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@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@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.