This second session was divided up into look at some ‘overall’ strategy/vision for what kind of work needs to be done, and then a discussion on the case study of ‘Independent Media Centre (Indymedia) organizing’.

The strategy discussion was based primarily upon two excerpts from the book “Community Organizing: A Holistic Approach” by Joan Kuyek. The first excerpt was a list of five ‘change activities that work’, which we discussed in detail, and the second was on the importance of building a ‘culture of hope.’

Here’s the first excerpt (from page 13), with some notes from our discussion in bullets after each point.

 

Change activities that work do the following:

 

➜ They create vision and enthusiasm so that many diverse people want to be committed to the work; they build a growing base of support for an equitable society.

  • speaking to the specific interests of different stakeholders
  • finding common ground
  • doesn’t have to be ‘all inclusive’ ie some people have opposing interests to an equitable society
  • some people (intentionally or not) may push others out, so that is a problem

➜ They make understanding about and effective work on key issues accessible to previously uninformed and inactive people.

  • openings for conversation / based on interest
  • understanding of how collective action can be more effective/is necessary for dealing with systemic issues
  • resources that can help people learn how to get involved

➜ They create and model sustainable alternatives for the provision of food, shelter, energy, transportation and the care of children, the disabled and the elderly; they re-create and protect the “Commons.”

  • different from demands, which appeal to/legitimize authorities; this is collective empowerment aka doing for ourselves
  • examples: community gardens / open source model (software, etc) / …
  • OCAP principle: “They’ve found the key to organizing in poor communities is to be able to consistently demonstrate the ability to provide something of value to that community. When people need food for their kids or help to keep from being evicted, being told about a march happening next week is not going to meet their needs.” (‘direct action casework’ concept)  – from Healthy Roots conference notes
  • Question: what is the ‘commons’? –> collectively ‘owned’/shared resources, made famous by ‘The tragedy of the commons’ concept (on wikipedia) (Garret Hardin’s essay)

➜ They establish multiplying numbers of relationships of respect for all beings and each other, kindness and dignity; they do not seek to increase public fear.

  • versus the capitalist model of isolation
  • concept of ‘listen’ (building respect and understanding)
  • problem of how we sometimes treat each other poorly (essay on ‘Being Whole‘)

➜ By focusing on key contradictions in the system, they transform the power of predatory elites, redistribute wealth and establish equity.

  • occupy wall st movement (pointing out control of society by financial elite)
  • school system: degree = (relevant) job?
  • economic system: structural (baseline) unemployment
  • ‘meritocracy’ vs racial inequality in income, wealth, etc
  • discussion on definition of ‘equality’ vs ‘equity’ — question: does ‘From each according to their ability, to each according to their need‘ refer to equality or equity? — generally understood, equal = same for everyone; equitable = suitable/fair for everyone.

…

and then, we looked at this final quote, and participants drew an image based on some aspect/understanding from the discussion above and/or the quote below:

In my early years as an activist, I would have argued that we must start making change by organizing around environmental, economic or political questions. I no longer believe that is how to do it. Unless we consciously resist it, our practice will be shaped by the destructive corporate paradigm of “power-over.” To free ourselves from the systems that hold power, we have to build a culture of hope. And that begins in our own lives and the lives of our neighbours and friends. It’s like gardening: if we want strong, beautiful and healthy plants, we have to build up the soil. (page 41)

 

Case study – Independent Media organizing

I seem to have (hopefully temporarily) misplaced my notes from this discussion. For now, please see the following two pieces:

  • Building a local Indepenent Media network

    Ideas from a workshop I put together, based on my experiences in the Indymedia network, and presented at teh Un-censoring: MediaMorphosis conference at Carleton University, 2004.

    “It is frustrating to see so many people concentrating so much energy on the mainstream media. Once we’ve established that there are serious problems there, it doesn’t help to keep saying what is wrong with it. We can decide we need to build something new, then put our energy into that effort.”

  • Independent Media – ideas and strategy

    Comprehensive notes developed from discussion in different Independent Media Centre workshops held in Toronto in 2002 & 2003 – at the Anarchist Bookfair, and Social Forum(s).

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