IMC UK Gathering - Network Discussions
Global network
Cities list
There has been a large discussion on
imc-communication about the "cities list" recently: see the archives from February and March 2005:
This point was mainly to bring the subject to the attention of the UK network, but also to act as a starting point for some questions:
- what is a network?
- what is the indymedia network?
- who is in the network?
- how do you join?
- how do you leave?
- where does 'consensus' fit in?
These questions are relevant to both the global network
and the new United Kollectives network within our region (oh, and also to stuff like a European network).
but what about the 'cities' list?
The broad consensus of all those present was that the cities list should remain as it is (i.e. with the same imc's represented on it, none removed and none added). however, there could be a space for 'affiliates' or 'friends' for other groups that your local imc wants to recognise. and the other thought was that the idea of bioregions was a really good one, but needed some work.
- nb: this is what i remember, not actually from any real notes, so others may remember it differently.
Regarding the
Portland cities list: people felt that the
UK website should be included as part of Europe.
- The Independent Media Center Network (IMCN) is based upon principles of equality, decentralization and local autonomy. The IMCN is not derived from a centralized bureaucratic process, but from the self-organization of autonomous collectives that recognize the importance in developing a union of networks.
- All IMC's consider open exchange of and open access to information a prerequisite to the building of a more free and just society.
- [ All IMC's respect the right of activists who choose not to be photographed or filmed. ]
- All IMC's, based upon the trust of their contributors and readers, shall utilize open web based publishing, allowing individuals, groups and organizations to express their views, anonymously if desired. **see appendix: Open Publishing document --> still in proposal phase, at this address: http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/imc-communication/2001-April/001707.html http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/imc-communication/2001-April/000874.html
- The IMC Network and all local IMC collectives shall be not-for-profit.
- All IMC's recognize the importance of process to social change and are committed to the development of non-hierarchical and anti-authoritarian relationships, from interpersonal relationships to group dynamics. Therefore, shall organize themselves collectively and be committed to the principle of consensus decision making and the development of a direct, participatory democratic process] that is transparent to its membership.
- [ All IMC's recognize that a prerequisite for participation in the decision making process of each local group is the contribution of an individual's labor to the group. ]
- All IMC's are committed to caring for one another and our respective communities both collectively and as individuals and will promote the sharing of resources including knowledge, skills and equipment.
- All IMC's shall be committed to the use of free source code, whenever possible, in order to develop the digital infrastructure, and to increase the independence of the network by not relying on proprietary software.
- All IMC's shall be committed to the principle of human equality, and shall not discriminate, including discrimination based upon race, gender, age, class or sexual orientation. Recognizing the vast cultural traditions within the network, we are committed to building [ diversity ] within our localities.
Discussion
The
PrinciplesOfUnity were originally discussed on various lists (i think the process list) for about 18 months. There was then a meeting in San Francisco in April 2001 (a lot of places have got it wrong and written 2000, but from personal communication and from studying the archives properly, e.g.
imc-unity, it is apparent that it must have been 2001) from which the
draft ImcNantesPrinciples of Unity were drawn up. They are still draft...
So, the current idea is for the UK to propose that these are accepted (i.e. are
no longer draft) - this is basically just an affirmation of the status quo, as the
PrinciplesOfUnity are used practically by the
NewImc working group and are also referred to in times of crisis, e.g. during the
BrisbaneCrisisResolution (which failed to happen).
Other thoughts
The global network is a mess! Process is oftentimes unclear, there are differences of opinion on what should be discussed where, whether there should even be a global network, what constitutes a network. and so on. These same issues may/will affect the UK network - but the UK has certain strengths, having evolved differently and
from a network that is already in existence, rather than developing as it goes along. Thus, there may be things where the UK can actually
help the global network: maybe in terms of restructuring, or figuring out processes, or just in taking the lead - cos globally, we are viewed as a strong 'node' within indymedia.
ideas
- restructure global lists
- define 'end-of-imc' process
Meeting Notes
UK Network
- work on new-imc-uk wiki page - and finish!
- document steps taken to go live; we have a process
- proposal for uk site: - other local imcs - to include ireland, not wales - proposed - 11 March 2005
--
GarconDuMonde - 10 Mar 2005 - initial meeting notes
--
GarconDuMonde - 11 Mar 2005 - further development of thoughts
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