burnley social forum.

[fred]

THE SOCIAL FORUM.

The Social Forum provides an opportunity to discuss,debate and organise.It will link with a nation wide movement for assemblies and social forums which is growing across the country and internationally. It aims to provide a voice for local people bewildered by the self serving politics of national Governments and party politicians. It seeks to put the every day issues that matter to us in our daily lives, as well as the global injustices, at the forefront.

The Social Forum is not organised by anyone group but aims to be a network to communicate and organise between all grassroots , community and workplace organisations and individuals.

It is part of a global movement. There are Social Forums in many parts of the world. They proclaim 'another world is possible'.

This reflects the roots of where we come from as a movement. The first World Social Forum was held in Port Alegre in 2001 and it set out a charter of basic principles. These are fully explained on the website
www.mobilise.org.uk/view/ESF/AboutWstPrinciples.

Chief amongst them are the following points:

1. The Social Forum is an open meeting place for reflective thinking , democratic debate of ideas and calls for action.

2. It has an International dimension and a local dimension.

3. It stands in oppsition to a process of globalisation commanded by the large multinational corporations and by the governments and international institutions at the service of those corporations' interests.

4. The Social Forum only brings together and interlinks organisations, movements and individuals in society.

5. The meetings of the Social Forum cannot claim to speak on behalf of the whole movement as a body. It does not represent all its participants therefore it cannot take decisions by vote or proposals that would commit all or a majority to a certain position.It is not a place of power that can be disputed by over by its participants.

6. However organisations or groups of organisations or individuals have the right to explain and circulate information and ideas for actions and declarations which they singly or in co-ordination have decided to pursue. The Social Forum undertakes to circulate such decisions widely but without prioritising, censuring or resricting them, but as the deliberations of the organisation that made the decisions.

7. The Social Forum is plural and diversified. However parties and organisations will not have representation enbloc.

8. It upholds respect for Civil and Human Rights. It supports democratic practices , peaceful relations of equality and solidarity among the different ethnicities ,genders,physical capacities and peoples of the world. It condemns all form of subjection of one person by another.

9. It is a forum for debate on the ways in which all forms of domination and oppression affect our lives and for debate on means and action to resist and overcome that domination and altertatives proposed to solve the problems of exclusion and social inequality.

10. The Social Forum places special value on the exchange of ideas about how to meets people's economic, social cultural and political needs and how to respect nature.

11. The Social Forum seeks to strengthen and create new local and global links amongst organisations and movements of society . It encourages participants to see issues from the point of view of world citizenship.

OCT.2003

[michele cryer]

Fred, please forgive me if I sound a little dim...but is the Social Forum offering an 'alternative' globalisation plan?

Michele

[fred]

The information above titled The Social Forum is a copy of the Aims and Principles of the Manchester Comrades. It is published to give people an idea of what we are aiming for. Obviously, if a Social Forum is formed locally it will choose its own aims.

Michelle!

To my mind the Forum is just that," A place for public meetings and discusssion ". Where we meet people with similar problems.
I don't think it is an alternative globalisation plan. Truly I do not know.

[michele cryer]

Thank you Fred...

I've just heard so much about globalisation being good on the one hand, evil on the other, depending on what form it would take...obviously evil if globalisation just means the capitalists taking over the world, and running it...good if it means the world growing closer and supporting each other but keeping its own cultures etc. in place...I was just wondering about the stance that anarchists took on this issue...

[francis duckett]

After the riots, at the time of the last general election, the commotion caused by the disturbances filled the press and much discussion took place. Now everything is quiet; why? Because the establishment wants to pretend it never happened. They are helped in this by the fact that the working class organisations are fragmented in to various sections . Most of these want to be separate entities, political parties, industrial organisations and social organisations. Each wanting to build a place for itself at the expense of the others. This is folly. It gives back to the establihment the ability to get its word across to the voters without any real opposition and when events happen that we disagree with our response is fragmented and somewhat muted. We need a place where we can discuss and put forward ideas and thoughts.Even more we want a place where other peoples ideas and thoughts can be listened to and explanations given. A place where we can learn.
I imagine this to be the role of the social forum. It is possibly the beginning of the climb back against the establishment and the fascists. If anyone is interested why not put your ideas, agreement or objections forward on this site? Write now.

