The G8 is the annual meeting of the leaders of the worlds most powerful countries. It is a major symbol of capitalism: a summit where rich governments plan how to stay rich. Since 1998, these summits have been resisted wherever they have attempted to meet. Protests have erupted on every continent, fuelled by disgust at the extremes of wealth and poverty, by military repression, and by environmental breakdown. In July 2005, the G8 comes to the UK.
Dissent! is a network made up of individuals and groups planning to use creative direct action and civil disobedience to resist the presence of the G8 in the UK. It has no leaders, no membership list, and no paid staff. Ideas for action so far include targeting the oil and war industries, the practical rejuvenation of neglected communities in Scotland, and disruption of the summit itself. Dissent! is acting as a focal point for coordination of resistance to the G8 and for continued radical action against capitalism into the future. The Festival of Dissent! will be the best chance before the Summit arrives to get together, learn skills, share info, plan, and get inspired about protests at the Summit.
Workshops
* Planning action at the G8 * Direct action training * Background on the G8 * Consensus decision making * Blockading * Hill walking and navigation * Corporate involvement in the G8 * Scottish law and legal training * CIRCA* Medical training * Action Information * and much much more.
For more information check out www.dissent.org.uk
To register for the festival or to offer help get in touch - email festivalofdissent(at)riseup.net or write to
Box 8, 245 Gladstone Street, Forest Fields, Nottingham.
Full location details will be sent to those registered. The closest main coach and train stations are in Glasgow.