|
|
Post by michele cryer on Feb 9, 2005 17:25:02 GMT
This is a forwarded message I have received...
What is Manchester Social Forum?
It is part of a global campaigning network. It is not a political party¡Kit's a place where people discuss ideas and take action.
It aims to give the people and groups of Manchester an opportunity to do something about their concerns in and around Manchester.
There are no leaders to obey, no manifesto to implement, there is no 'members only' policy, just people who want to make a real difference!
The only 'rules' are 'The Charter of Principles' which were set out at the 1st World Social Forum (yes, there are social forums everywhere!) and these only exist to protect the 'open to all' policy!
The general purpose of the social forum locally, nationally and internationally is to link individuals and groups who share a common goal, CHANGE! In it's relatively short life (since 2003) Manchester Social Forum has helped by initiating and/or supporting MANY causes (see over for a list of some of these).
So if you have ever thought "but what can I do about it?" come to the Manchester Social Forum at The Friends Meeting House on Mount St.
(behind the central library)
every Thursday at 7:30 PM and find out!
to subscribe to our list
manchestersocialforum-subscribe@lists.riseup.net
Morning:
10 - 10.30 Welcome and introducing each others.
From Porto Alegre: what happened at the World Social Forum
10.30 - 12.00 Workshops
We planned to use 6 spaces to talk about
„h Peace/antiwar
¡P AntiG8 and alternatives
¡P Enviroment
¡P Community struggles and future plans for Manchester
¡P Workers/casual jobs
¡P Civil rights - civil liberties
¡P Migrants and racism
We are asking all different groups, associations, TUs, individuals to work together and network in order to organize the workshops.
12- 1 pm Let's eat together! Bring something! Share with the others!
1.00- 3.00 The fair of alternativity
Have a stall or a table in the hall. Talk about what you are doing at the present. Network with people in other groups in affinity areas. Have short presentations
Ex: Boycott Coke, Boycott Israeli product ....and fair trade or Palestinian trade!
The NO to....and the YES for....
2 hours when people can go from one stall to the other and know better about what they are interested in and the chance of small meetings during these 2 hours
3.00 - 4.00 : People¡¦s Assembly: Call for actions coming from the workshops and the day activities
Social in the evening with music and food
If anybody can suggest a place for the social in the evening is welcome
There is also the idea of inviting creative people to express themselves in an exibition on.......
All the tzunamis in this world - natural and human desasters
If you are interested in organizing a workshop, having a stall or a table, talk about your campaign, organaze the exibition, give us a hand for the food and the social or anything else please contact us sending an email to maciacia50@hotmail.com and we will give you all the support to connect with other groups.
cination with whether or not it would ever appear..connect with other groups.
|
|
|
|
Post by bryan on Feb 23, 2005 0:04:21 GMT
NOTICE OF FORTHCOMING MANCHESTER PEOPLES' ASSEMBLY now being organised by Manchester Social Forum:
It will be held on Saturday 16th, April 2005 at the Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester between 10am and 5pm.
There will be workshops in the morning session. These will include:
1) Racism in the community and asylum seekers.
2) Globalisation.
3) Work place organisations, casualisation & health & safety.
4) Gender issues.
5) Environmental questions.
6) Community struggles.
More details will be forthcoming later but Burnley Anarchists and other sympathisers are welcome to attend.
|
|
|
|
Post by michele cryer on Feb 23, 2005 4:26:14 GMT
Here is the last version of the invitation for the People's Assembly we are helding on the 16th April with the changes we decided tonight at the meeting
Please print it and send to your contacts
Please notice that
Mariangela responsable for the workshop on migrants, and Palestine and boycott campaigns
Peter, Tola and Shaun for antiG8
Sarah for environment and antiwar
Barry for comunity struggles
Brian and Emma workers and casual Job
Chad can you work on civil liberties and ID card?
These people are not running the workshops but invite groups and individuals to network in order to organize for it and for the fair in the afternoon.
7 April meeting on electricians, casual jobs ...what's happening. Consensus in not having political reps in the platform
16th April 2005 :
Morning:
10 – 10.30 Welcome and introducing each others.
