Oxford Indymedia Mission Statement

We are a group of activists of diverse backgrounds, involved in a number of local and international projects and struggles. Politically, we endorse the hallmarks of People s Global Action. We recognise (amongst others who have also expressed an interest in this project) that Oxford would benefit greatly from a central node of communication, giving our diverse networks and groups and unaffiliated individuals a chance to share information and work more effectively together. In addition, a local indymedia would allow local residents who have no local contacts or voice, to reach out to the wider community with issues, stories and views which affect local people.

Oxford is a city split by two distinctly different universities, four distinctly different areas (North, East, West and South), huge housing estates and towns (Blackbird Leys, Headington, Cowley) which although part of the city itself, are also communities within themselves.

Many campaigns in Oxford are long running (such as Close Campsfield, CAMEO) and others spring up and die. It is also home to several international nodes (Corporatewatch, Undercurrents). Often campaigns will run which people might not hear about at all, because communication within Oxford between activists, communities and individuals is divided down several political and social divides.

Oxford's local media is conservative and remote. Oxford Indymedia aims to be the opposite - open, inclusive and able to embrace conflicting view points. Benefit gigs, social events and stalls will provide some outreach to people, but even better would be door-to-door leafleting with Oxford Indymedia details. When people are empowered with information - and even better - given a tool to empower themselves with information, which will always be a far better way of communicating ideas (allowing people to work connections out, formulate their own viewpoints based on diverse opinions and a number of hard facts) then they can decide how they stand on issues better. They will also react to action taken by those who are disempowered in a more understanding manner. It might even be possible that people who previously would have disagreed with an issue, or a direct action, actually lend their support in one way or another. We committ to making a special effort to involve communities which are marginalised economically, racially or otherwise. We also stress the need to deal with gender divisions and with 'professional' activism and specialisation in both technical and content areas.

A future project (providing the funds and support is there) would be a local newssheet with a round up of newswire features covering local issues, and placing them in a wider political context. It is our belief that when individuals hear everyday people (not politicians, bosses, 'community leaders') speak about issues, it is easier to empathise if not express support for issues that others might be grappling with.

We hope you understand our motivations for setting up a local node of the Indymedia Network, and help us to create an inclusive, open and effective local media which actually goes towards improving people's lives.

Oxford Indymedia, 26.06.2003 01:46