May Day Ethos.

            So May Day is over, but the ethos of May Day lingers on. There is more to come, more organising ,more getting together if we want to change this system of greed and profit for a better world for all. The next big thing in Glasgow will be the anti-war rally, May 7th and then the Red and Black Clydeside Bookfair, May 7th.

         Details for the Anti-war rally, Saturday May 7th. 11.30am, Blythswood Square Glasgow. Spread the word bring your friends and family it affects us all.

          The anti-war rally will end in good time for you to wander down the road to the CCA 350 Sauchiehall Street  for the Red and Black Clydeside Bookfair from 3pm to 9pm. and an opportunity to find out more about organsing your community/workplace, to meet old friends, make new friends, pick up literature, enter discussions, see a film, chat or just browse, all welcome.

Visit ann arky's home at http://strugglepedia.com 

Prepare.

 

       The Covid19 seems to be on the decline here in UK, though we should still be very cautious on how we conduct ourselves in public. However, I think we should be shifting our main focus on the aftermath. We are facing massive unemployment and that of course, will hit the ordinary people hard. The list of companies planning to pay off workers grows by the day. Yes, we will get the usual rhetoric from our bungling political ballerinas  about how they will put in place schemes to help get the unemployed back to work. This usually translates into giving big business millions of tax payers money to employ some more people. The money will be taken up, but the jobs will be minimal. 

     With the downturn in employment there is a downturn in tax revenue to the state apparatus, this added to the monumental debt that the government has run up, will mean a savage cut in government spending. You all know what that means for the ordinary people of this country. A freeze of public sector workers pay, possible cuts, or having to do more work for the same pay, as the government cuts staff levels. more zero hours contracts, decimating working conditions, there's a queue waiting to take your job, drastic cuts to all social services, closure of public facilities, libraries, swimming pools, etc. and of course more privatisation as the state farms out more services to the private sector and sells of public assets to its corporate buddies, to help raise cash. Under our economic system there will be no quick fix, we the ordinary people will have to grin and bear it for some considerable time to come.

 I'm a very rich banker, trust me!!

    Or of course, we can start to organise our communities around mutual aid, that grows independence and solidarity across our communities and at the same time frees us from the dependency of the profit making market place of capitalism. There are a multitude of ideas from swap shops, clothes, books, toys, etc. to skill sharing schemes. I'm sure our imagination and skills can come up with a catalogue of ways we can enhance our lives and at the same time, short circuit and undermine, the corporate beasts that would rather you starved than they run without a profit.

   There is a storm coming, we can prepare to defend ourselves, or we can appeal to our rich and wealthy lords and masters, to please help us and give us a wee handout.

Visit ann arky's home at https://radicalglasgow.me.uk

System Fail 1.

        Submedia has just released its first episode of their new format "System Fail"  and it covers the first part of the present uprising against police brutality in America.

The following from Submedia:

System Fail #1: RIOTS ACROSS AMERICA
Website:https://sub.media/video/system-fail-01-riots-across-america/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/433088212/
Youtube: https://youtu.be/qj-0asLNRc4/

          (Note: The video has already been blocked in the US on YouTube... we'll work on getting this addressed.)

        The pilot episode of subMedia's brand new show, System Fail, looks at the incendiary riots that have swept across the United States in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, and the state's desperate attempts to bring things back under control.

Featuring an interview with Oluchi Omeoga, co-founder and core organizer of the Black Visions Collective and Reclaim the Block.
          Thanks to everyone who has kicked some cash our way during this economic crisis.  If you're in a position to do so and want to support our work, please consider making a one-time donation or signing up to be a monthly sustainer at https://sub.media/donate.

All for now,
subMedia

Visit ann arky's home at https://radicalglasgow.me.uk

Proud Of Our "Walk Of Pride", Glasgow.

 

 Photo from Pat's Guide.

   

  Though our "Walk of Pride" to mark the great victory of the 1915 Glasgow/Clydeside rent strike attracted a fair amount of attention at the start at Buchanan Street Steps, not many followed on with the walk. However those that did, made up for lack of numbers by their passion, enthusiasm, pavement art and of course, the informative speeches by "Strong Women of Clydeside" all from the women of that rent strike in 1915. A lesson in solidarity from which we can all learn. Well done to all involved, 

     We should never forget those from the past who stood up and took on the onslaught of the exploiters from the predatory class. We owe them a debt of gratitude, and we can learn from them, as we still face similar struggles today.

A few photos, thanks to Keith.

Visit ann arky's home at https://radicalglasgow.me.uk

The Rent Strike, And what We Can Laern From It.

        During the first world war the landlords in Glasgow and else where, decided to increase the rents on the already struggle tenants. However, the Glasgow women were having none of it, and started to organise and resit the rent increases, so the great 1915 rent strike was born. By determination and community organising and a host of strategies they forced the government of the day to introduce the "Rent Restriction Act" freezing rents until after the war. 

