HANDBOOK FOR NONVIOLENT ACTION

Considering how dangerous everything is, nothing is really very frightening. Gertrude Stein Introduction This handbook comes out of a pieces. Political struggles within may not recognize them anymore. long tradition of nonviolent direct groups about certain subject areas In an attempt to give credit to all the action handbooks. It pays tribute to were often accepted as mandatory volunteers who have labored over the progressive and social change pieces in future handbooks. There handbooks we are listing below the movements that have brought us to were many landmark handbooks handbook committees of three of the where we are today. For years many that broke new ground in expanding handbooks listed above. We want to of us have lamented the fact that we areas covered. "June 14, 1982, Block- thank everyone who has contri- didn't have one handbook we could ade the Bombmakers" created for buted to the others, especially those use in an ongoing way for training the civil disobedience action for the artists and photographers whose sessions, and as a primer for people Second Session for Disarmament at work still inspires. who want to know more about non- the United Nations, organized by Throughout this handbook are violent action. We have often been the War Resisters League, has con- photographs representing a wide faced with trying to locate outdated tributed greatly to this handbook. range of nonviolent actions within handbooks from previous actions, Another which broke new ground the United States. Their diversity or having no prepared resource and is also used extensively here is shows the scope of nonviolent re- available. This handbook is an the "International Day of Nuclear sistance — from individual to mass attempt to fill that need. We Disarmament Handbook" produced actions, addressing many progres- laughingly refer to this as our by the Livermore Action Group in sive issues. Most of the photos are "generic handbook" which we hope Berkeley, California in 1983. The from the 1980's, dispelling the myth people will use, adding supple- handbook for the Supreme Court that civil disobedience and direct ac- ments as needed for specific actions. Action, "Out and Outraged: For tions are something from the past. We hope this will be useful to both Love, Life and Liberation" from They serve as an inspiration for people and organizations wishing to October 13, 1987, for the National those contemplating action. promote or learn more about non- March for Lesbian and Gay Rights, is To facilitate nonviolence training; violent action. another example furthering the the War Resisters League has a In 1978 the Clamshell Alliance boundaries of information covered. directory listing nonviolence train- produced a handbook for a civil dis- Often this new work expanded the ers from across the U.S. If you'd like obedience action at the yet unbuilt oppression and nonviolence sec- more information about nonvio- Seabrook nuclear power plant in tions of the handbooks so that we lence trainers or would like to join New Hampshire. In the following could understand the obstacles and the network, please contact War Re- years most major civil disobedience promise that our movement faces. sisters League. actions produced their own hand- books following the format of the We have not been able to give cre- first Clamshell one. It has been excit- dit to original authors in all cases. Kate Donnelly for the handbook ing to watch as each new handbook Many early handbooks were a col- committee. is produced. Many of the same arti- lective project which did not single cles have been used over and over, out specific authors, and some but each handbook committee made pieces have been so altered over the "Blockade the Bombmakers" Hand- a few important changes to classic years that even the original authors book People who worked on "Blockade Handbook Committee: the Bombmakers" handbook: Prices Peg and Belle Averill, Steve Banks, Nancy Alach, Karen Beetle, Laura Margaret Bergamini, Riley Bostrum, $3 each. Booth, Kate Donnelly, and Patt Julia Cochrane, Kate Donnelly, Ed 10-50 $1.50each;51+ $1 ea. Needham. Hedemann, Holly Hodge, Thad- (add 20% postage). Thanks to: Mavis Belisle, David deus Jurczynski, Sharon Klein- Freedman, Laura Gibbons and baum, Lauri Lowell, John Miller, Available from: Craig Simpson. Esther Pank, Susan Pines, Murray War Resisters League Edited and Designed by Kate Don- Rosenblith and John Seward. 339 Lafayette Street nelly. "International Day of Nuclear Dis- New York, NY 10012 armament" Handbook Collective: 212/228-0450 or Cover photo: Demonstrators pro- Donna Canali, Patrick Diehl, Arleen tested every day for six weeks, lying Feng, Jim Hildreth, John Lavine and Donnelly/Colt Graphix, in the road to stop trucks containing Box 188, Hampton, CT 06247 Karen Rachels. PCB-laced soil to dump in Warren "Out and Outraged: For Love, Life 203/455-9621. County, North Carolina, in 1982. and Liberation" handbook Com- Photo by Jenny Labalme. From "A mittee: First printing, 10,000 copies, August Road To Walk — A Struggle For En- 1989 Nancy Alach, Karen Beetle, Laura vironmental Justice," 1987. Avail- Booth, Katherine Diaz, Eileen Han- Second printing, 10,000 able from Regulator Bookshop, 720 sen and Jessica Shubow. copies, January 1991. Ninth Street, Durham, NC 27705. 2 X-523 Table of Contents

Introduction 2 History of Mass Nonviolent Action 4 Nonviolent Response to Personal Violence 5 Practicing Nonviolence 6 Nonviolence Training 7 Affinity Groups 8-9 Consensus Decision Making 10 Working Together for Change 11 Legal Issues/Risking Arrest 12 Representing Yourself 14 Noncooperation 15 Jail Solidarity 16 Serving Time in Jail 17 We're All in the Same Boat 18 Oppression 19 Racism 20 Racism Guidelines 21 Anti-Semitism 22 Sexism 23 Confronting Classism 24 Agism 25 Homophobia 26 Disability Awareness 27 Peacekeepers We Make a Difference 29 Campaigns 30-32 Bibliography 33 Periodicals 34

3 History of Mass Nonviolent Action

The use of nonviolence runs civil rights movement changed the feminism and nonviolence were throughout history. There have face of the South. The Congress of coming together. In November of been numerous instances of people Racial Equality (CORE) initiated 1980 and 1981 the Women's Penta- courageously and nonviolently re- modern nonviolent action for civil gon Actions, where hundreds of fusing cooperation with injustice. rights with sit-ins and a freedom ride women came together to challenge However, the fusion of organized in the 1940s. The successful Mont- patriarchy and militarism, took mass struggle and nonviolence is re- gomery bus boycott electrified the place. A movement grew that found latively new. It originated largely nation. Then, the early 1960s ex- ways to use direct action to put with Mohandas Gandhi in 1906 at ploded with nonviolent actions: sit- pressure on the military establish- the onset of the South African cam- ins at lunch counters and other facili- ment and to show positive examples paign for Indian rights. Later, the ties, organized by the Student Non- of life-affirming ways to live Indian struggle for complete inde- violent Coordinating Committee together. This movement spawned pendence from the British Empire (SNCC); Freedom Rides to the South women's peace camps at military included a number of spectacular organized by CORE; the nonviolent bases around the world from nonviolent campaigns. Perhaps the battles against segregation in Birm- Greenham Common, England to most notable was the year-long Salt ingham, Alabama, by the Southern Puget Sound Peace Camp in campaign in which 100,000 Indians Christian Leadership Conference Washington state, with camps in were jailed for deliberately violating (SCLC); and the 1963 March on Japan and Italy among others. the Salt Laws. Washington, which drew 250,000 The anti-apartheid movement in The refusal to counter the violence participants. the 80s has built upon the powerful of the repressive social system with Opponents of the Vietnam War and empowering use of civil dis- more violence is a tactic that has also employed the use of draft card burn- obedience by the civil rights move- been used by other movements. The ings, draft file destruction, mass de- ment in the 60s. In November of militant campaign for women's suf- monstrations (such as the 500,000 1984, a campaign began that in- frage in Britain included a variety of who turned out in 1969 in Washing- volved daily civil disobedience in nonviolent tactics such as boycotts, ton, D.C.), sit-ins, blocking induc- front of the South African Embassy. noncooperation, limited property tion centers, draft and tax resistance, People, including members of Con- destruction, civil disobedience, and the historic 1971 May Day traffic gress, national labor and religious mass marches and demonstrations, blocking in Washington, D.C. in leaders, celebrities, students, com- filling the jails, and disruption of which 13,000 people were arrested. munity leaders, teachers, and public ceremonies. Since the mid-70s, we have seen others, risked arrest every weekday The Salvadoran people have used increasing nonviolent activity for over a year. In the end over 3,100 nonviolence as one powerful and against the nuclear arms race and people were arrested protesting necessary element of their struggle. nuclear power industry. Nonviolent apartheid and U.S. corporate and Particularly during the 1960s and civil disobedience actions have government support. At the same 70s, Christian based communities, taken place at dozens of nuclear time, support actions for this cam- labor unions, campesino organiza- weapons research installations, stor- paign were held in 26 major cities, tions, and student groups held age areas, missile silos, test sites, resulting in an additional 5,000 occupations and sit-ins at universi- military bases, corporate and gov- arrests. ties, government offices, and places ernment offices and nuclear power We also saw civil disobedience of work such as factories and plants. In the late 1970s mass civil being incorporated as a key tactic in haciendas. disobedience actions took place at the movement against intervention There is rich tradition of nonvio- nuclear power plants from Sea- in Central America. Beginning in lent protest in this country as well, brook, New Hampshire to the Di- 1983, national actions at the White including Harriet Tubman's under- ablo Canyon reactor in California House and State Department as well ground railroad during the civil war and most states in between in this as local actions began to spread. In and Henry David Thoreau's refusal country and in other countries November 1984, the Pledge of Re- to, pay war taxes. Nonviolent civil around the world. In 1982, 1750 peo- sistance was formed. Since then, disobedience was a critical factor in ple were arrested at the U.N. mis- over 5,000 people have been gaining women the right to vote in sions of the five major nuclear pow- arrested at military installations, the United States, as well. ers. Mass actions took place at the congressional offices, federal build- The U.S. labor movement has also Livermore Laboratories in California ings, and CIA offices. Many people used nonviolence with striking and SAC bases in the midwest. In have also broken the law by provid- effectiveness in a number of in- the late 80s a series of actions took ing sanctuary for Central American stances, such as the Industrial Work- place at the Nevada test site. Inter- refugees and through the Lenten ers of the World (IWW) free speech national disarmament actions Witness, major denomination repre- confrontations, the Congress of In- changed world opinion about nuc- sentatives have participated in dustrial Organizations (CIO) sit- lear weapons. weekly nonviolent civil disobedi- down strikes from 1935-1937 in auto In 1980 women who were con- ence actions at the Capitol. plants, and the UFW grape and let- cerned with the destruction of the Student activists have incorpo- tuce boycotts. Earth and who were interested in rated civil disobedience in both their Using mass nonviolent action, the exploring the connections between anti-apartheid and Central America 4 work. Divestment became the cam- pus slogan of the 80s. Students built in a nonthreatening manner — shantytowns and staged sit-ins at Nonviolent you can interrupt the flow of Adminstrator's offices. Hundreds events that would have culmin- have been arrested resulting in the Response to ated in an act of violence. You divestment of over 130 campuses must create a scenario new to and the subsequent withdrawal of your opponent. over $4 billion from the South Afri- Personal 6. Seek to befriend your opponent's can economy. Central America stu- better nature; even the most brut- dent activists have carried out cam- Violence al and brutalized among us have paigns to protest CIA recruitment on some spark of decency which the campuses. Again, hundreds of stu- Nonviolence focuses on com- nonviolent defender can reach. dents across the country have been munication: 7. Don't shut down in response to arrested in this effort. 1. Your objectives must be reason- physical violence; you have to Nonviolent direct action has been able. You must believe you are play it by ear. The best rule is to an integral part of the renewed activ- fair and you must be able to com- resist as firmly as you can with- ism in the lesbian and gay commun- municate this to your opponent. out escalating the anger or the ity since 1987, when ACT UP (AIDS violence. Try varying approaches 2. Maintain as much eye contact as and keep trying to alter your Coalition to Unleash Power) was possible. formed. ACT UP and other groups opponent's picture of the situa- have organized hundreds of civil 3. Make no abrupt gestures. Move tion. disobedience actions across the slowly. When practical, tell your opponent what you are going to 8. Get your opponent talking and country, focusing not only on AIDS listen to what s/he says. Encour- but on the increasing climate of do before you do it. Don't say anything threatening, critical, or age him/her to talk about what homophobia and attacks on lesbians s/he believes, wishes, fears. and gay men. On October 13, 1987, hostile. Don't argue but at the same time the Supreme Court was the site of 4. Don't be afraid of stating the don't give the impression you the first national lesbian and gay obvious; say simply, "You're agree with assertions that are civil disobedience action, where shouting at me," or "You're hurt- cruel or immoral. The listening is nearly 600 people were arrested pro- ing my arm." more important than what you testing the decision in Hardwick vs. 5. Someone in the process of com- say — keep the talk going and Bowers, which upheld sodomy mitting an act of violence has keep it calm. laws. This was the largest mass strong expectations as to how his/ — Adapted from an article arrest in D.C. since 1971. her victim will behave. If you by Markley Morris Political Analysis manage to behave differently — Power itself is not derived through violence, though in gov- ernmental form it is usually violent in nature. Governmental power is often maintained through oppres- sion and the tacit compliance of the majority of the governed. Any signi- ficant withdrawal of that compliance will restrict or dissolve governmen- tal control. Apathy in the face of in- justice is a form of violence. Struggle and conflict are often necessary to correct injustice. Our struggle is not easy, and we must not think of nonviolence as a "safe" way to fight oppression. The strength of nonviolence comes from our willingness to take personal risk without threatening other people. It is essential that we separate the individual from the role she/he plays. The "enemy" is the system that casts people in oppressive roles.

