[OPIRG-EVENTS] Fwd: Anti-G8 Regional Consulta: agenda, registration and more ...

["jeremy bell" <jeremy@dojo.tao.ca>]

Forwarded From: "la C.L.A.C." <clac@tao.ca>

> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2002 00:12:52 -0500 (EST)
> From: Ottawa Consulta <ottawaassembly@yahoo.ca>
> 
> [2nd annoucement; January 31, 2002
> please post and forward]
> 
> *** NOTE: This second callout contains new information, including a draft
> agenda and a registration form (both attached below). If you intend on
> attending the Consulta, please fill out the registration form below and send
> it to ottawaassembly@yahoo.ca, the sooner the better. Thanks. ***
> 
> ===> Regional Consulta and Assembly on anti-G8 Organizing
> 
> --> WHERE?: OTTAWA
> --> WHEN?: February 16&17, 2002
> --> WHO?: Affinity groups, organizations, collectives
> and individuals in the Northeast region wanting to
> share information and work together on shared
> political and organizing principles (outlined below)
> --> FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER: (613) 564-0558 or
> ottawaassembly@yahoo.ca
> 
> In anticipation of the upcoming Group of Eight (G8) Leaders' Meeting in
> Canada, and with the aim of reinforcing local anti-capitalist,
> anti-imperialist and anti-oppression networks of resistance, activists based
> in Ottawa, Toronto, Kingston, Guelph, Montreal and Quebec City are convening
> an anti-G8 Consulta and regional planning Assembly. The Consulta will be
> hosted by Ottawa-area activists on the weekend of February 16-17.
> 
> The Consulta is being called on specific political and organizing
> principles. Those principles are:
> 
> - an analysis that emphasizes a clear anti-capitalist
> and anti-imperialist position against globalization
> and war;
> 
> - a clear emphasis on anti-oppression organizing and
> education;
> 
> - a focus on local organizing, as opposed to just
> going from one big protest to another;
> 
> - trying to make genuine links between
> "anti-globalization" issues and local organizing
> efforts;
> 
> - active support and solidarity for initiatives like
> the Ontario Common Front's economic disruption
> campaign, or the recent squat project in Montreal;
> 
> - a respect for a diversity of tactics, and showing
> solidarity with the full scope of resistance in our
> communities;
> 
> - distrust and skepticism of lobbying efforts,
> emphasizing instead grassroots organizing, popular
> education and mobilizing;
> 
> - organizing in a non-hierarchical, anti-authoritarian
> fashion, as well as within the framework of
> anti-oppression analysis and action.
> 
> Organizations, affinity groups, collectives and individuals in agreement
> with the above principles are encouraged to attend the Consulta. The
> Consulta is explicitly aiming to build on the above basis of unity, and not
> to fundamentally alter the main political and organizing principles.
> However, the principles will be elaborated and expanded, as part of public
> popular education work. The organizers of the Consulta have also endorsed
> the principles of the Peoples' Global Action (PGA) network (included in the
> registration form below).
> 
> Since the beginnings of the Ontario Common Front campaign in Toronto, as
> well as the recent anti-G20 protests in Ottawa, activists in the southern
> Ontario/Quebec region have met informally and discussed how to organize
> against the G8, while reinforcing ongoing local organizing efforts. The
> Consulta is an opportunity to exchange info about local organizing, as well
> as to plan collaboratively and collectively in the region. Some ideas
> discussed at a previous Consulta planning meeting include:
> 
> - a major counter-conference on alternatives to
> capitalism and imperialism and anti-oppression
> organizing, with an emphasis on alternative
> institutions and autonomous zones; the conference, to
> last anywhere from 4 days to one-week, would take
> place anytime between this May to September.
> 
> - popular education campaigns across the region,
> complementing the popular education being undertaken
> locally by some groups.
> 
> - a regional mobilization against the G8 -- including
> protests and  direct actions -- to coincide with
> protests in Alberta in June; Ottawa and Kingston are
> two suggested sites.
> 
> - decentralized and coordinated actions to disrupt
> trade corridors as well as other decentralized and
> coordinated actions across the region;
> 
> - active support for ongoing organizing efforts such
> as the Common Front campaign in Ontario, local
> projects and actions, as well as ongoing organizing
> against war, militarization and racism.
> 
> The Consulta is a chance to reinforce radical networks of resistance in our
> region that have developed thru collective actions and encounters over the
> past few years.
> 
> A draft agenda, and registration form, are attached below.
> 
> In order to facilitate broad participation, Consulta organizers will aim to
> subsidize the travel of participants from marginalized, poor and
