[Media-watch] G8 UK, Summer 2005

[Stephen McKee]

Please pass on the information below.

As you know one of the likely venues is Gleneagles.  This really isn't long 
away to plan for, so if anyone is interested in a local response (with or 
without the Dissent! network) now's the time to start thinking about it.

Steve

---original message---

Dissent! A Network of Resistance Against the G8
National Gathering in Brighton, 7th-8th February 2004
The G8 (Group of Eight most industrialised nations) Summit is coming to 
Britain in the Summer of 2005. In past years, everywhere they have tried to 
meet they have been met with a massive response from the world's social 
movements. Now, in Britain, a network of groups and individuals is emerging 
that hopes to resist the Summit, and build a lasting movement against 
capitalism.
'Dissent! A Network of Resistance Against the G8' was formed at the end of 
November 2003. Local groups and working groups are now forming to build a 
response to the G8, firmly rooted in local networking, which it is hoped 
will exist well beyond the summer of 2005.
Work has already started on producing publicity and information materials 
and putting together road-shows to mobilise people for action. The 
'Dissent!' network, which initially grew out of meetings at the Earth First! 
Summer Gathering and the Anarchist Bookfair, is committed to taking a 
confrontational stance, calling for direct action. Nobody owns the network 
and it has no leaders. It is open to anyone who wants to work under the 
hallmarks laid down by Peoples' Global Action (PGA) - see end of mail.
The next Dissent! gathering will take place in the 7th and 8th of February. 
Come along and get involved.
Practical Information
The Gathering is taking place over a weekend, people are welcome to arrive 
on Friday evening, as the meetings are likely to begin fairly early on 
Saturday morning (the exact timetable is to be worked out later). The 
Gathering will mostly take place in the Cowley Club - a collectively owned 
radical social centre. People wanting accommodation in Brighton on Friday 
night should come to the Cowley Club, 12 London Road, Brighton, between 8pm 
and 10:30pm to be directed to their accommodation. People will be put up in 
private accommodation. There will, unfortunately, be no central location 
where everybody can sleep.
If you want to attend the Gathering IT IS ESSENTIAL that you let us know:
How many people you are
If you require accommodation
If you have any special requirements (the NEED for a proper bed, for 
example)
If you would rather stay in a smoking or non-smoking house
If you are bringing kids with you
Please email this address: g8gathering at yahoo.co.uk 
<mailto:g8gathering at yahoo.co.uk> or send a letter to: G8 Gathering, PO Box 
74, Brighton, BN1 4ZQ.
The ?Process Working Group? are meeting on Friday 6th February in the Cowley 
Club at 8pm. If you are interested in helping out with the suggested agenda 
and meeting process for the weekend, or volunteering to facilitate, please 
attend this meeting, or send your suggestions to dissentprocess at yahoo.co.uk 
<mailto:dissentprocess at yahoo.co.uk> . Please arrive ontime for this meeting 
as the meeting will almost certainly move to a quieter location.
Please let us know as far in advance as possible if you require, or can 
offer, translation during the weekend..
Food will be provided in the Cowley Club by the Anarchist Teapot. We will be 
asking for everybody to donate £10 towards the cost of food and hiring extra 
meeting space.
Up until now, a lot has been said about the desire to broaden our networks 
through this mobilisation. It would be great if those who have been involved 
in the G8 discussions up until this point could mobilise in their localities 
for this gathering.
See you in Brighton!
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 maximise 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.

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