      Today there is a lot we can learn from this grass-roots community action that brought victory to struggling tenants. It is also a victory worth remembering in its own right

    A group is trying to mark the anniversary of this great victory with events that can let us learn from that struggle, you can help this happen by coming along to the next organising meeting. 

      To all those interested in the 1915 rent strike and what we can learn from it regarding today's situation. The rent strike organising group are working to create events around this date and have already organised a film showing for November 11th, at CCA. There is another orgainsing meeting today at 1:30pm, in the Electron Club at the CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street. Do come along and bring your ideas and thoughts on how we can capitalise from this great working class victory.
Hope to see you there:
November, 27th.
1:30pm
Electron Club
CCA
350 Sauchiehall Street
Glasgow.

     This is the details of the free film/discussion/music/poetry event we hope you will support and enjoy.  

Visit ann arky's home at https://radicalglasgow.me.uk

That Was A Great March!!!

         I wrote this article away back on October 24th. 2010, I still hold that same opinion, marches and rallies will never achieve any meaningful change. It way well publicise your cause, make you feel good, but don't expect the government to be too bothered by your colourful and boisterous march/rally.  

 They are laughing at you.

       I was at the mass “demonstration and rally” against the cuts, held in Edinburgh on Saturday 23^rd. The figure was put at about 20,000, it was very colourful with lots of banners fluttering in the stiff breeze. As we marched down Princes Street it seemed to be a very sombre, quiet and sedate affair, we could have been following a funeral. At this point a comrade turned to me and in a cynical manner stated, “This will have them shaking in their shoes.”  When was the last time a government in this country changed its policies because of mass demonstrations and rallies? It certainly wasn’t the Iraq war, it went ahead in spite of the largest demonstrations seen in Britain and across the world for many a year. It wasn’t the poll tax, the poll tax disappeared because of civil disobedience, non-payment and grass roots organisation and the marches and rallies turned to riots. Around 11am. on Thursday 21^st. 11 people occupied a large bank in Glasgow city centre and closed the bank for a couple of hours. They left before there were any arrests. Those 11 probably had a greater impact than the 20,000, though the 20,000 gave a lot of police officers some easy overtime payment.

       If you want a government to move in a particular direction then you have to have strategies other than marching from A to B waving your banners and shouting at the selective deaf. Selective targets, boycotts, work to rule, occupying and selective picketing have to be among your weapons, Surprise and unpredictability are the hallmarks of good planning, mass rallies may politicise more people and can be a gauge of the support for a particular idea but are hopeless weapons by themselves if you are trying to implement change.

           If everybody at that demonstration and rally went back to their community and workplace and organised to fight at that level, in federation with other communities and workplaces, it would have a far greater effect than organising another and bigger demonstration and rally in a few months time. The struggle for change has to be every day and everywhere.

Visit ann arky's home at https://radicalglasgow.me.uk     

ACE Edinburgh.

 

        As usual, our friends over in Edinburgh at ACE, have pulled together another couple of months of events, important, interesting, and worthy of attention. So if you can shuffle over to Edinburgh and given them your support, all worth while.

Sunday 25th August
Rising Free book reading in aid of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre
6.30pm
SHRUB Coop (Zero Waste Hub)
22 Bread street, EH3 9AF
https://www.facebook.com/events/2441906742569751/

       Sisters Uncut Edinburgh invite you to share space with and listen to the voices behind Rising Free, a recently published anthology of creative writing from Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre.
      Following the reading and a short break, survivors in the audience will be welcome to share their own voices in an open mic. Entry is by donation with all money collected going to support Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre.
      This topic of this event can provoke a range of emotional responses. There will be provision of support available for anyone who finds the event difficult.
        This event is open to all genders
Organised by Sisters Uncut http://autonomous.org.uk/groups-activities/sisters-uncut-edinburgh/

Mon 26 August
      Protest over Amazon fires
1pm – 3pm Scottish Parliament
Organised by Extinction Rebellion
https://www.facebook.com/events/648606235635568/

Wednesday, 28 August
     Stop Lock-Change Evictions !
Demonstration organised by Scottish Refugee Council, Living Rent and others
11:00am -12:00
Court of Session , Parliament Square, EH1
https://www.facebook.com/events/344415249767683/?active_tab=about

       JOIN US outside the Court of Session on Wednesday 28th August at 11am to demonstrate against the callous Home Office policy which forces people into street homelessness, to support the case of Ali vs Serco and the Home Office, and to raise awareness of ongoing, inhumane lock-change evictions in Glasgow.
#StopLockChangeEvictions #DignityNotDestitution

Thurs 29 August: ACE Evening Opening
       ACE open 6 - 8 pm
General browsing welcome, Open to all!

