Anti-Oppression Glossary (non comprehensive) by Darren Parker

I have been asked many times to provide real world examples of oppression in order to take it out of the realm of just the philosophical so people can make changes in their day to day behavior. This is part of a longer text I am working on in an effort to do this.
The format is: The definition as it relates to anti oppression, the anecdotal psychological motivation for the concept, and then how is plays out in the real world.
This is not to say that the use of certain concept herein is wholly bad but to elucidate how they are used to maintain existing systems of oppression. For example, consensus decision making is not “Bad” but can be used to exclude those that prefer Democracy or who are shy about speaking up in group settings.
I hope this clarifies…
Peace and Namaste, Darren Parker (all rights reserved)

Activist-speak: using language designed to prove ones intellect and awareness of the issues in order to impress other activists, as opposed to fostering justice for the oppressed. (this is not to preclude the use of these terms but only to be critical of the reasons for which they are often used….to impress other activists at the cost of alienating the less educated.)
Often takes the form of: Emphasizing how a given author would describe a conflict as opposed to stating it in ones own words. For example, the workers becomes “The Proletariat” and a better society becomes “The Beloved Community.”
This also includes conventions activists use to maintain group dynamics but are also often indicative of a certain education level and class background: Panel becomes Plenary Session and Frequent use of the terms: Military, Prison, Pharmaceutical etc….Industrial Complexes etc

Dominant Groupthink: a paradigm which is based around the mores, standards etc of the dominant group as opposed to the oppressed…often in spite of new community or geographical circumstances. (See racial rationalizing)
Many times a result of low self confidence or low confidence in ones critical thinking ability leading to “the self” being subsumed by the group identity.
Often takes the form of: Activists surrounding themselves with people of similar racist, sexist, heterosexist etc backgrounds even while benefiting from the psychological rewards of living “in solidarity with” those in a subordinate group. Often “the poor” in a neighborhood of color.
Group discernment: Believing that decisions brainstormed in a homogeneous dominant group are representative of anything larger than that group.

Doctrine-ism: circumstances in which a group follows a set of philosophical beliefs or principles said to be legitimized by an institution or group (see Dominant Groupthink). Often at the expense of people in a subordinate group or held in spite of conflict with superior real world experience. Acceptance of this doctrine is often a requirement of participation and serves as a way to maintain boundary control.
Many times used to give legitimacy to an argument that is weak (and therefore needing artificial support) or when the speaker hasn’t performed the requisite critical thinking to be confident in his or her own conclusions.
Often takes the form of: Using the Bible to justify the continued oppression of LGBTQ persons by saying “God says its wrong.”
Using religion to say that “abortion is wrong in the eyes of god” as opposed to stating that YOU individually think its wrong.
The inability to answer questions about one's motivations without referring to the doctrine in question or a leader more well versed in its nuances.
White activists justifying supremacist beliefs given by a philosophy about why the poor and people of color don't do “Direct” Action. Normally held in spite of little or no contact with analogous radicals of color and stated as because of fear or “Not being ready.”
[Side note: This is miraculously held in spite of the millions in prison as a result of resisting the system and the millions that have been murdered by white people over the centuries in Native (10-40 million in 400 yrs of colonial expansion), African (10-20 Million During the Middle Passage and Slavery in the Americas) and Latino (1-2 Million in the annexation of one third of Mexico, Cuba and the Philippines) communities. All Numbers are estimates although conservative and well researched ones and include the time since the founding of the US to the present.