> underrepresented groups to the best of our ability. The Consulta will take
> place with translation into English, French and Spanish. To date, all
> Consulta spaces are wheelchair accessible.
> 
> To register, please fill out the form below. For more info, please e-mail
> ottawaassembly@yahoo.ca or phone 613-564-0558.
> 
> 
> ===== Proposed Agenda (Draft) =====
> 
> NOTE: Most Consulta events will be taking place at
> Carleton University. For a map of the Carleton campus,
> click here:  http://www.carleton.ca/cu/campus/. Full
> wheelchair accessibility information is included on
> the webpage.
> 
> === Friday, February 15, 2002
> 
> 7:00PM
> PANEL - PATHS of RESISTANCE
> A discussion about what it means to organize a
> regional mobilization with an emphasis on
> anti-oppression politics and education. Confirmed
> speakers include Shawn Brandt (OCAP and the Tyendinaga
> Mohawk Nation), Helen Hudson (Montreal-area activist
> and organizer) and Oscar Carillo Arroyo (student
> striker at the UNAM in Mexico City, political refugee
> in Canada).
> 
> Late registration & billeting and other vital
> information will be available before and after this
> event.
> 
> LOCATION: Room 3275 of the Mackenzie Building at
> Carleton University. Accessibility information
> available at:
> http://www.carleton.ca/cu/campus/bldgs/access/me.html
> 
> === Saturday, February 16, 2002
> === Day 1
> 
> LOCATION: Porter Hall, Room 231 in the Unicentre at
> Carleton University. Accessibility information
> available at:
> http://www.carleton.ca/cu/campus/bldgs/access/uc.html
> 
> 9:30AM - 10:30AM
> WELCOME
> Check-in for registered participants, billeting
> information & coffee
> 
> 10:30AM  SHARP - 11:45AM
> INTRODUCTIONS
> 
> 11:45AM - 12:45PM
> PRESENTATIONS & PROPOSALS
> Presentations about local campaigns & proposals for a
> regional anti-G8
> campaign.
> *** If you or your group wish to present a proposal
> for a regional or
> co-ordinated local action or event, please get in
> touch to be added to the agenda:
> ottawaassembly@yahoo.ca ***
> 
> 12:45PM - 1:45PM
> LUNCH provided by Food not Bombs and the G-Spot.
> 
> 1:45PM - 2:00PM
> RECAP & SYNTHESIS of the morning's proposals.
> 
> 2:00PM - 3:45PM
> DAYS of ACTION - JUNE 26/27 2002
> Convergence or Local Days of Action?
> 
> 3:45PM - 4:00PM
> BREAK
> 
> 4:00PM - 5:30PM
> DISCUSSION of proposals generated by morning session.
> Proposals which receive significant support can be
> taken up by working  groups on Sunday afternoon.
> 
> 6PM
> DINNER provided by Food not Bombs and the G-Spot.
> 
> EVENING
> Anti-capitalist fun and entertainment is being planned
> with a respect
> for a diversity of entertainment tactics - details and
> exact location to be confirmed.
> 
> 
> === Sunday, February 17, 2002
> === Day 2
> 
> LOCATION: Porter Hall, Room 231 in the Unicentre at
> Carleton University
> 
> 9:30AM - 10:00AM
> WELCOME
> Check-in for registered participants & coffee.
> 
> 10:00AM SHARP - 11:00AM
> INTRODUCTIONS
> 
> 11:00AM - 11:30AM
> AGENDA
> Recap of Saturday and proposal of Sunday's agenda.
> 
> 11:30AM - 1:00PM
> COUNTER-CONFERENCE
> 
> 1:00PM - 2:00PM
> LUNCH provided by Food not Bombs and the G-Spot.
> 
> 2PM - 3:30PM
> LAUNCHING the ANTI-G8 CAMPAIGN
> Concurrent working/discussion groups for individual
> proposals.
> (TBA according to discussion and decisions up to this
> point.)
> 
> 3:30PM - 4:00PM
> REPORT BACK from working groups.
> 
> 4:00PM - 5:00PM
> FOLLOWING UP
> Recap of the Consulta.
> Follow-up proposals.
> Staying in touch.
> 
> 5:00PM
> FINISH
> 
> =========================================
> 
> =====>>> OTTAWA CONSULTA REGISTRATION FORM <<<=====
> 
> [If you are planning to attend the Consulta, please fill out all sections of
> the registration form below and send it to ottawaassembly@yahoo.ca. Thanks.]
> 
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
> ---> NAME:
> 
> ---> GROUP (affinity group, organization, collective, union local, etc.; if
> applicable):
> 
> ---> CITY/TOWN:
> 
> ---> CONTACT NUMBER/E-MAIL:
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
> 
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
> Billeting Information
> 
> --->How many people in your group require billeting during the Consulta?
> 
> --->Please indicate if you would prefer a billet that is <SMOKING>,
> <NON-SMOKING>, <NO PREFERENCE>.
> 
> --->Please indicate if you would prefer a billet includes pets. <YES>, <NO>,
> <NO PREFERENCE>.
> 
> --->Please indicate if you would prefer to be billeted in a women-only
> space.  <YES>, <NO>, <NO PREFERENCE>.
> 
> --->Are you willing to get in touch with your billeting host before arriving
> in Ottawa?
> 
> --->Can you provide your phone number and email address so your billeting
> host can contact you?
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
> 
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
> ---> When are you planning to arrive? [NOTE: We encourage Consulta
> participants to arrive on Friday evening for the "Paths of Resistance"