[michele cryer]

Thank you, that was very well explained...

[fred]

Greater manchesster County Assocciation TUC.Letter to European Social Forum enthusiasts regarding an attempt made by the E.S.F. to by pass Manchester Social Forum .


15.6.04.

Dear Comrade,

It was reported to our bi-monthly delegate meeting on 5th, of June that a a meeting was being held this week to establish a a Manchester Co-ordinating Group for the European Social Forum's Meeting in London later this year.

May I first point out that as the local representative body of the TUC that we have received no correspondence on tthis matter from either yourself or the organisers of the Manchester meeting. This is unfortunate as previous gatherings of both the World Social Forum and the European Social Forum have worked closely with the trade union movement.

Secondly we have for some time had a good working relationship with the Manchester Social Forum, where we have held joint meetings on the DAF Electricians Dispute and other issues. We had assumed that this non-party political body would have been the natural forum for such a co-ordinating committee and I am surprised that the initiative for a co-ordinating group has not come from this body.

I look forward to your observations on these issues in due course.

Yours fraternally

Derek Clarke
Secretary GMATUCs.

[fred]

PEACE AND LIBERATION.

<<< Free the hostages!
<<< Free the Iraqi people!
<<< Stop Firing!
<<< Stop Bombing Iraqi towns!
<<< Say no to the Occupation! Troops out of Iraq now!

WE WERE AGAINST THE WAR BEFORE IT STARTED.
WE OPPOSED IT WHILE IT WAS HAPPENING.
WE ARE AGAINST THE OCCUPATION. WHY?

Why do most Iraqis want us out?
Because we have wrecked the country, we haven't put it back together and we can't deliver peace. We are not wanted.

Are our troops an occupying force?
Yes! They are there to help the US.. American forces are there to protect Iraqi oil for American profit and increase US strategic control in the Middle East and central Asia.

Is our Government responsible for statrting the war?
Yes! They got us into the mess we are vin.

Who is paying?
You are! British taxpayers are forking out millions of pounds a day. For nothing!

Why are soldiers, civilians and aid workers being killed and held hostage?
Because it's a war and one for which we are responsible.26 million Iraqis are suffering from sanctions , war and nuclear fall out from depleted uranium shells. Their country has been destryed.Bombs are falling on them as you read this. They are dying in their thousands . Over a million and a half have already died because of us.

Is the war legal?
No! This war is illegal!
So says Kofi Annan,General Secretary of the UN. Our troops were sent against the will of the UN, in defiance of international law.

PULL THE TROOPS OUT!
FREEDOM FOR THE HOSTAGES AND FOR IRAQ!

MANCHESTER SOCIAL FORUM
MEETING EVERY THURSDAY 7.30pm FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE MOUNT ST.

[octoberlost]

I know this might not be the views of fred, but the statements never the less need challenging, because the tax payers arent paying for nothing we are paying for the neo-colonial infractstructure to allow western business to rape Iraq, and secondly who gives two hoots if the UN thinks the war is illegal? Those people can be just as ruthless, we really should try in times like this to distance ourselves from the shallow political contributions of liberals......

[michele cryer]

Can I suggest that all of us who are interested in taking this Burnley Social Forum forward make it known now on here and try to arrange a proper get-together to plan meetings etc??

[Mitch]

Estimados compañeros/Estimadas compañeras

Tenemos que ser como uno, tenemos que nos confiancer implicito y mas, tenemos que vivir que es en nuestros corazones todos los dias.
(Spanish - look it up)

Hey up, Michele - the 'Lions' are busy roaring.

I'd suggest building upto Social forum gathing end of November - & making it a Burnley & Pendle Social Forum.

We need to be quick about it as - as you suggest - there are pressing local campaigns that need support and all I see at present are assistance from top-down agenda groups dictating campaign directions instead of listening to local residents and supporting their ideas. Lets work on a leaflet, chat about venue at next meeting so we can have leaflet and date ready for forthcoming events such as the play at Unity Hall. Ditto on Nelson Residents Association leaflet.

adieu, Mitch x

[michele cryer]

Great Mitch, yes I think we should move quickly to establish ourselves...