Demonstrators block the gate at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, WA. April 1988. Photo by Barbara Fogel, (c) 1988. 5 Practicing Nonviolence

"Without a direct action expression of it, violence then becomes resourceful- nonviolence, to my mind, is meaning- ness — seeing the possibilities for less." change in oneself and in others, and M.K. Gandhi having the power to act on those WANTI DONT HAVE, TO YES SOBER ALL DAY. RY. I Practice is a key word in under- possibilities. Much of the task of be- ARRESTED 70 55 PASSIVELY OR standing nonviolence. A nonviolent coming effectively nonviolent lies in RESISTING approach assumes that people take removing the preconceptions that active roles, making choices and keep us from seeing those resources. / NOT? I commitments and building on their Undoing the violence within us in- experience. It also presents a con- volves challenging myths that we stant challenge: to weave together are not good enough, not smart the diversity of individual experi- enough or not skilled enough to act. ences into an ever-changing vision. The best way to do this is to try it, There is no fixed, static "definition" working with friends or in small of nonviolence. groups at first, and starting with Nonviolence is active. Although to roleplays or less intimidating activi- some the word nonviolence implies ties like leafletting. As confidence in passivity, nonviolence is actually an our own resourcefulness grows, we active form of resistance. It analyzes become more able to support each the sources of institutional violence other in maintaining our nonviolent and intervenes on a philosophical actions. and political level through direct and persistent actions. Anger and emotional violence Gandhi's vision of nonviolence is Getting rid of the patterns of vio- translated as "clinging to truth" or lence that societal conditioning has sometimes "truth force", which in- placed in us is not always a polite cludes both determination to speak process; it involves releasing des- pair, anger, and other emotions that out even when one's truth is un- ger, it helps to create a general atti- popular, and willingness to hear the haven't been allowed to surface be- fore. The myth that emotions are tude of respect and support. Verbal truth of other people's experience. violence — snide or vicious tones, He also defined two other compo- destructive and unreliable prevents us from trusting our own experience interrupting, shouting down or mis- nents of nonviolence: the refusal to representing what people say -is harm others and willingness to suf- and forces us to rely on rigid formu- - las and people we perceive as au- the antithesis of respect and com- fer for one's beliefs. Many activists munication. When people sense this who adopt nonviolent tactics are re- thorities for guidance. Most of us have been taught that expressing an- happening, they should pause and luctant to accept these aspects philo- consider their feelings and objec- sophically, or to prescribe them to ger especially provokes disapproval, invalidation and physical attack, or tives. Clearing the air is especially others. For example, Third World important when people are feeling people in the U.S. and other coun- else will hurt others and make us suffer guilt. This conditioning serves defensive or threatened; developing tries are often pressed to use violent a sense of safety and acceptance of action to defend their lives. Some to make us both repress our own anger and also respond repressively our anger with each other helps us feminists point out that since our concentrate all our emotional ener- society pressures women to be self- to each other's anger. Anger is a sign of life. It arises with gies towards constructive, effective sacrificing, the decision to accept action. suffering is often reinforcement of recognition that injustice exists and women's oppression rather than a contains the hope that things can be "Non-violence is the constant aware- free choice. different. it is often hard to see this ness of the dignity and humanity of one- Jo Vellacott, in her essay dearly because, as Barbara Deming self and others; it seeks truth and justice; "Women, Peace and Power", speaks says, it renounces violence both in method and of violence as "resourcelessness" — ". . . our anger is in great part hidden -- in attitude; it is a courageous acceptance seeing few options, feeling like one's from others and even from ourselves - of active love and goodwill as the instru- self or small group is alone against a and when it is finally allowed to emerge ment with which to overcome evil and hostile or at best indifferent uni- into the open — this pride --- it is shak- transform both oneself and others. It is verse. Many societal institutions and ing, unsure of itself, and so quick to be the willingness to undergo suffering conventions, despite their original violent. For now it believes and yet it rather than inflict it. It excludes retalia- intention to benefit at least some doesn't quite dare to believe that it can tion and flight." people, perpetuate this violence by claim its rights at last." — Wally Nelson, depriving people of their lives, To make room for a healthy ex- consientious objector, health, self-respect or hope. Non- pression of and response to this an: civil rights activist, and tax resister

6 Nonviolence Training

Historically, nonviolence training was used extensively during the civil rights movement, in Gandhi's cam- paigns in India against the British, and in recent years in the struggles against nuclear technology, against U.S. policy in Central America and Southern Africa and for the rights of farm workers, women and people A Creative Combination Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote with AIDS, to name a few. This is the heart of my argument: We that the philosophy and practice of non- The purpose of training is for par- can put more pressure on the antagonist violence has six basic elements. First, ticipants to form a common under- for whom we show human concern. It is nonviolence is resistance to evil and standing of the use of nonviolence. precisely solicitude for his person in com- oppression. It is a human way to fight. It gives a forum to share ideas about bination with a stubborn interference Second, it does not seek to defeat or nonviolence, oppression, fears and with his actions that can give us a very humiliate the opponent, but to win his/ feelings. It allows people to meet special degree of control (precisely in our her friendship and understanding. and build solidarity with each other acting both with love, if you will — in Third, the nonviolent method is an attack and provides an opportunity to the sense that we respect his human on the forces of evil rather than against form affinity groups. It is often used rights — and truthfulness, in the sense persons doing the evil. It seeks to defeat as preparation for action and gives that we act out fully our objections to his the evil and not the persons doing the evil people a chance to learn about an violating our rights). We put upon him and injustice. Fourth, it is the willing- action, its tone, and legal ramifica- two pressures — the pressure of our de- ness to accept suffering without retalia- tions. It helps people to decide fiance of him and the pressure of our tion. Fifth, a nonviolent resister avoids whether or not they will participate respect for his life — and it happens that both external physical and internal spir- in an action. Through role playing, in combination these two pressures are itual violence — not only refuses to people learn what to expect from uniquely effective. shoot, but also to hate, an opponent. The police, officials, other people in the ethic of real love is at the center of nonvio- action and themselves. The Two Hands lence. Sixth, the believer in nonviolence Nonviolence training can range They have as it were two has a deep faith in the future and the from several hours to several hands upon him -- the one calming forces in the universe are seen to be on the months. Most typical in the United him, making him ask questions, as the side of justice. States are sessions that run up to other makes him move. (Stride Toward Freedom eight hours and have 10-25 people — Barbara Deming, Perennial Library, with two trainers leading the discus- "On Revolution and Equilibrium" Harper & Row, PP .83-88) sion and roleplays. Areas covered in a session include: • History and philosophy of non- violence, including role plays on the use of nonviolence and nonviolent responses to violence. • Roleplays and exercises in con- sensus decision making, conflict solu- tion, and quick decision making. • A presentation of legal ramifica- tion of civil disobedience and discus- sion on noncooperation and bail solidarity. • Exercises and discussion of the role of oppression in our society and the progressive movement. • What is an affinity group and what are the roles within the group. • A sharing of fears and feelings related to nonviolence and nonvio- lent action.

Demonstrators at Big Mountain Survival Camp, Arizona, protest forced relocation of Native Americans. Photo by Brenton Kelly 1986. Guardian Photos. 7 Affinity Groups

Affinity groups are self-sufficient Support support systems of about 5 to 15 peo- The role of support in a civil dis- ple. A number of affinity groups obedience action is crucial. Support may work together toward a com- people accept the responsibility of mon goal in a large action, or one being a visible, involved contact to affinity group might conceive of and the outside once a member of the carry out an action on its own. Some- affinity group is arrested. They are times, affinity groups remain the personal extension of the care together over a long period of time, and concern an affinity group shares existing as political support and/or among its members, an extension of study groups, and only occasionally the need all the participants have to participating in actions. see that individuals who partidcipate If you are planning to do civil dis- in nonviolent direct action, are not obedience, it is a good idea to either isolated, neglected, and overbur- form an affinity group or join an dened because of their political already existing one. Affinity groups statement. serve as a source of support and soli- It can be hard for you to decide darity for their members. Feelings of whether to do civil disobedience or being isolated or alienated from the support. It is strongly encouraged movement, the crowd, or the world that those considering doing sup- in general can be alleviated through port go through nonviolence train- the familiarity and trust which de- ing. In making the decision, you velops when an affinity group works could consider how each role would and acts together. By generating this affect your family, job, and other familiarity, the affinity group struc- commitments, as well as your legal ture reduces the possibility of infil- LNS/cpf status (i.e. being on probation, not tration by outside provocateurs. being a U.S. citizen, etc.). During However, participants in an action and after a mass action, be sure to should be prepared to be separated stay in touch with support people from their affinity group. from other affinity groups, for in- Affinity groups form the basic de- lingness to go along with a good formation sharing and emotional cision-making bodies of mass ac- idea, even if it is someone else's. If support. tions. As long as they remain within you find that you cannot work effec- the nonviolence guidelines, affinity tively with your group, it might be Before an Action: groups are generally encouraged to better to try to find another one. Help the affinity group decide develop any form of participation Affinity groups for mass actions upon and initiate their action, pro- they choose. are often formed during nonvio- vide physical and moral support, Every affinity group must decide lence training sessions. It is a good and share in the excitement and for itself how it will make decisions idea to meet with your affinity group sense of determination. and what it wants to do. This pro- a few times before an action to get to •Know the people in your affinity cess starts when an affinity group know them if you are not already group by name and description. forms. If a new person asks to join an friends, and to discuss issues such as • Know where people who are affinity group, she/he should find noncooperation and relationship to arrested are likely to be taken. out what the group believes in and the legal system, the role your group • Make a confidential list with the what they plan to do, and decide if will play (in a large action), etc. After following information: she/he can share it. Some groups ask art action, it is also helpful to meet Name of arrestee that all members share a commit- with your group to evaluate and Name used for arrest ment to feminism, for example, or to share experiences. • Whether or not individual wants nonviolence as a way of life. Others, Roles Within the Affinity to bail out, and when. which have specifically formed to do Group • Who arrestee would like con- a particular action, might have less These roles can be rotated: tacted and under what circum- sweeping agreements. • Facilitator(s), vibes-watchers. stances. A group cannot hope to reach con- • Spokesperson to convey affinity • Special medical information or sensus decisions without having group (A.G.) decisions to core sup- other special needs info. some base of agreement. Once a port and other A.G.'s in a mass ac- • Whether the individual plans to base is agreed upon, working out tion. cooperate, and in what ways. the details of specific issues and ac- •Support person(s) once you take • Whether the person is a minor. tions is not as difficult as one might on this responsibility, you should •Whether the person wants/needs expect, providing that there is a wil- see it through. a lawyer.

8 • For a mass action: At least one support person from formed about each person who was your affinity group should stay at •Know who the support coordina- arrested. the place of arrest until all members • Go to trials or any other appear- tors are. of your group are arrested, and at • Know the phone number of the ances of CDers; help with rides. least one should go to where those • Help gather information for pro action office. arrested are being taken as soon as • Be sure the group fills out an se defendants. the first member of your group is • In a mass action, be sure to let the affinity group check-in sheet. arrested. • Be sure your name, phone num- office and/or support coordinators ber, where you can be reached, and At the Courthouse: (if that's know when/if you have to leave how long you will be available to do where CDers are taken) town and give them all relevant info support work are written on your about the people you've been sup- Be present during arraignments, porting. affinity group's list. and try to keep track of the following During an Action: info for each person in your group. If CDers are in jail, it is important During a mass action, call this info for someone to be near a phone so • Know the boundaries of arrest that call from jail may be received. and non-arrest areas, if applicable. into the office. • Name of judge or magistrate. You will probably be the go-between • In a mass action, give emergency for your A.G. members who are not info about yourself to another sup- • Name of CDer (Doe # if applic- able). jailed together, as well. port person. • Contact the office (in a mass • Bring paper and pen, and lots of • Charge • Plea (Not Guilty, Nolo Conten- arrest) about people in jail and food for yourself and people doing where they are being held. civil disobedience (CDers). dre, Creative Plea, Guilty, etc.). • If found guilty, sentence im- • Be prepared to bring medication • Hold ID, money, keys and any to the jail site for who ever needs it, other belongings for CDers. posed. • If not guilty: and follow up on whether or not it • Keep in touch with CDers for as has been administered. long as possible, noting any changes • Amount of bail, if applicable. • Whether the person pays bail • Visit your group members in jail, in arrest strategies, etc. and pass on any messages. • Once arrests begin, write down or not. • Date, time and place of trial. • Take care of plants, pets, cars, each individual's name, and the etc., for CDers. time and nature of the arrest, the • If there's a lawyer in the court- room ask her/his name. • Write letters to the people in jail; activity of the person arrested, the organize a support vigil in front of treatment of the arresting officer (get • Any other info that seems re- levant. the jail. the badge number, if possible), and • Be there to pick CDers up when who is noncooperating. After the Action: they are released from jail. • Call whoever needs to be in- • Support other support people — working together will ease the load. — Nancy Alach

AIDS activists risk arrest at the FDA headquarters in Rockville, MD. October 1988. Photo by Marilyn Humphries, c 1988, Guardian Photos. Consensus Decision-Making

