Hello All,
This past weekend 2.25.07 in Boston, anarchists, anti-authoritarians, horizontalists etc. from thoughout the Northeast met up to discuss many different things. Among topics discussed, was the formation of a Northeast Anarchist Network. An inital proposal was submitted and discussed by those present. At this time, based on notes taken and decisions consented, blocked, or tabled we have the initial proposal, the notes, and a second draft. At present, the documents should be reviewed by any interested groups/collectives etc. and those interested should check back here, at infoshop, or contact james k. at jameskautz@hotmail.com regarding the next meeting. The next meeting is tentatively set for April 7-8, 2007 at a location to be announced.
Best,
Mike C
Draft Proposal for Northeast Anarchist Network #1
"This network of resistance will be the medium in which distinct resistances may support one another. This network of resistance is not an organizing structure...it has no central command or hierarchies...We are the network, all of us who resist" - EZLN, 2nd Declaration of La Realidad
With optimism and high hopes for this Northeast Anarchist Consulta, some members of the planning committee, coming from different movements but sharing common aims, would like to propose the formation of a Northeast regional network. The form and purpose will be discussed at this Consulta if participants wish to see such a network come to life.
This proposal is a working draft, and not a final product, which ultimately can only come from a horizontal process of discussion and debate. It is fully open to being revised, rewritten, or replaced by any other ideas or proposals which participants wish to bring up. If a proposal is approved this weekend, it is hoped that participants will bring this proposal back to their local communities, organizations, collectives, and other networks to discuss and consider affiliating.
Purpose:
We will strive to create a regional, horizontal organizing network in the Northeast, linking those committed to struggles anti-authoritarian, anti-capitalist, and anti-oppressive.
With recognition and respect for existing organizations, networks, and federations engaged in these struggles, we propose a network not to replace any of them, but to connect all of them. Not as an end in itself, but as a process and a means to pursue our collective aims:
1. To strengthen our mutual aid across the Northeast. To forge the relationships, make the connections, and share the resources we need to sustain this mutual aid.
2. To open up lines of communication and coordination among groups active in the Northeast.
3. To link up our resistances confronting the local links in global systems of oppression and destruction, and ultimately to lend support to local struggles whenever and wherever needed
4. To help each other develop working, sustainable models of autonomy, solidarity, and popular power, and to plant the seeds of the new world in the shell of the old.
Possible Structure:
We propose a decentralized network, based on the voluntary association of autonomous local groups, collectives, and assemblies committed to the aims described above.
We propose opening up mediums of communication to identify and share needs and projects within the network. For face-to-face communication, we propose regular exchanges of delegates between different communities, and gatherings of the network in bimonthly or seasonal consultas, assemblies, or spokescouncils. For electronic communications, we propose the creation of an announcement listserv, emergency response phone tree, and open-posting website.
We propose the formation of working groups to take responsibility for addressing specific needs and sharing information with the rest of the network so everyone knows how they can participate and contribute. For example, we can envision a general working group dedicated to facilitating communications within the network, and a working group dedicated to facilitating gatherings.
We also encourage the self-organization of issue- or event-based working groups, and identity/ally caucuses. For example, an issue or event-based working group might work to help coordinate a regional week of resistance like the one proposed for this May. Identity caucuses might provide a safe space for people of color, women, queer and trans folks within the network.
We encourage everyone to organize first and foremost in their own communities, to participate in and support existing movements in those communities, to form their own local networks, if none already exist, and to work towards self-determination with models like ongoing popular assemblies and community control of resources. We encourage local groups to maintain contact, exchange information, and request support and solidarity from the network whenever needed.
Possible Hallmarks:
(Adapted from People’s Global Action)
1. A very clear rejection of capitalism, imperialism, and authoritarianism.
2. A rejection of all forms and systems of domination. Embracing the full dignity of all.
3. A confrontational attitude towards all state, corporate, and other oppressive institutions.
4. A call to direct action, 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.
5. An organizational philosophy based on decentralization and autonomy.
****Notes from Boston Consulta*****
NE Anarchist Network Proposal
2.26.07
Based on Consulta discussions held 2.25.07
Stated Goals for 25th
-Final Draft
-Contact Info
-Dates to reconvene
-List Resources and Abilities
-Amend
-Feedback
-Why
-Newsletter?
Why-
-To preserve institutional memory (of the anarchist movement)
-abolish transients
-share resources and skills
-aid in creating local federations
-create local and larger caucuses
-setting proactive agendas
-Draw local support through outreach.
Proposed Amendments/ Concerns
*Proofreading Group-grammar and syntax =consented
*Possible Structure: Paragraph 4 :
Initial proposal: to eliminate examples and insert “a space for all people” =blocked
Secondary proposal: eliminate text after first sentence. In effect, to remove examples while preserving any concerned party’s ability to create a caucus. =consented
*Hallmarks Section:
Initial proposal: Hallmark 2-to include greater emphasis on rejecting speciesism=consented >3 stand aside, no blocks
Noted clarification: that this list is adapted from People’s Global Action network. That “respect for life” in Hallmark 4 includes this perspective.
*Proposal to send delegates to US Social Forum.
-Delegates not empowered to make decisions on behalf of the NEAN =Tabled until following meeting
*Initial proposal: Additional Hallmarks 6, 7
6-To include unified propaganda campaigns throughout network and the possible creation of a newspaper= To be discussed in future by media working groups
7-To conduct community outreach and critical education in respective localities
Addendum-Purposes Section : include, “To conduct community outreach and critical education programs.” And, “increase group communications via resources in the network.”
