Dissent! Network Gathering - 1 in 12 Club, Bradford 3^rd-4^th July 2004

Summary

*Around 40 people were present.

* There was a consensus that the Dissent! Network will: "Call for convergences in Scotland with the objective of shutting down the G8 in July 2005 whilst building alternatives to capitalism." It was pointed out that this consensus doesn't at all define what we will DO as a network. It is not necessarily clear that we will, for example, organise a mass action at Gleneagles. There are numerous ways in which we could try to shut down the G8. This is all still open for discussion.

*There were a lot of comments made about how the VAAAG village in Evian could be a possible model for the convergence(s) in Scotland against the Summit.

*Local and Working Groups should start providing content for the website. For more info contact: cattracker2004@yahoo.co.uk

*The Process Group will circulate the draft agenda for the next Gathering on the email list for comments before the meeting in Edinburgh. To make suggestions or comments email: dissentprocess@yahoo.co.uk

*A central Fundraising Group has been set up. They will open a bank account and email address. People should start raising money to pay into this account to be used for major costs (possible renting of accommodation etc...). Local and Working Groups should continue funding themselves. There will be a discussion at the next Gathering about how the Fundraising Group should be run. Proposals should be brought to the Gathering.

*The next Gathering will take place from 17^th-19^th September in Edinburgh. To confirm attendance email: g8gathering@yahoo.co.uk as soon as possible.

SATURDAY 3^rd JULY

The meeting started at around 11:20am. 25 people present - only 3 of which were women! The number of people attending the gathering increased to around 40 over the weekend. The gender balance remained poor with only around 6 women present.

FIRST SESSION: WHAT IS DISSENT1 HOW IS IT WORKING? HOW COULD THE PROCESS FUNCTION BETTER?

There was a brief introduction to the Dissent! Network and how it makes decisions followed by a discussion. There was consensus that:

1) The Dissent! Network holds bi-monthly gatherings. The Gatherings are the only Network decision making body - email lists and web discussion forums are not where Network decisions are made! Local groups are autonomous from one another and are able to take any form of action they choose. Local Dissent! Network groups should not speak for the whole network.

2) Local groups should also consider, however, that the actions which they take will actually reflect on the network as a whole.

ACTION POINT: It was decided that a briefing pack with an ‘Introduction to Dissent!' would be produced to be given to people attending a Dissent! gathering for the first time. Nobody took on producing this pack.

WORKING GROUP REPORT BACKS:

Website:

The website group are currently a small group of people mandated by the last Dissent! gathering in Manchester to have responsibility for the website. They are supposed to communicate via email list, but this isn't really working. The group are unsure if they can change the website's content without first getting another mandate from the gathering. It was suggested that changes are made as seen fit by the website group and any issues with website content are brought to the gatherings.

The website group and anyone else with ‘admin' access to the website can make changes and additions to the website.

ACTIONPOINT One person from each local and working group should get an administration password allowing them to add items to the website. To get hold of a password, or for more info contact cattracker2004@yahoo.co.uk. Also: The website group have requested more content for the website to be added by local groups and working groups (descriptions of how they work etc...)

It was noted that links to texts on G8 are all by NGOs, attac and WDM etc- ACTIONPOINT we need to start providing alternatives to these. Suggested Brighton gathering introduction to G8 presentation to be put on website?

A new text introducing the Dissent! Network was agreed. Will be posted on the website soon.

Education/Roadshow

Met a few weeks ago. Decided to organise workshops on various issues including: protest, war, poverty, global citizenship. The group are producing worksheets, interactive games etc... suitable for different age groups. All this should be put out on a CD ROM at the end of September. There will be a roadshow in October trying to go to places which aren't traditional ‘activist hotspots' spreading information about the G8 and the above issues and mobilising people for action. A Call Out has been written for local groups to get in touch and organise events locally, this has been distributed on the email list - there is an email list: educatetheg8@lists.riseup.net and a phone number (07963 951267) for more information. The group will be putting on their first workshops at the autonomous space at the ESF.