From Porto Alegre: what happened at the World Social Forum
10.30 – 12.00 Workshops
We planned to use 6 spaces to talk about
Peace/antiwar
AntiG8 and alternatives
Enviroment
Community struggles and future plans for Manchester
Workers/casual jobs
Civil rights – civil liberties
Migrants and racism
We are asking all different groups, associations, TUs, individuals to work together and network in order to organize the workshops.
12- 1 pm Let's eat together! Bring something! Share with the others!
1.00– 3.00 The fair of alternativity
Have a stall or a table in the hall. Talk about what you are doing at the present. Network with people in other groups in affinity areas. Have short presentations
Ex: Boycott Coke, Boycott Israeli product ....and fair trade or Palestinian trade!
The NO to....and the YES for....
2 hours when people can go from one stall to the other and know better about what they are interested in and the chance of small meetings during these 2 hours
3.00 – 4.00 : People’s Assembly: Call for actions coming from the workshops and the day activities
Social in the evening with music and food
If anybody can suggest a place for the social in the evening is welcome
There is also the idea of inviting creative people to express themselves in an exibition on.......
All the tzunamis in this world - natural and human desasters
If you are interested in organizing a workshop, having a stall or a table, talk about your campaign, organaze the exibition, give us a hand for the food and the social or anything else please contact us sending an email to maciacia50@hotmail.com and we will give you all the support to connect with other groups.
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve on Feb 23, 2005 17:00:44 GMT
Er, the workshops don't seem to match in the above two posts.
|
|
|
|
Post by michele cryer on Feb 24, 2005 2:37:10 GMT
Hmm...I see what you mean Steve...the posts I've made are from emails I've received from the organisers of the event, I believe...
Perhaps the guest poster, Bryan, will be able to comment on the agenda/workshops that he has listed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Barry Woodling on Mar 2, 2005 14:59:08 GMT
There is considerable interest being shown in the 3rd Manchester Peoples Assembly to be held on Saturday 16th April 05 at 10am at the Friends Meeting House , Mount Street Manchester. There are a variety of workshops in the morning and groups are invited to have stalls in the afternoon. Everyone is welcome to attend in what promises to be a very interesting and stimulating event.
Barry Woodling
Manchester Social Forum.
Northern Anarchist Network.
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve on Mar 2, 2005 17:38:28 GMT
That's all very well & good but do we take it the workshops posted by Bryan are just another figment of his imagination and the ones posted in the forwarded massage by Michele are the right ones?
|
|
|
|
Post by Mitch on Mar 2, 2005 18:04:34 GMT
Umm confusing - is 'gender issues' in, or is it out. Wouldn't mind being a fly on the wall in that 'workshop', but it appears to be out.
A puzzled Mitch ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by paul slater weller on Mar 2, 2005 19:24:51 GMT
im goner have the mother of all piss ups when thatcher dies along with 70.000 ex yorkshire miners
|
|
|
|
Post by michele cryer on Mar 2, 2005 23:32:28 GMT
LOL...so will many more I think!!! ;D Have u been having a few bevvies tonight mister? We don't normally see so many posts from you in one evening! Makes a nice change darling...come again!!! Teehee  |
|
|
|
Post by Barry Woodling on Apr 11, 2005 12:35:17 GMT
The Manchester Peoples Assembly takes place on Saturday 16th April at 10 am at Friends Meeting House Mount Street. There will be workshops in the morning and campaign stalls in the afternoon. This is an event well worth attending.
Barry Woodling
Manchester Social Forum
Northern Anarchist Network
|
|
|
|
Post by bryan on Apr 15, 2005 0:32:13 GMT
GROUPS DOWN TO ATTEND
mANCHESTER pEOPLES' ASSEMBLY:
1. SAVE SWALLOW'S WOOD CAMPAIGN.
2. OLIVE CO-OP.
3. ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK 4 MANCHESTER.
