PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Meeting to discuss the future of local activism
by david meieran Thursday, May. 01, 2003 at 11:25 AM

Are you eager to discuss where we are now that the U.S. has occupied Iraq and talk about some of the things we can do to stop it? Wondering how we can inject our critique of the state, class, militarism, racism, etc., into the debate so as to broaden the antiwar movement? Want to toss around ideas on how we can make the most effective use of limited resources? If your answer to those questions is "yes," then read on...

-------------------
A PROPOSAL
-------------------

WHAT?

An informal meeting to brainstorm future goals and strategies for local activism relating to the occupation of Iraq as well as Bush's "endless war" and it's effects on civil liberties and social spending.

WHERE?

Either the Thomas Merton Center or Project 1877, t.b.d.

WHEN?

Early evening on May 7, 8 or 9, t.b.d.

WHY?

(1) To generate a thoughtful, public analysis of what worked and what didn't in recent organizing against the war.
(2) To articulate a set of goals and strategies for local activism as the movement enters its next phase.
(3) To build solidarity among the various groups and individuals working to end the war at home and the war abroad.

WHAT'S NEEDED TO MAKE THE MEETING HAPPEN?

(1) Sufficient interest.

==> Please email me if you support the idea for this meeting and/or have suggestions about how to make it happen.

(2) Two experienced facilitators.

==>Please volunteer yourself or suggest others who might be interested in facilitating.


a. Since I believe facilitated meetings work best when facilitators act only as facilitators, I discourage you from volunteering if you have a compelling desire to speak at the meeting.


b. Regarding the final choice of facilitators and the structure of the meeting: I propose that those decisions be left for the group to decide at the meeting itself.

PLEASE NOTE

1. This message has been sent, initially, to POG, AWC, RESYST, Blacks Against the War, Zi, and posted on Pgh IndyMedia; please forward it to anyone whom you think might be interested.

2. I believe that the meeting should take place soon, while last week's event is fresh in our minds and the discussion is lively. (see http://www.indypgh.org/news/2003/04/6001_comment.php#6081) However, I am quite open to scheduling it for a later date should a sufficient number of voices so desire.

3. Though the AWC has a meeting scheduled for 4pm, 5/10, I believe a non-partisan meeting might be more productive.

4. Though I recently started working with the AWC, I'm proposing this meeting as an individual activist, not as a "representative" of the AWC.

5. I support direct action and I have no vested interest in whether or not AWC plays a leadership role in future events.

6. Since I am a newcomer to the local activist scene and unknown to many of you, visit http://www.heartofdarkness.org/bio.html if you would like to know who is transmitting this message.

Thanks for your interest.

David Meieran

add your comments