Mon 2 September
       Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty advocacy stall
10am – 11.30ish
Leith Jobcentre, Commercial Street
All welcome
(note – weather dependent, not on if its pouring!)
www.edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk

Thursday 5 Sept: ECAP Monthly Meeting
       ACE 6 - 8 pm All welcome
Help organise ECAP activities for the month ahead
www.edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk

 Saturday 7 September: ACE is Open!
     Come browse & check out our groups

Open 1 - 4 pm

Sunday 8 Sept: International Women's Day Group
        Edinburgh branch - all women welcome
ACE 12 - 2 pm
http://autonomous.org.uk/groups-activities/international-womens-day/

Wed 11 September
       Action for Trans Health Planning meeting at ACE
https://www.facebook.com/events/486168151880782/?event_time_id=486168168547447

Sunday 15 September
     Edinburgh IWW branch meeting
2pm – 4pm at ACE
http://autonomous.org.uk/events/iww-2019-09-15/

Friday 20 Sept: #GeneralStrikeForClimate
       Gather 11am Middle Meadow Walk, Meadows
11.30am March to the Parliament
https://www.facebook.com/events/600485737142445/permalink/616791722178513/

      Edinburgh Youth Climate Strike
We ask that all people join us for this general strike the climate crisis is no longer an issue that will effect young people it will effect us all.
So on the 20th of September we ask people of all ages and backgrounds to stand together to face this climate and ecological crisis.

Edinburgh World Justice Festival
28 September – 19 October
http://www.ewjf.org.uk/

October
Auction for Trans Health
Online via Facebook
Coming up in October
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AuctionForTransHealth/
        Edinburgh Action for Trans Health have a facebook group where they will be holding fund-raising auctions. Expect to find some quirky queer curios and funky feminist things up for grabs! Money raised here will go directly into the hands of trans people in need or on into projects to bring about the liberation of trans healthcare. The next auction is coming up in October so join the group, set notifications to get all posts so as to not miss the auction, and add your friends so they can join in on thee bidding!

Regular Events

Every Tuesday 12 – 3pm at ACE
Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty drop-in
http://edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk/?page_id=2193
Plus all ACE facilities open

Every Wednesday 2pm – 4pm at ACE
Common Ground
Homeless led action and advocacy
http://autonomous.org.uk/groups-activities/the-a-team/
More news on events on Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh facebook and on the ACE calendar at www.autonomous.org.uk
For info on all the groups based at ACE see http://autonomous.org.uk/groups-activities/

CONTACT acemail@gmx.co.uk

Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
        ACE is open every Tuesday 12-3pm, the last Thursday each month 6pm - 8pm, and the first Saturday each month 1pm - 4pm
Plus see ACE facebook and the calendar at www.autonomous.org.uk for special events and meetings
      Tel 0131 557 6242 - best to ring during opening hours, sorry we cannot guarantee to be able to respond to voicemail.

Visit ann arky's home at https://radicalglasgow.me.uk   

Glasgow Winter Gardens Protest.

   

           In today's world there is so much the ordinary people can get angry about from austerity cuts, diminishing social services, vanishing libraries and disappearing public spaces. That's not mentioning the sabre rattling by corporate governed politicians. Glasgow, like other cities has its own areas where angry mass protest is the only voice we have left.

      One area where the Glaswegians are up in arms is about the sabotage of the People's Palace Winter Gardens. A historical landmark, part of the Common Goods, on the Glasgow Green. For many, many years it has brought pleasure and education to countless Glasgow citizens and visitors alike. However in line with the business dictated agenda in the city chambers, some times referred to as The Kremlin in George Square, such places are seen as a burden. So through a policy of neglect the Winter Gardens have fallen into a state of disrepair, the business orientated council now sees the only way to keep the site is to turn into a money making entity. The council's answer to all its ills is to usher in the white knight of private capital. That is not what the people of Glasgow want, we want our Winter Gardens to stay as they were intended and have always been, free for all to enjoy for future generations.

      Thursday saw some of Glasgow's finest, the ordinary citizens, make a loud and colourful protest outside the City Chambers, demanding the council listen to those who pay their wages, and remember they are there to serve those citizens. Those citizens are demanding the Winter Gardens receives the repairs it needs and stays as it is for future generations.

     Some photos and a video from the protest:

    

Visit ann arky's home at https://radicalglasgow.me.uk

July 14th. A Date For Your Diary In Glasgow.