4. CADU: CAMPAIGN AGAINST DEPLETED URANIUM,
5. STAR MANCHESTER.
6. MANCHESTER FRIENDS OF THE EARTH.
7. CND.
8. NO SWEAT.
9. FAUZATPEACE.
10. NCADC.
11. TAMIL IN SRI LANKA.
12. DYSPRAXIA ADULTS ACTION.
13. ANTI G8 NETWORK.
14. M&S PICKETS.
15. MANCHESTER AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL GROUP.
16. EMERGE RECYCLING.
17. MANCHESTER AGAINST INCINERATION AND ECO FURNITURE.
18. FATHERS 4 JUSTICE.
19. HYDROGEN ENERGY.
20. MANCHESTER SOCIAL FORUM.
21. PALISTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN.
22. MANCHESTER ANARCHIST GROUP.
23. GEORGE HOUSE TRUST (AIDS PROJECT)
24. PPI FORUM (COMMISSION FOR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN HEALTH-VOLUNTARY ORG)
25. REFUGEES WELCOME CAMPAIGN
26. P.IN. PROJECT (AIDS PROJECT)
27. OXFAM.
28. DEFY ID
29 CREATIVE RECYCLING
30. MOSES' CAMPAIN
31 PSYCHOGEOGRAPHY GROUP
32. MANCHESTER ANIMAL PROTECTION
33. LONGSITE TRANSPORT GROUP.
|
|
|
|
Post by michele cryer on Apr 15, 2005 11:53:16 GMT
That's an interesting mix of groups Bryan...I really wish I could be at the event but I've been heavily involved with planning the Lets Social and Trading Event in Burnley, on the same day, and have to be there! Sorry... Hope your event is a success...  |
|
|
|
Post by bryan on Apr 18, 2005 6:11:12 GMT
3rd MANCHESTER PEOPLES ASSEMBLY.
After a slow start last Saturday's 3rd Peoples Assembly got into its stride with the workshops starting at 11am, inside of 10,30am as promised.
When I was there there the odd complaint from Defy ID that there were not enough people to run the Civil Rights Workshop. At that time only one person ~ Naitham, the companero of Cath Bant ~ had come from Defy ID, Heather one of their most prominent members is in Cuba on holiday. Also Father 4 Justice, another participant in the Civil Rights Workshop, had only a lad from Ashton there.
It seems that some still don't grasp how a Social Forum works. The idea is that a space is created for various campaigns by the Social Forum, and the campaigns then fill it and exchange ideas.
Fathers 4 Justice had been particuly keen, in the run up to the PEOPLES ASSEMBLY, to learn ideas about how to sustain an organisation and membership. In Fathers 4 Justice, people sometimes drift off after their own problem of access etc has been solved. Thus while they can put on spectacular acts of bravery, they can't always hold onto their membership. Some of their members have been the subject of anti-terrorist legistlation and asbos.
Other groups can hold onto members, but can't do anything much. I am told that later many of the Workshops went well, once they got going (I had to attend a Trade Council meeting at which the Social Forum and the electricians' meeting held on 7th, April was being discussed). Starting late is a familiar problem for anarchists and libertarians.
When we came back with some trade unionists in the afternoon, the Peoples Assembly Fair was in full flow: with probably several hundred people going thru past the stalls of Asylum Seekers, Solidarity Federation, Anarchist Fed, the Tamils, the Friends of the Earth etc. There were loads of folk there, and the atmosphere was good. Several members of Calderdale Social Forum were there.
We went off early - Derek had a bit of clostrophopia - but I understand the report-back from the Workshops ~ chaired by Barry ~ was excelent. The collection for stalls and the payment for the food raised well over £300 and the event broke even. We went to the BASEMENT on Lever Street, and that was packed by young anarchists and other odds and sods from the GREATER MANCHESTER SCENE. Later the organisers of the PEOPLES ASSEMBLY started to turn up.