What is consensus? gives everyone some experience with Consensus is a process for group de- new processes of interaction and con- non-support or reservations or stan cision-making. It is a method by which flict resolution, which is basic but im- aside or leave the group, it may not 1 an entire group of people can come to portant skill-building. For consensus a viable decision even if no one direct] an agreement. The input and ideas of to be a positive experience, it is best if blocks it. This is what is known as all participants are gathered and the group has 1) common values, 2) "lukewarm" consensus and it is just a synthesized to arrive at a final decision some skill in group process and con- desirable as a lukewarm beer or a luke acceptable to all. Through consensus, flict resolution, or a commitment to let warm bath. we are not only working to achieve these be facilitated, 3) commitment If consensus is blocked and no new better solutions, but also to promote and responsibility to the group by its consensus can be reached, the grou the growth of community and trust. members and 4) sufficient time for stays with whatever the previous dec Consensus vs. voting everyone to participate in the process. sion was on the subject, or does no Voting is a means by which we Forming the consensus proposals thing if that is applicable. Major phil choose one alternative from several. During discussion a proposal for re- sophical or moral questions that wi Consensus, on the other hand, is a solution is put forward. It is amended come up with each affinity group wi process of synthesizing many diverse and modified through more discus- have to be worked through as soon a elements together. sion, or withdrawn if it seems to be a the group forms. Voting is a win or lose model, in dead end. During this discussion Roles in a consensus meeting which people are more often con- period it is important to articulate dif- There are several roles which, cerned with the numbers it takes to ferences clearly. It is the responsibility filled, can help consensus decision "win" than with the issue itself. Vot- of those who are having trouble with a making run smoothly. The facilitation ing does not take into account indi- proposal to put forth alternative sug- tor(s) aids the group in defining decai vidual feelings or needs. In essence, it gestions. sions that need to be made, helps then is a quantitative, rather than qualita- The fundamental right of consensus through the stages of reaching aai tive, method of decision-making. is for all people to be able to express agreement, keeps the meeting mbov With consensus people can and themselves in their own words and of ing, focuses discussion to the point a should work through differences and their own will. The fundamental re- hand; makes sure everyone has th reach a mutually satisfactory position. sponsibility of consensus is to assure opportunity to participate, and formeu It is possible for one person's insights others of their right to speak and be lates and tests to see if consensus ha or strongly held beliefs to sway the heard. Coercion and trade-offs are re- been reached. Facilitators help to whole group. No ideas are lost, each placed with creative alternatives, and direct the process of the meeting, no member's input is valued as part of the compromise with synthesis. its content. They never make decision solution. When a proposal seems to be well for the group. If a facilitator feels to A group committed to consensus understood by everyone, and there emotionally involved in an issue o may utilize other forms of decision- are no new changes asked for, the faci- discussion and cannot remain neutra making (individual, compromise, litator(s) can ask if there are any objec- in behavior, if not in attitude, then s/h majority rules) when appropriate; tions or reservations to it. If there are should ask someone to take over th however, a group that has adopted a no objections, there can be a call for task of facilitation for that agend consenus model will use that process consensus. If there are still no objec- item. for any item that brings up a lot of tions, then after a moment of silence A vibes-watcher is someone beside emotions, is something that concerns you have your decision. Once consen- the facilitator who watches and com people's ethics, politics, morals or sus does appear to have been reached, ments on individual and group feel other areas where there is much in- it really helps to have someone repeat ings and patterns of participation vestment. the decision to the group so everyone Vibes-watchers need to be especially What does consensus mean? is clear on what has been decided. tuned in to the sexism of group dyna Consensus does not mean that Difficulties in reaching concensus mics. everyone thinks that the decision If a decision has been reached, or is A recorder can take notes on the made is necessarily the best one possi- on the verge of being reached that you meeting, especially of decisions mad, ble, or even that they are sure it will cannot support, there are several ways and means of implementation and work. What it does mean is that in to express your objections: time-keeper keeps things going on coming to that decision, no one felt Non-support ("I don't see the need schedule so that each agenda item can that her/his position on the matter was for this, but I'll go along.") be covered in the time allotted for it (i misunderstood or that it wasn't given Reservations ("I think this may be a discussion runs over the time for ar a proper hearing. Hopefully, everyone mistake but I can live with it.") item, the group may or may not decide will think it is the best decision; this Standing aside ("I personally can't to contract for more time to finish up) often happens because, when it do this, but I won't stop others from Even though individuals take on works, collective intelligence does doing it.") these roles, all participants in a meet come up with better solutions than Blocking ("I cannot support this or ing should be aware of and involved could individuals. allow the group to support this. It is the issues, process, and feelings of th Consensus takes more time and immoral." If a final decision violates group, and should share their indi member skill, but uses lots of re- someone's fundamental moral values vidual expertise in helping the group sources before a decision is made, cre- they are obligated to block consensus.) run smoothly and reach a decision ates commitment to the decision and Withdrawing from the group. This is especially true when it comes to often facilitates creative decision. It Obviously, if many people express finding compromise agreements to seemingly contradictory positions. 10 Working Together for A Change

Many of the problems we run into ME. ME. ME. ME. ME. ME. ME. in movement groups are those of ME. MEA. MEA CHE Che Meite 1. domination within the movement. Mki-fEK.WHE M4. ME People join a social change move- ment in order to alleviate an external problem. Too often we are con- fronted with the same kind of be- havior we find in our everyday lives. We're all too often stifled by heavy- handed authority: bosses at work, parents or spouse at home and Focus transfer. Transferring the incomplete. teachers at school. focus of the discussion to one's own Here are some specific ways we People want not only to be pet issues in order to give one's own can be responsible to ourselves and accepted in these groups, but also to pet raps. others in groups: make a contribution and be active Residual office holder. Hanging on Not interrupting people who are participants. In order to work suc- to former powerful positions. speaking. We can even leave space cessfully to change things we must Self-listening. Formulating a re- after each speaker, counting to five also pay attention to our own be- sponse after the first few sentences, before speaking. havior. More often than not, men not listening to anything from that Becoming a good listener. Good are the ones dominating group activ- point on, and leaping in at the first listening is as important as good ity. Such behavior is therefore pause. speaking. It's important not to with- termed a "masculine behavior pat- draw when not speaking; good tern," not because women never act George Custerism. Intransigency listening is active participation. that way, but because it is generally and dogmatism; taking a last stand Getting and giving support. We can men who do. for one's position on even minor help each other be aware of and in- Men are beginning to take respon- items. terrupt patterns of domination, as sibility for their behavior. The fol- Condescension and paternalism. well as affirm each other as we move lowing are some of the more com- Being "on the make". Treating away from those ways. It is impor- mon problems to become aware of: women seductively; using sexuality tant that men support and challenge Hogging the show. Talking too to manipulate women. each other, rather than asking much, too long, too loud. Seeking attention and support from women to do so. This will also allow Problem solver. Continually giving women while competing with men. women more space to break out of the answer or solution before others Running the show. Continually tak- their own conditioned role of look- have had much chance to contri- ing charge of tasks before others ing after men's needs while ignoring bute. have the chance to volunteer. their own. Speaking in capital letters. Giving Graduate studentitis. Protectively Not giving answers and solutions. one's own solutions or opinions as storing key group information for We can give our opinions in a man- ner which says we believe our ideas the final word on the subject, often one's own use and benefit. to be valuable, but no more impor- aggravated by tone of voice and Speaking for others. "A lot of us body posture. tant than others' ideas. think that we should . . ." or "What Relaxing. The group will do fine Defensiveness. Responding to ev- so and so really meant was..." without our anxiety attacks. ery contrary opinion as though it The full wealth of knowledge and Not speaking on every subject. We were a personal attack. skills is severely limited by such be- need not share every idea we have, Nitpicking. Picking out minor flaws havior. Women and men who are at least not with the whole group. in statements of others and stating less assertive than others or who Not putting others down. We need the exception to every generality. don't feel comfortable participating to check ourselves when we're about Restating. Especially what a woman in a competitve atmosphere are, in to attack or "one-up" another. We has just said perfectly clearly. effect, cut off from the interchange can ask ourselves, "Why am I doing Attention seeking. Using all sort of of experience and ideas. this? What am I feeling? What do I dramatics to get the spotlight. If sexism isn't ended within social need?" Task and content focus. To the ex- change groups there can't be a Interrupting others' oppressive be- clusion of nurturing individuals or movement for real social change. havior. We should take responsbility the group through attention to pro- Not only will the movement floun for interrupting a brother who is ex- cess and form. der amidst divisiveness, but the cru- hibiting behavior which is oppres- cial issue of liberation from sex sive to others and prohibits his own Put downs and one-up-manship. "I growth. It is no act of friendship to used to believe that, but now..." or oppression will not be dealt with. Any change of society which does allow friends to continue dominat- "How can you possibly say that...?" not include the freeing of women ing those around them. We need to Negativism. Finding something and men from oppressive sexrole. learn caring and forthright ways of wrong or problematical in every- conditioning, from subtle as well as doing this. thing. blatant forms of male supremacy, is — from an article by Bill Moyers Legal Issues / Risking Arrest

The decisions that we make are Legal System flowchart political, not legal. The reaction of STEPS DESCRIPTION OF CHOICES the government to what we are WHAT HAPPENS doing, to what we stand for, will also Warning Officer may give warning to • Stay or leave be political. We can have quite an or leave or command to stop doing • Don't do or stop impact on what happens to us in jail, Command something. doing actions. in court and during processing, if we are prepared. It can be as important Arrest Officer physically grabs you, • Walk a part of our nonviolent opposition takes you to police wagon or • Go limp as anything that comes before the squad car. May say you are • Flee (if left un- arrest. under arrest. Pat search, some- guarded) In a large demonstration, the times handcuffs. Taken to hold- police may separate us from each ing area. other, breaking up affinity groups Processing Police question arrestees con- •Decide what, if any, and possibly isolating individuals. and cerning information for arrest information to give In order to maintain our spirits and Booking reports (name/address/occupa- police; e.g. false, effectiveness, we must develop an tion/social security number/ correct or no name. ability to deal with the legal system, financial); may try to get addi- •Refuse to post bond while trusting in the solidarity of tional information for intelli- •Demand no cash other demonstrators. Solidarity is, gence. bonds or equal in reality, more a state of mind that Possible photographing/finger- bonds for all (bail & unites us through a long struggle printing/property and clothes jail solidarity) than a specific course of action that may be taken. everyone follows. Solidarity does not demand that everyone make the Charging Prosecutor decides what same choice in every situation. It is charges to pursue an internal force within each of us First Court Appear in court alone, or most and among us as a group. It is our Date likely with other arrestees commitment to one another and to Attempt to dispose of case by our common cause; it is our dedica- plea or trial, or continue case tion to support one another and to for bench or jury trial or plea •Lawyers or Pro Se pursue our common goals at all negotiations later. times, in every situation, to the best - Plea Prosecutor not always ready for - Bench Trial of our ability. Solidarity cannot be trial. broken by courts, jails or other exter- - Demand Jury trial nal forces. If we hold fast to it, it is Trial Trials can vary from: in future ours. -- a few minute bench trial Our approach to the legal system with or without a lawyer is up to us. We retain as much power — to a full jury trial with expert as we refuse to relinquish to the gov- witnesses lasting a week or •Defense based on ernment — city, state or federal. more, noncommission of The criminal "justice" system — or any place in between. acts and/or neces- functions to alienate and isolate the Verdict Judge or Jury decides sity of actions accused individual, to destroy one's — Acquittal (not guilty) •Small or large re- power and purposefulness and to — Guilty sources of time and weave a web of confusion and mysti- Sentencing Hearing on appropriate sent- money fication around any legal proceed- ence ings. If we are well prepared for our contact with this system, we can limit the effect it has upon us, both personally and politically. It is ex- •Can testify why ac- tremely important that we be firmly tions were justified, rooted in our own spirit and pur- necessary, etc., and poses, our commitment to one your background. another and history and tradition of Sentencing state- social struggle of which we are a ment is powerful part. We should try to maintain our opportunity to bring nonviolent attitude of honesty and out political and directness while dealing with law moral issues, show enforcement officers and the courts. non-recalcitrance. Remain silent 12 Nonviolent action draws its strength and take steps to hospitalize them sage that none of us should be sing- from open confrontation and non- before serious consequences occur, led out: we'll be doing this again and cooperation, not from evasion or but no demonstrator can ever count again. subterfuge. Bail solidarity, noncoop- on such attention and should there- Many nonviolent activists, eration and other forms of resistance fore be prepared to give up the fast however, acting with the openness can be used to reaffirm our position or perhaps be allowed to die, as did and confidence that characterizes that we are not criminals and that we several Irish freedom fighters during and strengthens nonviolent action, are taking positive steps towards the H-Block hunger strike in 1981. do not choose to hide their identi- freeing the world from oppression. There are other forms noncoop- ties. They may still noncooperate, Discuss the issues raised in this eration may take and other reasons however, by refusing to reveal an legal section with your affinity' for it to occur. The refusal to give address, or by refusing to promise to group — particularly noncoopera- one's name undoubtedly springs return for trial, increasing the bur- tion and your attitude toward trials. from a desire to resist and confound den on the courts to quickly deal Think out various hypothetical a system that assigns criminal re- with the demonstrators and enhanc- situations and try to understand cords to people, that categorizes and ing their solidarity and strength as how you will respond to these situa- spies upon them and that punishes people working together, filling the tions. organizers and repeat offenders jails. Some demonstrators refuse to more strenuously. It relays a mes- cooperate partially or wholly with court procedures; they refuse to en- ter a plea, to retain or accept a lawyer, to stand up in court, to speak to the judge as a symbol of court authority (but rather speak to him or her as a fellow human being), to take the stand or question witnes- ses. They may make a speech to those assembled in the courtroom or simply lie or sit on the floor if they are carried in, or attempt to leave if not forcibly restrained. The penal- ties for such noncooperation can be severe, because many judges take such action to be a personal affront as well as an insult to the court. Some judges, on the other hand, overlook such conduct, or attempt to communicate with the demonstra- tors. Physical noncooperation may be sustained through the booking pro- cess and through court appearances; it may continue through the entire time of one's detention. This might involve a refusal to walk, to eat, to clean oneself and one's surround- ings. It may even lead prison offi- cials to force-feed and diaper the in- mate. Another form of noncooperation is fasting — taking no food and no liquid except water, or perhaps fruit juice. While abstaining from food can be uncomfortable and eventual- ly risky, abstaining from all food and liquid can be extremely dangerous almost immediately. Five or six days is probably the longest a human can go without liquid before incurring brain damage and serious dehydra- tion. Usually authorities watch per- sons who are "water fasting" closely Women's Pentagon Action, November 1981 — Women weave a web to close down an entrance to the building. Photo by Nancy Wasserman, (c) 1981. 13 Representing Yourself

"When arrested while making a state- deeply political and personal act of ment through an act of civil disobedience, civil disobedience with a lot of lega- I prefer to go pro se (represent myself) listic jargon? Why let the application because of the control it gives me in the of the energizing ideas contained in courtroom. It means that lam a woman the philosophy of non-violent civil It Isn't Nice in charge of my life and responsible for disobedience stop with the arrests? my decisions and behavior, and that I am If you choose to participate inaction, —by Malvina Reynolds prepared for the results of my actions. it will be a result of much thought Using a lawyer means that I must sit and consideration. Why not con- It isn't nice to block the doorway, quietly and humbly through specious tinue to involve yourself fully all the It isn't nice to go to jail. legal arrangements over my behavior and way through the trial? A lawyer There are nicer ways to do it, the proper punishment for it. It means must adhere to the legal restrictions But the nice ways always fail. that I am like a child with parents of the courtroom and translate ev- Chorus 1 arguing about my naughtiness and what erything into the proper categories. It isn't nice, it isn't nice to do about it so that I will "learn a You as a pro se litigant have much You told us once, you told us lesson" or "will have learned a lesson." I greater leeway. If you don't under- twice should add, however, that having a stand something don't hesitate to But if that is freedom's price lawyer around to advise and explain ask questions about what is happen- We don't mind potentially complicated issues is ing during the trial. It isn't nice to carry banners helpful." Representation by an attorney or to sleep in on the floor. —Catherine de Laubenfels, may be the best route, if you desire Or to shout or cry of freedom arrested at an acquittal at any cost. In a group At the hotel and the store. trial, the option of having some but Women's Pentagon Action Chorus 1 1980, 1981 not all defendants represented by counsel is often available. You Well we tried negotiations should speak to people who have And the token picket line. The Constitution gives you the represented themselves. The most The government didn't see us, right to represent yourself. The right important thing is to remember that They might as well be blind. is founded in the understanding that you have choices. The system Chorus 2 someone else may not say quite teaches us to think that there is only Now our new ways aren't nice what you want said in your behalf, one way of doing anything, but be- When we deal with men of ice or may not say it in the way you cause we question that we choose to But if that is freedom's price want it said. You therefore cannot be do civil disobedience in the first We don't mind. forced to let someone speak for you. place. Trials and hearings resulting from In November of 1980, as part of civil disobedience are particularly the first Women's Pentagon Action, suited to unearthing the reasons be- one woman chose to sing her "de- hind, and the possibilities for, self- fense." She sang Malvina Reynolds' representation. Perhaps the CDer "It Isn't Nice to Block the Doorway." can better explain his or her own She was found guilty. motivation. Why water down a Noncooperation

