Olympia organizing People’s Movement Assembly

All too often, those working toward social justice become overwhelmed by the challenges involved in confronting complex issues such as racism, sexism, homophobia, poverty, and sustainability. The problem, as many of us are aware, is that there are too many worthy causes out there and too little time available for individuals to make a real, lasting impact.

As a result, many of us are forced to choose from a myriad of equally important issues while others may attempt to become involved in too many projects at once, eventually burning out.

However, the majority of us become so overwhelmed with work, school, raising children, and simply surviving, that we are forced to abandon our efforts at social reform completely.

In an effort to bridge the gap between related issues and to further strengthen existing efforts for social change, a People’s Movement Assembly (PMA) is currently being organized in Olympia with the goal of bringing together activists, organizations, and those who wish to get involved.

Networking and coalition building efforts, such as the PMA, allow us to see the interconnectedness of such social justice issues, which in turn helps to facilitate a better understanding of the need for mutual support among community organizers.

When we help each other plan, fund, or put on an event, the pressure on the organizers is lessened. Simply attending an event shows that you support their efforts, even if you don’t have time to work on it yourself. Such acts of solidarity will help us all succeed, while at the same time building a more effective activist community in Olympia.

The PMA seeks to create an opportunity for organizers and activists to meet face to face in order to share knowledge, ideas, and resources while creating solid bonds among existing organizations.

The PMA will feature workshops that cover a diverse range of topics, including veteran’s rights, local sustainability efforts, healthcare, feminism, the economy, alternative transportation, Latin American policies, the state budget, participatory budgets, Palestine/Israel, legal rights, alternative media, environmental justice, and local, sustainable food choices.

Presenters will give a brief introduction on the topic, followed by a facilitated discussion with the goal of allowing time for everyone to contribute to the conversation. Note takers will then bring the ideas of our community to the upcoming US Social Forum in Detroit, Michigan. (More info at ussocialforum.org and ussf2010.org.) In this way, we hope to give a voice to those who cannot afford the trip to Detroit.

Social justice groups will also have tables set up to allow interested community members to learn more about their activities and get involved. Free childcare will be provided all day, and interested parents are asked to give 48 hours notice, although none will be turned away.

As part of the PMA, the first Olympia Really Really Free Market of 2010 will be held from 11 am to 4 pm, creating a space for the free exchange of household items, books, toys, clothing, and other things you don’t need but that someone else can use. Please share what you can, including skills, music, and/or your favorite games. The Oly RRFM seeks to offer an alternative to the over-consumption and capitalism that dominates our society, while creating a fun environment to meet people in the community.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and no money or trading is involved (more info at rrfmolympia.blogspot.com).

The Olympia Movement for Justice and Peace is sponsoring the People’s Movement Assembly and would like to invite all who are interested to attend our upcoming meeting, which will be held at the Olympia Community Center on April 28 at 7 pm.

If you have any questions or suggestions, would like to table with your group, or if you would like to use the free childcare services, please visit our website at omjp.net. Those interested in attending are urged to invite their friends and any social justice organizations to come make their voices heard. Only by working together to build the strength of our respective movements can any of us be successful, and this will only happen with your help.