Welcome to the latest "Networking Newsletter" by email. For the latest news remember to visit our "stop press" web page at http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/stop_press.shtml [Michael] ========================= NETWORKING NEWSLETTER #52 ========================= MARCH 2004 (printed/distributed: 06.02.04) - pls respect copyright notice at end - FROM 1984 TO 2004: THE RETURN OF THE MINISTRY OF TRUTH At the end of February, people from Manchester Social Forum built a detention centre on Market Street to commemorate 20 years since 1984 and to get people thinking about the issues around CCTV and the introduction of ID cards and anti-terrorism legislation especially the up and coming Civil Contingencies Bill. Dressed in black, the men and women of the Ministry supported the structure in silence. There was nothing on the outside to tell people what was happening, just grey walls and a huge Big Brother eye. People walking past did not know what was going on until they came inside. The walls were hung with fabric paintings of quotes from Orwell and Statewatch on the Civil Contingencies Bill amongst others, with more detailed information leaflets in pockets sewn into the structure. The effect on passers-by was electric. People ended up queuing to get in! The Ministry ran out of leaflets within minutes so a couple of supporters went into the structure to chat with people (the people from the Ministry are not allowed to speak). The Ministry had no hassle from the police (which was disappointing really, as it was felt they would play an appropriate part in the drama), and only one grump from a passing street warden. The Ministry is street theatre with a serious political point and part of an on-going project. Next time the Ministry will be bigger, so that people don't have to wait to come in, and more information will be provided inside. The Ministry will be ready to greet Blair when he pops into Manchester. Heather, Manchester Social Forum (0790 318 4786, roserat@btinternet.com) THE FRONTLINE Help is still needed at Nine Ladies (see last issue) and also at Blackwood (nr Cardiff) where five acres of ancient semi-natural woodland are about to be trashed by Caerphilly council to make way for a 2 mile long bypass which will provide a new access road to industrial developments - possible transport from Manchester. http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2004/02/285042.html NO MORE LIES MR BLAIR We have had the Hutton whitewash, followed by the what the Butler inquiry won't see, the acquittal of Katherine Gun, and now the bugging of the UN. All part of the continuing crisis that comes from war on Iraq. For many millions of people they know something is "rotten in the state of Denmark". Why is Tony Blair's government in such a mess? Perhaps, because it perpetrated the most monstrous lies to justify its illegal war with George Bush on the people of Iraq? Tony Blair wishes to a draw a line under all this and move on. Sorry mate, this ain't goin' to happen. While people in Iraq remain under occupation, and while young people are sent from here and the States as cannon fodder for the profits of US multi-nationals, then the Stop the War movement still has unfinished business. The Labour Party is holding its Spring conference in Manchester 12-14 March at GMEX and Tony Blair will be in attendance. So will the anti-war movement, on the streets, loud and clear. On Friday 12, the Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition will be hosting the "Trial of Tony Blair". Putting the case for the prosecution will be Lindsey German, convenor of STW coalition, David Shayler, ex-MI5, and whistleblower (other speakers to be announced) and you, the public. It starts at 7pm in the Friends Meeting House, less the 100 yards from where Tony Blair will be holed up in the Midland Hotel. On Saturday 13 there is the monster demo, assembling at noon in All Saints Park, Oxford Road. Bring your family, friends, banners, placards, whistles and drums. This is one march you want to attend, and the anti-war movement sees this as the opening fanfare for the global day of action on 20 March on which there will be a national demo in London, organised by Stop the War Coalition, CND, & Muslim Association of Britain. Transport will be available from all over Manchester (contact CND: 273 8283). Publicity materials, latest news and more available from the various web sites listed below. Richard Searle, The Greater Manchester Coalition to Stop the War (07760 224 580, ANSWERmanchester@aol.com) http://www.manchesterstopthewar.org http://www.mancsagainsttanks.org.uk HEWITT IN HOT SEAT During the Labour Party's annual Spring conference, Manchester JDC/TJM are holding a fringe event with Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, the guest speaker at a Question Time event at which you will be able to put your questions to the country's decision-makers. JDC/TJM have worked wonders in persuading an impressive panel to take part in this evening on trade and debt. Other guests include Ann Pettifor of Jubilee Research and the Under Secretary of State for International Development, Gareth Thomas. Question Time is a free event and will be held in the Barbirolli Room of the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 13 March 2004 and begins at 5pm. Dave Pearce (0161 428 9929) http://www.tjm-manchester.org.uk NEW KICKSTART Kickstart Cafe, the new autonomous social centre/cafe in squatted sites in Manchester (such as that on Liverpool Road which was open in November last year) is planning to open at a new site on 19 March. The openning will feature live music and a party for all. So far there are things like music, poetry workshops, screen printing, direct action workshops, films and benefits. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in putting on any events or workshops, of any sort, for any ages then get in touch with Kickstart Kickstart (0794 962 0505, kickstart@riseup.net) http://www.kickstart.x21.org.uk ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2004) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - ********************************************* WOMEN'S WEEK Several organizations have events for this year's International Women's Day (8 March) and the following week. These are all listed in the Events Calendar (http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk/Calendar) but to give you a taster: PANKHURST CENTRE This is the former home of the Suffragettes' Emily Pankhurst and will be holding a day on "Women and Violence" with workshops, displays, exhibitions on March 8 and joining in the Reclaim the Night march (see below) as well as presentations on activism (9/3) and female genital mutilation (11/3) during the week. STUDENTS' UNIONS Women's Week at Manchester University looks to be an exciting and inspirational event, with a diverse programme of workshops, discussions, performances, exhibitions and speakers. One of the highlights will be a benefit production of Eve Ensler's award winning show, the "Vagina Monologues" - 600 people are expected to attend and all the ticket sales go to local women's charities. There is also a Reclaim the Night march to show no women should be forced to live in fear. Despite the serious message and the fact the route passes the areas where there have been recent attacks, there will be a carnival atmosphere with samba, fire displays, juggling and lantern parades, all learnt at the free workshops earlier in the week. It is also hoped that this week will enable more interaction with all local women and groups, providing a space to be united in both celebrating women's achievements internationally whilst focusing practically on the plans and campaigns for the year ahead. Kate Kirkpatrick, Women's Officer, University of Manchester Union (0161 275 2939, womens@umu.man.ac.uk) Down the road at the Met there is an all day event on Monday 8 with a day of activities in the Geoffrey Manton Building and the Students' Union. Geoffrey Manton will hold a number of stalls from breast awareness to Greater Manchester Police, Women's football to coMMUni. Come along to celebrate International Women's day. Self defence classes will be held throughout the day at the Students' Union with an evening of live music. CITY COUNCIL The council have many events planned (see URL below), kicking off with a launch event on Sunday 7 in the Town Hall. The council are also very keen for feedback on their support so pop along to their consultation session on Thursday 18 March, from 12 noon to 2.45 pm at the Mechanics Institute (including a free lunch!) http://www.manchester.gov.uk/bestvalue/equality/women/eventsdiary.htm ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2004) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - ********************************************* AUT OUT The last week of February saw academic staff from universities across the city take strike action, over "unacceptable" pay and restructuring proposals. The staff, from the Association of University Teachers (AUT), were joined by students protesting against top-up fees, both groups opposing the "marketisation" of Higher Education. Dr Alan Williams, spokesperson for Manchester AUT, said: "Members are taking this action because they have been left with no alternative - the employers have refused to negotiate. The unacceptable proposals will lead to a breakup of the HE sector, with decisions being market-driven. We have received massive support - the university was virtually deserted as staff and students stayed away." Alan Williams, Manchester AUT (0161 275 3080, aut@man.ac.uk) http://www.man.ac.uk/aut BRINGING VOLUNTEERING INTO THE COMMUNITY The Volunteering Community Network (VCN) for Manchester conducted a study about support needs for volunteering and found a large desire for support and services to be located in local areas in order to be able to respond to community needs. To take this forward, the VCN is visiting several venues to hear what the local communities want: Thursday 11 (GMCVO), Monday 22 (Wythenshawe Forum) and Tuesday 23 March (Grange Community Resource Centre) and 21 April (Harpurhey Neighbourhood Centre) - full details in the Events Listing from page 5. (Ed's note: the VCN bus on the flier looked a great idea, we have travelling libraries so why not travelling voluntary services?) VCN c/o Manchester Youth Volunteering Project (0161 223 4855) EDITORIAL Welcome to the third of the monthly Networking Newsletter issues! Obviously February was a shorter month so there's a little less to report, which also saves on the printing bill! That's a good thing since finances are scarce but I'm sure you will agree there's no other publication that is as good value as money (or has such an informative, up to date, web site (see URL below)). If you prefer a paper version of the contacts and resources listings send an SAE to the address below and I will send you them by return post. APOLOGIES This issue is a little shorter and may have a few more typos. But I thought it best to get it out to you rough but sooner! Hopefully work pressures will be less at the end of March so April's issue may even get to you on time! (And who said going monthly was a good idea?!) SEND US YOUR NEWS! Articles for the next newsletter should be sent by Monday 19 March to 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS, email info@networkingnewsletter.org.uk or fax 0161 834 5797 (marked FAO: Networking Newsletter). Articles should be 50-250 words long, preferably with a picture or other graphic, and include your full contact details. Please send us high resolution images (250DPI, full colour and not compressed if a JPEG) so I can use them in the printed newsletter. [Michael] SUBSCRIBE The Networking Newsletter is published monthly. Subscription rates are currently £5 (low waged), £7 (working), £13 (vol. groups without staff), £27 (vol. groups with staff) and £62 (ethical business). Cheques payable to "Networking Newsletter" should be sent to 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS. Thanks! ********************************************* -- (c)Networking Newsletter Project(2004) -- -- http://www.networkingnewsletter.org.uk -- - Permission to reproduce any info is given - -- subject to full inclusion of this notice - *********************************************