A refusal to cooperate with the im- tate both the system's processing of ticularly natural and effective at such prisonment of oneself or others is individuals and its preparation of times. sensible and natural to many of us. files about them. The very fact that It is likely that noncooperators will The deliberate and punitive denial of demonstrators may be privileged be subjected to intimidation and freedom that jail consists of is abhor- enough to have jobs and perhaps be threats. For this reason, it is impor- rent to all of us. Many of us oppose ushered in and out of jails more tant that demonstrators prepare prisons altogether, viewing the in- politely and efficiently than other themselves for this ahead of time, equalitites and injustices of our sod- "criminals" is something that some rather than planning to change their ety as its culprits, not the victims are unwilling to take advantage of. minds about noncooperation under who end up rotting in its jails. Noncooperation is difficult. It is duress. Successful intimidation For many who join in civil dis- rewarding, powerful and inspiring, from the guards will only encourage obedience actions, noncooperation but it can be frustrating, time con- them to treat the remaining non- with the criminal justice system is suming, and even 'painful. Non- cooperators more harshly. important because it impedes their cooperators must be careful not to On the other hand, cooperation removal and prolongs their ability to pressure others into joining them. with the indignity and injustice of accomplish their goals of stopping Anyone who tries to noncooperate jail is no easier. The paths we choose the violent business-as-usual of their must feel flexible enough to give it may vary. The decision to cooperate targets. By becoming great burdens up if it becomes too much to handle. or noncooperate with part or all of to the courts and jails they demons- It might be best to try out various the arrest procedure is a personal trate how difficult and costly it is for levels and different approaches to and political one. For some of us these institutions to protect the "sta- noncooperation, as they feel noncooperation is one way we will tus quo" and hope to convince appropriate. Noncooperation can be continue the struggle inside prison others that this price is too high. very powerful as a response to un- walls. One way of refusing to participate just demands by guards. If feels par- in arrest and detention is by going limp. A decision to go limp is a deci- sion to approach the arrest situation with peaceful resistance and may in- volve discomfort and strained com- munication between the demonstra- tor and arresting officer, largely be- cause one of the two people is being dragged along the ground, and one is struggling to carry the other. Although very common, even going limp is not an easy way to non- cooperate: we are forcing the police to either join us or carry us away. We frequently find ourselves being car- ried or dragged by an angry police officer, unsympathetic to our claims that we are acting as much on her or his behalf as on our own. This is an uncomfortable dilemma which runs throughout every act of noncoopera- tion and which can only be eased, if at all, by one's ability to explain one's actions with sensitivity and sincerity. "By our refusal to cooperate, we keep reminding them of our dissent, refusing to allow them the godlike sense that their will alone exists." — Barbara Deming Many activists also choose to re- sist the codification of people by so- cial security numbers. The questions that are asked about background and employment are means to facili- Greenpeace crew member sprays a harp seal with harmless green dye to render its fur worthless to the fur trade. March 1982. Photo (c) 1982, Greenpeace Media. 15 Jail Solidarity

Jail solidarity may be defined as complete unity of purpose of those incarcerated or imprisoned. The ulti- mate objective of that unity is for everyone committing the same act to be treated equally and fairly in jail and in sentencing. Refusing cita- tions, bail, fines, community service or probation keeps us together as a community with the potential for collective bargaining to meet that objective. For jail solidarity to be most effec- tive, the issues surrounding it must be addressed and resolved to the greatest extent possible before reaching jail. Jail authorities are not going to patiently wait for us to reach consensus on solidarity agree- ments before they start employing "divide and conquer" tactics to weaken our bargaining power. One divisive tactic used by the prison/legal system is different treat- try. The prison/judicial system is jail must be acknowledged and dealt ment for certain individuals or seen as one of these structures. with at the time or they may become groups. These people risking har- The effect of this political view- divisive. Conflict is an expression of sher teatment usually include non- point on behavior in jail can be very opposing viewpoints and should cooperators, repeat offenders, dramatic. Often people refuse to not be confused with violence. known organizers, people of color, cooperate with the authorities at all. Often it is not possible for every- lesbians and gay men. Discussions Some ways they do this are by going one to agree to stay in jail for solidar of solidarity should always include limp during arrest, not abiding by ity purposes. Sometimes there are the issue of how to give these people prison regulations, and refusing to people who question the need to the extra protection they need. participate in arraignment. Some of struggle inside the jails when the ac- Coming to agreements about soli- these acts serve personal moral tion's primary goal is something darity goals and tactics is a powerful goals; others are initiated as levers to else. Some people, because of out but difficult process. To reach true make the legal system mete out side responsibilities, cannot afford solidarity with the greatest number equal and fair sentences to all. the time jail solidarity may demand of participants, people must have Another group may reflect a diffe- Others find jail conditions physical• enough information and time to rent set of motivations and ly or emotionally intolerable. And make wise decisions. Solidarity tac- approaches. For some people for ex- still others take the political stand tics that are employed successfully ample, their fundamental reason for that we're more effective back on the are empowering. Ill-considered, un- CD stems from an awareness of the streets encouraging other people tc focused uses of solidarity tactics are destructive power of nuclear take a stand. Whatever the reason: less successful and drain our ener- weaponry. Their fear and outrage for not participating in jail solidarity, gies. over these weapons may be their individuals should make this in Some of the issues that cause the only motivation to do civil disobedi- formation known beforehand since most controversy around solidarity ence. Often these people will stress it may affect decisions of the group. include interpretation of the nonvio- more of the need to communicate Those who must leave jail are no' lence guidelines, and under what with the human beings behind the betraying the group — there are circumstances, if any, we will keep helmets, uniforms and roles. They many ways they can continue sup- solidarity with those who have pre- will talk to the police, perhaps be- porting those inside: by speaking tc vious records, are on probation or friend the prison guards, and try to the media, to the movement and to have not followed the nonviolence use persuasion and dialogue to raise the public about conditions inside, guidelines for that action. questions about these roles. by fulfilling responsibilities for those People's motivations for partici- The differences between these inside, by carrying messages to pating in CD will affect their atti- two approaches will frequently lead family, friends, and employers. tudes toward the police and jail to conflict. The stress of the jail ex- Jail solidarity must never become guards. Some people are motivated perience tends to intensify conflict coercive. In jail, solidarity is our to CD as a protest against the multi- but by discussing differences before- strength and the strength of our soli. ple structures in society which work hand their effect on jail solidarity can darity comes from the free agree. together to create a weapons indus- be minimized. Conflicts that arise in ment of all who take part in it. 16 Serving Time in Jail

Any act of civil disobedience im- You can expect overcrowding, humanity of your guards don't plies the willingness to risk jail for which means frustrating and irritat- forget that, in the end, you and they one's convictions. For those who ing levels of noise and distraction, have different jobs to perform. Let land there as a consequence of con- little personal space or privacy, and them be responsible for keeping scious decisions, jail can present an scant regard for cleanliness. You order. You are responsible for keep- opportunity for testing and streng- must exercise patience, considera- ing your conscience. thening spiritual and political con- tion and discipline to preserve peace Just because your body is detained victions. Though it should not be and sanity. It will be difficult to doesn't mean you've got to turn in courted imprudently, it is some- sleep, there will be blaring radios your conscience and convictions thing that must be faced and can cer- and TV's, slamming bars, and loud along with your other belongings. tainly be endured. Those arrested as arguments, which may make you Whether in jail or on the "outside," a result of civil disobedience have irritable and short-tempered. Learn the freedom we enjoy is always the the advantage over most prisoners to watch for this in others and try to freedom we claim for ourselves. of knowing that they are there hav- respect their need for space. Time Being under lock and key does not ing made a conscious choice. That will be distorted: Days will slip by deprive you of your essential free- knowledge can make the difference but each hour will seem like an dom as long as you continue to insist between what is otherwise a thor- eternity. Food will be starchy and on your power to say "yes" or "no" oughly miserable situation and a lar- dull (don't expect vegetarian within the limits of whatever situa- ger possibility for reflection and menus). You will learn to wait, for a tion you find yourself. It was your education. What is more, it can pro- phone call, a shower, a meal, the commitment to make decisions for vide you, when the time comes, answer to a question, the time of yourself about what you should and with a reserve of strength of which day. shouldn't do that landed you in jail you were previously unaware. You may be issued a uniform. In in the first place, and it remains a Being in jail can give a rounded that case, your clothes will be confis- good principle to live by, even in jail. picture of the militaristic, oppressive cated along with all your other be- The following is a list of observa- society against which we struggle in longings. You can expect a complete tions and suggestions from people our nonviolent resistance. It is an strip search, possibly including rec- who have served time: education in the underside of jus- tal and vaginal examination for con- • Pay attention to how the other tice. In state prisons throughout the traband, which will be the first of women/men are doing. Don't feed country most of the people who are many other casual assaults on your into others' bad vibes. locked up are people of color. The dignity. • You'll make good friends but do vast majority are poor, in jail for The guards have a great deal of set limits. Know what your needs poverty-related crimes or awaiting power and they are aware of this. are. (and waiting and waiting) trial, be- And because they are human • Keep your mouth shut and lis- cause they cannot afford bail. beings, this knowledge tends to ten. Things are not often what they Jail is a lonely place. It aims to have a bad effect on them. Long ex- appear. weaken solidarity, to try to isolate posure to jail, whether as a prisoner • Keep a realistic viewpoint. Pay people from one another and reduce or a guard, tends to have a corrosive attention to your needs, but remem- one's concentration to dealing with effect on one's confidence in human ber that you are there for a short time the demands of authority and of nature and goodness, and the and most of the others are there one's survival. However, no one in guards are victims of this as well. much longer. jail for affirming her or his conscien- They expect the worst out of people, •Don't proselytize. Be clear and be ce is ever alone. Remember that and and, not surprisingly, they are not proud but don't hit people over the you should have no trouble getting often disappointed. Their principal head with your story and beliefs. by. concern is to preserve order, which •Don't talk more than you have to What exactly can you expect? Jails demands an atmosphere of unques- with the guards; the other inmates differ as to particular conditions, tioning respect (fear) for authority. will not trust you. If you are in pris- regulations and privileges allowed. This is their contribution to the pro- on fora long time you'll be able to Yet, jails are enough alike that it is cess of "rehabilitation," supplanting figure out which guards you can possible to make some rough gener- personal responsibility with trust. alizations. Entering prison is like thoughtless obedience and submis- • Bring in some cigarettes to share going into another culture — new sion. You should try not to indulge with others even if you don't smoke. behavior norms, language, symbols, them in their exalted self-image. Bring a few books, pens, paper, en- new reality. Go slow, and use com- Keep expecting that they should act velopes and stamps. The worst that mon sense. To quote someone who with respect and compassion and can happen is you won't get them or served a year in Rhode Island's you may be surprised by the results. they'll get lost. Adult Correctional Institute, "It took Perhaps you will surprise them into • Be patient; hurry up and wait is me six months to figure out what remembering that they and the pris- often the prison time frame for no was really going on in prison. And I oners in their charge share a com- apparent reason. am not such a slow learner. So, be mon humanity. At least you may • It is alright to be afraid, lonely, humble and be quiet, and listen and establish a basis for dialogue. But at unhappy. It is also alright to feel learn." the same time that you recall the wonderful, happy and proud. 17 We're All In The Same Boat

April, 1980 This society this incredible way of living divides us by class by color It says we are individual and alone and don't you forget it It says the only way out of our doom of our sex our class our race is some individual gift and character and hard work and then all we get all we ever get is to change class or color or sex to rise to bleach to masculinize an enormous game of musical chairs and that's only at its fairy tale Horatio Alger best that's only at its best From all directions we get all the beliefs to go with these divisions we believe all kinds of things about: what real men really are what women must want what black people feel and smell like what white people do and deserve how rich people earn their comforts and cadillacs how poor people get what's coming to them 0 we are all racist we are all sexist some of us only some of us are the targets of racism of sexism of homophobia of class denigration but we all all breath in racism with the dust in the streets with the words we read and we struggle those of us who strug- gle we struggle endlessly, endlessly to think and be radicals define people by their struggles agains and act differently from all that the racism sexism classism that they harbo Listen you and listen hard I carry within me a that surrounds them vicious anti-semite voice that says jew him down So stop saying that she acts that way because she' that says dirty jew that says things that stop me middle class that that's all you can expect from tha dead in the street and make the blood leave my face I group because it's white that they're just men, quit it have fought that voice for 45 years all the years that I We know different things some very much mor lived with and among jews who are almost me unpleasant things if we've been women poor black o whose rhythms of speech and ways of laughing are close lesbian or all of those we know different things de beside me are dear to me whose sorrows reach deep pending on what sex what color what lives w inside me that voice has tried to tell me that that live where we grew up What schooling wha love and identification are unreal fake cannot beatings with or without shoes steak or bean be and I refuse it I refuse its message but what politics each of us is going to be and do i I carry a shell a white and crisp voiced shell to hide anybody's guess my brown golden soft spanish voiced inner self to Being female doesn't stop us from being sexist pass to hide my puertoricanness we've had to choose early or late at 7 14 27 56 t I carry a pole 18 inches long to hold me at the correct think different dress different act dif distance from black-skinned people ferent to struggle to organize to picket t I carry hard metal armor with spikes with shooting argue to change other women's mind to chang weapons in every joint with fire breathing from ev- our own- minds to change our feelings our ery hole to protect me to prepare me to assault yours and mine constantly to change an any man from 13 to 89 change and change to fight the onslaught on o I am a whole circus by myself a whole dance com- minds and bodies and feelings pany with stance and posture for being in middle class I'm saying that the basis of our unity is that in the mo homes in upper class buildings for talking to important way we are all in the same boat all su men for speaking with blacks for carefully jected to the violent pernicious ideas we have learned t angling and directing for choreographing my way hate that we must all struggle against them and e thru the maze of classes of people and places thru the change ways and means hints and how tos th little boxes of sex race class nationality only some of us are victims of sexism only some of sexual orientation intellectual standing poli- are victims of racism of the directed arrows tical preference the automatic contortions the ex- oppression but all of us are sexist raci hausting camouflage with which I go thru this social all of us space called CAPITALIST PATRIARCHY a daunting but oh so nicely covering name this is no way to live Listen listen with care class and color and sex do not define people do not define politics a class — by Rosario defines people by class a racist society defines -- excerpted with permission from This Oppression