Film Conversation, The Portal, Plantation Productions: 

6:30 for 7 on 14th July Film Length 36:17


THE GOVAN PROJECT - PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH
       To increase understanding and encourage participation in helping to build local institutions where research can be shared, discussed and developed with others.
       So we had our first volunteer session along side the film night. It was a nice summer evening, so we weren’t expecting a big crowed. The folk who did turn up had a wide variety of perspectives, which is ideal. An important part of the process of this kind of research work is that we are all coming at it from different sets of experiences, where the teacher and learner are inter changeable. Where the more experienced in different aspects and topics can be the less experienced in others.
    We found local volunteers, even family members who spanned a wide understanding of academic research and local life. Folk who do campaigning work, local men's group, some visitors to the city, a few students and some other local people with a general interest. We are also receiving enquiries from Glasgow Volunteer network. So its all good there. This is how we hoped to start.
      The next film and conversation night we will be showing “Given to the People” The story that led up to GalGael’s beginnings. The conversation will be about how this group of people, even in the midst of protest and through what they were learning from the protest, were planning on how to sustain the energy of the protest to create a sustainable community institution, Galgael, which is now 20 years old. Gehan Mcleod will lead the open discussion and share some ideas. Topics could include, governance structures, using assemblies for decision-making and input ideas from the floor.
       It would be worth pointing out here, we will be using the Centre for Human Ecology office at the Pearce Institute as a drop in, on a Thursday starting this week from 1:00 to 4:00 and early evening for those who work and cant get to events. Or other times by appointment if you email or phone. It is important to meet folk face to face, pop in for a chat.

Next volunteer session will be posted soon: See website

Phone: 07811 263 923

Thanks to Plantation for use of Portal. http://plantation.org.uk/

Sign up for updates: https://commgood.wordpress.com/

 Visit ann arky's home at www.radicalglasgow.me.uk

Kelvin Meadow.

   More on The Kelvin Meadows, see earlier post Kelvin Meadows Belongs To The People.

Video from CityStrolls.

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North Kelvin Meadow Belongs To The People.

     North Kelvin Meadow is a wild area  in the north west of Glasgow. In its past it has been several things, but it lay derelict for years and then the local community decided to develop it, they planted trees and cultivated other parts and generally managed the whole area and decades later they have a wonderful meadow/woodland for kids and adults alike to enjoy. An area to walk, play, meet, have events, the last wild place in the city for kids to learn about nature while having fun. Community driven for the benefit of all, a display of what a local community can achieve if left to their own devices.

       It is not a void sitting in an area, it is a vibrant city asset where regular events are held attracting 1000 or more people a month, people walk though it in all seasons enjoying the changes, parents with the children are frequent visitors. The kids love the freedom to run and roam. All this driven and maintained by the local community.

      You would imagine that the City Council would be proud of its citizens and what they had achieved, and perhaps even chip in a couple of quid here and there. However, this is Glasgow City Council and it is more corporate friendly than community friendly. It has the grand plan to level the whole area for developers and see it turned into high-end luxury flats.

      Think about it, the last wild place in the city, an environmentally friendly asset used by thousands, beneficial to all especially the kids, costing the council nothing, and they want to wipe it of the face of the map with the only beneficial effects being to the developers bank accounts. North Kelvin Meadow belongs to the people.

       The community is fighting back and have been for some time now, and yesterday they took their campaign to the City Chambers in George Square and voiced their disgust and anger. This campaign deserves the support from all of us citizens of the city, the North Kelvin meadow is there for all of us to use. If the council gets its way, it will not be there for much longer. 

You can help by signing their petition HERE:

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THIS LAND IS OUR LAND.

       The Douglas Valley in South Lanarkshire is a place of significant beauty, a place that all communities should be able to enjoy. However, the corporate greed beast sees it as a profit making entity, and have every intention of turning into a large black hole in the ground. They have plans to turn it into one large open air factory, to the corporate world, coal means profit and profit always takes precedent over people and communities. This destruction of the environment and the local communities, receives no publicity or condemnation from the mainstream media, as we should expect, as they are part and parcel of the corporate world and no friend of the people. A better name for the mainstream media is one I heard some time ago, "A Babbling Brook of Bullshit." It is up to the people to publicise the rape and plunder of our heritage and defend that which by right is ours.

 An appeal from Take Back The land,

         There’s just days to go until a week of action against opencast coal in the Douglas Valley – a place where the ruling class is crushing communities for their own financial gain, where ecological destruction is taking place on a massive scale for the profits of big energy companies and where absentee fat-cat land-lords make millions off land that shouldn’t be theirs

        *Join us 12-18 July in the Douglas Valley, South Lanarkshire, to build on 20 years of community struggle and four years of direct action against the UK’s biggest opencast mining company.*

         *Help us spread the word:

        *Please pass on our call-out to your friends.

You’ll find publicity here  

<http://takebacktheland.org.uk/?page_id=40>,

Website here  

<http://takebacktheland.org.uk/>

Social networking here

<http://www.facebook.com/events/393162964061503/>

More info here.

http://coalactionscotland.org.uk/?cat=10

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