More than six months have passed since we confronted the forces of hierarchy and oppression outside the Republican National Convention. On September 1, 2008, we got a little taste of what we are capable of when we coordinate our resistance. Since then, we've experienced some of the most severe repression to follow a mass mobilization in our lifetimes, as activist after activist has been harassed, kidnapped, and charged with felonies. The aftermath of the RNC shows that our enemies will stop at nothing to prevent us from finding each other and organizing together.

Over the past decade, North American radicals have repeatedly created temporary upheavals such as the RNC protests, but these have not always contributed to the development of long-term structures in which we can build momentum. As the RNC recedes into history, we are now at a crossroads: we can transform our temporary networks into permanent connections so future generations will not have to reinvent the wheel, or let them fade yet again. The purpose of this gathering is to accomplish the former. Let us counter our enemies' repression by putting down roots--and sharpening our thorns.

One day, hopefully soon, we will be ready to move from our current necessary defensive efforts to resume the offensive. We can build a sustainable liberation struggle, a culture of resistance capable of toppling empires--but first, we have to work out how to sustain and improve the networks and capacity we have built in the past few years.

This consulta will involve discussions, workshops, and updates on the state of our communities and struggles, as well as games and other fun activities. There will be free food, places to stay, and childcare for those who need it. Bring updates from your local communities, ideas, zines, food and other gear to use or share.

For more information or to RSVP (and please do!), email nocoast (at) riseup.net. We'd like to know how many are coming and from where; please also let us know if you need or can offer rides from your town and/or childcare, or if you have any other special needs or skills.

Can’t wait to see you here,
your friends and lovers in the Twin Cities anarchist community