WorkshopsGeneral | A-C | D-I | L-P | Q_-I | Back to "What will Happen"92 workshopsSo far this year we have had offered, and have timetabled, a total of 92 workshops. So thanks to all who have offered! We have prepared a list of workshops, including some details about them and suggestions for background reading for those who wish to read up on the issues before coming to the Gathering. You may also like to look at some of the websites listed in the issues page. This list is shown on this webpage below, but for ease of printing you may wish to download it as a document so use one of the following versions:
Both the above links open in a new window, as do all links below. So, the list of workshops offered this year is: A-CAction UpdateFeedback, ideas and distribution of the Earth First! news sheet (UK) - for everyone who reads it and uses it (or who'd like to). Activist Mental Health - Dealing with traumaAs activists we may witness horrific incidents and suffer violence ourselves at the hands of the police and others. Discussion about how to recognise the symptoms in ourselves and others. Ways of coping and helping others. Activist Mental Health - Practical ToolsAn opportunity to discuss ways of coping with the stresses we face. Activist Mental Health - what makes us suffer mental distressAn opportunity to discuss mental health issues that affect us as activists; depression at the state of the world, frustration at lack of change; isolation and lack of support; unconstructive anger; etc. Anarcho Primitivism - an introductionA critique of civilisation and technology has been growing - A brief outline of some of these thoughts and thinkers Suggested reading for Anarcho Primitivism: Anti Social Behaviour - who's misbehaving?Starting from personal experience this workshop will look at the various Anti Social Behaviour Acts, their devastating effects on individuals and communities, and what if anything we can do about it. Teenagers particularly welcome. Anti-corporate tin can alleyPractise your aim with tin cans, logos, and catapults Anti-fascism - recent actions and ideas for the futureOpen discussion Arrest trainingRole-play on what happens when you get arrested, handy tips for how to cope with arrest and how to avoid dropping yourself in the shit. Autonomous Spaces during ESF in LondonIn October the European Social Forum comes to London. How do we create spaces for discussions based around horizontal (non-hierarchical) consensus organising, openness and mutual respect in a spirit of diversity. Various projects/spaces/workshops etc are taking shape, with groups working both in and outside the ESF structure. Where do we go from here? Balance, focus, mutual supportBalance, focus and mutual support: an opportunity to explore these critical elements of creative, sustainable resistance through physical exercises (suitable for most abilities) and some discussion. Basic electrics - Squats and Homes.Opportunity to learn more about electrics. Basic First Aid on Demos/CS gas responseA workshop on the basic first aid skills required to deal with common injuries at demos, with specific focus on dealing with CS gas Blags and ScamsThe ultimate skillshare for those wishing to reclaim their unpaid labour. BlockadingPractical Skillshare of blockading methods including tripods and locking on. Building an International Green & Black NetworkFeedback from Edinburgh Green Anarchism Gathering, plus open forum and discussion. Suggested reading for International Green & Black Network: Campaign Against Prison SlaveryWork in British prisons is compulsory and increasingly private companies are making fat profits from this slave labour. The Campaign Against Prison Slavery is committed to challenging them. Get informed and get involved. Campaigning - an Animal Rights approachTactics & strategies behind the campaigns against Huntingdon Life Sciences (SHAC & others) & Cambridge University (SPEAC) and applying it to the EF! Movement (e.g. StopBayerGM campaign). Suggested reading for Campaigning - an Animal Rights approach:
Climate change theatre workshop (particularly suitable for kids/teenagers)Some simple theatre exercises will be used to get people to act out various scenarios connected to climate change. This workshop is an opportunity to talk less and yet still be a bit of a show off. Hopefully humorous and serious all at the same time! Learn some Theatre of the Oppressed techniques. Consensus/non-hierarchical decision-makingSharing skills, experiences, tools and techniques for consensus decision-making: make meetings inclusive and non-hierarchical! Consolidating victories against GM- animal feed and beyond.A brief review of recent GM protests with an intro to the 'fair prices for non-GM fed dairy' campaign targeting Sainsbury's and a discussion of what next. Suggested reading: For an intro to the GM feed campaign check out Indymedia reports on the recent Sainsbury's blockades, particularly the essay attached to the London report of their action. Corporate Law is Killing the PlanetWe lurch from campaign to campaign, but what can we do to tackle the root of the problem - the structure of corporations themselves? This workshop investigates the way corporate law gives power to corporations and invites you to discuss the strategies for resistance (talk & discussion) Suggested reading for Corporate Law:
D-IDealing with the mainstream mediaDealing with the mainstream media can be a hazardous business, but at the same time can spread news and views to a much wider section of the population than leafletting or alternative media. Come and discuss ways to get the best out of any contact with the media - from thinking up soundbites to avoiding putting your foot in it. Direct Action in Palestine and IsraelHear experiences from people who have been out to Palestine with the International Solidarity Movement. Discussion on the current situation with ISM, P10K, and what can be done here. Suggested reading for Palestine and Isreal:
Disabled by Society: Disabled people and activismA brief exploration into the issues surrounding disabled peoples inclusion in society, and how to escape methods of repression. Tied into disabled people in the direct action network. Introductory rather than in depth... Dissent - Mobilising against G8 in Scotland in 2005Dissent is a network of groups and individuals planning actions and mobilising against the 2005 G8 Summit in Scotland and what it represents. We still have a lot of time to reflect and create new ideas. We hope everyone will participate in this discussion; to use all our networks, experiences and strengths to build for summer 2005 and beyond. Don't mention the war - EF! in the antiwar movementThe networks that pulled off massive street parties and June 18th seemed to have less effect against one of the most unpopular decisions of recent history. Is there resistance to resisting the war? Could we or should we have done more? A look back at the war and some thoughts about the future. Extinction and climate changeClimate change threatens unprecedented number of species with extinction. This workshop gives a brief introduction to the science and will give a chance to reflect on this. Feminist HealthBasic intro to feminist DIY health. Looking at the history of the women's health movement and redefining ideas around women's health and sexuality. Fighting Airport ExpansionDiscussion about opposing new airport development Fighting injunctions and civil court casesWhen companies like Bayer and HLS attempt to stop protests by obtaining injunctions and suing activists for damages, how should we fight back? What do you do if a writ lands on your doorstep? Outline of how to defend a case (and why) and discussion about fighting back inside and outside the court room and using the case to the campaign's advantage. G8 2005Further Discussion and planning for those who want to get active Greenwash or UsBrief intro to London Rising Tide, update on recent actions around BP corporate sponsorship, discussion & action brainstorming. All welcome Hotspots around the medIntro on the fight for Papuk wilderness park in Croatia Housing co-ops & workers' co-opsHousing and workers' co-ops can be a way for us to have more control over our housing and workplaces. Intro and discussion on how to set them up and keep them going. How to design workshopsA skill-share for beginners and experienced workshop-givers alike! Covers how people learn and the ways people learn and how to plan your workshop so it's enjoyable, inclusive and effective! Participants are also strongly encouraged to attend the next workshop on facilitation. How to facilitate workshopsHands-on session: tools and techniques for facilitating interactive, inclusive and fun workshops plus how to deal with common problems. Useful for anyone interested in running workshops for other activists and the wider community. Participants are also strongly encouraged to attend the previous workshop on workshop design. How to Shop(two sessions - one particularly suitable for kids/teenagers and one for adults) Starbucks, Tesco, Pret-a-McDonalds & Wilkos all dealt with. Examples of interfering with the monoculture and planning future shopping antics. Mixture of stories, slide show and barefaced cheek. Suggested reading for How to Shop: Hunt Sabbingpractical skillshare of tactics for saving hunted animals Improving Community Responses to Rape (& Sexual Assault)Discussion about how to combat abusive behaviour within our 'scene' or 'community' - focussing on sharing/creating positive ideas for action/ways of supporting survivors/making everyone's lives better & safer Incitement to disaffection - Seducing soldiers.Can you oppose militarism but still see the military as victims? Is communicating with the forces an important, but neglected, form of direct action? How far can we take such action before the authorities try to stop us? Intro story of someone charged under the Incitement to Disaffection Act in the 1970s, after leafletting soldiers explaining ways of leaving the army, followed by discussion. Indymedia - feedback and getting involvedThe Indymedia regional collectives have been going for more than a year now and the national site has been around for over 3 years. What does Indymedia get right and more importantly what do they get wrong. This a chance to have your say and also a chance to find out how to get involved with Indymedia. Introduction to climate changeA talk on climate change for people new to the subject (by Rising Tide) Introduction to Solidarity South PacificPractical Solidarity with indigenous, ecological and libertarian tribes and movements in the South Pacific. Talk and slideshow on past activity and future plans. Suggested reading for Solidarity South Pacific: Introduction to the EF! GatheringIf you have never been to a gathering before, or are new to Earth First! come along to one of the intro sessions to learn more. L-PLearn to Love your Bicycle (women only)A basic introduction to bike-lovin': learn how to get the best from your bike by showering it with occasional love & care! Women-only Legal Support at mass actions. Intro and skillshare.Basic tips on how to provide effective support on demos, plus discussion Legal updateUpdate on recent changes in the law that affect activists Local Folklore Talk'The Birds and the Bees' from a study of the taboo areas of sexuality in Lincolnshire from 1920s & 1950s. Local Nature Talk and WalkHow ex-farmed land re-develops its native wildlife and plantlife Making Quick Decisions on ActionsDifferent ways decisions can be made quickly on actions will be introduced and people will have a chance to try them out, discuss experiences (in roleplay and real life). May not be suitable if you are not prepared to be silly and/or always take yourself seriously. Map-reading for beginnersHow to work out where you are on a map and how to get to where you want to go. For beginners only Mobile Phones & Masts - health risks & planning controlA short intro talk about campaigning against proposed masts, followed by discussion and tactics sharing. National & International round-upGathering wide info share of recent protest action around the country (and world) - a chance for you to let everyone know a little bit about your campaign. Navigation AdvancedDiscussion of techniques for precise navigation such as pacing/timings. Looking at other techniques for navigating in low visibility/at night and navigation on actions. Navigation IntroAn introduction to map and compass navigation to enable safe exploration of our wild places. Learning how to read maps/taking a bearing with a compass and how not to get lost. Next Year's Gathering - who where what and howPlanning discussion for those who want to do it next year. If you're interested in helping make next years gathering happen this is the place to go. No One Is Illegal. no detention of migrants and refugees, no deportations, no immigration controlsShort talk to argue against immigration controls and discussion of possible actions for the right to free movement and an end to the exploitation and illegalisation of migrants and refugees. Suggested reading for No One is Illegal:
Opposing ID CardsThe government wants to introduce compulsory ID cards and set up a national database with everyone's personal details. It is claimed the scheme will be voluntary at first but by 2007 all passports and driving licences issued will have to include biometrics (fingerprints etc). If we don't resist now it may be too late. Short intro followed by facilitated discussion. Opposing Marine Quarrying in the ChannelOpposing Marine Quarrying and defending the living sea - Info for action Organising Indymedia & Alternative Media for Mobilisations (ESF & G8)Preparing for the G8 in 2005 & the European Social Forum in London in October. These events will see actions & protests taking place alongside squatted buildings & alternative events. How do we ensure alternative media coverage? To include planning infrastructure, co-ordination & reporting actions & protests. The biggest logistical challenge before the G8 - what can we learn from it? Suggested Reading for Organising Indymedia: Organising in our local communitiesDiscussion: What kind of long-term grass-roots activities in our local neighbourhoods are needed? How do we and our neighbours succeed in empowering ourselves to build strong communities and take over all local resources and decision-making? Peak Oil - is the party really over?What kind of society might emerge from a post-peak oil world? What is the nature of the problem? How can we make it happen? * The facilitator doesn't have the answers! It's up to everyone present to find them. Includes various types of interaction ice-breakers, participatory activities, brainstorming, etc. Nothing too embarrassing for the self-conscious - honest! Suggested reading for Peak Oil:
People's Global ActionNews and feedback from the recent PGA conference in Belgrade. Pimps of Nature (Dam Fighting)Europe's Greatest Eco-Scandal. Intro talk then discussion about fighting fear and greed in a corporate invasion. The massive damming of the highlands of Iceland and the sell-out to the international aluminium industry will destroy western Europe's last great expanses of pristine wild nature. Suggested reading for Pimps of Nature:
Pirate RadioPirate radio, community radio, internet radio, guerilla radio - learn how to do your own broadcasts and what/who to watch out for. Suggested reading for Pirate Radio: Police Liaison - What is it? Why is it useful? How do I go about it?A discussion and comparison of various police liaison situations, their values and pitfalls, with tips and suggestions from personal experience. Suggested reading for Police Liaison: Political Paganism - Eco-Spirit in Eco-ActionTalk: Who are Eco-Pagans? What they do. What is 'eco-magic'? How is it relevant to activists? Followed by workshop: Creating an 'eco-magic' ritual and then doing it with whoever chooses. Suggested Reading for Political Paganism: Prisoner Solidarity"They're in there for us, we're out here for them." Organising practical support for our imprisoned comrades. Public order tacticsDiscussion on what to do and what not to do when the going gets hot on demos. Q-YQueer Mutiny networkCome along & find out more about recent radical queer events & action from around the world, including Queeruption in Amsterdam, and the growing anarcho-queer network in the UK Regional NetworkingA chance to make links with and get to know people who've come from your region. Resisting the Corporate Takeover of the Food ChainA small number of corporations increasingly control the food that we eat and how it's grown. We will be discussing the corporate takeover of food production and ways we can resist it. Suggested reading for Corporate Takeover:
Road-busting - roundup, discussion and ideas about new road-buildingDiscussion about planned new roads and how we stop them being built Schnews at TenSchnews has been reporting on direct action against capitalism & eco-destruction for 10 years now. What lessons have we learnt in the last ten years that will help us in the next ten? Should our resistance be global or local? Come and have your say... Security for BeginnersIntro to security for activists: some basic steps to follow to protect yourself. Will cover: running a campaign; computers & internet; some legal issues; underground work; dealing with the police. Intro on each of these followed by discussion. Suggested reading for Security for Beginners: Self-Defence (women only)Women only workshop - Intro to basic self defence - assertiveness, personal safety, effective physical techniques, using your voice. Bring comfortable clothing, a sleeping bag in a soft stuff sack if you can, and the will to fight back! Social Centres - general discussionDiscussion about Social Centres; issues that arise, problems we face, comparison of structures, potentials. Networking/mutual aid possibilities for social centres legal and occupied in Britain. Especially aimed at people involved in current social centre projects. social centres network website Social Centres - How and why to buy, set up and run a centre.Introductory talk - based on the experiences of buying and running the Cowley Club, a libertarian social centre in Brighton. Suggested Reading for Social Centres: Sport for All?An opportunity to talk about the effect on the local community of big sporting events such as the possible Olympics in Hackney, the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Premier League football etc Squatted Social Centres and CaffsShare experiences and visions. Lessons and ideas from social centres past and present. Short-term or keep going 'til evicted? Local inspiration or squat ghetto? Solving problems and keeping it lively. Squatting SkillshareExchange of experiences and ideas for new squatters, old squatters, intending squatters and marauding trespassers generally. Practical and legal stuff. Stop Bayer GMDissecting the Campaign/Victory Subvertising - a practical guideLearn about the art of altering billboards (and other ads) to spread useful messages instead of mindless consumerism. Sharing experiences on subvertising (ie ideas for action, discussion) with a little practical exercise in the middle. Suing the policeHow to sue the police for wrongful imprisonment, assault and any of the other nasty things they do to us. Surviving PrisonAs activists there is a greater chance of us seeing the inside of a prison cell than ever before. Surviving imprisonment with your integrity intact is possible, but being forewarned is being forearmed. A talk by former anarchist prisoner, Mark Barnsley, with a question and answer session, and (hopefully) input from other ex-prisoners. The Future of MaydayHow should we commemorate this important date in the anarchist calendar? How do we avoid the annual ruck with the cops? Are picnics the only alternatives? Discussion. Thornborough Henge: Ancient heritage under threat from quarryingAn info talk to raise awareness of the henges, the campaign to protect them, and Tarmac's quarrying activities. Thornborough is described by English Heritage as the most important ancient site between Stonehenge and the Orkneys... Tarmac has already destroyed many of the settlements and ritual sites around the henges. They plan to destroy more. Suggested Reading for Thornborough Henge: Tool use & MaintenanceHow to use a selection of hand tool and maintain them, including sickles and scythes UK Street Medics group meetingA meeting to organise a UK street medics group, to be able to provide support and first aid on demos, and training for other activists Women speaking in meetings - women-only discussionA discussion and skillshare on women getting to speak and getting listened to in mixed meetings - women only YogaEarly every morning from Fri to Sun, venue to be announced. Also separate session on Friday pm. Come and learn some exercises. Stretch and relax! |