To fight for peace and social jus- ernmental policies from the making Confronting the violence between tice is not only to struggle against the of bombs to lack of health care. It is us can be painful. Speaking of brutality of our foreign and domestic the same system that is responsible: oppression or using the words such policies, but also to challenge the in- a system based on domination, on as sexism or racism can often result sidious institution of oppression in the belief that some people have in people feeling guilty, or hurt or our daily lives. more value than others. The same reacting defensively. Most of us be- In our various struggles against system that creates a bomb designed nefit from some form of privilege; bombs, U.S. intervention, for hous- to destroy humans and retain prop- many of us suffer from discrimina- ing, sexual freedom, etc. it is impor- erty intact also deprives elderly peo- tion from one or more sources. 13e- tant to struggle against other forms ple and disabled people of life re- cause oppression distorts the power of violence that confront us. Specifi- sources and encourages individuals dynamics between us and, as a re- cally, other violence comes in two to compete with each other and treat sult, divides us, it is harmful to forms that affect our lives: each other disrespectfully. everyone. 1. daily physical and/or psychic Because we believe it is the system None of us alone has the power to violence against all people, such as and all of its forms of violence that end the institutions of discrimina- rape or murder, and specifically we are fighting, we must make a tion. It is both the individual and against oppressed people; commitment .to fight the violence collective challenge to these forms of 2. psychic and attitudinal violence that occurs around us and between discrimination that will lead to the within our movement reflected in us. The Oppression Section of the social and political changes that will ways we treat each other and handbook specifically addresses benefit us all. ourselves. these concerns, both within a societ- — thanks to the International Day These two forms of violence are al context and within the context of of Nuclear Disarmament Handbook strongly interconnected with gov- interpersonal relationships. "Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Harlem residents protest shortage of affordable housing. July 1988. Photo by Jack Weber, (c) 1988, Guardian Photos.

19 Racism

Racism, the systematic mistreat- world's people. for change in our society than th ment experienced by people of col- Racism continues in large part be- of color — that racism continue or, is a result of institutionalized ine- cause an economic system which run rampant. As white activists qualities in the social structure. Rac- perpetuates and capitalizes on dif- must develop programs that con ism is one consequence of a self- ferences (whether of color, culture, tently challenge the racism in perpetuating imbalance in econo- creed, or sex) remains in place. That communities, understanding tha mic, political and social power. This system, and those who profit from it is there, at home, that there is imbalance consistently favors mem- determine the parameters and most work to be done. bers of some ethnic and cultural values of the educational system • Understand that many peace, groups at the expense of other which continues to teach our chil- groups. The consequences of this dren to "hate and fear;" of the cial justice and anti-nuclear iss imbalance pervade all aspects of the media, which perpetuates racism in affect Third World communities social system and affect all facets of a deliberate fashion, and which de- special ways. people's lives. nies people access to, their history. • Learn and act upon issues of s Racism operates as a strategy to "A people that does not know its cial concern to Third World a divide and conquer. It helps per- history is doomed to repeat it." munities. petuate a social system in which There are times we have failed to • Integrate the concerns of th some people consistently are act, and times when we did not communities in your approach "haves" and others are "have nots." achieve as much as we wanted to in progressive issues. While the "haves" receive certain the struggle against racism. Un- • Develop working relationsh material benefits from this situation, learning racism also involves under- with all groups involved with soc the. long-range effects of racism standing the difficulties we have had change, including people of cola short change everyone. Racism sets and learning how to overcome • Don't force your agenda on oth groups of people against each other them, without blaming ourselves for organizations. and makes it difficult for us to per- having had those difficulties. The • In planning for events, form co ceive our common interests as hu- situation is not hopeless. People can tions early, which include as ma man beings. Racism makes us forget grow and change; we are not con- groups as possible, including eve that we all need and are entitled to demned to repeat the past. Racist one in the decision-making. good health care, stimulating educa- conditioning need not be a perma- tion, and challenging work. Racism nent state of affairs. It can be ex- limits our horizons to what present- amined, analyzed and unlearned. Dealing with Racism an ly exists; it makes us suppose that All people come from traditions Classism During an Action current injustices are "natural" or at which have a history of resistance to best inevitable. "Someone has to be injustice, and every person has their Arrest and Jail unemployed; someone has to go own individual history of resistance • Be aware of how police are deal] hungry." Most importantly, racism to racist conditioning. This history distorts our perceptions of the possi- needs to be recalled and celebrated. with Third World, gay, lesbian, a bilities for change; it makes us aban- When people act from a sense of in- known movement people durai don our visions of solidarity; it robs formed pride in themselves and arrest situations. Be prepared us of our dreams of community. their own traditions, they will be come to the aid of anyone who I No human being is born with ra- more effective in all struggles for jus- been singled out by the police a cist attitudes and beliefs. Physical tice. • may be receiving harsher treatme and cultural differences between hu- (Adapted from a piece by Ricky than others. man beings are not the cause of Sherover-Marcuse, Unlearning Rac- • Realize that during the booki racism; these are used to justify rac- ism Workshops, 638 Dana St. Oak- process questions that are bei ism. Racist attitudes and beliefs are a land, CA 94609). mixture of misinformation and asked to determine whether or 1 ignorance which has to be imposed people can be released on their upon young people through a pain- Dealing with Racism in the recognizance, are particularly disc ful process of social conditioning. Movement minatory. The questions concerns "You have to be taught to hate and trate on your economic, social, s fear." Having racist attitudes and be- It should be clear that the follow- ual and prior arrest standing. liefs is like having a clamp on one's ing points are directed at the white • Realize that bail is the most blatant mind. It distorts one's perception of members of the movement. This is example of classism. Those w reality. Two examples: the notion because we feel it essential that we that there is something called "flesh remember that it is in white com- have money get out of jail — the color;" the use of the term "minor- munities — which more often have who don't stay in. ities" to describe the majority of the the resources and access to vehicles

20 For the white person who wants to know how to be my friend. by Pat Parker The first thing you do is to forget that I'm Black. Second, you must never forget that i'm Black. You should be able to dig Aretha, but don't play her every time i come over. And if you decide to play Beethoven — don't tell me his life story. They made us take music appreciation too. Eat soul food if you like it, but don't expect me to locate your restaurants or cook it for you. And if some Black person insults you, mugs you, rapes your sister rapes you, rips your house or is just being an ass — please do not apologize to me for wanting to do them bodily harm. It makes me wonder if you're foolish. And even if you really believe Blacks are better lovers than whites — don't tell me. i start thinking of charging stud fees. Racism Guidelines In other words — if you really want to be my friend — Some guidelines for white people don't make a labor of it. i'm lazy. Remember. in dealing with racism: 1. If you're in a situation that a Person of Color is identifying — from Movement in Black, Crossing Press, as racist, and it doesn't appear Freedom, CA, 1984 that way to you, assess the situation again. Like many other forms of discrimination, racism occurs on a variety of subtle levels not always appa- rent to someone not directly experiencing the discrimina- tion. 2. If you want to work against rac- ism, you must put yourself in a place where it's happening. Real change of racist attitudes and beliefs does not happen in a vacuum. 3. When relating to a Person of Color, don't focus on or be obsessed with racial differ- ences. One goal of ending dis- crimination is for all persons to be seen as individuals. On the other hand, pretending that color does not exist obscures one very important aspect of that individual's experience. 4. Identify for yourself ways that racism hurts you and examine ways that you have internal- ized misinformation about your ethnicity and cultural Unlock Apartheid's Jails: Activists dump keys at South African Consulate in NYC. October 1987. Photo by heritage. George Cohen, © 1987, Guardian Photos. — Thanks to International Day for Nuclear Disarmament Handbook 21 Anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism can best be under- guage, standards of beauty, com- ernment and the people of the U, stood through a historical analysis. munication norms, and time itself. For State, most U.S. progressives car Persecution of Jewish people has a example, in interpersonal communica- manage to make the same distin long history dating back about 3,000 tion the polite, restrained, middle for the state of Israel. It is possible years. Understanding how this class, WASP pattern is viewed as critical of Israeli national policy oppression has persisted in different nor- mal, as right. The communication supporting Israel's right to exist. forms and seeing the cyclical pattern of norm for other groups, whether work- possible to grant Jewish people, anti-Semitism can help us recognize its ing class, Black, Italian, Puerto Rican tonically and currently oppressed continued existence and methods of or Jewish is "other" and put down. right to a homeland, as we sup functioning in today's world. Jewish syntax, "accents," and deli- oppressed peoples the world ove The oppression of Jews is characte- cious Yiddish expressions disappear their struggle for national liberation rized by alternating periods of appa- just as surely as does Black English in is possible to support the liberation rent tolerance and assiimilation, fol- the attempt to fit in, to "make it," and the Palestinian people while supp lowed by periods of violent anti- to survive. ing Israel's right to exist. It is poss Jewish attacks. During the calm It is difficult for any dominant group to see that Israel's role in the periods, Jews are allowed to assimilate to cope with the desire of "oppressed geo-political situation is similar to into society and often into a visible groups" to be both equal and distinc- "buffer" role Jews traditionally h "middle" position where they func- tive. This is true for Gentiles who get been manipulated into: Israel does tion as agents and buffers to the real angry because Jews want to maintain United States' "dirty work,' power elite. Underneath this surface their uniqueness without being penal- (while receiving some privileges) of relative security exist many anti- ized for it. Jews pursuing assimilation comes the target of the just ange Jewish attitudes and stereotypes and it and invisibility as coping strategies be- other oppressed people; rather t often takes only a small stimulus to come fearful and discounting, as well, the U.S., which is the real rul evoke them. When there is economic when other Jews act "too Jewish." power. and political crises, Jews are targeted On the right, overt anti-Semitic as the problem and used as a One of the subtle ways Jewish lence, like violence against ot scapegoat for socio-economic prob- oppression is manifested in the move- oppressed groups (e.g. bombin lems. The ruling class, aided by these ment is through denial. People have a vandalism, and swastika-painting pre-existing anti-Jewish beliefs, en- hard time relating to Jews as an on the rise. Books are distribu courages other oppressed groups to oppressed group; rather Jews are often claiming that the Holocaust, tho direct their anger against the Jews regarded as having all the power and only 40 years ago, never happen rather than their real oppressors. money, and often being on the Neo-Nazi and White Power gro One way anti-Semitism is main- "oppressor's side" in any struggle. build arsenals and establish train tained is through stereotypes — The oppression of Jews is not currently bases in the hills. Jews are targeted assigning certain specific characteris- economic oppression, (although there the very same people that target ev tics to Jews as a group. Jews are be- are far more poor and working-class other oppressed group today, incl lieved to be aggresive, stingy, clan- Jews than most people acknowledge) ing people of color, lesbians & g. nish, or pushy while Gentiles may it is cultural, religious, and political. women, working-class and poor take initiative, be thrifty, loyal, or The issue of anti-Semitism is consis- ple, disabled people, and of assertive. On a personal level some tently left off the laundry list of people. people who would immediately inter- oppressions (on leaflets, workshop All of us, whether Gentile or J rupt racist jokes think telling JAP (Jew- offerings, and speakers). When peo- learned anti-semitism. It is now ish American Princess) jokes is harm- ple speak of doing outreach to diffe- responsibility to rid ourselves of th less fun. rent groups it's often labor, women, attitudes and change institutio In general, Jews know more about student, third world, and church practices and cultural patterns tha Christians than Christians know about groups, rather than religious groups. tentionally or unintentionally m Jews. In fact Christian religious holi- For many, anti-Semitism has be- tain anti-Semitism. We can start days are national holidays, while Jew- come synonymous with the Holo- ourselves, our friends and famil ish and other religious holidays often caust. Since the situation is clearly not the groups we work with, and the go unacknowledged. Wishing every- that bad now, Jewish oppression is stitutions to which we relate. one "Happy Holidays" in late Decem- viewed as a thing of the past. Jews ber is an unintentional form of anti- who raise concerns about the rise of Semitism. The major Jewish holidays, oppression against Jews or about anti- *The term Anti-Semitism was de Rosh Hashannah (New Year) and Yom Semitism within the movement are oped to refer to oppression of Jews; h Kippur are in the fall and Passover is in often perceived as raising side issues, ever, it is important to remember the spring. Channukah, which is the diverting attention away from more Arabs are also Semitic people who Jewish holiday closest to Christmas, is important problems, over-reacting, oppressed. a much more minor holiday. Signifi- bringing on the oppression by making — by Felice Ye cant meetings and demonstrations are such a big deal, or simply being para- regularly scheduled on important Jew- noid. Such defensive and victim- ish holidays while no one would think blaming reactions become part of the of doing the same on Christmas or problem as well. Easter. While the people of Nicaragua easily Anti-Semitism is deeply embedded differentiate between the murderous, in our culture as well through Ian- imperialistic policies of the U.S. gov- 22 Sexism

The split which in our society di- As a result, the feminist move- to not cry, to ignore their own needs vides women and men is one of the ment grew up in the late 60s, giving to nurture children and others? most basic ways in which human support and validation to women to Although the major changes in beings are devalued. Similar to how achieve power over our lives, chal- women's lives are a result of the gay people, people of color, and lenging sex role stereotypes and work that women have done for Jews are viewed, women become limitations, addressing economic ourselves, coalitioning with men to the other in a society that establishes disparities and violence towards fight sexism is an important ingre- maleness as a primary reference women in its many forms, and pro- dient of massive and enduring point. As a result, women are rele- viding a basic understanding that change. Some men have joined gated to limited roles and valued pri- personal issues are rooted in politic- women in this struggle, and from marily for their sexual and reproduc- al realities. this has emerged a small men's pro- tive functions, while men are seen as In the peace movement, femin- feminist movement that challenges the central makers of culture, the ism's contribution is immeasurable. the social order which depends on primary actors in history. Such de- Because patriarchy supports and sexism to control both men and meaning of women is reflected in thrives on war, a feminist analysis is women. Such a movement is help- language, the images in American crucial to effectively challenge mili- ing men become conscious of their textbooks, and on TV. Economically, tarism. The view of women as the own pains and needs, recognize women are clustered in the lowest other parallels the view of our ene- how they dominate others, and give paying, lowest status jobs. Women mies as non-human available targets support to each other. As with of color bear the burden of double for any means of destruction or women struggling to overcome discrimination. For every dollar cruelty. In fact, U.S. foreign policy limitations that are conditioned, earned by men, women only make often seems like the playing out of men can overcome the barriers 62 cents, a fact that remains true de- rigid sex roles by men trying to which prevent them from being full spite years of publicity and struggle. achieve and maintain power human beings as well. Further, women live in constant through male toughness. How can a —expanded from an article by Starhawk. fear of rape or battering, and with cooperative, humane public policy good reason: a woman in the U.S. is be developed by people who have Thanks to International Days battered once every eighteen been socialized to repress emotions, for Nuclear Disaarmament Handbook seconds (FBI). As a result of such pervasive violence against women, many women stay penned in their homes at night. In fact, the attitude that women are the property of and under the control of men is apparent in magazines and movies which por- tray women as objects to be violated, and in the common war custom that allows the victors to rape the women of the people they've conquered. Women have been challenging blatant and subtle sexism and the presumption of patriarchal ("rule of the fathers") power for a long time. Feminism, the philosophy and poli- tical force that has given expression to women's voices against sexism and for a vision of a cooperative, hu- man-valuing society, started early in the 19th century with demands and principles that matched the condi- tions of that time: education and vot- ing rights for women. The current second wave has also emerged out of the historical conditions of its time: women active in social change movements of the 60s began ques- tioning why we were always fight- ing other people's issues and never even identifying our own.