International Networking:

An International Call to take part in the process of organising against the 2005 G8 Summit has been written. It is on the website in English. It has been translated into German, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Greek, Finish, Swedish and French and distributed fairly extensively in German and Spanish speaking countries. Translated Call Outs to be added to website soon. There will be a presence at the Peoples' Global Action (PGA) Conference in Belgrade in July and at the ‘official' ESF and the autonomous space(s) at the ESF in London in October. Posters are being made by the International Networking group which will be distributed internationally at the PGA Conference. 2,000 stickers advertising the Dissent! Network have been printed and distributed internationally. More info: info-g82005@riseup.net this email address is going to be changed to a Yahoo! account as this will hopefully be more reliable and has a larger address book. Watch out for the new address.

Process Group:

The Process Group was set up in Nottingham. The group has responsibility for preparing the agenda and facilitation for Gatherings. Problems with no effective Process Group for this gathering. It was noted that it had been agreed that the Process Group would change at each gathering with some old members working with new members to ensure continuity but also a complete rotation of members.

Minutes to be taken on laptop so they are available quickly. All minutes to go on a space on the website and out on e-list as soon as possible.

ACTION POINT: At the end of the Gathering three people took on responsibility for forming a Process Group and liaising with the organisers of the next gathering. They will produce a draft agenda and circulate it on the email list for comments and additions in advance of the gathering. Please forward any agenda items to them: dissentprocess@yahoo.co.uk

Past Mobilisations Pamphlet:

A pamphlet is being produced with reflections on past summit mobilisations, from the 1987 IMF/World Bank meeting in West Berlin to the WTO Summit in Cancun. It should be available on the website shortly and published in time for the ESF. Email: g8_preparation_pamphlet@yahoo.co.uk

Newsletter Group:

There are plans to produce a second newsletter with info on the G8 solidarity actions plus more. ACTION POINT: Articles are needed! To order copies of the Dissent! Newsletter, or to contribute an article or idea, write to: dissentnewsletter@yahoo.co.uk Or: Dissent Newsletter, Box 8, 245 Gladstone Street, Nottingham, NG7 6HX

Social Centres Group:

There was a grant of £10,000 given to 7 different groups in different locations to pay 1 years rent on a social centre to use as a base for organising against the G8. The social centres will be based in the following towns/cities: Oxford, Cardiff, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester plus two others.

Next Gathering:

Reshape! In Edinburgh are committed to hosting the next Dissent! Gathering in September and will be in contact with the Process Group. The Gathering will be held from 17th-19th September 2004. ACTION POINT: There is no type of collective accommodation so its important for them to know numbers. Please contact them as soon as possible. Email: g8gathering@yahoo.co.uk

It was noted that an invitation to the Bradford Gathering was never issued. The text is still available and Nottingham group will make it into a flyer to go on the website for the next gathering. Others have agreed to help distribute this widely

Edinburgh to sort out the gathering logistics. A local introduction to Dissent! flyer will be produced and they asked for help with facilitation. Contact Reshape! if you wish to visit Scotland at any other time.

Medical Support

This group confirmed that it still exists. Didn't feel it was necessary to meet during the gathering.

New Working Groups:

Legal Group

Formed at this gathering. New copies of the ‘No Comment' booklet have been made and were distributed.

Action Training

Newly formed group. Formed separately from the gathering, want to become part of the Dissent! Network, this was welcomed. The group will organise local training sessions before and during the G8 mobilisation. They will try to ensure that people new to direct action know what they're doing. Planning on organising training sessions at the autonomous social centres being set up across the UK. They are also involved in organising a ‘Training for Trainers' event. Email contacts to follow.

Festival of Dissent! April 2005

A working group was formed.

GENERAL WORKING GROUPS ACTION POINT: A footer will be put at the end of each email posted to the e-list explaining which working groups exist and how to contact them.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON: ACTION PLANNING SESSION

Saturday afternoon was used to discuss peoples' ideas about what to actually do when the G8 Summit takes place. The meeting broke into two smaller circles. There was a ‘go-round' in each circle where each person said what (i) What they wanted to achieve through the mobilisation and (ii) how they thought that this could be achieved. The following two lists are notes which were taken during each ‘go-round'.