Others, who were there all the time, will give a better report than this. Some, like Paul of the NORTHERN VOICES AFFINITY GROUP (and formerly of the Manchester Socal Forum), have already criticised the event as being unfocused: he told me 'it wasn't nearly as focused as the electricians' SHOCK OF THE NEW EVENT on the 7th, April'. This view seems to show some misunderstanding of the different nature of the two events. It seems that once someone has left an organisation one doesn't like to see it succeed; this goes for all of us or so it seems.
THE GREAT THING ABOUT SATURDAY WAS THAT THE SOCIALIST WORKERS PARTY BOYCOTED THE EVENT, TOGETHER WITH, IT SEEMS, WORKERS POWER. THIS NOW SHOWS THAT THE LIBERTARIAN LEFT HAS CLOUT IN MANCHESTER. FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE LATE 1960s THE LIBERTARIANS IN THIS CITY ARE BECOMING A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. WATCH OUT FOR SOME LIBERTARIAN SIDE SHOW AS THE SWP TRY TO REGAIN THE INITIATIVE.
|
|
|
|
Post by bryan on Apr 18, 2005 6:18:00 GMT
ABOVE I SHOULD HAVE SAID: "WATCH OUT FOR SOME PSUEDO-LIBERTARIAN SIDE SHOW PUT ON BY THE SWP, AS THEY TRY TO GAIN THE INITIATIVE FROM THE LIBERTARIANS AND THE ANARCHISTS IN MANCHESTER."
|
|
|
|
Post by michele cryer on Apr 18, 2005 11:42:01 GMT
Thank you for your extensive review of the 3rd Manchester People's Assembly on Saturday...
It would be interesting to read some comments from the organisers regarding the opinions of the visiting groups, and their stance on anarchy/libetarianism, and whether they feel that their groups can be classed as such...
Very interested to know what impression the Fathers4Justice group made...
Please could you ask someone who attended if they could provide some more coverage for us?
Thanks in advance,
michele
|
|
|
|
Post by bryan on Apr 20, 2005 6:22:21 GMT
Michele, when Fathers4Justice first attended the Manchester Social Forum some weeks ago in the run up to LAST WEEK'S PEOPLES' ASSEMBLY they got a few critical questions from Marieangela among others.
Why did they use the word 'Fathers', when some mothers were deprived access as well? The answer came back that 'Fathers' was used to catch peoples attention, because it had the naughtiness of being unpolitically correct.
I understand Comrade M from Manchester Sol. Fed. attended a meeting of 'Fathers4Justice' two weeks ago in Manchester. He could probably supply more info to this Forum. Comrade M of Manchester Sol Fed. is one of the only people in Manchester Social Forum with something like a permanent position: he is now one of our two Treasurers of the Manchester Social Forum. And as far as I can see he is doing a good job: at least he helped raise £300 & odd quid at the PEOPLES' ASSEMBLY last week.
For my part, I can only take people as I find them. Fathers4Justice, who are skillful at grabbing the publics' attention and don't, like some, suffer from camara shyness and stage fright, they probably have something to offer a radical movement. Certainly the one who have turned up at the Manchester Social Forum are articulate, intellegent and give straught forward answers to critical questions.
|
|
|
|
Post by michele cryer on Apr 20, 2005 7:35:26 GMT
Thank you Brian...it would be interesting to know what they are like 'on the inside' I suppose, rather than at PR events/stunts.
I'm sorry to sound a little cynical about them, you know how the old saying goes about gossip: 'no smoke without fire'...I'm just afraid that some of those involved with the organisation may also be involved in some extreme right wing organisations too, although these claims may be unfounded...I believe this issue was discussed at length on the Erager forums some months ago, but there was widespread differing viewpoints about the group in general.
I would like to know more.
|
|
|
|
Post by bryan on Apr 26, 2005 7:04:09 GMT
Also on enrager:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northern anarchists from the NAN and members of the Manchester Social Forum were present at the G8 conference in Manchester on Saturday April 23rd. Also present were Kick Start, CND, lots of students and Workers Power. Notable by their absence was the SWP and RESPECT; no doubt they were out on election business.
In the morning Paul Cammack, a classical Marxist from Manchester Metropolitan University, argued against Blair's Commission for Africa. 'A cloak of moral virtue to legitimise a neo-liberal Trojan Horse' was his view.