Educational Supremacy: Confusing Education with Intellect-many people “talk down” to those in a lower economic class, or different racial group because of their stereotypes about how people speak and sound as well as what they have been taught this implies about how “intelligent” one is. (see Activist Speak)
Often takes the form of: saying “I read somewhere…” (to remind one who the expert is) or “Did you know…a,b,c or d?” (which is indicative of the assumption that one does NOT already know and that it is imperative that one DOES to be considered legitimate) Stating “You speak so well.” (indicative of the assumption one has about someone is supposed to speak)

False Solidarity: Stating that acts or experiences of members of a dominant group are in solidarity with those in a subordinate group without the approval or consent of the oppressed. Designed to foster a positive self image of dominant group members regardless of how they are viewed by the oppressed. (see Justice Pride and Doctrinism)
Often takes the form of: Comparing Simplicity to Poverty; Comparing prosecution for acts of Direct Action to the unwilling incarceration of millions of the poor or their murder and death; Co-opting leaders of members of a subordinate group to justify ones actions. For example using MLK Jr. to justify continued oppression. (used against affirmative action by the Right…or for self aggrandizing Direct Action by the Left)

Fear/Guilt: The emotional response of those members of a dominant group in response to the criticisms of those in a subordinate group or using dominant power to avoid the possibility of criticism. (especially in relation to the white/ black dynamic)
The first reaction is fear…not necessarily of the messenger but of losing ones positive self image (see Pride and Racial Rationalizing). The second reaction is the psychological angst felt by many activists after being criticized.
Often takes the form of: Oh my god I'm SOOO sorry…BUT …I'm “trying” so give me some slack…something must be wrong with YOU for continuing to criticize (or for more accurately for getting in the way of their positive self image)
Often causes the avoidance of situations and relationships where one could encounter this dynamic, limiting the effect of efforts for justice.

Gate-keeping: Many activists only want members of a subordinate group around that fit criteria determined by the dominant group…normally those that “push” less…have less group or geographic loyalty …or are lesser educated…and therefore not as threatening to dominant group members or ideals.
Often takes the form of: Activists inviting those they “heard of” as opposed to asking constituencies to send representatives which they respect. Bringing a few “Poor” or “uneducated” who are seen as non threatening to dominant group power or goals. (see Tokenizing). Requiring rigid acceptance of a doctrine as a requirement for participation.

Justice Pride: comparing oneself to those that are “worse” in order to feel superior as opposed to being measured against an objective standard of justice or by the standard of the oppressed groups. This pertains in particular those activists acting on behalf of a constituency which they are not themselves a part of.
[Anecdote: Often motivated by the psychological damage of being the outsider during ones youth resulting in adult overcompensation by demanding to being seen as “good” as necessary to maintaining positive self esteem. (as evidenced anecdotally by the large number of eldest siblings and the socially alienated in many activist groups)]
Often takes the form of: An overemphasis on easy targets such as George W. Bush, the small bigoted town where one was raised, or less “advanced” activists, as opposed to having the focus on the internal anti oppression work which affects those one actually encounters in life. (Not looking in the mirror…. First)
Deliberately surrounding ones self with the oppressed, poor, or less educated in order to foster this sense of superiority and of being needed in order to assuage ones psychological insecurities and aid in comparisons to those that are “worse.”
Placing “desire” or “effort” above effect and change in reference to those in subordinate groups. The false belief that if one is “different” than those you deem “worse” that one should be protected from criticism. (see Racial {class, gender, etc} Rationalizing)
Many times: Activists can accept a little criticism as this is beneficial to their own self image of being willing to “hear” the oppressed thereby providing its own psychological rewards. However, often “hearing” does not go far enough for the group in question and these activists then demand to be praised for not being AS oppressive as someone else.
“I know I’m not perfect but let's focus on The Right!”
“I'm not sexist …you should see my father!”

Magnet Effect: The attraction (fetishizing)/ repulsion (demonizing) response of members of a dominant group towards those in a subordinate group.
Often takes the form of people adopting standards of the subordinate group or fetchizing leaders of subordinate groups while not changing oppressive behaviors or accepting participation of members of such groups.
College students fetishizing Mumia (or Che Guevara) but not being able to work effectively with other Black or Latino people.
Activists quoting MLK while not examining their continuing white supremacy (or the even more common, using his speeches out of context to justify their supremacy).
Men claiming support for gender equality while not respecting the power of women in decision making.
Suburban whites emulating black Hip Hop artists but being afraid of actually interacting with black people.
White activists claiming to adopt Gandhian non-violence while not challenging their internalized (White/ Euro) supremacy which he was resisting in the form of the British.
Co-opting Jesus of Nazareth’s message while continuing his De-Jewing and the aligning of him with the European oppressors he was resisting in the form of the Romans.

