[Campaignforrealdemocracy] Fwd: Minutes from Sundays assembly

[Mark Barrett]

Minutes for the People’s Assembly in Trafalgar Square 24th July 2011
**

An assembly of 25-30 people took place yesterday, 24th July, 6.30pm - 8.30pm
in Trafalgar square, London consisting of Spanish 15M group, British
activists and others of diverse nationalities.

·         *Reports from Spain, UK and Europe:*

In *Spain* – assemblies being held every week in Madrid and at least
twice/month in smaller towns and villages.

Indignados just marched to Madrid from routes all over Spain arriving on 23
rd July. Plaza del Sol has once again been occupied. Good atmosphere –
groups from different routes told their experiences. The struggle continues.

Successes in stopping housing evictions (although not successful
everywhere.)

An assembly from a village in the Basque country has gained executive powers
as the local mayor is accepting its decisions.

Success in chasing off police racist stop and search raids in Madrid.

However police repression is increasing esp. in Barcelona.

** **

*UK* – Last week a solidarity letter to Syntagma Sq Assembly Greece was
made.
23rd Jul Solidarity March and manifestation in Trafalgar square, London took
place. As did in Paris, *France *and other European cities – all connected
in solidarity via live streaming.

* *

·         *Notification of events leading up to 15th October (World Day of
Action for Real Democracy)
*

3 wks ago, an International meeting of indignants in Lisbon. Plans and good
ideas came out of it:

March from Madrid to Brussels arriving possibly 17th Sep or  8th Oct – idea
to involve all Europeans.
Idea to continue march on to London for 5th Nov.

In USA – New York a call out to occupy Wall St, Freedom Plaza with possible
camp 17th Sep.

In UK a letter is being sent to wide range of groups inviting them to take
part on Oct 15th. So far no letter yet for ordinary citizens.

** **

·         *15th Oct: open discussion on preparation took place*

* *

·         Consensus on necessity for *local assemblies (once or twice/
month). *Aims: counter centralisation – local is v.important – reach out to
areas where people most disenfranchised and can get support through
confronting real local issues. Promote Oct 15th. **

*2 Suggestions* – i) Local assembly in Kilburn in August. Pilar agreed to
make flyers to disseminate in area.

ii)Local assembly in park in September when many returned from holidays
(possibly Victoria Park) with camp Saturday and Sunday assembly – suggested
by Simon Moore (peace activist.)

** **

Both suggestions have supporters wishing to organise working groups to
follow up.

** **

·         Consensus on continuing weekly Sunday Trafalgar Square assembly.

   - *Thursday 28th July 8pm* – Online meeting for UK movement. Discuss UK
   situation (website and 15th Oct) - Taking place in the chat room at
   http://15m.speeqe.com/
   - Agreement for an *Open Planning Meeting for Oct 15th* (indoors i.e ULU)
   – wide range of groups to be invited. Organisation for this will be in
   August assemblies or working group.
   - A Facebook page connected with assembly exists at
   http://www.facebook.com/pages/Real-Democracy-Now-London/233038740051375?ref=tsYou
can post comments videos there etc.
   - *Planning for next week’s Sunday Assembly (31/07)*
   - *Agenda
   i) *News from various countries and UK*
   ii) *Brief presentation of political, social, economic situation in the
   UK. (why change is needed here)*
   iii) *Explanation “Why we are here” (for onlookers/newcomers)*
   *iv) Open discussion (chance for newcomers’ voices)*
   *v) Further proposals (i.e local assemblies, Oct 15th)*
   *vi) Prepare next week’s Agenda
   - A *banner* with the words “People’s Assembly” will be prepared.
   (Possibly use the one Chris & Camilla have in future)
   - It was agreed we’ll print *leaflets *to describe assembly, our
   collective situation in Europe/World, inviting everyone to speak/listen.
   Andy will write text. José will format and print. Leaflets will be handed
   out before assembly to people around Trflgr Sq – inviting them to
   participate.
   - Anticipating possible higher attendance important we *organise well* –
   ie moderator/facilitator/turn keeper/ minute taker etc. *Arrive
prompt*at 6pm!!
   - Posters with slogans to be placed in assembly circle i.e “They don’t
   represent us!” “We don’t represent any group” etc.
   - Suggestion to have agenda on sign for all to see.
   - Also suggested each person invites *2 friends* to come along.
   - *Finally...*

A young Hungarian had questions and a debate with him took place which was
cut short. It was suggested in future situations like this we could be
flexible and allow this or designate a few people to explain i.e why we
don’t have democracy at present.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://lists.aktivix.org/pipermail/campaignforrealdemocracy/attachments/20110726/e14026a9/attachment.htm>