Minutes: Principles and Process Meeting 28 September 2007
Do we want to be oppositional?
-We’d have to define what we oppose. This could alienate people.
Ex: if we define “anti-capitalism” as being main points of interest, we may begin to overlook more subtle forms of oppression,
- Definitely want AFU to be a space where one can be oppositional.
Is it our primary goal to oppose or educate?
Do we want a manifesto/basis of unity?
Some say yes, definitely:
-We should be able to define ourselves.
-Would be useful to newcomers to the AFU to help them understand the organization
- Would be a way to give AFU stronger direction, more purpose
Some say no definitely not:
- Not everyone will feel totally in line with the Manifesto and they may feel alienated/like they have less say in the AFU
- Yes we would let people change the manifesto but it would be a big an ordeal every time.
- Don’t want people in the AFU to start justifying/blocking actions based on the manifesto
Rather than have a manifesto, we could have more of a description. Describe very broadly what we do (we educate, we have a community, we share learning) rather than what specific ideas we follow since this seems to be difficult to pin down and
We should still have a way to discuss what ideas AFU supports.
Rob’s brilliant quote:
“Open, collaborative, radical way of learning… Respect democratic models of education, process… Space that critiques ongoing forms of oppression”
-Everyone agrees with the first two parts. Some agree with the last part, others unsure.
Ideas for ways to have ongoing discussion around principles/manifesto:
- online bulletin board
- email list