I will look up the 'spanish' quote on alta vista babel fish website shortly...they usually have an extremely odd 'literal' translation available!!!

[Brian]

Manchester Social Forum is having an important meeting tonight to discuss its future. Workers Power & the SWP in Manchester are using the European Social Forum in London next month to publicise themselves. They might try to set up a rival to the Mc Soc. Forum. In the Summer, when they tried to organise the ESF Mobilisation Committee thet where unsuccessful.

Fortunately, mainly because of our support for the Manchester Electricians; the the Greater Manchester Trade Councils are commited to supporting us. We are confident that in Manchester we will be able to deal with any renagade re-emergence by the trots.

You should know that Calderdale also has a local Social Forum, in which the libertarians are very active. There they have a working relationship with the SWP. They also have a different constitution to us.

'Northern Voices' is due out at the end of October. As you know it is sold at umpteen newsagents in Burnley. If we could give you any publicity we will. The important thing is for Northern Voices & a Social Forum to focus on local concerns.

[michele cryer]

Thanks for your contribution Brian...hope all goes well with the Manchester Social Forum meeting tonight.

Would you consider becoming a member of this site? It isn't necessary to live in and around Burnley to become a member...all welcome, and you even get to see your name in gold!!! LOL.

[Brian]

Manchester Social Forum (30/9/04) proposals for future business:

!. Fix an agenda at end of every meeting for forthcoming meeting: so people know what to expect and can bring information, and we can publish it on the list.

2. Hold once a month an event on a particular issue so that we can draw in more people.

3. Publish this event by leafleting to create interest towards the Social Forum. and see if there is a chance to start other Social Forums in other parts of Manchester and Salford.

4. Once a month hold meetings reflecting theoretical issues (consensus, links with other Social Forums in the UK and European level, etc).


5. At the begining of December organise a Assembly of the Manchester Social Forum in Manchester. Starting publicising fort it now!

6. Call for actions all around the city and organise them.

7. Take responsibilities seriuouslyby:
a) Issuing reports about money.
b) Outreach.
c) Links with trade unions.
d) Publish minutes.
e) Website.

8. Bring 'Mancunian' out again at least every 2/3 months.

9. Have a 'democratic cafe' at least every 2 months.

[Brian]

This is the AUTONOMOUS SPACES contribution to the European Social Forum in London 14-17 Oct. 2004:

'We are a loose network of individuals, groups & orghanisations who act, think & continue to struggle for a world beyond capitalism. We want to creat open spaces for networking, exchanges, ideas & action. We believe our ways of organising & acting should reflect our political visions - that of grassroots self-organisation, diversity & inclusion, direct democracy & collective decision-making based on consensus.

We do not have, nor represent, one single unified position on the ESF.

We are however united in the knowledge that the UK ESF organising process is non-transparent, non-participatory & exclusionary. It is controlled by an hierarchical & authoritarian political party (Socialist Workers Party) & funded through the involvement of Mayor Ken Livingstone & the Greater London Authority.

Ken Livingstone is a member of the ruling Labour Party - the Party of War. Because the process & methods, both in London & at a European level, has not reflected the values & charters to which the ESF aspires, the ESf process is politically bankrupt.

Some of us believe that it is possible to rebuild the ESF, to make it closer to the ideals it claims, others believe this is not possible. some of us wish to go futher & recognise that the entire basis of the ESF is fundementally flawed & illegitamate; that it only represents a space for the co-option of struggles, & as such it should be opposed. We are all, though. committed to our diversity & in our desire to act together in ways that respect these diferences.

