Public Relations
From Organisational Sandbox
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December 13: Trots, Truthers, National Anarchists, and GetUp! taking the money and running
Summary:
- GetUp! took the money and ran. They're shifty bastards
- Justin experienced issues with a group of National Anarchists in Melbourne (they're different to the normal kind of anarchist). He discussed it calmly with them and got in contact with a long term activist / DLC volunteer to liase
- QLD had truthers, who were very polite
- fifers discussed this with the greens.
Outcomes:
- Justin's excellent guide to protests is excellent
- fifers recommends that we invite any groups who are likely to cause problems, and indicate clearly on the invitation the rules, and the head marshal / group liason to contact on the day. If we want to move or exclude someone, to use OH&S, Duty of Care, and "No tables on our permit". Being reasonable is the first step :).
QLD
Prior the rally I had contact with one of the 911 truther groups (WeAreChange). I discussed with them about why we would like them not to bring their 911 material to the rally. On the day, they DID follow through with this request. No one from there group hijacked the event. The other groups that i did not have direct contact with obviously, brought tables or fliers and signs with their URLS pimpin'. Councilman were aware they were not on my permit/invited to have stalls by me. Didn't move them on, just stood around glaring at people.
VIC
- Could Justin give us an update on that left group baww issue cause this was posted today (21-12-08)
"It is ironic that a few young people doing nothing more than holding a placard saying "National Anarchists 4 Free Speech" and standing silently were ejected with threats of violence from this rally. They were informed that this is a "Left Wing" rally and that they're precense was unwelcome. This kind of censorship at a a rally reflects very poorly in the groups involved. Free speech is free speech for ALL, not just those who agree with you. I believe the groups involved should be embarrassed at allowing socialist groups commandeer the meeting and eject PEACEFUL protestors. I was digusted at what I saw, which was a blantant display of bully boy censorship against young people that had come to protest. There was nothing offensive what they were saying, it was simply a removal of a political group they do not consider as having a valid right to be heard, which is what ironically, they are there to protest against."
- and if you haven't seen this random article (old news now): http://mathaba.net/0_index.shtml?cmd[40]=i-43-&x=613544
So i'm guessing a group is still ticked off seeing as this still random bawwing on the intertubes? Doesn't really impact our at a mainstream image issue but last thing we need to groups bawwing at Melb's next event. Other cities are cool yes? No reports?
I have been in contact with the anarchists on facebook. I have also recruited Liz Wallace who has activist experience. She'll be assisting me with building links with the various activist groups in Melbourne. Liz has a suspicion that the marshall involved may be a known activist trouble maker. I am monitoring the situation closely.
Below is the most recent message that I received from the anarchists.
Hi Justin,
I really appreciate that you took this seriously. We were there to stand up for free speech, and we sincerely believe that everyone should have the right to speak freely, regardless of their views.
It seems a lot of people have messed-up ideas about what we are about in their minds. When we spoke to some people from the stall across the road, they informed us that they believed we were out to suppress their speech! I believe a lot of people are caught up in their political dogmas, and can't let go of these to approach issues with a truly open mind. Because of this, they try to stop us, based on a dogmatic gut feeling, rather than a logical approach to the issues involved.
I can't remember the marshall saying anything about the sign, but I can now understand where you are coming from about it, we didn't think of that at the time, as we were there to make a stand as a group - to say that our ideology stands up against internet censorship. We assumed that others would have their own political signs etc, and I apologise for this.
We would really like to attend the next rally, and go by your guidelines, so we can stand our ground, and make a strong statement against internet censorship. Once you have worked the guidelines out with the others, could you possibly forward them to me? Also, if you require my perspective on anything, feel free to contact me and I will be happy to help.
It would be great to attend the next rally and not have to deal with the intimidation and violence that we suffered at the last one and I applaud you for your ability to approach this sensibly. We really appreciate all the effort you have put into opposing internet censorship.
Yours Sincerely,
Claire
NSW & National
Sydney experienced a bit of hijacking, we had a bunch of socialists, as did all states, no big, but they set up a plethora of tables across the bollard line forcing people to channel through them to get to the rally. I don't want to put any political group offside, but when we're dealing with a deadly serious issue like censorship, politesse should be conformed to, especially when committing a public order offence of obstructing the free passage of pedestrians and holding a stall without permit to do so on public property.
We've asked fifers to politely approach them on this issue, we don't want any drama, but at the same time we can't afford to have people assume our rallies are political, and by being there they were potentially passing off as part of the organised features of the rally.
Nationally it's worth noting that GetUp has done a bolt with the cash raised for the censorship issue, their ads did a short run and piffled out; not that ANYONE ON THE INTERNET wasn't aware of the censorship issue, and not that an e-petition is valid in any way, shape, or form nor accepted within Australia. Perhaps this should be brought to the media attention, a little paragraph in their terms and conditions reads: -
- What is your donations policy?
- If we are unable to use your contribution for the purpose you specify, either because of oversubscription or for another unforeseen reason, it is our policy to use your contribution for other campaign advertising, public relations, advocacy or organising activities.
In this instance, after hijacking mid way through our media blitz and then stealing (within 12 hours of it being online, and being called out publicly by Andrew for it) our angle that the only way to get this off the table for good is a bill of rights (literally paraphrased our entire page on it) they noticed that global warming was in the news this week and poof, gone.
We need to address this in a way that will stop people wanting to help wasting their time going to them and throwing more money into their political group coffers while our non-profit organisation co-ordinators are taking second mortgages to make ends meet with this campaign.
- Note - quote from WP thread: "Yeah, I have to admit I'm rather disillusioned with GetUp! as well. Might reserve any future donations for the DLC instead – at least we know they only stand for this one issue (and those directly related)." We got people willing to donate to the CAUSE, we just need to get more positive PR out about what we'll be doing.
