Anti-War Activists Train Bay Area Residents for Massive Direct Action

Contacts:
David Taylor: 202-210-4887 (cell)
Leone Reinbold: 510-798-8170

More info: Direct Action to Stop War http://www.actagainstwar.org


To: All Media Date: February 13, 2003

Anti-War Activists Train Bay Area Residents
for Massive Direct Action

Sunday, Feb 16, 2003, 12—4 pm, Polk and Grove, Civic Center, San Francisco

Who: Direct Action to Stop the War—a diverse, grassroots anti-war movement that advocates creative, non-violent direct action—including civil disobedience—to stop the war against Iraq, reclaim democracy, and promote social justice as the way to achieve lasting security. In particular, the group is organizing a “Day After” mass protest action: Should the US government ignore the voices of the anti-war majority in America and around the world and declare war on Iraq, Bay Area residents will mobilize en masse on the next business day to shut down the warmakers and transform the city from war, oil, and profits to peace, resistance, and life.

What: Direct Action Training. In response to the growing ground-swell of public dissent against the war, activists will be conducting direct action trainings to prepare ordinary people to take non-violent direct action to express their outrage toward a government that refuses to listen to them and insists on the worst act of terrorism: war. Many of these people have never engaged in public protest, let alone civil disobedience, and are eager to learn how. The trainings will include discussions on forming an affinity/action group, blockading a building, occupying an intersection, educating the media and passers-by; avoiding arrest, while supporting others who are willing to risk arrest, creating jail solidarity, and understanding the scope of our civil rights on the street and in custody.

When: Feb 16, 2003. 12 noon to 4 pm, before and during the mass anti-war rally. Trainings will be conducted every hour on the hour.

Where: At the intersection of Grove and Polk Streets, Civic Center, San Francisco.

Why: Because it is our patriotic duty to resist an out-of-control government that is poised to start a war that does not reflect the will of the majority of people, that will kill and maim thousands of civilians—most of them children, that will cost taxpayers billions, lose the friendship of our allies, destabilize the Middle East, and increase the threat of terrorism. Because we must stop this war and take back democracy. Because the power is ours if we take it.