Oppression Olympics: using ones experience as a member a subordinate group to maintain supremacy along another praxis of oppression in which one is a member of the dominant group. (see False Solidarity and Justice Pride)
Often takes the form of: White women using their oppression at the hands of white men to legitimize their continued oppression of people of color or implying solidarity with such struggles. (see False Solidarity); Men of color using their position as a member of a subordinate group to maintain gender supremacy over women of color or implying solidarity with such struggles.

Paradigm Control: delegitimizing the world views of those in opposition or which prevail in a subordinate group. Using ones world view to justify a critique.
Often takes the form of “I know that a, b, c, ….but…” “I know that I had money growing up but materialism is bad…people should be satisfied with less.” “I know that Men and women communicate differently, but if they want to be heard they should be more assertive.”
“I know that not everyone has the same chances in life, but my grandfather pulled himself up by his bootstraps.” “I know that Thomas Jefferson owned slaves but he’s one of the Founding Fathers.” “ I'm not Homophobic but cant they keep it in the closet?!”

Purse String Control: using greater access to monetary resources to limit participation to acceptable participants in a campaign or event. (See Gate keeping.) Used to maintain Supremacy.
Often takes the form of: Charging too much (or not making adequate allowance for class background) for attendance at an event or conference… Consistently organizing events in areas in-accessible to those on public transportation. Demanding time commitments that are unreasonable for those without a certain level of financial independence….etc”

Internalized White Supremacy: subconscious belief in the superiority of whiteness…OR an over emphasis on the things which whiteness normally gives access to in our society (superior education in the forms and methods of the dominant system, more formal speech, assumptions about values consistent with the dominant paradigm)

Racial Rationalizing (as well as Gender, Class etc): using ones positive self image to delegitimize criticisms of others. Being unable to take, or reasonably consider, criticisms because they interfere with ones positive self image. (See Justice Pride)
Often takes the form of the fear/guilt dynamic…initial shame and guilt followed by inevitable justification and then anger directed toward the messenger.
Also includes the period of self questioning in organizing situations where a variable is considered against its monetary or logistical impact and then justified as consistent with a positive image. For example: “Is it worth it (monetarily or logistically) to ensure adequate representation of the oppressed? Not really…but WE TRIED! We are still good!”

Radicalism: The pursuit of a better self image (as opposed to fostering more justice) by pursuing supremacy over activists that are younger, less well read, or activists that use other methods. (aided by Educational Supremacy, Doctrinism, and Activist Speak). A belief that if one can simply read more and quote more intelligent authors then you are a superior activist. The act of defining ones self a superior activist itself at all as opposed to being a more just person or fostering a better society.
Often motivated by a sense of inferiority and an innate desire to BE good (and superior) often at the expense of DOING good.

Many times takes the form of: Using tactics such as Direct Action when it is in actuality for the purpose of group boundary control or proving that one is better than activists that use other methods regardless of the effectiveness of other methods. The belief that resistance takes a few given forms deemed to be “radical.”
Often leads to activists searching for those that share similar methods and the failure to link with others that work for magazines, community centers, schools, record companies, corporations etc…. who also may share similar political perspectives in the pursuit of justice.
“Where are all the black activists doing CD like us!” (which ignores its limited effect in most circumstances and the fact that if black people being imprisoned caused societal outrage they wouldn’t be able to have 2 million black people in prison or on probation already.)
“I live on 10 dollars a week.” (which ignores the privilege of having others provide the infrastructure and resources necessary to do this)
“We marched to protest the war in Iraq…where were you?!” (which ignores that resistance to the war in Iraq in communities of color was already between 75 and 90 percent making such visible displays unnecessary and that seeing large numbers of people of color in the streets was not likely to sway any whites to the cause)