Group 1

*G8 meeting is symbolic, therefore the action is.

*An opportunity to meet and engage with people who are dissenting against the g8, consolidate the network, nationally and internationally, more then the disruption caused.

*Anti-g8 action should aid building a movement locally and nationally, it shouldn't impinge on local groups or detract energy.

*Barometer of where the movement is in this country, if anti-capitalism is strong and is a real opposition to capitalism then we will get a good turnout, difficult to predict the outcome/shift that will take place.

*Attacking the ‘red zone' is a none starter, blockading roads, or disrupting/delaying conference would be more achievable. But the most important is the foundations laid in the local area and as someone from Scotland this could help build a stronger Scottish movement.

*Creating a stronger direct action/anti-capitalist movement and creating a creative and effective action against the g8. We probably aren't strong enough for a decentralised approach.

*An opportunity to do something visible and public drawing in lots of people from all over the UK and other countries. VAAAG in Evian was a positive example of self-organising in terms of living and organising.

*G8 is a great opportunity to do some thing on a bigger scale, there are a lot of people who are dissatisfied and will want to oppose society as it is.

*The G8 want to imply they are democratically elected, we want to remove that mask and that has been achieved at previous summits and have shown that no one likes them. They have now changed their tactics and want to dissolve the movement and co-opt it. They want to use us and we must not allow this. We have to stop asking and demanding things we have to make clear that another world is both possible and already exists. If we manage to meet and self organise as done at the VAAAG camp we can show that another world exists. If we then take action it is an addition and is secondary.

*Want to be part of a strong anti-capitalist movement. G8 important in that it captures so many people's imagination. What we do needs to feel relevant rather then get into the ‘red zone'.

*A stronger movement in Scotland long term. I would like to have a festival, so often people attack each other locally as those responsible are further up the hierarchy and seem unapproachable and we want to show people that they can dare to be political and confront the hierarchy.

*I want to see as much disruption against anything involved with the g8. Many possible tactics.

*Building of the greatest possible alliance against the g8 including local, faith and political group. Within this there should be a strong anti-capitalist strand. The best example of this was Seattle where many different groups took action together e.g. unions. Get out of the ghetto and be inclusive, so social democrats can't co-opt in as part of the state.

*Important to attack the central venue, what local groups and people want to happen.

*Promote the un-democraticness of G8 to people who wouldn't normally see this information

*Important that we show there is no business as usual. The state should not set the agenda, it also shouldn't be co-opted by liberals. It is important that repression is thought about and support is in place for prisoners and others suffering repression.

Group 2

(i) What to do we want to achieve?

• Build a movement
• Make G8 folks feel uncomfortable
• Impact in new unexpected ways
• Strong symbolic protest
• As much disruption as possible
• Bring country to a standstill
• Maximum education beforehand
• Stop G8 ever happening again
• Sense of victory
• Make our movement and model of organising stronger
• Use as focal point to bring out issues and connect them
• Getting people involved in things they've never done before
• Learn from experience
• Co-ordinated local response
• Attack state/capital

(ii) How to achieve this?

• Big action that can afterwards be translated to local level
• More disruptive actions in advance, e.g. in Edinburgh
• Large confrontations at Gleneagles, e.g. road blockades
• Marching on/laying siege to Gleneagles
• Local actions co-ordinated by theme/time in run-up and large party at Gleneagles
• Lots of educational lead-in
• Empowering actions, creating safe space, good organisational structures
• Training people for safe, empowering actions
• Many different ways of getting involved/taking actions
• Day of action at G8
• Letting people know that the G8 is happening
• Creating safe/functional infrastructure for people to turn up and do their own actions
• Self-organised camp at Stirling University
• Big rolling build up nationally - create momentum

Small Group Discussion

The two groups then re-formed and broke down into 6 small groups to discuss these ideas (i.e.: what we want to achieve and how) further. The following is the feedback from each of the small groups.

Group 1

*Do we need to focus more on logistics (e.g. accommodation) or tactics and training people to get them more excited?

Group 2

*Research points - e.g.: where is the delegates accommodation? Perth or Stirling?