Pro-choice demonstrators blockade the founding offices of Operation Rescue in Binghamton, NY. March 1989. Photo by Michael I. Okoniewski, © 1989. 23 Confronting Classism

We live in the wealthiest country others exclude that percentage of the For general discussion: in the world, but the greatest per- workforce which constitutes the As a movement, who are we and centage of that wealth is in the hands professionals and managers whose who are we trying to reach in terms of a tiny percentage of the popula- incomes are high enough to provide of class? How? To whom do our liter- tion. It is environmentally and tech- a stake in the capitalist system. De- ature and events appeal? How are nically possible for everyone to en- pending on the breadth of one's de- poor people's needs being met in joy a good standard of living if finition, 70-85% of the population our organizing? What steps are wealth were redistributed, exploita- can be considered working class. being taken to change people's atti- tion ceased and the arms race aban- This is true despite the fact that the tudes about classism? Are poor and doned. The inequitable distribution individuals themselves might iden- Third World people invited to par- of wealth prevents the whole society tify as or with the middle class. ticipate in organization planning? from enjoying the full benefits of These individuals, however, are not What is being done to reach and in- people's labor, intelligence and beneficiaries of middle class pri- volve organized and unorganized creativity and causes great misery vileges. workers? What are we doing to sup- for working class and poor people. Class affects people not only on an port poor, workingclass and people Classism is the systematic oppres- economic level, but also on an emo- of color in their struggles? sion of poor people and people who tional level. Classist attitudes have work for wages by those who have caused great pain by dividing people The situation for poor and working- access to control of the necessary re- from one another and keeping indi- class people in our movement and sources by which other people make viduals from personal fulfillment or organization: their living. Classism is also held in the means to survive. Consequent- Is classism evident in who does place by a system of beliefs which ly, the process of rejecting such atti- what work in the organization? Are ranks people according to economic tudes and their accompanying mis- poor and workingclass people facili- status, "breeding," job and level of information is an emotional one. tators, spokespeople and/or media education. Classism says that upper Since people tend to hurt each other contacts and leaders, and not just class people are smarter and more because they themselves have been relegated to cleanup crews and col- articulate than working class and hurt, and since most forms of lating mailings? Are organizing ex- poor people. It is a way of keeping oppression are accompanied by eco- penses paid upfront, or promptly people down, it means upper- nomic discrimination, class overlaps reimbursed? middle class and wealthy people de- with many other social issues, all of Meetings and events: fine for everyone else what "nor- which move as we unravel how Make meetings and events known mal" or "acceptable" is. Many of us we've been hurt. and accesssible to poor and work- have come to accept this standard as The stereotype is that poor and ingclass people. Be aware of how the the norm and many of us have working class people are unintelli- length, time and frequency of meet- bought the myth that most of the gent, inarticulate and "overly emo- ings affects full-time workers, espe- country is middle class. tional." A good ally (a non- cially those who parent. Arrange for Criteria for determining class workingclass committed supporter) transportation. identity is subject to debate, being will contradict these messages by Routinely provide childcare and variously defined by origins, work- soliciting the knowledge and histor- sliding scales. Ask people what they force status, income and/or outlook. ies of poor working class people, need to be able to attend meetings For example, some consider all who being a thoughtful listener, trying to and events. How does income-level derive their income from wages understand what is being said, and and class composition affect the de- members of the working class; not criticizing how the message is velopment of resources, the dates of being presented or responding with demonstrations, the levels of com- automatic defensiveness. Distrust, mitment and power working people - - - despair and anger are common con- can have, the events sponsored? THE FIVE MILLION MORE THAN HALF THE FIVE MILLION sequences of oppression; it is the test What are the cultural offerings? Who PEOPLE IMPRISONED are the speakers and entertainers? EACH YEAR ARE NOT CONVICTEDa &ewes, of a true ally to remain undeterred TOOBUT ARE AWAITING TRIAL, AND USUALLY, ARE when these flare up and to refrain POOR TO MAKE BAIL from withdrawing support at such Process: points. When targets of oppression Make sure that process isn't believe the lies about ourselves, we actually being used to tell poor and are "internalizing our oppression." workingdass people how to behave To begin to undo the damage caused by "proper" etiquette. by classism, it is useful for everyone Is consensus being used so that to examine our own feelings about decisions favor those who can stay money, education, privilege, pow- the longest, or who are used to get- er, relationships, culture and ethnic- ting their own way and will block to ity. This advice applies to organiza- do so? tions as well. 24 Watch that group hugs and rituals For women, agism intensifies all are not "imposed — allow people to Agism* of the atrocities of sexism, racism interact with each other in whatever Agism is action based on the belief and class oppression. Old women ways feel comfortable to them. that one age group is inferior to (as defined by census, 62 and older) Civil disobedience (CD): another. The action becomes are the poorest sector of the popula- Does class determine who is able oppressive when it is backed with tion, with ever-diminishing expecta- and who is unable to commit civil power and resources (e.g. money tions. Yet every year the population disobedience? How can we make it and media). Agist beliefs are legiti- of poor old women increases. economically possible for those who mized by theories (often "scientific") Older women are expected to pro- want to commit CD to do so? How and myths, and serve to keep target vide a background for the activities do we keep CD from being a move- ages out of competition for jobs and of younger women and men, but ment privilege, with activists who other resources. rarely play lead roles. They are often can afford to tally arrest counts We all experience agism in this discounted, and are virtually invisi- granted subsequently more political age-segregated society. We learn to ble, leading to the painful, common prestige? How do those who are believe that people who are very and incorrect assumption that older arrested relate to the regular prison young and very old are physically women are not doing anything, or population, (taking into account and mentally inferior to those who have not been active at anything how class figures in their treatment). are in the "prime" of life and that effective. Yet a great deal of the work Be aware of how police are dealing young adults have the greatest of the anti-war movement has been with people of color, gay, lesbian, strength, particularly men. This be- carried by older women. If not total- and known movement people dur- lief, a pay-off for exploitation of their ly invisible, older women are de- ing arrest situations. Be prepared to labor and their bodies, also reflects picted as destructive witches come to the aid of anyone who has our throw-away mentality, which (another distortion of peoples' his- been singled out by the police and puts top value on the new (young) tory), or they are patronized. may be receiving harsher treatment adult, and the useful (able to find A lot of agism stems from the re- than others. employment). Young women are sentment that younger people feel Realize that during the booking defined at the height of their "beau- toward the entrenched power of old- process questions that are being ty" as sex objects. Agism is so er people. Agism provides a way to asked to determine whether or not powerful for girls that many believe avoid principled struggle over valid people can be released on their own they will never grow up or grow old. questions of class, power and lead- recognizance, are particularly discri- Agism intensifies all of the other ership. minatory. These questions concen- "isms." During the long period of Every generation wants to believe trate on your economic, social, sex- childhood (itself a relatively modern that they hold the key to the "revolu- ual and prior arrest standing. phenomenon), we keep our young tion," yet the ignorance of history Realize that bail is the most blatant dependent, helpless, and almost and our inability to talk to each other example of classism. Those who totally devoid of rights while we across generations means that each have money get out of jail—those socialize (brainwash) them into rigid generation starts out repeating the who don't stay in. patterns of behavior according to same mistakes. The expectations class, sex and race. In school, which that older men will be powerful and older women nurturing makes it dif- — from articles by Donna Warnock they must attend, they are tracked and Laura Briggs into career lines at an early age with ficult for some older people to share little account of individuals' speed of and to learn. Agism keeps us di- learning or lack of opportunities. vided, ignorant and ineffective. This oppression of the young denies *This particular spelling is preferred them access to their own dreams, . by author. visions, creativity, spirituality: their — from two articles by Marjory Nelson own reality. — Thanks to International Day of Nuclear Disarmament Handbook

Hormel meat packer's picket line — Minnesota. January 1986. Photo by Paula Williamson, (c) 1986, Guardian Photos. 25 Homophobia

Homophobia: fear of homosexuality the building of a culture, institu- jobs involving children such as Historically, lesbians and gay men tions, and relationships with teaching, health care, or child care. have been forced to live separately women independent of men, rather The treatment of lesbians and gay out of fear of psychological or than in opposition to men. This phi- men by the police and jail authorities physical attack or reprisals. This in- losophy is based on the desire to not is another concern. Gay people are visibility hurts us all: it perpetuates have to expend energy constantly often verbally or physically abused stereotypes about gays; it divides us; dealing with sexism and general by police and as a result feel especial- and it serves to minimize the accom- societal hatred of women. This con- ly vulnerable to police and jail. plishments and contributions of gay cept of separateness is not unique to In jail, those who are affectionate people. The fear of being considered lesbians and has, in fact, had parallel or who participate in homosexual gay limits and distorts everyone's voices in almost every major libera- acts are frequently maligned by life choices and relationships. Men tion movement. Misunderstanding other prisoners or cited for "exces- are often afraid to get close to their of this philosophy, however, has re- sive physical contact", which may male friends because it might imply sulted in the broadening of the man- result in harassment and forced gayness — and might even reveal a hating stereotype so that, frequent- isolation. Punishment and the threat half-suspected gay dimension of ly, it is used to discount women's of punishment for homosexual be- themselves. An essential prop for criticism of sexism or the desire of havior is a major tool used to sepa- sexism, in keeping people within women to meet separately from rate prisoners from each other. By their accustomed sex roles, is this men. It is crucial that this stereotype preying on existing anti-gay senti- fear of homosexuality, or homopho- be confronted and not used as a cov- ment, the prison authorities can suc- bia. Because of this, women's libera- er for dismissing strong women. ceed in creating a climate of fear, and tion and men's liberation depends Another common stereotype sur- provoking verbal and physical partly on gay liberation. rounds the relationship of lesbians harassment, thereby squelching In movements which encompass and gay men to children. This prisoner organizing. In actions in- people from a wide variety of politic- stereotype covers a wide range of volving civil disobedience, visible al and religious backgrounds, pre- ideas, from right-wing moralistic lesbians and gay men are often sub- judices that lead to negative atti- fears that gays are child molesters ject to specific violence by police. It is tudes towards lesbians and gay men and recruiters, to a common heter- important that all CDers join remain unchallenged as long as we osexual assumption that gays can't together to guarantee safety during remain invisible. have children or don't care for chil- arrest and/or placement in the These unexamined prejudices re- dren. Some states have adopted general jail population. Our unity sult from historical condemnation of policies preventing lesbians and gay can prevent the prison authorities homosexuality. Gays have been men from being foster parents. from using homophobia as a "divide attacked on all fronts: by psychiatry Many thousands of lesbians and gay and conquer" tool. (which only ten years ago ceased men have made the decision to have — by Non-Nuclear Family identifying homosexualilty as a children or became parents during — Thanks to International Day of mental illness); organized religion previous heterosexual relationships. Nuclear Disarmament Hand book (which identified gayness as a "sin Many more have ongoing personal and abomination"); the Right (the relationships with children or have Moral Majority has targeted gays); and the Left (which viewed gayness in Marxist terms as evidence of capi- talist decadence). The list is exten- sive and horrifying, yet repression towards gays is often trivialized and our concerns dismissed as inconse- quential. The stereotype of lesbians as man- haters originated from men feeling threatened by women choosing women as lovers over men, feelings that reflect a cornerstone tenet of a sexist society: Women are the prop- erty of men and under their control. In recent years, the advent of the lesbian rights movement has allowed for the emergence of a les- bian separatist philosophy, held by a small part of the lesbian population. For many lesbian separatists, the basic premise of this philosophy is Lesbian and Gay activists risk arrest by protesting on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court. October 1987. Photo by Marilyn Humphries, © 1987. 26 Disability Awareness