There are now several autonomous & self-organised spaces in place for the period of the ESF in London, ranging from legally organised venues to squatted social centres. We invite you to participate in these autonomous spaces, to help construct and shape them - to organise worshops, discussions, creative intervensions & practical alternatives.

to get involve contact [e-mail]
see: www.altspaces.net

Unofficial'open' ESF website: www.esf2004.net (see 'Parallel Projects')
Official ESF website: http:www.fse-esf.org

SPACES & INITIATIVESA - all encourage participation:

A self-organised, anti-authoritarian space for discussion, debate & action - with provision for cheap food & meeting space. Themes covered: Surveillance & control, Social Centres, Precarious work, No borders, Zapatismo, G8 Scotland 2005.
See: www.wombles.org.uk/auto
Contact: [e-mail]

EUROPEAN FORUM ON COMMUNICATION RIGHTS/INDYMEDIA - Thurs 14th - Sun 17th October.
Thew Camden Centre (central London): Topics include: Suveilance & Security State, Biometric ID Cards, Migrants/Noborders, Gender, Intellectual Property, Copyright, Creatve Coimmons, Corporate and Alternative media etc (including schnews.org.uk)
See: www.efcr2004.net
contact: [e-mail]
imc contact: imc-uk-network@lists,indymedia.org

LIFE DESPITE CAPITALISM - Sat. 16th Oct.
One day event on 'Commons & Communities' at LSE University with two strands: 'ROOTS' - Dicussion of commons & of reclaiming our powers & communities & 'SWARTM' - mixing people working on single issues together in a cross-pollination

SOLIDARITY VILLAGES/LETS CO-OPERATE Wed 13th - Sun 17th Oct.
Space for co-operate projects in response to social inequalities. 'Opewn Space' provides info & presents practical options for a sustainable economy at at the service of human and environmental needs. Based at Conway Hall & other venues.
See: www.solidarityvillage.org
Contact: [e-mail]

CARNIVAL FORUM
Volatile mix of politics & pleasure. A mobile carnival taking democracy to the streets.
See: www.ecf2004.org/qwikiwiki/index.php?page=CanivalFullDocument
Contact: [e-mail]

LABORATORY OF INSURECTIONARY IMAGINATION:
Hub for those whose activities fall outside of & inbetween the spaces of culture & politics; whopse actions exist between resistence & creativity.
Find out more: www.labfii.net



Keep checking www.altspaces.net

SEE YOU IN LONDON.

[brian]

I think it is important for Burnley to trace the development of Manchester Social Forum before forming their own:

MANCHESTER SOCIAL FORUM: Sept/Oct meetings:

Recent developments of Manchester Social Forum have been crucial.

a) The theft of email addresses at a GROW (Grassroots Againsty the War) meeting by a member of that group who later started to attend Manch. Social Forum meetings presented us with a moral dilemma in the Man. Soc. Forum.

It compared in a small way with the infiltration of the BNP inside the SWP, Respect & the Stop the War.

In the end it was decided that the Man. Soc. Forum repudiate the actions of the individual concerned for the theft of the emails, but did not formally go so far as to exclude him.

b) Discussion of the nature & purpose of the Man. Soc. Forum:
It was pointed out that the Man. Soc. Forum is not a political organisation.

Marieangela argued that though she personally supported direct action & many of the ideas & methods of the libertarians; this was not a prerequistite for involvement in a Social Forum. There are for instance individual members of the Labour Party, the Lib Dems & Respect, who attend Man. Soc. Forum meetings, as well as anarchists & libertarians.

The idea of Man. Soc. Forum & local Social Forums is to provide a 'space' for discussion of radical ideas & the gathering of support for local actions.

The necessity for this to be repeatedly explained became apparent at two recent meetings of the Man. Soc. Forum. At the meeting on Oct 7th, I suggested that Marieangela report back to the Greater Man. Association of Trade Councils on the outcome of this weekend's European Soc. Forum in London. I also asked that the Man. Soc. Forum write to the Manchester Association of Trade Councils, thanking them for their backing of us in our support for the Manchester Electrician's dispute and to call for the reinforcement of our collaboration.

This was challenged by Ron (Sol. Fed), who said he was worried about Man. Soc. Forum's involvement with the trade unions & Trade Councils. To support his arguement he pointed to the acceptance by the union leaders at the Labour Conf. of the continued presence of British troops in Iraq. This was a broad brush attack apparently on trade unions generally.