> panel, as the Consulta will be at 10am sharp on Saturday, February 16th.]
> 
> ---> If you are travelling by car, can you offer a lift to others from your
> area?
> 
> ---> Do you require a travel subsidy in order to attend the Consulta?
> 
> ---> Can you or your group donate money to a travel fund to help fund the
> participation of low-income participants, and participants representing
> marginalized groups?
> 
> ---> Is there any other info that you think the Consulta organizers need to
> know regarding logistics?
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
> 
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
> 
> ---> 1) Are you attending as a delegate for an affinity group, or as an
> individual? [NOTE: Individuals can attend and participate fully, but for
> purposes of decision-making, at this point, only delegates will count for
> consensus or votes. Groups are entitled to two delegates, but can also
> include as many observers they think is appropriate. For decision-making
> purposes, each group will get two cards, which represents their two
> delegates.]
> 
> ---> 2) If you are a delegate for your affinity group, are you attending
> with other delegates and observers from your group? How many?
> 
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
> 
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
> 
> The organizing and political principles of the Consulta are as follows:
> 
> - an analysis that emphasizes a clear anti-capitalist
> and anti-imperialist position against globalization
> and war;
> - a clear emphasis on anti-oppression organizing and
> education;
> - a focus on local organizing, as opposed to just
> going from one big protest to another;
> - trying to make genuine links between
> "anti-globalization" issues and local organizing
> efforts;
> - active support and solidarity for initiatives like
> the Ontario Common Front's economic disruption
> campaign, or the recent squat project in Montreal;
> - a respect for a diversity of tactics, and showing
> solidarity with the full scope of resistance in our
> communities;
> - distrust and skepticism of lobbying efforts,
> emphasizing instead grassroots organizing, popular
> education and mobilizing;
> - organizing in a non-hierarchical, anti-authoritarian
> fashion, as well as within the framework of
> anti-oppression analysis and action.
> 
> In addition to the political and organizing principles outlined above, the
> organizers of the Ottawa Consulta and Regional Assembly have adopted the
> hallmarks of the Peoples' Global Action network (as modified and accepted at
> Cochabamba, Bolivia in September 2001):
> 
> 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 maximize 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.
> 
> ---> 3) Are you in agreement with the organizing and political principles
> written above?
> 
> ---> 4) If you intend on being a delegate for an affinity group or
> organization, is your organization also in agreement with these organizing
> and political principles? If so, was it agreed to by a group decision-making
> process (vote, consensus, etc)? [NOTE: We intend to publicize the names of
> groups participating in the Consulta that agree with the organizing
> principles, so please be clear about this.]
> 
> If you want to attend the Consulta, and as an individual you are in
> agreement with the principles but your group might not be, we encourage you
> to form a caucus or affinity group within your larger group with likeminded
> people, and attend as a representative of that caucus or affinity group.
> While we do not want to unduly exclude anyone, by the same token, the
> Consulta is being organized on clearly defined principles. The Ottawa
> Consulta is not a meeting for anyone or any group that wants to organize
> against the G8 in the region, but rather those who want to organize within
> particular organizing and political principles. We not claim that the
> Consulta is representative of all segments of the social justice movement,
> but rather it's a gathering for people that identify with, and organize
> within, the principles outlined above.
> 
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
> 
> An e-mail will be sent out the week before the Consulta with final details.
> If you do not check e-mail often, and would like to get the details by
> phone, write you number here. Otherwise, please watch your INBOXs for final
> details the week before February 16-17, 2002. See you soon in Ottawa.
> 
> In solidarity,
> -- the organizers of the Ottawa anti-G8 Consulta
> 
> e-mail: ottawaassembly@yahoo.ca
> telephone: (613) 564-0558
> 
> 
> 



-- 
They say that if you gave a thousand monkeys a thousand typewriters at some 
point you'd have yourself a novel. I was wondering if you gave a thousand 
monkeys a thousand sticks of dynamite how long would it take for them to make 
the city a more beautiful looking place.


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