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Blog PostsNorth Texas Organization of Autonomous Associations for Social Liberation
By Michael McGehee at May 22, 2009 |
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I realize that’s a bit of a mouth full, but it’s only a proposal title that encapsulates pretty much what I think needs to happen. We are standing on a precipice. Either we fall or we stand firm on our feet. A century ago the Wobblies talked about “One Big Union” but impregnated in the phrase is the admission that the slogan is economistic. We do not live on bread alone. This is not just about worker’s liberation, but more broadly: social liberation. A more appropriate slogan might be “One Mass Organization.”
We realize the significance of getting organized. That’s why we form the associations that we do. We know there is power in numbers. But too often most of our associations are unaware of or disconnected from others even though we share important commonalities.
That’s why I think it is important we begin discussing and debating these commonalities and ultimately the formation of a North Texas Social Forum to bring together delegates from various associations in the North Texas area for the purpose of establishing a mass organization to knit us together with the threads of solidarity.
I feel we should retain autonomy for participating associations and should deliberate with each other in order to coordinate our joint efforts utilizing non-violent revolutionary tactics aimed at total social liberation. I also think we should pay close attention to the mass organizations structural framework to ensure that each autonomous association is empowered to have a say to the degree they are affected, and so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past in regards to hierarchical structures that alienate and create castes.
If not now, when?
We realize the significance of getting organized. That’s why we form the associations that we do. We know there is power in numbers. But too often most of our associations are unaware of or disconnected from others even though we share important commonalities.
That’s why I think it is important we begin discussing and debating these commonalities and ultimately the formation of a North Texas Social Forum to bring together delegates from various associations in the North Texas area for the purpose of establishing a mass organization to knit us together with the threads of solidarity.
I feel we should retain autonomy for participating associations and should deliberate with each other in order to coordinate our joint efforts utilizing non-violent revolutionary tactics aimed at total social liberation. I also think we should pay close attention to the mass organizations structural framework to ensure that each autonomous association is empowered to have a say to the degree they are affected, and so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past in regards to hierarchical structures that alienate and create castes.
If not now, when?
By George, Justin at May 22, 2009 10:30 AM
HI Michael,
I like the idea and also have questions. I like the idea of solidarity and working in unison, I wonder if you need an overarching organization to do so? Does the trouble and politics involved in setting the ground rules for such an organization present too much of a hassle/problem compared to more informal ties, even if you retain autonomy. If you're successful with it however you can see the benefits of a shared participatory vision. I'm unfamiliar with the other groups in North Texas area but am wondering if it will be a difficult task if there are a lot of structured, hierarchical organizations in the area. I'd be great to hear your views on how to navigate some of these potential issues
Cheers
Justin
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Re:
By McGehee, Michael at May 22, 2009 12:42 PM
I dont think we need a mass organization but that its helpful and practical.
I am being optimistic, so maybe im wrong, but i dont think the politics will be that big of an issue. First, I dont intend on seeking groups so far from our ideals that it will be an issue. Consider racist, "conservative" groups uninvited.
There are dozens of radical, leftist and progressive groups in the DFW metroplex. Most of us are disconnected and unaware of each other. There are nearly a dozen different gay rights groups that dont really coordinate their efforts together, for example. There are even radical bands and artists who i think should be involved. There are peace and justice centers, drummers against war groups, burrito projects, environmental groups, SDS chapters, IWW chapters, socialist youth groups, anarchist collectives, anti-death penalty groups, code pink chapters, feminist groups, marxist groups, health care reform groups, and so on.
What I am proposing is not to impose any political or ideological stipulations on the groups for their internal structuring, but to discuss and deliberate whether we should have a mass organization of autonomous groups that send a delegate chosen by whatever means they find best to represent them in discussions and debates within the organization about possible joint efforts. No doubt I will propose the organizations structure be notably different than some hierarchical groups, but then again, keep in mind I am mostly presenting this idea to radical leftist groups where the issue of hierarchy and autonomy is for the most, is a shared opinion.
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Re: Re:
By McGehee, Michael at May 22, 2009 12:46 PM
let me rephrase that first comment of mine. i do think we need one. technically we can do without it but experience shows its not effective. technically we could organize together without a mass organization to use as a facilitator, but its apparently not working. and since we dont want the mass organization to be used as a tool of domination, thats why i feel it should be structured to ensure that the freely participating associations are autonomous.
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