A-Infos (en) Canada, Ottawa, Anti-Capitalist anti-authoritarian Callout

[heidi rimke <hrimke@ccs.carleton.ca>]

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CALLING ALL OTTAWA-GATINEAU REGION ANTI-CAPITALISTS AND ANTI-IMPERIALISTS!

This is a call-out for people interested in being an active member in
creating an anti-capitalist group in Ottawa-Gatineau that will focus on local
that will focus on local issues in the context of global struggles against
capitalism and corporate power.

This group will organize in a manner that is non-hierarchical, anti-racist,
anti-sexist and in an overall anti-oppressive nature.  Organizing in this
manner will hopefully create a community space where every member will feel
comfortable contributing ideas for new Ottawa-based initiatives.

A space will be created to understand ideas and organizing efforts in
accordance with the People's Global Action (PGA) Hallmarks and with a
respect for a diversity of tactics according to the definitions at the
bottom of this page.

Please bring any ideas and proposals for local projects to the meeting. To
give a sense of the idea behind creating this group, some ideas & issues
that have been raised to possibly work on are:

-Copwatch- street level initiatives to combat police brutality
-coalition building with recent immigrants
-connecting local initiatives with global struggles
-teach-ins, workshops, popular education events on local
 or global issues
-tenants rights and homelessness
-creating a long-term, permanent space for events and organizing

The above ideas are some initiatives that have been thought up already that
will be proposed to the entire group at the meeting but they are just initial
ideas to get us going.  Everyone at the meeting will have a chance to present
and comment on proposals and will have an active role in making decisions.

Also, everyone will be asked to endorse/support the upcoming anti-capitalist,
anti-imperialist actions in Ottawa on June 26 & 27, 2002, whether as an active
organizer or not.

Please bring your ideas and proposals to a meeting on
                    Date: March 14, 2002
                    Time: 7:00 pm
                    Location: Dalhousie Community Centre
                              755 Somerset St. West
                              (near Empress St. between Booth and Bell)

The meeting will be a space to present proposals, possibly decide on a few,
and hopefully create a name for this newly forming group.

Hope to see you there,

from,
a few local ottawa activists seeing a need for an anti-capitalist, action
oriented group in Ottawa-Gatineau.


(Though this meeting is being promoted in French through posters and the
callout, none of the few organizers of the meeting are fluently French
speaking.  We are serious about this being a bilingual organization, please
come out and help us with this process of making this a more diverse group!As
well, translation will be provided)

    *********************************************************************

PGA Hallmarks

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.

                     **************************

A Working Definition of Diversity of Tactics (subject to clarification)

Diversity of tactics means we respect and pursue many forms of resistance in
mutual solidarity and respect, aiming to ensure the safety and defense of
all participants.

The principle of Diversity of Tactics is founded on a powerful respect for
dialogue; a dialogue in which all participants can make informed decisions
and judgements, increasing the effectiveness and safety of our actions and
the internal democracy of our movements.  From popular education to direct
action, a respect for a diversity of tactics allows individuals and groups
to work autonomously while openly and honestly discussing and plannning
actions and strategies.

  A respect for a diversity of tactics is about solidarity with communites
around the world that choose many ways to resist oppression.  From Oka to
  the Jenin refugee camps, from School of the Americas Watch to the Ontario
  Common Front, we are in solidarity with groups and communities confronting
  capitalism and imperialism.

  This is a working definition, and open concept that will grow and change
  over time with more thought and discussion.



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