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The Rigors of Organizing: On the Road with the German Climate Resistance
Ordower, Jeff
http://www.counterpunch.org/2019/02/27/the-rigors-of-organizing-on-the-road-with-the-german-climate-resistance/Date Written: 2019-02-27 Publisher: CounterPunch Year Published: 2019 Resource Type: Article Cx Number: CX23517 Ende Gelände, is a broad coalition of German climate resistance organizers. Members are touring the US sharing info about their tactics. Abstract: -- Excerpt: In the case of Germany, a powerful people's movement takes over coal mines, sits in trees and engages in mass disruption and civic disobedience in order to exert pressure on the system.... Ende Gelände,which in English means "here and no further," is a broad coalition that has spent the better part of four years playing a significant role in the German climate resistance.... First, they will share the discipline of what they do. Summers of climate camp and hundreds of direct action training have created the rigor through which hundreds of autonomous affinity groups can be prepared for mass direct action. As so much of the approach involves recruitment of new organizations, Ende Gelände is skilled at providing a way for everyone to participate at a variety of levels of risk. Second, too often social movements in the United States get co-opted or organized out of taking the boldest actions, because of the need for financial resources. Once organizers and money arrive, what could be truly disruptive actions become much more scripted and lose some power. Ende Gelände organized the nonprofit sector in Germany to support its aims, rather than the other way around. Finally, Ende Gelände will share their tactical acumen. These are activists who overcome their considerable fears are willing to push past police lines, water cannons and pepper spray. Subject Headings |