John Nicholson gave a paper entitle 'No Borders' arguing that national borders are not a natural feature of life.
Dr Ed Amman Addressed the issue of Globalisation, 'development', and Latin America. He examined the evolution of the neo-liberal agenda in Latin America since the 1980s. He tackled the recent dramatic events in Bolivia and Ecuador, as well as earlier events in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Venezula. He was also critical of the 'one party state' in Cuba. A questioner from the Revolutionary Communist Group made a terrible gaff, which he later admitted, when he said 'these people (Latin Americans) are
mostly illiterate and therefore don't have politics'. To suggest that illiterate people are too dumb to understand what to do is typical of some Marxists. How come the less school educated Spaniards in the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s put a better fight against Fascism than the highly educated German socialists and communists did against the Nazis?
The Plenary: Introducing Direct Action was addressed by Alison Crane of CND and Mark Hoskisson (Workers Power). We said we would try to get something on the G8 put on the agenda of the National Annual Conference of the TUCs to be held in Liverpool in June.
In the afternoon, Alison Crane (CND) did sessions on 'Exploring Active non-violence' and 'Dealing with confrontation'. Alex (Northern Arts Tactical Offensive) gave a session on Subvertising on how to do radical graffiti on posters and advertisements: how to hijack the message by adbusting.
In the Plenary: Where Next:
It was observed that G8 tended to call meetings which clashed with the Thursday meetings of the MANCHESTER SOCIAL FORUM. It was suggested that this be avoided in future. A northern anarchist pointed out that while the Workers Power group has considerable influence among the students: the MANCHESTER SOCIAL FORUM has strong links with the Manchester workers and trade unions. In this respect it would be absurd to organise meetings that clash. The G8 group said they would consider this at their next meeting on this coming Thursday.
|
|
|
|
Post by bryan on Apr 28, 2005 23:18:05 GMT
MANCHESTER SOCIAL FORUM:
Tonight the Social Forum had an inquest into the PEOPLES' ASSEMBLY of the 16th, April. The feeling was that it was a success particularly the FAIR in the afternoon.
There was some discussion of how best to proceed in future. Chad thought it may be better to have had the Fair in the morning and the workshops in the afternoon. The turn up for the morning workshops was low in some cases and a few workshops such as civil lberties didn't run. Over a hundred people attended the fair.
At this meeting of the Social Forum a bloke from Preston was present. He said that Preston is a dead and alive hole. The Defy-ID Group he was involvrd in gets about 10, but other organisations are tiny.
In Greater Manchester there were promising reports from Swinton where Northern Voices and the campaigns against the destruction of the city centre are hotting up. There were even physical threats against the local Labour MP, and the Labour Councillors slunk away with there tails between their legs as a meeting of 200 almost got out of control protesting against plans to build in the city centre.
Meanwhile, we await for the big one to burst when the Manchester Industrial Tribunal reports on the electrician's Redidies Hearing. Regarding this Workers' Memorial Day there have been further reports of accidents at work on both the Manchester Ardale and Spinningfield sites.
|
|
|
|
Post by bryan on May 2, 2005 6:49:04 GMT
MANCHESTER SOCIAL FORUM & MANCHESTER RADICAL BOOKFAIR:
The Manchester Social Forum had a stall at the Radical Bookfair on the eve of May Day (30/4/05) at the BASEMENT on Level Street (off Piccadilly). This Fair was the best ever held in Manchester. Sales of NORTHERN VOICES was well up on previous FAIRS. There were over 20 stalls; including Sol Fed, AF, News from Nowhere (Liverpool), Anarchists & Social Workers, Cunningham Amendment, Total Liberty, Northern Voices, Freedom, Bob Jones Bradford Books, Psycho-Geography,
and many more.