*Find friendly farmers with land for camping

*Local legal info - e.g. railway laws, new weapons of crowd control

*At next meeting - bring list of resources e.g. marquees, catering equipment

*Internationals coming into country - offer stop-over points of convergence in *Glasgow/Edinburgh/London

*People in camps having info but organising themselves

Group 3

*Autonomous concert, village or camp

*Weekend before something in Glasgow (GAP) or Edinburgh at ACE (Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh)  Use May Day 2005 to have collective meeting/action in Glasgow

*Shut down g8

*Not too isolated

*Autonomous=self organised

*Focus on organising a camp rather then demo, and then people in the camp organise what they want to do. What pulls people together is being part of the camp and they then decide what demo they take part in.

*Liked the VAAAG, several autonomous camps.

Group 4

*Similar to Poll tax riots, consistent localised protest leading up to final day, raising profile of movement and getting more people involved.

*Localised actions on the same day for people who don't want to go to Gleneagles which would raise profile

Group 5

*Accommodation and camps - not much hope of local authority accommodation.

*VAAAG camp in Evian - self organising camp both in terms of living and action.

*Camping near Gleneagles or in a city

*Counter summit/ festival - not isolated

*In Scotland

*Target services - e.g. security, catering, blocking roads,

Group 6

*Do something in Edinburgh or Stirling

*Make a broad statement now saying we are going to blockade the G8

*Do march or actions in Edinburgh instead

*Build momentum by starting to do more publicity

General discussion

The small groups then fed back to the main group. A more general discussion was then had. There was a consensus that the Dissent! Network will:

Call for convergences in Scotland with the objective of shutting down the G8 in July 2005 whilst building alternatives to capitalism.

It was pointed out that this consensus doesn't at all define what we will DO as a network. It is not necessarily clear that we will, for example, organise a mass action at Gleneagles. There are numerous ways in which we could try to shut down the G8. This is all still open for discussion.

There was then a more general discussion. The following points were raised (there was not necessarily consensus on all/any of the following points):

• Organising an autonomous village (similar to VAAAG in Evian) allows us to define ourselves not just in terms of who our enemies are but also how we organise ourselves, how we live together and how we take action.
• The means we use should reflect the ends we hope to achieve.
• In 3 days time it is one year before the G8 Summit begins. We could use this opportunity to issue a statement about how we intend to resist the Summit.
• Pre-emptive actions could be taken before the Summit to try and stop it being held at Gleneagles.
• We should issue a statement explaining how actions and organising are decentralised.
• We should also explain that Dissent! is attempting to concentrate upon building a strong, lasting anti-capitalist movement.
• There was a general discussion about who these proposals/statements would be aimed at, if they would be translated and if they would be issued to the media.
• There was general consensus that Dissent! aims to strengthen local groups and national and international anti-capitalist networks.
• People felt it was important for people to take action locally.
• The Publicity Group will make a flyer incorporating these statements/ideas.

NOTE FROM PERSON TYPING UP MINUTES: Although there was a long discussion about issuing a statement I don't think this was actually taken on by anyone. I don't think it was decided what actually should go in the statement either.

SUNDAY 4^th JULY

The following points were discussed.

Workshop at EF! Gathering

Agreed to do a workshop at the gathering on the Dissent! Network and the G8. 3-4 people took this on. A blurb will be written and sent to the EF! gathering organisers for the programme.

Consultation with local people around Gleneagles

It was asked how far we felt we should seek to make links with people local to Gleneagles. Should we try to address their issues and concerns about disruption. All felt that this would be a useful exercise to allay concerns and dispel the stereotypes. It was pointed out that we should impress on them that the vast majority of the disruption will come from the G8 and the police operations themselves. It was also noted that there will be others taking part in demonstrations and this should be made clear to locals: we are only one part of the mobilisations.

The Education/Roadshow group also have plans to travel to all the local centres around the area informing people of what we're doing and about the G8.

Convergence Accommodation

It was pointed out that this was definitely needed. Others had reservations that it would usurp a lot of time and energy that could otherwise be put into other activities. Others still thought that accommodation for international activists was absolutely vital. Some thought that it was important to have an autonomous space for self-organisation, providing food accommodation, maps info, modelled on the VAAAG at Evian. One suggestion was that we discuss resources with other groups e.g. NGOs, left etc.