Ron was told we were not linking up to the union bosses (like the SWP), but were associating with the rank & file trade unionists. It was pointed out that the Manchester electricians were now linking with elements on the Trade Councils & trade unionists to launch a campaign on the local building sites. For the Man. Soc. Forum to sever theire links with this campaign now would be unthinkable and would be a deriliction of our responsibilities to the electricians, health & safety on the building sites, corporate killing, casualisation, misuse of the black list by the bosses in the construction industry.

It was also pointed out that the Man. electricians held the Trade Councils in great respect, as they do trade union activists in general. They are critical of many union leaders, but hold the Manchester Soc. Forum in great respect. Yet they clearly have less regard for what I have described as the 'SMELLY LITTLE ORTHODOXIES', like the SWP, Workers Power, The Northern Anarchist Net., the Sol. Fed. and even the bigger political orthodoxies like the Labour Party etc.

Ron (Sol Fed) then made it clear he only criticising the union leaders and not the Man. electricians.

Marieangela had already pointed out the importance of expanding the influence of the Man. Soc. Forum among trade union activists to bodies such as the Man. Association of Trade Union Councils and others in our social communities.

Other criticism of this openly expanding program of the Man. Soc. Forum came from Ron (Sol Fed) at an earlier meeting of the Man. Soc. Forum in relation to suggestions of developing horizontal links with the Spanish CNT/CGT. It is not clear if the Sol Fed wants retrencement or expansion of the Social Forum, because sometimes they call for expansion into other areas like Salford or even Chorlton - setting up local Soc. Forums. Generally though their members seem shy of development.

In this respect the Sol. Fed. may offer us a useful illustration of a coy and conservative flaw in the ranks of the libertarians. Among some there seems to be a fear of taking the serious steps needed to bring social change in British society.

Our current tie-up with the Manchester electricians & the Trade Councils offers a rich source for practical action for the Manchester Social Forum and massive social potential. These possibilities have come about owing to the existence of the Manchester Soc. Forum and the presence of some progressive minded trade union activists on the local Trade Councils. The fact that some libertarians may be acting as a brake on this suggests a lack of imagination, confidence and nerve on the part of some individuals.

c) Discussion at the meeting on Oct 14th, of the rumour of the close down of Indy Media in Manchester by MI6; at the request it is said of the FBI.

d) Info on Councillor Peter Hayes, who died in September and who claimed to be an anarchist, after 'Northern Voices' had an interview with his sister.

e) report on a Man. Soc. Forum meeting with the Manchester electricians.

f) Report from Salford on Salford Against Sell-Offs (SASO).

[Mitch]

Fascinating account of the development of the Manc Soc Forum, Brian. Thanks. Much to learn from this.

I can appreciate all concerns here - including your own determination to push out, but also Ron's concern about working with Trades Councils & Unions. I have had difficulties with the latter myself up here, and I'd suggest that in Burnley it is the Trades Council and unions that are conservative (see my summary on GMB strategy in Burnley). I would have been keen to explore more the reasons behind Ron/Sol Fed's concerns - in a social forum isn't the point that we learn and take on board everyone's experience and points.

Burnley is not Manchester - so again i'd emphasise the context will be different. The success of the Man Soc forum is obvious, and what's more I can see you're moving forward with the Manchester Electricians campaign into other campaigns. Great news.

I think many libertarians have concerns (including myself from my experience), that when you push out working with others like the SWP, Trades Councils and so forth - that somehow the interests being served become something other than what they started as - campaigns get appropriated, and used. It seems to me that often individuals concerned, whether SWP members or union members didn't mean this to happen, but the pull of either their party or union ethos (top down essentially, and increasingly ingrained in the system) pulls them into an idiotic direction.

I'd suggest exploring further Ron's concerns - I'd want to learn from them also.

Best wishes. Mitch

[brian]

INFO. ON LAST WEEKEND'S EUROPEAN SOCIAL FORUM:

I understand there is a lot of info about the ESF in London on the Indy Media Website at -
www.indymedia.org.uk

[brian]

Yes Mitch, Burnley is not Manchester! Context is important, but a contextual situation can be transformed by putting work in as I hope we have shown in Manchester. I'm sure you would agree we mustn't see a context as being static and become its slave.

If we'd listened to the Sol. Fed. in the Summer of 2003, we wouldn't now have a Man. Soc. Forum. We'd have a Peoples Assembly dominated by the SWP.

