise people for action. Actions have been taken in solidarity with the resistance to the 2004 G8 Summit in the US, and networking with European social movements has begun. In addition, around fifteen Dissent! Network affiliated local groups and Info-points have been established across the UK.

A confrontational stance, calling for direct action, is expressed through the The Dissent! Network. The Network has no leaders or official membership list, it is open to anybody who agrees with our aims with hallmarks of the Peoples Global Action as a starting point.

Practical Information

The Gathering is taking place over a weekend, people are encouraged to arrive on Thursday evening, as we would like to have a day trip out on Friday, the meeting is likely to begin on Saturday morning (the exact timetable is to be worked out later).

• If you want to attend the Gathering IT IS IMPORTANT that you let us know:
• How many people you are
• About when you plan to arrive
• What accommodation you would like: private homes or indoor crash space; camping or tree houses at Bilston Woods Protest Camp
• If you have any special requirements (food, allergies and preferences, proper bed)
• if you are bringing kids or dogs with you
• if you have access to a vehicle or not during the weekend
• if you will be attending for the day trip in Perthshire
• It is not necessary for you to give us your name or any personal information.

Please email this address:
g8gathering at yahoo.co.uk
or send a letter to:
Reshape!,
c/o ACE,
17 West Montgomery Place,
Edinburgh,
EH7 5HA.


If you would like to make a suggestion for the agenda for the weekend, or would like to get involved with the Process Group (this is the working group responsible for organising the agenda and facilitation for this Gathering)
email: dissentprocess@yahoo.co.uk

We will try to keep costs to a minimum, but there are costs for renting spaces for the weekend and for food. However, no one will be turned away or left to go hungry due to lack of money. Please bring sleeping bag etc. and tent if camping, also torches, boots, waterproofs and other camping gear will be helpfull.

See you in Edinburgh!

For more information about the Dissent! Network and the 2005 G8 Summit, visit: http://www.dissent.org.uk

More detailed information about where the Gathering will be held will be posted on the Dissent! website closer to the date.

• 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.