Supremacy: defines a power dynamic-Refers to the state of being supreme (or in pursuit of such) in reference to a subjugated group or individual. Includes the assumptions which under- gird ones moral and ethical systems which foster this unbalanced power dynamic in groups and in individual behavior.. As members of a capitalist, racist, sexist, homophobic society, such assumptions are often (but not always) unconscious. Often a result of unchallenged childhood assumptions, the pursuit of greater power or comfort in the status quo of injustice.
Often takes the form of: The gamut of social justice issues…racism, white supremacy, sexism, heterosexism, etc etc etc

Systems Control: Confusing the dominant way with the “correct” way- failing to challenge the exclusionary way our society lifts up methods used by the dominant white, heterosexual, male society at the expense of those used in subordinate groups. Many times used to maintain the status quo of supremacy while providing the psychological benefits of Justice Pride.
Often takes the form of: not asking how others wish to participate as opposed to assuming that the way things “have always been done” is correct. (see Tokenizing)
Following a particular organizing strategy because its “the right way” regardless of whether it actually is more just or representative of anyone other than the dominant group.
Anarchists (and others) assuming consensus is egalitarian while ignoring peoples personal power and other power dynamics which effect decision-making ie gender, racial, educational, sexual biases.
Demanding equality in situations where it does not exist in reality. That is men demanding to march in “Take Back the Night”… White people demanding to been seen as equals in presenting anti racism trainings…. Middle classed activists demanding that their “simplicity” be seen as analogous to the psychological damage of poverty.

Tokenizing: not to be confused with attention to representation- Tokenizing is the use of a characteristic of a subordinate group to justify underlying power imbalances and assuage the fear/ guilt of the dominant group…making the inclusion about the best interest of the dominant group as opposed to the interests of the oppressed.
Often takes the form of: “Bean counting” after the important decisions have been made… or placing members of a subordinate group in a leadership position so it LOOKS like its representative of the oppressed. Choosing members of the subordinate group that will not question dominant group interests…(often accompanied by eliminating or demonizing those that do question dominant group interests)

Three Cities Against the Wall by Melissa Jameson

I am on the NY organizing committee of a project called "Three Cities Against the Wall," a group project among artists in Ramallah, Palestine; Tel Aviv, Israel; and New York City, focusing on the Separation Wall under construction by Israel in the Occupied Territories of Palestine. The exhibition will be held simultaneously in Ramallah, Tel Aviv, and New York, in November 2005. Although I come from a peace and justice background and am a poet, not an artist, I love the combination of art and politics, and the politics behind the show appealed to my anarcho-pacifist self. So when the friend who came up with the idea asked me to be part of the initial organizing group over a year ago, I said yes.

First of all, the show in NYC is based at ABC No Rio, an art collective on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, which is also home to Food Not Bombs, Books thru Bars, and several other wonderful ventures, including of course, artistic ones, that embody the d.i.y. aesthetic. In addition, ABC is located in what was the historic Jewish ghetto of NYC -- what better place to demonstrate opposition to a policy that oppresses so miserably? Secondly, we are working with people in Tel Aviv who are actively working against the policies of the State, the people in Ramallah, and also people in the U.S. who are opposed to the policies of our government as well. One of the aims of the show is to let people know that there is opposition to the Wall in Israel as well as New York. We want to lay the foundation for building a multicultural community of artists across borders, and demonstrate through combined effort oppostion to the idea that there must be a permanent separation wall between cultures -- to my mind, this fits into the idea of working for justice and peace really well. In addition, the freedom of expression that underscores the work of nonviolence -- how can we arrive at a better way, a different way, if we can't have the conversation? -- is part and parcel of an art show. Whether it is because we are using a visual medium in a visual culture, or because this kind of endeavor transcends the artificially imposed barrier that is the State, I think the potential of a project such as this is enormous.

I read once that nonviolence often seems odd to people when put into practice because it can be incredibly simple and at the same time, is quite radical; it is often the fact that it is just different that makes it seem radical. Part of the idea of this show is to appreciate the coming together of cultures and the possibility of people living together in justice and peace.

