Abstract

Protest and direct action are key tactics used to disrupt the crystallisation of powerful interests and actors as part of attempts to realise equitable, just, and ethical worlds. In recent years, mass movements have responded to racial and gender inequality, violence and oppression, climate change and environmental degradation, and migrant rights (these are of course only the tip of the iceberg in terms of protest concerns). Yet on the ground (at least here in Narrm/Melbourne), there remains a feeling that not enough people engage in anti-capitalist action to fully realise post-capitalist communities.

This session aims to explore the continuities and discontinuities between community economies, protest and direct action. It will take the form of short videos of CERN members reflecting on their engagement with protests and direct action, and how community economies can inform such action. The videos will be used as the basis for a discussion open to CERN members, as well as activists and the public. Ultimately, it is hoped that this dialogue between community economies and activism can enrich on-the-ground efforts to create more caring, convivial and just worlds.

This session’s discussion will be informed by the three video contributions from CERN members, as well as the experiences and work of session attendees. Please watch the videos below prior to the session, and please also think about how any of your own experiences with protest and direct action align or conflict with any aspects of the community economies approach.

Aviv Kruglanski