In the Summer of 2003 the Man. Sol. Fed. was decidedly look-warm about the Soc. Forum. It seemed like they were happy to leave the field open to the SWP and Workers Power. This tendency of some anarchists to surrender to the SWP; goes back to the days when the SWP was the 'International Socialists', and explains why many young anarchists have a low opinion of some of us at the older end. In the Summer of 2003, Rob (from Blackoo) a young anarchist, addressed the Northern Anarchist Network (NAN) in Hebden Bridge, he urged us not to be frightened of the SWP and to take them on.

That is what happened, and in the Autumn of 2003 the Man. Social Forum was set up after the SWP withdrew, when they couldn't get their own way. Workers Power stayed with it for a while, but later pulled out.

From then on Sol. Fed. continued to attend mainly in the form of Ron. This was welcome. The snag now is that in order to attract other individuals of good-will the Soc. Forum shouldn't be too narrowly defined as being 'anarchist'. It should listen to others, particularly people involved in industrial and social struggles locally. This is the basis of Marieangela's arguement for an open Soc. Forum, and I think it is something the northern anarchists in the NAN can appreciate, because the NAN is not a membership organisation. The trouble with some people, particularly those in membership organisations like the SWP, Workers Power and even some in the Sol. Fed. is that they are too busy worrying about recruitment and party lines that they are blind to everything else.

I'm sure the SWP will try to make a come back in Manchester. They may, as Workers Power is already suggesting try to revive the Peoples Assembly on the back of the London ESF. Unfortunately, they are operating at a disadvantage, because they have a top-down philosophy and look to union leaders and political gimmics for their salvation.

Our approach is to work among rank & file trade unionists and in local communities. This is hard work, but it is more likely to sustain us in the long run.

[michele cryer]

I would just like to add my thanks too, for providing us with the history of the Manchester Social Forum...

[Mitch]

Brian,

Am in total agreement with an open forum scenario, and although I emphasise the differences with Burnley/Manchester I certainly don't see the context as static and there has already been much work put in locally by myself and others to work around the SWP.

We are moving well towards our first Burnley Social Forum meeting - the first steps have been organising events autonomously of the SWP locally. This has been most important - as they are strong in this area and people must first begin to see and believe that we can organise without them - so our confidence is building first.

We have held successful music events, created an autonomous local web forum, and now we have a superb play, with Jill Liddington speaking this Saturday. Many local people will be attending, and so far we have sold 57 tickets.

Are yourself and Fred coming to this play - I hope so as this coming together of local people, libertarians, community group workers and so forth is most important in building confidence to push forward for a Burnley Social Forum.

I know all about hard work, as do others. I have also met Rob - he popped to a couple of local meetings and then disappeared. Shame that as we really could have benefitted from more of his assistance!

How can NAN and Northern Voices help us here in Burnley - we will be needing your support. Please do come to the play this Saturday (details on this web forum - better hurry up tickets going fast), bringing copies of Northern Voices etc.

Sol Fed members in Preston have much experience to offer - if not in the form of supporting a social forum in Burnley, then certainly a campaign against casual work in this area. Which they choose is up to them - but I have great respect for the experience and knowledge there and will actively seek it out - soon now as I'm finally rid of these evening cleaning jobs. I might add here that this is a real issue locally in Burnley and Pendle practically hindering people to act - they work long hours, in jobs that are stressful, monotonous, and insecure - our local Lets scheme is the start of a practical project looking at how we can offer practical support rather than SWP punative values.

Look forward to seeing you at the play perhaps?? I agree with all your comments, but I would add that perhaps as much hard work should be put into negotiating a way forward between anarchists - an achievement of this would I think lead to a quickening of pace towards social change.

Best Mitch

[bryan]

Mitch,

Unfortunately, it is going to be difficult for me to get up to Burnley in the next few week. I had hoped to get up tomorrow but me & Derek (Tameside) are at a press night at the Shipman play in Manchester. Also in the next few weeks Northern Voices is due out, and I'm bogged down doing interviews and editing. Add to this the demands of the electricians to get their bulletin out, & the Anarchist Bookfair in London at the end of November and you'll understand the problem

The Man. Soc. Forum should be helpful to your attempts to form a Forum. It's possible they would be willing to come up in the New Year. Next Sat Marieangela is addressing a report back on The European Soc. Forum to the Greater Manchester Trade Union Councils on behalf of the Man. Soc. Forum.