People with disabilities breathe, the disabled individual, it means 4. Research accessible public res- eat, learn, teach, work, loaf, get risking control over your daily trooms along the route and point parking tickets and go on vacation. routine and not knowing if your them out on a map. And yes, people with disabilities needs will be cared for. I think able- Demonstrations make love, raise families, come out, bodied people need to be more con- 1.Make sure the stage is accessible organize, get arrested for civil dis- scious of what those needs are — to by renting a set of portable ramps (to obedience, laugh, cry, pay taxes, be more readily available to help but ramp a few steps only) or a truck and resist taxes. There is perhaps without being solicitous and over- with a lift. one important difference between protective. And I think that kind of 2. Designate a specific space in people with disabilities and people consciousness comes with having front of the stage for people with who are (temporarily) able-bodied. ongoing relationships with disabled disabilities and their friends/affinity If the environment were designed individuals." groups to guarantee the best visibil- by and for people with disabilities, Accessbility ity for deaf and hearing-impaired the disabilities would be compara- people, people with visual impair- tively less important. Underlying Meetings ments, and people who use wheel- the barriers in architecture and com- 1. To include individuals with physical disabilities, hold meetings chairs. munication are powerfully restric- 3. Provide sign language inter- tive attitudes that permeate our in ramped buildings (sloping 12 to 14 pretation and publicize this fact on society. feet for every 1 foot rise), with en- trances and bathroom stalls at least your publicity. A program longer Steve Hoffmann participated in than two hours requires at least two the June 21, 1982, blockade of Lawr- 32" wide. There should be grab bars interpreters. ence Livermore Laboratory in Liver- on the sides and/or in back of the toilet. 4. Remember to maintain wide more, California. He is an individual aisles where possible and to provide who uses a wheelchair due to a se- 2.Set up the room with wide aisles tapes of any written materials (e.g. vere disability. As a disabled indi- and leave spaces for wheelchairs programs). vidual in a situation involving most- among the other chairs. Make sure there are sturdy wide chairs for large 5. Provide accessible portable ly able-bodied people, he has the fol- toilets. lowing unique impressions to offer people. of his experience: 3. For visually disabled people, General Communication How did you decide to participate in make available any written or visual To facilitate communication be- civil disobedience? materials on tape (or in Braille) or tween hearing people and people Civil disobedience has always minimally, be prepared to have any with hearing disabiliteis where there been one of my attachments to real- written materials read aloud. This is no sign language interpreter, have ity. If I didn't have that it would be a accommodation will also be useful only one person speak at a time. lot more difficult for me to function for people who can't read or have Further, hearing people should face as an individual with a sense of difficulty reading. the person with a hearing impair- humor. In New York City, by law, in 4. Arrange for a sign language in- ment, and move their lips naturally, order to ride the subway: terpreter to be present. and remember not to shout. Even 1. I needed a special permit. 5. Plan and facilitiate meetings though lipreading is only about 30% 2. I needed an able-bodied escort. with an effort to avoid draining peo- effective, it is better than nothing. If 3. I wasn't allowed to ever change ple's bodies and spirits by providing - you don't know sign language, you cars on the train. That law, obvious- food, adhering to time limits, and can still use gesture and facial ex- ly, conflicted not only with my taking breaks. pressions to emphasize your mean- morality, my mobility, and my right Marches ing. Also, have paper and pencil as a taxpayer, it was also not a just 1. When planning the march available in case you get stuck. law. And the reality of riding the route, bear in mind accessible trans- People who cannot speak clearly subway, worrying about being stop- portation. If accessible public trans- need their listeners to slow down ped at any moment by a transit cop portation is not available, make and pay close attention. Ask the per- kind of taught me to distinguish be- arrangements (including financial son to repeat or spell what he or she tween right and wrong and the law, compensation) with agencies or in- said rather than pretending you which are two different things. dividual owners of vans with lifts. understood. "I could almost believe that there This accessible vehicle can be used People with visual disabilities isn't anyone too severely disabled as a shuttle from march start to de- need verbal descriptions to provide that s/he couldn't participate in jail monstration site. missing information. solidarity. And that's good. Because 2. For those who do not wish or People who learn slowly or dif- when the authorities deal with peo- are not able to walk the whole route, ferently need concepts to be orga- ple with severe disabilities, it taxes places along the route should be de- nized and simple — summarize fre- the whole system more. But making signated where they can join. quently. This will help clarify issues that right to civil disobedience a real- 3. Plan routes that are flat or gent- for everyone. ity is another matter. Because, for ly sloped and solid (not muddy, continued on page 28 rocky). 27 Peacekeepers

In numerous demonstrations of songs and chants, and by providing 3. Be firm, but not rigid. If you the past it has been found that the needed information to the group as a have agreed to be a peacekeeper you effectiveness and nonviolence of the whole. must have agreed to uphold the action has been greatly enhanced by 2.Act as a communication net- nonviolent principles of the demon- the participation of people with spe- work. They act as an important face- stration.. This occasionally means cial skills. These specialized partici- to-face communication link between pushing people to do things they do pants, or peacekeepers, perform the coordinators of the action and not want to do. Stick to your com- specific facilitating roles for the ac- the participants as well as the inter- mitment to nonviolnce and strongly tion. Even if you have not decided to nal communication system for the encourage others to do the same. specialize in the role of peacekeeper, coordinators themselves. 4. Be forthright. Deal fairly and however, you may find yourself in a 3.Provide emergency medical and honestly with people engaged in conflict situation in which legal aid. Peacekeepers are fre- conflict, no matter what they have peacekeeper skills will be useful. In a quently the first people on the spot done. If you don't know the answer nonviolent action everyone is, to when a medical or legal emergency to something, say so. some extent, a peacekeeper. arises. They can play an important 5. Be calm. It is a rare person who Peacekeepers: supportive role for the person who does not become angry or afraid needs assistance. under stress. Don't think that you 1. Set the tone for the action. They 4.Maintain the internal self- are weak if you have fears. The im- establish a positive and affirmative discipline of the action. Peacekeep- portant thing in being a peacekeeper atmosphere by being warm and ers facilitate the movement and ac- is learning how to control your feel- helpful to participants, by leading tion of large groups of people by ings by remembering the overall directing traffic, encouraging people goal of the action. Try to deal with to walk and not run and providing fears and angers before the demon- information to the group. continued from 27 stration rather than during it. Peacekeepers are also prepared to 6. Be forgiving. Give up resent- handle conflicts among demonstra- ment over the wrong you are trying Arrest and Jail Concerns tors. to set right. Gandhi said, "Hate sin, Jail is an especially stressful situa- 5.Act as mediators between au- and love the sinner." This applies to tion where everyone, including peo- thorities and demonstrators. It may conflicts between demonstrators as ple with disabilities, has no control be important to have people as buf- well as to conflicts with police, work- over her/his daily routine. Each per- fers between law enforcement offi- ers, onlookers,.... son should assess whether going to cials, workers, and demonstrators. 7. Work as a team. You don't have jail is the most appropriate role for Peacekeepers help to maintain the to do everything yourself. Use and her/him and, if so, what s/he can do nonviolent self-discipline of the de- rely on the support you can get from in the jail situation to minimize the monstration and act as mediators in other peacekeepers and from your stress. confrontations between authorities fellow demonstrators. Both prior to, and once in jail, each and protestors. Peacekeepers have 8. Do your job. If you feel you person should assess all available primary responsibility to the partici- cannot perform a specific task due to options, including the option to post pants in the action, but they should either physical, emotional, or moral bail. If the jail situation becomes too be prepared to protect legal author- reasons, inform a peacekeeper coor- stressful and a person chooses to ities, workers, and non-participants dinator so that a person can be found "cite out," that decision should be from demonstrators if necessary. to replace you. It is not a disgrace to understood and accepted by those say "no, I can't do it." If you feel you choosing to remain in jail. cannot handle yourself nonviolently Affinity groups should strategize Some Guidelines to Help in a situation, notify another ways to remain together when the Peacekeepers Do Their Jobs: peacekeeper and step away from the jail authorities try to separate out the 1. Be warm, friendly, and help- conflict. It is better to step out than to disabled people and ways to handle ful. The tone of the demonstration risk an escalation of the conflict. inaccessible jail buses and jail living depends on how you respond to 9. Peacekeepers will avoid other quarters. your fellow, demonstrators, police, responsibilities during the time Individuals with hidden disabili- the media, and workers. Our atti- they "on duty" as peacekeepers. ties should have special dietary and/ tude should be one of openness, This includes caring for children, or medical needs put into prescrip- friendliness and respect toward all carrying signs or banners, working tion form by a medical doctor. Plan officials and participants. at a concession or table, distributing with affinity group supporters a Peacekeepers are not junior police, literature for other organizations, means to guarantee that these pre- and this is no place for authority etc. scriptions will be delivered in jail. trips. — Adapted from Rocky Flats — by Myke Johnson, with Bruce Rose 2. Be creative. Nonviolence does Action Group nonviolence manual Thanks to C.D. Handbook not mean being aloof or failing to act. National Lesbian and Gay You must be creative in your attempt March on Washington to intervene and resolve a conflict. 28 We Make A Difference

At times the political work that we The fact that "date rape" and nuclear war . . . none of the do is exciting. Everyone we know is "rape inside marriage" are issues at letters to Congress, none of the involved; our campaign is the focus all is testimony to the years of orga- draft board raids, none of the of local and national attention; nizing and consciousness-raising by draft resisters, none of the acts change seems imminent. Other women about the reality of violence of resistance by soldiers, none times, all this work seems less re- in our lives. Think about nuclear of the demonstrations and ral- warding — friends aren't that in- power and the shift from "safe pow- lies and visits to Congress; terested in being involved, every- er that is too cheap to meter" to "cost none of it was too soon, none one's moved on to another issue. effective, independent energy with of it was too much, none of it Nobody even thinks about, say, acceptable levels of public risk" to was less than essential, none of draft registration, anymore. Some- recent news stories of New York's it was wasted. NONE OF IT times, we even achieve success, and governor offering to buy Shoreham WAS LESS THAN ABSO- that takes the wind out of our sails; so that it would never open. LUTELY NECESSARY FOR or suddenly it's not so clear what Those of us working on U.S. poli- THE ENDING OF THIS direction to take. cy in Central America should re- WAR." Movements have stages. They member the words of Daniel No one who wields greater power peak in energy and excitement, and Ellsberg, speaking more than a de- in the political mainstream is likely then seem to fade away. But in real- cade ago after learning that the to voluntarily acknowledge our im- ity it's these quiet times when very bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong pact as activists on the important important research and networking was delayed nearly three years be- issues of our time. In many ways, and grassroots organizing takes cause of pressure from the American that just leaves us the victories to place. Seeing our work as part of this peace movement: claim. Our efforts, combined with larger cycle is one of the ways we get "Those who demonstrated those of the millions of people who through what could otherwise be a against the war saved hun- have worked for peace and justice permanent slump. We are building, dreds of thousands of lives, throughout history, have made and during these times, the campaigns and we are in their debt for will make a tremendous difference. to come. having avoided a probable Another important part of streng- thening and empowering our move- ment is recognizing and celebrating our victories. The abolition of slav- ery, the attainment of the eight hour work day, suffrage for women and blacks were all only dreams to peo- ple like us who believed that change was possible. Recently Reagan and Bush have publicly taken credit for the "negotiating climate" that allowed for a reduction of Euromis- siles and other arms reduction agreements with the Soviets. Are these agreements a credit to their negotiation — or hours and hours of demonstrating, lobbying, marching, dying-in, and leafletting on both sides of the Atlantic? Think about daycare for children. It changed from a frivolous issue to a presiden- tial platform plank all by itself? Not likely.

Students from Gallaudet College protest on West Steps of the' U.S. Capitol, demanding that a deaf president be appointed. March 1988. Photo by Rick Reinhard, © 1988, Impact Visuals. 29 Campaigns

Most movement programs re- Britain, Gandhi selected the British For example, in opposing the volve around organizing single, un- monopoly on salt as the focus for a establishment of a Junior ROTC unit related events-demonstrations, campaign. At first this appeared to in a local high school, your medium forums, whatever. Were these acti- be an insignificant issue to worry ab- (or short) range goal might be to pre- vities strung together in an inte- out, compared with independence vent the unit from setting up. A grated fashion building on one itself. But because salt affected short range goal could be getting the another — the impact and potential everyone on this rather hot subcon- local paper (or student body) to for success would be magnified dra- tinent, because its cost was a come out against the unit. An exam- matically. Such is the advantage of hardship on the masses, and be- ple of something which is not a short campaign organizing. cause it was relatively easy to manu- range goal would be the holding of a The campaign provides an escalat- facture (and thereby violated the salt forum or having a picket. These rep- ing series of actions over a period of laws), it became an ideal symbol of resent vehicles toward your goals, time focused on a target in order to why independence was being rather than goals themselves. achieve specific goals. Persistence sought. The British viewed the Salt Saying that a short range goal is "to and a systematic approach are key Campaign as "nothing less than to educate the student body" has little ingredients of a campaign. cause a complete paralysis of the value as a goal unless it is measur- All this is not to say demonstra- administrative machinery." In re- able (e.g.,a poll or vote). tions should not be organized on in- trospect, the year-long campaign In setting goals, you might consid- dividual dates like Hiroshima Day was the most spectacular effort in er establishing a bottom line on what (August 6), International Women's the 28-year struggle for independ- is acceptable, to guard against being Day (March 8), Martin Luther King ence. coopted into ending the campaign Day, and so forth. But, when possi- The United Farm Workers grape without making any fundamental ble, actions which are part of cam- change. paigns can make a stronger state- boycott is another example of a well ment. chosen campaign in the struggle to Analysis win union recognition and better After the goals have been set, an Planning a Campaign conditions for farm workers. analysis should be made to see who While a demonstration takes a One of the most important steps the participants in the campaign are good deal of careful planning, a cam- in a campaign, after determining the and how they can aid the campaign. paign requires considerably more target or focus, is to choose the short Who do you need to participate if the attention. range goals. Long range goals are campaign is likely to succeed? Who The first step is to do the basic easy, e.g., world peace or an end to is on your side now? How are those groundwork of self-education on the sexism. But sometimes if short range people reached? Write, call, or visit issues and problems to be combated. goals are not clearly defined, then the community groups which are This can be accomplished through the campaign could be stalled. Short likely to be sympathetic: coopera- research, study groups, workshops, range goals should be winnable with- tives, clinics, some veterans groups, and conferences. in the near future (providing a boost women's groups, Third World The next step is to decide where to and the encouragement needed to groups, student groups, religious focus our initial efforts. What you keep your group moving toward the organizations, women's groups, need to find are weak points in the longer range goals), measurable (you and so forth. opponent's "armour," which will ought to be able to tell when you Who are the opponents? How can provide levers or handles to focus have accomplished them), set on a they or their supporters be won over criticism and action. timetable to allow for periods of eva- or neutralized. In the example During one phase of the Indian luation, be a significant step towards above, the opponents might be the campaign for independence from the long range goal(s). school board or principal. The sup-