-Hallmark 7 withdrawn due to addendum=consented
*Proposal: To add a hallmark- “which calls for respect for theoretical and/or tactical difference.”
Amendment- To include “which calls for a respect for theoretical and/or tactical difference, under the condition that they do not conflict with the purposes, structures, or other hallmarks in the draft proposal.” =Tabled for further discussion
-Noted concern: ambiguity in tactical diversity
*Proposal: Purposes-to include a measure emphasizing that the network is proactive in its operations and goals=consented
*Final Proposal: To conclude discussions for the day to meet in working groups. Decisions made at the consulta with be held and integrated into the next draft, draft number 2 and presented at the next meeting to be held April 7+8 at a location to be discussed on the communications list passed around at the consulta-1/24 –1/25/07.
Editor’s Note:
The changes made in the draft proposal are suggestions made by the note taker/editor to reflect those decisions consented upon by the Boston consulta on 2.25.07. These changes are marked with an asterisk and should be considered as suggestions open to debate at the next meeting tentatively scheduled for April 7-8, 2007. Documents to be reviewed for 4.7-8.07 by organizations/affinity groups/collectives should include:
-The Northeast Anarchist Network Proposal #1
-The Boston Consulta notes taken on 2.25.07
-The Northeast Anarchist Network Proposal #2
Please note that decisions made which do not apply directly to the proposal document are located on this document, the Boston Consulta Notes document, and should be thoroughly reviewed by organizations/affinity groups/collectives.
Finally, all documents reflect notes taken by the editor during the Boston Consulta, should any party wish to contact the editor he may be reached at gongmallet@yahoo.com.
*******Northeast Anarchist Network Draft Proposal #2*********
NEA Proposal Form: 2.25.07
Draft Proposal for Northeast Anarchist Network
"This network of resistance will be the medium in which distinct
resistances may support one another. This network of resistance is not
an
organizing structure...it has no central command or hierarchies...We
are
the network, all of us who resist" - EZLN, 2nd Declaration of La
Realidad
With optimism and high hopes for this Northeast Anarchist Consulta,
some
members of the planning committee, coming from different movements but
sharing common aims, would like to propose the formation of a Northeast
regional network. The form and purpose will be discussed at this
Consulta
if participants wish to see such a network come to life.
This proposal is a working draft, and not a final product, which
ultimately can only come from a horizontal process of discussion and
debate. It is fully open to being revised, rewritten, or replaced by
any
other ideas or proposals which participants wish to bring up. If a
proposal is approved this weekend, it is hoped that participants will
bring this proposal back to their local communities, organizations,
collectives, and other networks to discuss and consider affiliating.
Purpose:
We will strive to create a *proactive, regional, and horizontal organizing network in
the
Northeast, linking those committed to struggles anti-authoritarian,
anti-capitalist, and anti-oppressive.
With recognition and respect for existing organizations, networks, and
federations engaged in these struggles, we propose a network not to
replace any of them, but to connect all of them. Not as an end in
itself,
but as a process and a means to pursue our collective aims:
1. To strengthen our mutual aid across the Northeast. To forge the
relationships, make the connections, and share the resources we need to
sustain this mutual aid.
2. To open up lines of communication and coordination among groups
active
in the Northeast.
3. To link up our resistances confronting the local links in global
systems of oppression and destruction, and ultimately to lend support
to
local struggles whenever and wherever needed
4. To help each other develop working, sustainable models of autonomy,
solidarity, and popular power, and to plant the seeds of the new world
in
the shell of the old.
*5. To create and maintain community and critical education programs in groups’ respective localities and increase communications among groups affiliated with the Northeast Anarchist Network.
Possible Structure:
We propose a decentralized network, based on the voluntary association
of
autonomous local groups, collectives, and assemblies committed to the
aims
described above.
We propose opening up mediums of communication to identify and share
needs
and projects within the network. For face-to-face communication, we
propose regular exchanges of delegates between different communities,
and
gatherings of the network in bimonthly or seasonal consultas,
assemblies,
or spokescouncils. For electronic communications, we propose the
creation
of an announcement listserv, emergency response phone tree, and
open-posting website.
We propose the formation of working groups to take responsibility for
addressing specific needs and sharing information with the rest of the
network so everyone knows how they can participate and contribute. For
example, we can envision a general working group dedicated to
facilitating
communications within the network, and a working group dedicated to
facilitating gatherings.
We also encourage the self-organization of issue- or event-based
working
groups, and identity/ally caucuses.
We encourage everyone to organize first and foremost in their own
communities, to participate in and support existing movements in those
communities, to form their own local networks, if none already exist,
and
to work towards self-determination with models like ongoing popular
assemblies and community control of resources. We encourage local
groups
to maintain contact, exchange information, and request support and
solidarity from the network whenever needed.
Possible Hallmarks:
(Adapted from People’s Global Action)
1. A very clear rejection of capitalism, imperialism, speciesism, and
authoritarianism.
2. A rejection of all forms and systems of domination. Embracing the
full dignity of all.
3. A confrontational attitude towards all state, corporate, and other
oppressive institutions.
4. A call to direct action, 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.
5. An organizational philosophy based on decentralization and
autonomy.
*6. A network to facilitate the production of propaganda; including but not limited to: integrated press resources and a Northeast Anarchist Network Newsletter.