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[OPIRG-EVENTS] A Call-Out For Freespace in Ottawa
What: General Meeting For Freespace In Ottawa
Date: Wednesday August 7, 2002
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Dundonald Park
Contact: Derek @ drek@magma.ca or
shawn. @ digitalindependence@hotmail.com
This is a call-out for those who think a better world is possible.
We want to create a network of progressive people and projects interested in
the creation of "Freespace" in Ottawa, where individuals can strive to live
economically and politically self-sufficient together.
It is not possible to bring about a just and equal society free from fear
and want within the context of capitalism. And unless we bring about such a
society, we believe human beings and the world we live on will descend --
possibly incrementally, possibly convulsively -- into barbarism, tyranny and
chaos.
We have an opening now to bring into being a new social world, because the
old one is increasingly, obviously, blatantly, destroying us all. Through
the creation of Freespace, we believe we can empower ourselves, in our
lives, and in our communities. The Freespace would act as a convergence
space for the progressive community in Ottawa.
We are action-oriented, but realize that planning is essential. Below is a
very preliminary draft to inspire us. We wish to hold regular meetings to
discuss and develop these plans.
"Everyone's organized except the people"
- John Gardner
A PLAN TO CREATE FREESPACE
We reject the notion of private property. By purchasing land through a
"Community Land Trust", we can free ourselves from the feudal system of rent
and mortgages. On this reclaimed land, we can strive to live economically
and politically self-sufficient together. We think it is essential to have a
mix of urban and rural Freespace.
THE MEETING HALL
The free meeting space will be where direct participatory democracy takes
place. It will be a place to converge and build communities. It can also
host community events such as coffee-houses, speakers, movie screenings, as
well as musical and artistic gatherings.
COMMUNITY STOREHOUSE
We want to provide a space where the community can drop-off unwanted items,
or take items that they want, without monetary transactions.
PROJECT SPACE
We want to provide project space (office and commercial) for progressive
groups.
Projects can include a wide variety of activities, including community
services and businesses such as a health food cafe or restaurant, a health
food store, a daycare, an alternative school, an alternative health clinic,
a bike garage, computer and internet services, arts and crafts, and even
solar power generation.
LODGING
We want to offer Freespace for projects that will provide lodging, for both
residents and travellers, as well as shelter for the abused and homeless.
FOOD
We want to offer Freespace for community gardens and community kitchens. For
this, we need the participation of individuals and groups who are skilled at
maintaining gardens and preparing healthy food.
TRADE
We want to minimize our interaction and involvement with what we consider
non-ethical businesses. To accomplish this, we will research autonomous
zones, communes, and collectives worldwide, and promote and support the
establishment of an alternative marketplace -- a trade network based on the
ethical treatment of humans, animals, and the environment.
MUTUAL CREDIT UNION
In banks we no longer trust. Through a Mutual Credit Union, we can promote
an international grassroots currency know as "Hours", based on time and
mutual credit. It will be backed by the services provided by the Freespace,
as well as the community land trust.
With our own source of financing and credit, we can gradually reduce our
(voluntary) dependency on capitalist profit-motivated financiers.
INVESTMENT
What's the incentive for investment, when there's no monetary profits to be
returned?
We believe that not all people with dollars are capitalists, and that profit
does not have to be monetary. We believe that the creation of a thriving
community Freespace, and the security it will bring to us, will be a
valuable and satisfying "return" from our investments of time, energy, and
money.
LEGAL
We need to investigate legal issues such as community land trusts, deed
restrictions, securities commission regulations, as well as municipal,
provincial and federal taxes.
DECISION MAKING
We believe an atmosphere of complete involvement will keep away the
freeloaders. Nevertheless, we need to think about how we will ensure the
right type of people are involved, and how we can handle free-loaders and
trouble-makers.
We recognize that no single kind of decision-making process makes sense for
every situation. But we must agree on a decision-making process that will be
used to decide on a decision-making process.
As we progress, we will fine-tune what our version of consensus will look
like, develop our strategies for conflict resolution, and establish ground
rules for acceptable behaviour.
FUN
We recognize that, to avoid burning out, we need to have fun throughout the
process of planning, building, and creating.
"It's not my revolution if I can't dance to it."
- Emma Goldman
REMINDER!
This first meeting will be happening at the same time as the weekly potluck
in the park hosted by the garden spot and manufacturing dissent. You're
welcome to partake in either or both of these events.
For more info on the weekly potlucks:
Cooking up a Revolution:
http://ottawa.indymedia.org/2002/07/922.shtml
Weekley potluck held on Dundonald Park:
http://ottawa.indymedia.org/2002/07/1035.shtml
_________________________________________________________________
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