Pacifist Anti-Racism by Sachio Ko-Yin

We see a need in our pacifist movement to develop and deepen our anti-racist analysis. This issue is devoted to articles related to nonviolence and anti-racist/ anti-oppression work, from a variety of viewpoints, all in search of the beloved community.

The Anti-Racist Gandhi Manifesto:
A Working Draft by Sachio Ko-Yin

Mutiny against injustice and the methods of fighting without violence or hatred are now, as always, fundamentally important. But the movement that self-consciously spreads the nonviolent method is beset with certain stumbling blocks that keep us from the beloved community. If pacifism is to move forward, the development of an anti-racist pacifism is indispensable. I address these points to certain friends in the Caucasian pacifist movement in the hope of dialogue and mutual growth.

1. In renouncing violence the violence of racism must be fully identified. In growing to understand white privilege, privilege must be renounced. (What could be more Gandhian?) The injustice of a white supremicist cculture has an impact on every aspect of our lives. (as does sexism, classism, and homophobia). Oppression is not an issue separate from war. Anti-war activity must expose the racism of the war machine.

2. The American history of slavery and genocide shapes this nation today. As we open our mouths, this history must always be before our eyes.

3. The existence of the Caucasian bubble must be recognized. White activists tend to form and maintain relationships with other white activists. When white pacifists think of the political landscape, they are usually only aware of white pacifist groups, and the landscape of African American pacifism is below the radar. When the bubble is recognized, change can begin.

4. Over and over again, white activists initiate projects with other white activists, and reach out to people of color as an afterthought. Planning committees are almost exclusively Caucasian, even it the program planned is multicultural. If the means contain the ends, then multicultural outreach should be the beginning.

5. Work initiated by communities of color should be supported and amplified.

6. Beware of styles of nonviolence that come exclusively from the disaffected Caucasian experience, for example long lists of Caucasian heroes and priority of Caucasian music and food. The peace movement must be self-consciously multicultural in all things, bending over backwards to end old habits, and to welcome other cultures. Be conscious of political issues that are far from the day-to-day reality of people of color. Be mindful of expectations of time and funds that only certain people can afford.

7. Do not condemn or condescend to groups in oppressed communities that do not advocate nonviolence.

8. Be careful not to be pacifist isolationists. Distinguish between "kindred spirits" and "coalition partners." Caucasian pacifists should have a special kinship to nonviolent activists in communities of color. This relationship must begin in earnest. But this should not preclude them from being in coalition with groups that are not nonviolent -- this is also an important part of the work.

9. Often, King is invoked, implying that his '"real" message was anti-war, as if his work for racial freedom was not radical.

10. In thinking of pacifists of color, Gandhi and King are invariably invoked, but it's essential to honor the living pacifists of color!

11. At the opposite pole of anti-racist pacifism is 'color blind' pacifism. King is quoted out of the context of his work to imply that thinking about race is racism, which leads to a laissez-faire approach. "We'll keep doing what we're doing~ if people of color want to join us, they are welcome to." This approach in every instance leads back to the Caucasian bubble. Anti-racist pacifism must replace this paradigm with a radical multiculturalism at every stage of the work.

If you have questions or comments please contact Sachio Ko-Yin: 4050 Chestnut St., Apt. 1R, Philadelphia, PA, 19104; 215-387-5009.

Cool "Protester Guide to NYC"

DailyKos.com has a long post (85 KB) on protesting in NYC during August 29th along with numerous events taking place around the city afterwards. Well worth checking out!

Our website - Photos of Tax Day action

Our website is at
http://www.phillywrl.net/
It's where we can keep all of our PDF's, pictures, long articles, etc.
There's supposedly a way to post pictures on our blog here, I've seen other bloggers do it, but I haven't quite figured it out yet.