Proposal 1 was that we go back to our groups to examine what resources/facilities can be offered and also discuss whether local groups can host internationals in the run up to G8. AGREED.

Proposal 2 was to set up a logistics working group to look at accommodation. One person added that this should NOT be left to a small number of people in this group to sort out. It should be taken by all in the network. A modification was suggested which was that there were working groups to take on specific tasks e.g. food, structures (such as marquees etc...), water etc... WAS THIS AGREED?

Suggested tasks for logistics groups were brainstormed:

1. Food

2. Transport

3. Accommodation/structures *

4. Meeting space *

5. Water

6. Entertainment

7. Information (logistical and action focussed)

8. Communications

9. Trainings* - already exists - agreed as a working group on Sat

10. Kids - crèche, welfare and entertainment

11. Negotiators

12. Medical*- already exists

13. Convergence Centre

14. Power

15. Local convergences - stop off points

16. Translation systems

17. Legal support * - already exists

18. Access - disability and special needs

19. Borders monitoring

20. Cleaning up / recycling

21. ‘Berthas'- on site security

22. Fundraising - does this currently exist? Someone to find out as some people might no longer be involved

* Priorities

It was suggested that as part of the international networking process European groups be approached re: providing infrastructure such as mobile kitchens, marquees etc...

ACTION POINT Consensus: We will all return to our groups or local networks and present the above list of what we may need to organise this camp and see what things can be taken on. To report back at the next gathering in September.

Kitchens will be contacted in Brighton, Nottingham, Spain, Greece, Germany and asked if any one group would be willing to take on co-ordinating between different catering collectives. There was a suggestion that a bike caravan might be able to travel together with slow moving vehicles belonging to catering collectives.

People from Scotland will enquire about spaces and accommodation and report back to the next gathering.

Second Session

Local feedback

It was noted that as a network this should be a priority in the agenda for all gatherings. Not all groups were adequately represented this late in the gathering. This session should happen earlier at future gatherings.

New issue of newsletter to detail all G8 solidarity action and any other local group/other news - please forward your contributions ASAP (see contact info for Newsletter above).

Worthing-shut the G8

Squatted an old night club -opened up as a social space, parties, outreached. Resultant increase in numbers.

Wombles

Continuing work in 2^nd social centre. Resisted eviction. 100 showed to support. Violent eviction expected. Went to Dublin for May Day. 3 facing trial 2 can't leave Dublin. Setting up network to sell Zapatista coffee. Please contact if interested. Wanting to skill share to set up T-shirt printing. Please contact if can help.

Oxford

OCSET collective. Working towards finding a building to rent as a social centre. Have a new space as a temp social centre will continue with cafes and screenings

Leeds

Found large building with 3 floors. Hopefully will get it and open as a Dissent! info point. Clowning actions- holding trainings, shut down army recruitment centre (accidentally). More to come please see Leeds IMC

Edinburgh

Are/have opened a new Social Centre in/hoping to be in City centre (sorry, unclear from notes). Will be holding a street party to outreach.

Cambridge

Week of activities around G8 2004 inc. forums, street theatre. Research group set up. Peoples Golfing Association (PGA) set up. Please see website.

Derby

Not many involved so have been working with Nottingham.

Brighton

Building occupied for the week of the G8 2004 in solidarity with the US protests. Workshops and events organised.

Nottingham

Using established social centre as info point on summit mobilisations. Did three actions over g8 week. Oil action- shut oil distribution centre please see IMC, action outside retail corporations handed out G8 flyers. Involved in successful action to shut down Sainsburys distribution centres. Networking in Shannon, Ireland.

Newcastle

Working on long term projects. Received social centre funding. Will use this as a base for anti-G8 activities. Are organising anarchist film festival for Dec 11 -13th. Involved in Caterpillar campaign newsletter available

London

Trying to get a group together but poor response at short notice. More response from the police. Group discussing focusing on police intimidation tactics and ways to deal with this.

Norwich

Anti-g8 football tournament held in the streets.

