[OPIRG-EVENTS] DAFT direct action convergence

[Jamie Kneen <jkneen@magma.ca>]

Join DAFT for a weekend convergence in the country
July 18-20, 2003


DAFT?  WHAT'S THAT?
DAFT is Direct Action Farm Team, a new Ottawa collective whose goal 
is simply to help sustain the capacity of action-oriented activists. 
Anti-capitalist sentiment fuels our action as well as our reflection 
- we advocate building our own economic autonomy from capitalism, 
'cos when capitalism falls apart, we don't want to go with it. 
Baking your own bread can be anti-capitalist action, especially when 
you take it with you to the occupation.  And building community 
amongst activists will help build trust among us, trust that can be 
called upon when we are in the streets.

DAFT aims to be open and inclusive.  We invite all those committed to 
building direct action capacity in Ottawa-Outaouais to "join the 
team"!  Bring your interests and talents to DAFT - you plug in where 
and how it makes sense for you.


WHY A DIRECT ACTION CONVERGENCE?
We reckon there is always a need for bringing people together to 
share strategies, tactics and experiences, especially if we want to 
build sustainable action.  We also reckon that, while we all work 
towards a peaceful and just world, we may not all agree on everything 
at all times.  Our hope is that we nonetheless see the value of 
working together and learning from each other.


PROGRAM
We are keeping the program light, for two main reasons.  One, so 
people can organize workshops or discussions that interest them, on 
the spot.  Two, we want a flexible program because we're always in 
frickin' meetings and this weekend is for folks to enjoy the 
outdoors.  That said, some basic workshops will be organized, 
including sessions on civil liberties, anti-oppression and organizing 
in solidarity with diverse communities.

THE SETTING
A hundred lazy acres of field and forest.  Sugar maples frame the 
fields and house the songbirds making for ideal camping and stomping 
grounds.  The land is located about an hour's drive from downtown 
Ottawa.


COSTS AND LOGISTICS
We are striving to make the weekend as accessible as possible, and 
are fundraising to subsidize as much as we can.  We will be passing a 
"sliding-scale" hat to cover costs:  we suggest $25 to $45, which 
includes food, water, some materials and all the free sunshine you 
can take home with you.  Nobody will be turned away if money is a 
barrier.
Housing:  people will be tenting, but there are a few beds for those 
who can't camp.
Transportation:  we are aiming to pool cars, trucks and vans to get 
folks there.
Food:  will be vegetarian and vegan.
Kids:  free.  Childcare available - please indicate need.
Companion animals welcome!

REGISTRATION
We have no fancy system, just email daft2003@sympatico.ca to save 
your spot(s).  Or, call 613 564 0644 to sign up.  Please register 
sooner rather than later, if possible.

PLEASE TELL US:

* your first name (no need for last)
* phone number or email
* any food allergies or special dietary needs
* extra camping gear you can bring
* gear that you need
* if you can offer a ride
* if you need a ride
* if you need childcare
* whether you are coming for the whole weekend or just part of it
* how much you can pay (suggested sliding scale of $25 to $45)
* if you want to volunteer (in the lead-up and/or at the weekend itself)

TO VOLUNTEER or FOR MORE INFO

Laura    seaturtle90@hotmail.com
David    davidrobbins@sympatico.ca

Tel      613 564 0644

TO REGISTER

Email    daft2003@sympatico.ca
Tel      613 564 0644


DAFT's sekret agenda:  growing direct action capacity in Ottawa by:

Sustaining action - building community to sustain action as well as each other
Connecting movements - working with Ottawa-area social movements
Deepening solidarity - creating the space for others to be in 
solidarity with those doing action
Being effective - learning from our mistakes and successes; action, 
reflection, action, reflection...
Potting & plotting - mutual aid yard work while planning & discussing actions


DAFT:  protesting without a permit since 2003


PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS INVITATION.  HELP PROMOTE THIS EVENT MADLY AND WIDELY...
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