WANNABY WIMP BE A POLITICAL ACTIVIST ARE YOU HELD BACK BYWIMPINES? POLICE AFRAID OF ? too RESTLESS FOR ORGANIZATIONAL BYSTRATEGY BEHAVIORAL MEETINGS?? USING TECHNIQUES DEVELOPED SYLVIAMODIFICATIONTHE EXPERTS, • ACTION • TIME!SEMINARS BRING WILL MAG HAVE YOU IN JAIL IN NO IC MARKERS AND A CHANGE of c a 14 £

44 30 porters of the opponents might be Public forums, letters to editor, etc. 2. Goals the community, PTA, local paper, or Basic public education on issues Long range clergy. Picketing, leafleting, etc What were the ultimate goals being After this analysis, a plan of action Public contact with opponents sought? set on a timetable is needed. This Demonstrations, rallies, marches Short range plan of action should be in a step-by- Show of strength by maximizing What goals were set? step escalation. Escalation is neces- numbers Were they achievable? sary if the pressure on opponents Limited strike Were they measurable? Can you tell needs to be increased. This does not Involving those immediately if they've been accomplished? necessarily mean the previous level affected Would reaching them have brought of activity is abandoned, but simply Boycott the campaign measurably closer to that an escalated stage of activity is Against company or product in the long range goals? added to the previous stages. For question, if appropriate Timetable example, education should be a con- Limited noncooperation Was a timetable set to allow for stant and complementary compo- By those most immediately periodic measurement of progress of nent of every campaign — never affected the campaign? What was it? being abandoned. In the campaign Massive illegal actions Bottom line above, the first level of action is to Noncooperation, civil disobdi- Were there any minimum acceptable approach the school board and ask ence, direct action goals set in advance, so as to avoid them to turn down the JROTC ap- General strike being compromised or coopted? plication. Should that fail, set up Establishing a parallel government 3. Participants study commissions to analyze the Who was on "our side" at the begin- value of a JROTC unit; solicit outside Analyzing a Campaign ning? opinions; hold, public forums; write This outline is an expansion of an Who was needed if the campaign letters to the editor; etc. outline used by Joan Bondurant in was likely to succeed? Should an escalation be neces- her analysis of Gandhian cam- How could those people we needed sary, picketing, leafleting, or paigns. It can be used either in eva- have been reached? boycotts might be next. Beyond that, luation of a campaign or in prepara- Was there a core of people organized demonstrations, marches, and ral- tion for a campaign. and prepared to stay with a sus- lies could be organized. Then, 1. Dates of the Campaign tained campaign so as to provide perhaps, a student strike, and continuity? maybe carefully chosen civil dis- obedience actions. Organizers should not lightly go from one level of a campaign to the next. Each stage should be evaluated and considered seriously. Remem- ber, shifting to the next stage does not mean activities at earlier levels should always be forgotten (e.g., going from picketing to a sit-in does not necessarily mean picketing should be discontinued).

Step by Step Escalation in a Nonviolent Campaign Investigation and research Checking facts and allegations; building an airtight *case against opponents and preparing for coun- tercharges Negotiation and arbitration Meeting with opponents to settle conflict before going public; ultima- tum issued before moving to next Students at Howard University protest Lee Atwater's appointment as trustee by forming a "human blanket" to level block the main entrance to the administration building. March 1989. Photo by Rick Reinhard, c 1989, Impact Visuals.

31 4. Opponents 8. Action Who were the opponents? What forms of action were used: Who was calling the shots in opposi- picketing, leafleting, marches, etc.? tion to the campaign? Was it necessary to escalate to a Was it necessary to win over or neut- higher level of struggle? raliz supporters of the opponents Why and when? Were there strikes, in order for the campaign to suc- boycotts, or limited noncoopera- ceed? tion? How were supporters of the opposi- Did the campaign escalate to civil tion won over or neutralized? disobedience, mass noncooperation 5. Organization and Constructive or some form of mass direct action? Work Why? What was the organizational struc- Why did the action end when and ture to carry out the campaign? where it did? How were decisions made? 9. Reaction of opponents How was the campaign funded? Were participants jailed? Beaten? Were there parallel institutions to re- Repressed? place those being opposed or any Property seized? constructive work done during the Lies spread? Media blackout? campaign? Intimidation? Ridicule? 6. Preparation for Action Concessions or coopting attempted? What research and investigation Was campaign basically ignored? was done? 10. Results Education? Public forums? Mass Were the short range goals media? achieved? Training for the main actions? Any progress made towards the Was there adequate preparation for long range goals? anticipated repression (jail, levies, What happened to jailed or injured violence)? people? 7. Preliminary Action Was property returned? Amnesty? Were approaches made to oppo- Did any of the opponents lose sup- nents? Negotiation and arbitration? port? Petitions or letters? Any property destruction by partici- 11. Analysis Was an ultimatum issued? If so, pants? Were appropriate tactics used at what was the response? appropriate times? Was the best target chosen? Was the timetable realistic? Did the campaign meet the time- table? If not, why not? Was consciousness raised among the general public? Did the actions clearly communicate the myths, secrets, and realitites of the issues and society? If short range goals were not achieved, why not? How could the campaign have been improved? If there was property destruction, did it help or hinder the campaign? Was the organizational structure adequate to conduct the campaign? Was the decision making responsive to participants? Were there problems in making de- cisions or lack of decisiveness? Who had the initiative during the campaign? Were there any surprises which hurt or helped the campaign?

Nevada Peace Test civil disobedience action, March 1988. Photo by Harriet Hirshorn, ©1988, Impact Visuals,

32 Bibliography

Ashe, Geoffrey, GANDHI, NY: Hedemann, Ed (ed.) WAR RESIS- Stories of women and nonviolence. Stein and Day, 1968. TERS LEAGUE ORGANIZERS Merton, Thomas GANDHI AND Bondurant, Joan, CONQUEST OF MANUAL, War Resisters League, NONVIOLENCE, New Directions, VIOLENCE, University of California 1981. Practical information and de- 1965. Selected excerpts with com- Press, 1965. A good political analysis tails on organizing actions and local mentary by editor. of Gandhian nonviolence. activities. Meyerding, Jane (ed), WE ARE ALL Cooney, Robert, and Michalowski, King, Martin Luther, Jr., WHERE PART OF ONE ANOTHER, A BAR- Helen, eds. THE POWER OF THE DO WE GO FROM HERE: CHAOS BARA DEMING READER, New PEOPLE, New Society Publishers, OR COMMUNITY? NY: Bantam Society Publishers, 1984. 1986. History of nonviolent actions Books, 1967. Moraga, Cherrie and Anzaldua, and activitists in U.S. WHY WE CAN'T WAIT, Gloria, THIS BRIDGE CALLED MY Coover, Deacon, Esser, Moore, RE- New York: Signet Books, 1964. BACK - WRITINGs BY RADICAL SOURCE MANUAL FOR A LIVING STRENGTH TO LOVE, New WOMEN OF COLOR, Persephone' REVOLUTION, New Soceity Pub- York: Harper and Row, 1967. Press, Watertown, MA 1981. lishers, 1984. Ways to analyze and THE TRUMPET OF CONSCI- Patton, Cindy, SEX AND GERMS, improve group dynamics and exer- ENCE, New York: Harper and Row, THE POLICY OF AIDS, South End cises for developing strategies. 1967. Press, 1985. Deming, Barbara, ON ANGER, AJ STRIDE TOWARD FREE- Piven and Cloward, POOR PEO- Muste Institute, one of the series of DOM, New York: Harper and Row, PLE'S MOVEMENTS: WHY THEY pamphlets on nonviolent action, 1958. SUCCEED, HOW THEY FAIL, Ran- available from 339 Lafayette St. Lernoux, Penny, CRY OF THE PEO- dom House, 1977. New York, NY 10012 PLE, Penguin Books, 1982. Sharp, Gene, THE POLITICS OF PRISON NOTES, NY: Gross- Lynd, Staughton, NONVIOLENCE NONVIOLENT ACTION, Porter man, 1966. IN AMERICA: A DOCUMENTARY Sargent, 1973. A detailed 3-volume REVOLUTION AND OF HISTORY, Indianapolis: Bobbs- analysis of political power and dis- EQUILIBRIUM, NY: Grossman Pub- Merrill, 1966. cussion of specific methods of non- lishers, 1971. McAllister, Pam, (ed) REWEAVING violence. Essays analyzing nonviolent Thoreau, Henry David, ON THE action from a feminist and pacifist THE WEB OF LIFE, New Society Publishers, 1982. Essays of feminism DUTY OF CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE, perspective. 1948. WE CANNOT LIVE WITH- and nonviolence. OUT OUR LIVES, NY: Grossman, YOU CAN'T KILL THE SPIR- Zinn, Howard, SNCC: THE NEW 1974. IT, New Society Publishers, 1988. ABOLITIONISTS, Boston: Beacon Press, 1965. Douglass, James RESISTANCE AND CONTEMPLATION, Double- day, 1972. A vision of nonviolent re- volution based on Gandhian and Christian radicalism. Gandhi, Mohandas K., NONVIO- LENT RESISTANCE, Schocken Books, 1962, A collection of essays. Garland, Anne Witte, WOMEN ACTIVISTS CHALLENGING THE ABUSE OF POWER, the Feminist Press, 1988. Gregg, Richard, THE POWER OF NONVIOLENCE, 1966. Study and explanation of psychology of non- violence. Harding, Rosemarie and Vincent, WE MUST KEEP GOING, MARTIN Syracuse Women's Affinity Group blockades the airstrip at the Seneca Army Depot. October 1983. Photo by Burr LUTHER KING AND THE FUTURE Lewis, 1983. OF AMERICA, New Society Pub- lishers, 1989. The Guardian Peace & Democracy News Periodicals 33 West 17th St. P.O. Box 1640 Cathedral Sta. New York, NY 10011 New York, NY 10025 In addition to The Nonviolent In These Times Peace & Freedom Activist, 339 Lafayette St. NY, NY 1300 W. Belmont Ave. WILPF 10012, the following make a signifi- Chicago, IL 60657 1213 Race St. cant contribution to peace and inde- LINKS, National Central Philadelphia, PA 19107 pendent thought: American Health Rights Network Peacemaker Across Frontiers P.O. Box 407 P.O. Box 627 P.O. Box 2382 New York, NY 10032 Garberville, CA 95440 Berkeley, Ca 94702 M: Gentle Men For Gender Justice, Peacework The Animals' Agenda 306 N. Brooks St. AFSC P.O. Box 5234 Madison, WI 53715 2161 Massachusetts Ave. Westport, CT 06881 MERIP, Middle East Report Cambridge, MA 02140 Akwesasne Notes 475 Riverside Dr., No 518 Progressive Mohawk nation New York NY 10115 409 East Main St. Rooseveltown, NY 13683 Mother Jones Madison, WI 53703 Black/Out 1663 Mission St. Radical America The Magazine of the National San Francisco, CA 94103 38 Union Square Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays NACLA, Report of the Americas Somerville, MA 02143 19641 West Seven Mile 151 West 19th St., 9th Floor Reconciliation International Detroit, MI 48219 New York, NY 10011 IFOR Bulletin of Atomic Scientists Nation Spoorstraat 38 5801 South Kenwood 72 Fifth Ave. 1815 BK Alkmaen Chicago, IL 60637 New York, NY 10011 Netherlands Bulletin of Concerned Asian Scho- National Catholic Reporter Science for the People lars P.O. Box 281 897 Main St. P.O. Box R Kansas City, MO 64141 Cambridge, MA 02139 Berthoud, CO 80513 New Outlook Sing Out! Catholic Worker 9 Gordon St. P.O. Box 5253 36 East 1st St. Tel Aviv, Israel 63458 Bethlehem, PA 18015 New York, NY 10003 New Politics Cineaste The Socialist P.O. Box 98 5502 West Adams Blvd. 200 Park Ave. South Brooklyn, NY 11231 New York, NY 10003 Los Angles, CA 90016 Nuclear Resister Sojourners Connexions Box 43383 4228 Telegraph Ave. Box 29272 Tucson, AZ 85733 Washington, DC 20017 Oakland, CA 94609 Nuclear Times Cultural Survival Quarterly SPEW 1601 Connecticut Ave., NW WRL 11 Divinity Ave. Washington, DC 20009 Cambridge, MA 02138 339 Lafayette St.- The Objector New York, NY 10012 Defense Monitor CCCO Utne Reader 1500 Massachusetts Avenue NW P.O. Box 42249 Washington, DC 20005 Best of Alternative Press San Francisco, CA 94142 LENS Publishing Co. Dollars and Sense Off Our Backs The Fawkes Building Economic Affairs Bureau, Inc. 1724 20th St., NW 1624 Harmon Place One Sumner St. Washington, DC 20009 Minneapolis, MN 55403 Somerville, MA 02143 Our Generation WRI Newsletter "Extra" 3981 St. Laurent Blvd., 4th Floor 55 Dawes St. Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting Montreal H2W1Y5, Canada London SE17 1EL, England 666 Broadway, Suite 400 Outlook (U.S. office: 339 Lafayette St. New York, NY 10012 National Lesbian & Gay Quarterly New York, NY 10012) Fellowship 347 Dolores St., Rm 333 WRI Women Box 271 San Francisco, CA 94110 55 Dawes St. Nyack, NY 10960 London, SE17 1EL, England Friends Journal Pacific News NFIPCC Zeta Magazine 152A North 15th St. 116 St. Botolph St. Philadelphia, PA 19102 P.O, Box A 391 Sydney, N5N 20000 Boston, MA 02115 Gay Community News Australia 62 Berkeley St. Boston, MA 12116 34 Activists chain themselves to the gates of a teargas plant in Saltsburg, PA., to protest shipments of C.S. gas to Israel for use against Palestinians. April 1988. Photo by Barry Lavery, 1988, Impact Visuals.

Believing war to be a crime against humanity, the War Resisters League, founded in 1923, advocates Gandhian nonviolence as the method for creating a democratic society free of war, racism, sexism, and human exploitation.

Believing bad graphics to be a crime against the movement Donnelly/Colt Graphix, founded in 1975, advocates pithy slogans, and good graphics as a method of exposing the public to the ideal of a society free of war, racism, sexism, human exploitation, and boring culture.

Co-published by: War Resisters League, 339 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10012, 212/228-0450

Donnelly/Colt Graphix, Box 188, Hampton, CT 06247. 203/455-9621

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