Cardiff

Anti-g8 jam. Occupied parts of city centre giving free food, party etc

Fundraising

General call out for support/donations should go on website. There was a discussion about the pros and cons of fundraising locally or centrally. It had previously been decided that local groups and working groups would fund themselves, but a working group is necessary to make big applications for some of the bigger costs e.g. possible building/land hire. It was unclear if this group would also cover the costs of producing publicity. So far agreement has been publicity resources to be put on web by local groups for other groups to use if they want at own expense.

No real discussion on how we can make decisions about how to distribute money. Agreed this should be on next agenda and irrelevant until we have funds.

ACTION POINT Can people consider this issue and bring proposals to next gathering. The previous funding working group was disbanded and a new one has been set up and will open bank account. Request for all to focus on how to get money - please bring donations, contributions from local group funds or ideas on how to get money to the next gathering. An e-mail contact or list for this group will go out.

Feedback about ESF and Autonomous Spaces

A meeting about Autonomous Spaces at the ESF was organised in London. 60 people showed with only 2 days notice. The meeting was mostly attended by ‘horizontals' who have left the ‘official' process. The meeting was attended by a broad range of groups from different political perspectives - Unity was established on the basis of a common (horizontal) organising process. A Call Out to European autonomous groups to take part in the Autonomous Spaces process was put out and a meeting was held in Berlin - people from around 75 groups were present! Those involved include European creative forum - art squats etc. communication network e.g. IMC and independent media. Hope to have multiple spaces.

The meeting in Berlin issued a unified demand to the European ESF Assembly meeting at the same time in Berlin that: autonomous spaces be recognised by the ESF, that events in the autonomous space are advertised in the ‘official' ESF programme (if requested by the groups organising the event) and that the autonomous spaces receive financial and logistical support. These demands were partly met. A meeting regarding funding is to be held in London soon.

There was consensus that there would be Dissent! workshops at the ESF autonomous space. There was a debate about whether or not to hold a workshop or seminar at the ‘official' ESF. It was feared that some radical groups would be reluctant to work together with Dissent! if we were involved in the ESF process, others thought that it was a good point to contact people new to the political scene.

ACTION POINT: The International Networking working group has said that they would book a space at the main ESF - to register as local group £50. They will possibly arrange a seminar with other radical groups from Europe. The seminar will also be used to plug the Dissent! workshops at the autonomous space (autonomous space workshops therefore to be organised after this seminar). International networking to further research this. It was requested and agreed that those who organise the seminar don't speak for the whole Network but as a local or working group.

International Networking group to lease with the Roadshow group re: ESF.

As part of greater ESF process Wombles agreed to provide an autonomous space. If anyone can help out please contact them. If there are any groups that want to advertise for the autonomous spaces in the main ESF publicity contact Wombles for more info.

SchNEWS are to have a conference and birthday party event launching the ‘SchNEWS at 10' book on the Saturday of the ESF. We will need a Dissent! speaker at this.

Anarchist Bookfair

£110 for 2hrs workshop and a stall (this is a discounted rate - we need to provide two people to help out with the Bookfair - cleaning up etc...- for one hour each in return for this discount.) Agreed this should be booked. Someone took this on. Local groups should bring their publicity for the stall. Also discussion on getting page or half page advertising in the brochure - someone took on trying to negotiate a reduced rate for this advert. Need money-can pay through donations tin on stall, sales - make T-shirts?

Labour party 26-30 Sept

Direct action good publicity. Any actions organised should be done in the name of groups which are a part of the Dissent! Network and not in the name of the entire Network.

Olympics August 04

Massive repression. Gathering agreed to sign a declaration in solidarity with those opposing the Olympics in Greece to go out on IMC and website.

Gender

Not many women at all. Need to think about providing childcare - not sure if it is a matter of childcare as attendance of women has been much better previously. Do need to think about childcare at next gathering or for the invite to address this - process group to discuss with Edinburgh.

Any Other Business

Question of how new groups affiliate with network. Suggestion- No formal procedure- open to any local group that wants to resist the G8 and work within the PGA Hallmarks. No vetting process. Groups to be invited to attend gatherings.