During the day hundreds passed through, there were no meetings, and it was generally thought the event was a roaring success. A future BOOKFAIR is now being planned for early December.
|
|
|
|
Post by michele cryer on May 3, 2005 12:28:52 GMT
Sounds great Brian...I'm definitely planning a trip to that bookshop at some time in the future...
|
|
|
|
Post by bryan on Jun 5, 2005 5:04:28 GMT
The possibility of a visit to the Manchester Social Forum by Burnley anarchists was discussed at the last Manchester Social Forum. As was a possible visit by Marieangela to Burnley to explain her ideas on the concept.
Most people present expressed enthusiasm to meet the Burnley group & exchange ideas. The next Manchester Soc. For. is the 16th, June.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mitch on Jun 6, 2005 9:26:23 GMT
The possibility of a visit to the Manchester Social Forum by Burnley anarchists was discussed at the last Manchester Social Forum. As was a possible visit by Marieangela to Burnley to explain her ideas on the concept. Most people present expressed enthusiasm to meet the Burnley group & exchange ideas. The next Manchester Soc. For. is the 16th, June. Sounds like a very good idea - can be a little difficult for us to get to Manchester weekday evenings. Rob was telling me a little about the Manchester Social Forum when he was over for our meeting! |
|
|
|
Post by bryan on Jun 7, 2005 6:40:20 GMT
Rob was one of the founders members of the Manchester Social Forum. Rob came to a NAN meeting about 2 years ago in Hebden Bridge ~ the one addressed by Jim Petty & Mike Luft from Oldham ~ and urged us to get involved in the Forum.
At that time Comrade M (Ron) & Manchester Sol Fed were a bit nervous of getting involved. After some urging Comrade M came & later one or two others from Sol Fed. Comrade M was the only one who came consistently though. I am never quite sure if he came as a 'delegate of Sol Fed', as claimed by Steve (Preston) in one of his posts, or as an 'individual', as claimed by Brighid in one of her posts.
As I recall he (Comrade M) was critical of the Social Forum for a long time when at Sol Fed meetings during the Summer/Autumn of 2003 at Sol Fed public meetings. Though he is now an estemed official (the Treasurer) of the Manchester Social Forum & one would now expect him to uphold the spirit and principles of the Forum and express his public commitment to it. I don't know if the Sol Fed advertises the Social Forum in its publications, but they ought to since they are happy enough to use its facilities such as stalls at the PEOPLES ASSEMBLY.
THIS IS THE PROBLEM: SOME PEOPLE TEND TO USE THE SOCIAL FORUM AS A TAKEAWAY. I don't just mean the Sol Fed here, Comrade M is at least doing a decent job as Treasurer, but many groups come down just to rally our support behind their own cause only to drift off once the FORUM has served its purpose.
|
|
|
|
Post by michele cryer on Jun 10, 2005 2:33:27 GMT
Thanks for the invite Bryan...as Mitch said, it can be a little difficult for us to travel to Manchester in the weekday evenings...however, tho this is VERY short notice...may I extend a personal invite to your Manchester Social Forum friends to come to a BBQ/camping party at my house this Saturday evening, if anyone is available? If you're a confirmed carnivore and insist on particular meats, please bring yer own...same for vegans, sorry...but there will be lots of other veggie food available...Please PM me on here if you think you would like to come? or send me an email...as you can see, things seem to be back to normal for now...love to see you all there...
|
|
|
|
Post by Manchester Burnley on Jun 18, 2005 7:51:19 GMT
Sorry Michele it will be difficult for us to get up to Burnley this weekend. I'm preparing the next Northen Voices at the moment & I'm in Court again next week.
Marieangela is willing to come up to discuss setting up a forum in Burnley at some time in the future. Naturally the G8 is the main worry just now.
Hope to see you all soon. We should try to do a joint link-up soon though: perhaps with electricians as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by michele cryer on Jun 19, 2005 18:32:16 GMT
Hiya Manchester Burnley...thanks for posting...no worries about not making it up here for the BBQ or whatever...Mitch says we can come over to Manchester and meet you all some Thursday evening soon...so we will let you know when...also Marieangela is more than welcome to visit us on a Thursday evening too, when it's convenient for her, so please let us know when.
Looking forward to seeing you all soon...
|
|
