On SSF Launch - 27th March 2004

I continue in Spanish: although the subject under discussion was no laughing matter, also we we laughed, the presentation was amusing, witty and for the most part, not very solemn (thankfully). Later, 4:30, other debate groups began to form (or they were restarted): my companion and I myself joined one and remained there, reuniting us to create something solid with our words and our ideas. The non-hierarchial structuring of the workshops and future activities pleasantly surprised me: we are really the individuals that we do and we undo.

(sorry, not too sure about that last bit!)

it was a good day. really interesting people and discussions. i went to workshops about power mapping - an interesting exercise which i'm going to do in manchester to see the links between the most powerful people in this city and find their vulnerabilities too... then had a good chat with some people about sherwood and nine ladies, got some good ideas from that, then a workshop on creative art and resistance... also really good. Good luck with the lantern festival (i wish i could be there, but i'm back in "sunny" manc now). maybe we should have a lantern festival here. hmmmmm..
love to all

Reflections on on a defining event for Sheffield

I don't usually write in superlatives about political events, particularly as so many have the dead hand of the SWP junta hanging over them, but this was something special. It is difficult to detail the whole day as there was so much. I had some minor doubts about the launch, but when I went into the hall I was blown away: the care, planning and commitment was evident as soon as you went in and I knew we had 'arrived' as it were. Welcomed by the global resistance sounds of Manu Chau and a clear and concise info-pack, it was clear this was an event with a difference: Technology was prominent with the amazing Sheffield Indymedia post set up on the main stage complete with rows of computers and lots of help, yet the basic human skill of putting pen to to paper was also encouraged by the copious amounts of sheets around the hall where you could write a poem, highlight a campaign, or just doodle! The Sheffield Social Forum Banner conjured up out of nowhere also hung proudly on the main stage. The room was arranged not in the usual rows of regimented lines, but in cluster of chairs as to facilate the smooth running of the workshops. I am not completely sure of the numbers but I would estimated about one hundred attended throughout the day, including encouragingly many school students and others who had come to politics and social change through the anti-war movement. Along with others who I recognised from long ago struggles and campaigns but who had stopped for various reasons being 'active' as it were..


Highlights for Me..
I was singularly impressed by the speaker in the first plenary: Mandy from Impact, a faith based campaigning organisation(similar to Telco) who spoke passionately about the failure of local politicians to deliver, particulary for the poorest in Sheffield. I attended Mandy's workshop on Power in Sheffield, which mapped and more importantly personally identified the 'movers and shakers' in the city such as those who sit on the boards on the various unelected Quangos. Personally it was quite empowering to 'name the beast' and to know all these details will soon be on the SSF website. A similar exercise by Marxist geographers in the Seventies which mapped out the ruling class in the North East of England caused major waves around the country.

The other main workshop I attended, again led by a church person (a failure of the Left to highlight these issues?) was Poverty in Sheffield in which Father Shaun from Church Action on Poverty (C.A.P) highlighted the nature of poverty and the massive debt burden placed on poor folk by the credit companies, etc. Amongst his proscription for change was a strengthening of credit unions and individual financial advice for those in debt, etc. Interestingly, many interventions from the floor argued if a strategy which focused on individual help and support was the best way, but imo, it is a start. We did however argue that higher benefits and a less punitive benefits regime was also part of the answer. It was great to see reasonably attended workshops on 'bread and butter' issues such as these and others such as ones on regeneration and council housing, respectively. More particular, to see a resolve to act in some way on these issues. A demo is now planned outside Brighthouse, a shop which sell goods such as T.V's furniture, etc, to the very poor on massively inflated credit rates

Other highlights
The scumptious food from the New Roots cafe where Jo and everyone worked feverishly to feed the assembled masses. Hilary Wainwright (late as usual!) reporting back from Mumbai and exploring the links between the global and the local and how we can learn from the radical movements of the 60's and 70's such as the womens movement. Mozaz's photo exhibition,the general ambience, people milling around chatting, networking, including folk from embryonic new social forums around the country. The spirit of co-operation (which imo, is ultimately what social change is all about) was evident all day with everyone mucking in to do the various tasks, while not taking anything away from the masses of hard work the key organisers put in. Later the same spirit (and other types of spirits!) was evident in an impromptu social in the pub.

A liltle downside and pointer for the future: there were not many people from ethnic minorities present (though many were personally contacted) and the workshops on Disabled people /Care in sheffield were poorly attended, but a work in progress I feel. I think we could also have increased numbers even more if we had had a creche.

mild regrets: didn't attend the Creative Action Workshop, the poetry workshop, see any of the amazing films or post this article from the live indymedia site on the day!


Now i am getting ready for the magical and sublime Sharrow Lantern Carnival . what a city!

Well done to everyone concerned and many thanks....

it was not mozaz's exabition but  http://image.lowtech.org/flats.10.03.04

freak peace
for image