[Fwd: [SEAC-REGION13:604] Critical Anti-Oppression Conference]

FYI...

Jim Hardy wrote:

> TAKING THE STRUGGLE TO THE HOME FRONT
> A Critical Dialogue on Confronting Oppression Within Activist and
> "Alternative" Communities
> June 8-10, Washington, DC
>
> BACKGROUND and DETAILS:  October 2-4, 2001 the World Bank and International
> Monetary Fund will hold their annual meetings in Washington, DC. A variety
> of organizations have called for people to converge on the capital city
> that week to protest. In other words, here we go again…another mass
> action…another radical road trip…more cops, tear gas, arrests, bad press, etc.
>
> While activists rush back and forth across the continent looking for the
> next big event important questions remain unanswered and complicated
> internal conflicts lurk in the dark corners and closets of our communities:
> -Why is it never the right time or place to acknowledge or confront the
> rampant sexism, racism, homophobia, and arrogance within supposedly radical
> organizations? (Maybe it'll all work itself out after the revolution).
> -Whose movement is this, anyway?
> -If activist spaces and organizations are so open and inclusive why are so
> many people alienated and silenced within them?
> -What does it mean that a lot of us feel more oppressed by other activists
> than by global capitalism?
>
> For too long we've been forced to fight oppression and marginalization in
> hostile territory (meetings, convergences, and protests dominated primarily
> by people who are straight, white, and/or male). The purpose of this
> dialogue is to create a space where we can critically consider the problems
> and possibilities that we face as activists without being dismissed as
> soft, bitchy, counter-revolutionary, or PC. To provide a place where
> transients, illegals, expatriates, and exiles can feel at home. We sorely
> need a little ground to stand on, a moment to catch our breath, share our
> thoughts, and gain strength from our collective anger, pain, love, and
> hope. If mass actions have a role to play in the struggle for liberation
> then let's organize collectively for the World Bank/IMF meetings in a way
> that is inclusive, empowering, radical, and respectful of diverse tactics
> and cultures of resistance.
>
> The first day of the dialogue will be dedicated to talking about oppression
> in activist circles in general and the second day will focus on organizing
> strategies for the World Bank/IMF protests in October. For those able to
> make it to DC in June we're looking for people to propose and/or facilitate
> discussions on issues that they feel need to be addressed. For those who
> can't make it we would love to get your ideas, essays, zines, videos, or
> whatever and hopefully you can join us during the convergence in DC or in
> the future.
>
> LOGISTICS: The discussions will be held at the Maryland Food Co-op in the
> Student Union Building of the University of Maryland in College Park (DC
> suburb accessible on the Metro). Unfortunately, we can't help with
> transportations costs although we hope to for future events. We will be
> able to provide housing for those who need it. The schedule for the
> dialogue will be available shortly. If you have questions or want more
> information write to homefront01@hotmail.com.

--
Hillary Aisenstein
Director
Philadelphia Higher Education Network
 for Neighborhood Development (PHENND)
3440 Market Street, Suite 440
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3325
215-573-2379
215-573-1134 fax
hillarya@pobox.upenn.edu
http://www.upenn.edu/ccp/PHENND.html

"Be the change you expect in others."