Report from Chicago FTAA Consulta

by Midwest Unrest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003 at 2:37 AM
midwest_unrest@yahoo.com

*** Report from the Chicago Consulta on the FTAA *** On October 11 and 12 over 75 people representing 18 geographic locations came together to help form a strategy to shut down the FTAA Ministerial meetings taking place this November in Miami.

During two days of discussion, we reach consensus on the following issues:

1. We Call For A Morning Demonstration on November 20

If we want to disrupt the FTAA, we have to be in the streets early!

There will be a morning demonstration on November 20 that will create a space for those who do not want to limit their protests to the AFL-CIO march. The demonstration will involve groups focused on direct action, civil disobedience, radical street theater and other creative protest tactics. At the same time and throughout the day groups are encouraged to carry out autonomous direct actions in Miami.

The time and location for this demonstration will be decided at other consultas.

2. Education and Propaganda

We will organize a propaganda campaign to try to recruit participants in the AFL-CIO march to join us in working to shut down the FTAA meetings. This campaign will not be limited to the AFL-CIO march. It will be used in communities in Miami and around the nation to educate people about the dangers of the FTAA and to inspire people to go to Miami.

3. Work Stoppage and School Actions

There will be a call put out for a work stoppage and for school actions on November 20 to protest the FTAA.

4. Jail Solidarity

Those who can will participate in jail solidarity in the event of mass arrests in Miami.

5. We were not able to fully discuss the following issues and would like to see them brought up at future consultas:

- Jail solidarity

- Jail support

- Legal Support

- Demands

The consulta was organized by Midwest Unrest, midwest_unrest@yahoo.com.

Please visit the midwest unrest web site, www.angelfire.com/ill/stopftaa , for more information on local and national anti-FTAA events, flyer downloads and logistical information for Miami.

Original: Report from Chicago FTAA Consulta