The War Stops Here

written by David Zlutnick and Ian Paul of the Friendly Fire Collective, 4/25/08

As an anti-war movement, we find ourselves pouring our energy and time into mobilizations which result in isolated days of spectacular actions. We attempt to achieve short-term goals but without the necessary collectively developed long-term vision needed for a sustainable anti-war movement. At times these actions may be able to accomplish goals of their own, yet we must ensure that they are being carried out in the most effective manner possible and at the same time advance us in the achievement of our broader objectives. If our strategy is to build a movement—a movement capable of destroying the state’s capacity to wage wars—then we must be critical of our organizing and gauge its effectiveness by its capacity to build a successful antiwar movement. What follows is our perspective of the actions of M19, our experience of organizing within DASW, what mistakes we feel were made, and how we think we can best move forward to continue to create a radical space for radical action. Continue reading San Francisco: M19: The (Re)Construction of an Antiwar Movement…

Unconventional East Coast Convergence Announced
http://www.infoshop.org/inews/article.php?story=20080425144123989

Come to DC in June 13-15 to join us for an East Coast Unconventional
Convergence. Months before the Republican and Democratic National
Conventions we will be hosting a massive training, convergence, and
platform for regional consultas for any anti-authoritarian organizers
planning to attend the DNC/RNC. Continue reading DC: Convergence to Organize Against the RNC and DNC…

by ~Bradley ( bradley [at] riseup.net )
Wednesday Apr 23rd, 2008 3:21 PM

The tradition of students un-welcoming the military to UC Santa Cruz and disrupting their attempts to recruit is alive and well, as demonstrated during the “Career” Fair on April 22nd. Students Against War rallied in the Baytree Plaza and marched to the “Career” Fair held in the multipurpose rooms for Colleges 9/10. Campus police, administrators, faculty, other staff and students collected backpacks and identification cards from the students who entered the “Career” Fair. Colorful helium balloons arched over steel barricades at the entrance to the “Career” Fair featured signs that boldly proclaimed “Part-time Jobs!!!” Indeed, the future is very bleak for the generations growing up during Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, Bush Jr. and whoever comes next. Continue reading CA: Military and FBI Recruiting Protested at UCSC “Career” Fair…

Admin’s note: Thanks to Lisa Fithian for sending this out.

Continue reading DC: Compilation of March 19th Media Coverage and such…

Admin’s note: Students Against War (SAW) is a fantastic organization with a solid track record. SDS and the rest of the antiwar movement would do well to strive to live up to their example.

Students protest military recruiters at UCSC career fair

By J.M. BROWN - Sentinel Staff Writer

SANTA CRUZ - Performing a spoof on TV award shows, a dozen students opposed to military recruiters disrupted a UC Santa Cruz career fair Tuesday, giving Marine and Army officers certificates for being “the best manipulator of sexuality” and telling “the most lies in advertising.”

The Students Against War demonstration, which followed a rally and march of 100 activists, was tame compared to a 2005 clash that led UCSC to close the event. No injuries were reported and no arrests were made Tuesday. Continue reading Santa Cruz, CA: Students Confront Military Recruiters at Career Fair…

Ok, so this may be a little vain, but I’m awfully proud and happy to have been of help to so many great people who attended the COW student conference on April 12th. Click here to find the feedback stats which show my workshop on direct action, named for this blog, which by far got the best feedback of any workshop at the conference (and it was so much fun!). If reading this makes you want to have me come and do the workshop in your locality, or if you want to do the workshop yourself, please drop me a line via the “Announcement Listserv/Feedback” page, which can be found on the right-hand side bar of this page. We’ll work something out!

COMMENTS:

There is going to be a rally/protest at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse on Friday, May 2 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Details of the case below. Continue reading U. of Alabama: Support SDS and IVAW members arrested…

Unconventional Action Midwest invites all autonomous groups and individuals to “adopt a delegate” in preparation for the Republican National Convention taking place in St. Paul September 1-4.

How does it work?  Easy!  Simply choose a hotel and do what you can to the delegate experience in the Twin Cities an unforgettable one!

Delegate hotels may be found
here:http://www.rncwelcomingcommittee.org/2008/04/07/gop-convention-names-party-headquarters-delegation-hotels/

In congruence with the RNC Welcoming Committee’s Points of Unity and the historic St. Paul Principles, UA-Midwest respects and encourages a wide diversity of tactics.

From Unconventional Action Midwest

CT Opposes the War, originally formed out of a schism in the antiwar movement on  the question of Palestine and working within the Democratic Party, this year committed to building the student antiwar movement by hiring a full-time organizer to put together a state-wide conference for new youth activists. Held at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT this past Saturday, the conference was a huge success, drawing young people from all sorts of campuses–high schools, community colleges, universities–and from a variety of political experiences. The conference agenda was tailored to the needs expressed by potential attendees, and included basic organizing, nonviolent civil disobedience, social movement history, Iraqi refugee support, and divestment campaigns in three workshop blocks, with most workshops repeating to allow people to go to attend most of the workshops they really wanted to. Continue reading CT: Youth Antiwar Conference Draws 100+ in Important Step for Movement; My Direct Action Workshop Overview…

25% Jump in membership since Winter Soldier

It’s a busy time at Iraq Veterans Against the War. Winter Soldier is now a month behind us, but the effects of all the hard work of our members and volunteers are still being felt. Before Winter Soldier, we had 800 members. Last week, we reached 1,007, and we’re processing more applications every day. Our organizers are busy contacting new members and sending out membership packets at a rate we’ve never experienced before. We appreciate all the hard work and contributions our volunteers, staff, members, and supporters put into Winter Soldier. We’re reaping the rewards of your efforts, and we have no plans to slow down. Continue reading IVAW Newsletter…