Call for Resistance, A31 Agenda, Adopt-an-Activist

[phillyrnc] A31 call from Starhawk

From: Starhawk
Date: Thu Aug 12, 2004 3:46:32 PM Canada/Eastern

Hi friends, I'm here in New York City, already deep in the organizing for the Republica n National Convention protests. I'll soon be sending out updates—if not daily, at least periodically. But for these first days, we've bee focusing on putting out a call for nonviolent direct action issued by the Green Bloc, Pagan Cluster, and much of the Bay Area Cluster.

What we're trying to do is to create an action that is a strong, clearly nonviolent civil disobedience, that can reflect something of the vision of the world we want to create in the face of the Empire and police. We're working with a larger coalition, the A31 Coalition, that has called on groups to claim spaces and organize actions with different flavors and a common focus. So, on the 31st, the War Resister's League will be marching from ground zero, on one side of the convention, in a funeral march to face the Republicans with the deaths their policies have produced. And we'll be on the other side, creating a vision of life, of the possible world we could create together.

If you can possibly come, plan to join us. We really need you! Whether to join us in risking arrest, or in fulfilling some of the hundreds of needed support roles, as well as attending the United for Peace and Justice march on 8/29 and all of the other related marches and events. If you're in New York or coming, find out about meetings and trainings by emailing truesecurity@hotmail.com. We will soon have a website up, as well. The Overall webpage for the direct action day is A31.org. For the Pagan Cluster, it's pagancluster.org.

If you can't come and want to donate to help someone else, there's an appeal below that will give you a way to support other activists who have time but no money. Stay tuned, soon, for updates and an inside report on the organizing,

Starhawk

---------------
A Call for Nonviolent Creative Action and Civil Disobedience at the RNC on August 31, 2004

Herald a World of True Security

Say No to Bush's Endless War and Homeland InSecurity!

Hope not Fear, Truth not Lies, Peace not War, Love not Hate, Democracy not Empire!

We've petitioned, vigiled, marched and cried out. If you are ready to take another step, now is the time; New York is the place. On August 31, we will come together en masse in Herald Square near Madison Square Garden to withdraw our consent from Bush's global reign of terror, and counterpose our vision of liberty and justice for all. We reject fear as a form of social control and embrace truth in its place. We will claim a space in which to create our vision of real security and true democracy, in direct contrast to the war-mongering and empire building of the Republican National Convention. We will occupy this space nonviolently with our bodies, our courage, our wild creativity, our untamed spirit and solidarity.

If the police attempt to move us, we will refuse to go. Those who choose to will sit down and claim our right to peacefully assemble in the name of democracy, justice, liberty, freedom, for the good green earth and for the future of our children. We will hold this space of alternative vision and transformation. We will not cooperate; we will not be violent, and we will not leave. We will act in the rich tradition of social movements before us that have used nonviolent resistance to challenge injustice.

Real security is found in the things that sustain life, not weapons that destroy life. Real security is food, water, land, health care, education, housing, meaningful work, a sustainable environment, liberty and dignity. In the name of keeping us safe from terrorism, Bush is destroying every aspect of real security.

We say NO to the culture of torture and fear. NO to empires, military madness, illegitimate governments and stolen elections. NO to Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, and the occupations of Iraq, Afghanistan, Haiti and Palestine.

NO to environmental destruction and mindless consumerism. We say NO to the criminalization of dissent, the Patriot Act, the imprisonment of people of color and the racist system that divides us all. We say NO to the Republic an National Convention – its pomp, its glitz, its lies and its veneer of democracy.

We say YES to a world where all people can live with dignity, respect, and freedom. YES to all that feeds our soul and makes us feel alive. YES to re al democracy that goes beyond voting. YES to community spaces that embody our vision of security, love, peace, beauty, justice, abundance and freedom .

We invite you to join together with thousands of others who know that voting is not enough. The choice before us is not just about Kerry or Bush. The choice is about what kind of future we will have and what we will do to create it.

Dissent is Not Terrorism! Repression is Not Security!

