Welcome to Dispatch #31! This week we want to celebrate mothers, women, caretakers, and anyone in the informal economy - the silent laborers whose work is just as valuable and important as those who traditionally work. Though often overlooked, they can be extremely powerful politically when united together, so let’s talk about it! This week we cover the power of sex boycotts, the story of housewives organizing in the Great Depression, feminism in Syria, an anonymous artist collective combating sexism and racism in the art world, and more!
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Easy Actions to Take
Why: Israel has violated the “ceasefire” 497 times in Gaza and killed hundreds, yet no action has been taken to stop them. We must not let the so-called ceasefire be an excuse to fall silent. Continue to pressure governments for real concrete action against Israel to force them to stop their onslaught! Organized by Humanti Project
Why: Usama Ghanem is a 2nd year international student, and an active member of the Kings College London (KCL) protest and activism community, has been repeatedly targeted and penalised by KCL for his protest for the Palestinian cause. After being suspended for attending a pro-Palestine rally, he is now facing deportation back to Egypt where he is at risk of state-violence. Organized by Newscord
Why: The Trump administration continues to provoke war with Venezuela and attack “drug boats” with no approval or oversight. A newly introduced resolution would seek to reign in this power and force the President to seek congressional approval before any military action against Venezuela. Organized by 5Calls
⏱~3min | (Canada Only) Stop Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, as it will criminalize dissent!
Why: A new bill introduced in Canada, with the support of both the Liberal and Conservative parties, is aimed at banning protest near certain “protected buildings” regardless of what is occurring in the building itself. The language is broad enough to broadly criminalize peaceful protest and gives the police more power to crack down. Organized by International Civil Liberties Group
Little (Movement) Wins
Are you looking for ways to use your artistic skills to build a better future, but aren't sure how to start? Join Art Coop, The New Economy Coalition, and Economics for Emancipation for a free 3-day workshop called E.A.T. (Economics. Arts. Transformation) to explore the intersections of capitalism, solidarity economy, and show you practical ways you can use your creativity as a tool for building liberatory movements.
Day 1, Dec 12: Commodity Art & Capitalism
with Elisa Wong & Ray Wei of The Conscious Citizens
Day 2, Dec 13: Command Art & Patronage
with F. Javier Torres-Campos of Liberation Partners Co-op
Day 3, Dec 14: Communal Art & Solidarity Economy
with Camila Tapia of Transverse Cooperative
🗓 Dec 14, 15, & 16 @ 4pm US Eastern Time on Zoom
How Sex Becomes a Tool of Resistance
Activist History
