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