Tuesday, August 31 True Security Cluster Action Plan:

9:30–11:30 NVDA Action Prep Session, location to be announced

Noon Demonstrate at the New York State Office of Homeland Security, 633 3rd Ave. We will engage in a powerful street theater action wearing hoods to dramatize US polices from Abu Ghraib to Guantanamo to the US prison system to the streets of New York. There is no permit for this demonstration but we will engage in legal sidewalk protest.

6:00 pm Orientation for unaffiliated groups and individuals will begin on the steps of the New York Public Library, 42nd St and 5th Ave. One of the two orientation sites established by the A31 Action Coalition which is coordina ting direct action for the entire day.

7:00 pm Create a World of True Security, converge at Herald Square, 34th and 6th Ave at Broadway. We will gather and construct a model of a world of real security and true democracy. We ask affinity groups to bring things that show what true security means to you (seed ideas below). We want to create a world in the streets where everyone has the healthy food and good clean water they need. Where art and music heal our wounds. Where jobs are secure and children are cared for. A world where beauty, balance, abundance and delight fill our lives.

Your affinity group might choose to offer food or water or to paint the street . Maybe you will offer healing, the playing of music or the singing of songs. Maybe you can tell a story or engage in discussions about actions around the elections or organize a puppet pageant about what we do to move beyond voting.

If the police prevent us from creating this world or attempt to remove us, those who choose to will refuse to cooperate, sitting down and nonviolently holding our space, risking arrest if necessary.

The True Security Call is initiated by the Green Bloc, the Pagan Cluster and the Save Our Civil Liberties Campaign. It is being organized within the framework and in solidarity with the August 31 Action Coalition Call for the Shout Heard Round the World!

What Does Real Security Mean to You? How Might Your Affinity Group bring Security to life? How might you tell your story?

Our Zapatista sisters and brothers in the global South tell us SECURITY is:
Dignity, Justice, Liberty, Food, Housing, Water, Work, Land, Health Care, Education,
Respect for environment, Respect for Women

Real Security might mean:
Love not Hate
Hope not Fear
Peace not War
Beauty not Destruction
Justice not Tyranny
Freedom not Slavery
Trees not Towers
Community not Dominance
Abundance not Scarcity
Democracy not Empire
Plants not Pollution
Schools not Jails
Books not Bombs
Art not Bureaucracy
Courage not Fear
Parks not Pavement
Health not Disease
Delight not Nightmare
Organics not GMO's

Pick one of these ideas or create your own and prepare to visually and physically manifest it in the streets!

For information and a schedule of meetings and trainings, contact truesecurity@hotmail.com

Adopt–an-Activist Appeal

Your help is needed in showing the world exactly how deep and wide opposition is to the Bush/Neo-Conservative agenda. When the Republican National Convention meets in New York, there will be hundreds of thousands (100's of 1000's) of people in the streets and at rallies voicing their "No" to this latest abuse of power by the moneyed elites. On August 31st there is a call for people to escalate their dissent beyond marches and rallies to civil disobedience - and to move the scope of the dialogue beyond just Bush. The problems we face didn't start with him, and they won't end with Kerry. It' s vitally important for that message to get out.

Can't make it to New York? That's where Adopt-an-Activist comes in. The New York community is asking for experienced organizers to come assist with the work that goes into effective grassroots organizing around this conference: from media campaigning to nonviolence training. Adopt-an-Activist is collecting funds from the community that believes in the neces sity of such work and channeling it directly to experienced organizers.

You can make a donation right now at www.adoptanactivist.org to participate in this radical form of representative democracy.

To move the agenda of global peace and justice forward takes support from all of us - from the organizers that have committed to going to New York, to the volunteer activists that have already laid so much groundwork, to your contributions that add up to be able to pay for plane tickets, rent, food and supplies.

Adopt-an-Activist
PO Box 9363
Santa Rosa CA 95405
707-523-4304
www.adoptanactivist.org

Go if you must, stay if you will, hail & farewell.

Introduction

Greetings! Right now, the League is trying to decide on a regular monthly meeting time. Friday's appear to be a good day of the week and once a month seems to be good. So the question appears to be: First Friday of the month? Second? Third? Or Last?
Let Steve know.