At the last NAN, after JIM had gone, it was suggested that as Manchester was becoming too dominant & the next NAN should be in Burnley Or Hebden Bridge. One idea is that if Burnley is agreeable that Burnley could organise the next NAN and invite the Man. Soc. Forum to address it as an agenda item. If Burnley agrees, Manchester could do the mail-out & Burnley organise the venue and agenda etc.

What do you think?

[michele cryer]

I think holding the NAN conference in Burnley next time would be an excellent idea..

[Mitch]

Ditto - potential venues Unity Hall/Brierfield Community Centre.

Good idea if you come over and join another one of our meetings to discuss soon Brian. Also, be great if this web forum could be mentioned in forthcoming Northern Voices.

Would you like a signed copy of the Duckett Brothers (aka Jim & Les) to include also? Let me know and I'll forward on.

Best Mitch

[Brighid]

Hi there, been following this strand with great interest. On a point of both accuracy and fairness however, need to point out that in an email of October 17th the involvement of a member of SolFed in the Manchester Meeting appears erroneously to have been taken as representing the views of SolFed. The person concerned is not a delegate of SolFed but attended this meeting in an individual capacity, and on his own behalf. This being the case, his contributions should not be taken in any way to represent the views of SolFed locally or nationally.

I raise this because I really wouldn't like to see any misunderstandings of SolFed's position on anything arising from such assumptions.

In solidarity, Brighid x

[ernie]

SOCIAL FORUM CALDERDALE.

ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE.

TEXT

The neighbourliness and goodwill that binds communities are needed as never before, to counteract the isolation and exclusion of a society based increasingly on exploitation and greed. Our Government ,which is supposed to represent us , is unwilling to maintain the structure of our welfare system, once a source of national pride, because it is too frightened to offend the rich by asking them to contribute a fair amount of what they earn.
The daily papers vie with each other to poison natural generosity by telling lies about refugees who come to Britain in search of justice and security, just as thousands of Britains left the country during the post war depression years to seek theirr fortunes in Canada, Australia and South Africa. Politicians hide from us the consequences of global warning and pollution, which many scientists see as far greater threats than terrorism. No one will tell the truths about the deaths of thousands of men ,women and children in Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan.Worst of all, the most powerful nation on earth bases its foreign policy not on rights of fellow humans but the need to win votes in the next presidential election.

The Social
forum is a worldwide movement which sets out to bring together all kinds of people , you and me, your friends and my friends, to exchange ideas how to improve the state we live in. At the Social Forum Calderdale we meet to share our experiences and to rise above the petty quarrels of politics in organising activities and campaigns focussed on making our part of West Yorkshire a stronger healthier community and linking with other social forums who are doing the same across the world. We in the Social Forum movement want to search for a fair rational and sustainable way of leading our lives. We believe passionately in a society free from secrets and lies, where everyone is equal and everyone is cared for.We believe passionately in the health of the planet that we leave behind for others.We believe in getting more out of life than the shopping mall can offer us. We know they can't acheive this in a day, but we can't wait to make a start.

Social Forum Calderdale has begun by offering support in some local campaigns set up to fight the closure of a much needed primary school, the plan to drive a major new road scheme through the heart of a community and the proposal to create a business park on a much loved piece of open space. Our aim is to reach out to all communities and to involve as many people as possible and to create links with others who are doing the same all over the world.We hope to have a presence at as many local events as possible this summer.

We need your ideas, we we need your pasion, we need you to join us in getting some real satisfaction out of making Calderdale a better place to live in.

[michele cryer]

Hey Ernie! what a wonderful, optimistic post!!! I wish you and the others in the Calderdale Social Forum lots of success in your campaigns...

Please feel free to become a regular member of this forum, and others in your group too...and let us know if you need our practical support in any way...

Thanks for letting us know what is going on in your part of the UK and how you are achieving your aims...