Updated: September 20, 2001

Note: This is the official version of the revised call and will contain changes that are more current than versions floating around the Internet or on paper flyers. This is version 2.1.

Anti-Capitalist Convergence Issues New Call to Action

The Anti-Capitalist Convergence is continuing our mobilization in Washington DC September 24 through October 1. We are calling for a march against the growing capitalist war on Saturday morning September 29th and invite all those interested in creating a world free from terror, hate, racism, poverty and war to demonstrate our unity and vision for a better world.

For the past 5 months we have been organizing a mass mobilization against the fall meetings of the IMF and World Bank because of their role in enforcing global capitalism. In the process of this organizing we have been working to strengthen our community by making the connections between capitalism and issues local to dc. We had been planning a large, diverse and beautiful protest and were optimistic that these demonstrations would be a groundbreaking step for the Anti-Capitalist movement.

Like most people we were shocked by the events of September 11th and stopped mid-action, mid-thought, our lives interrupted and forever changed. The enormity of this crisis has affected us all. The IMF and World Bank have cancelled their meetings and many groups have called off their events. The political climate in the United States has severely changed, emotions are running high and the country is extremely tense. In recent days we have seen the militarization of our city, increasingly blatant racist attacks and blind patriotism. Media hysteria and government rhetoric are pushing people to unite through religious bigotry and nationalism. Security, particularly here in Washington, DC, has been heightened as the country prepares to go to war.

The US government has failed to recognize the interconnectedness of all the forms of violence. Bombing, encouragement of dictatorships, sweatshops for benefit of US corporations, third world debt, world hunger or lack of shelter and healthcare are all forms of violence. The fear and desperation that grows from poverty and oppression is crucial to any understanding of violence throughout the world. 35,000 people die from starvation each day even though there is enough food to feed all. Terror is still terror whether it is from death from starvation, fear of enslavement by corporations or fear of bombs or airplanes falling. Until we understand the violence of our economic, military and foreign policies, we will continue to foster the conditions that make this kind of terrorism possible.

We demand that no more terror or violence be perpetrated in our name. We are a movement devoted to social justice. There is no justice to be found in retribution, war, racism, corporate globalization or capitalism itself. We condemn any and all retaliation and religious persecution of Arab, Arab American and Muslim peoples and we oppose any attack on our constitutional rights. We will not hand over our civil liberties to the greater good of the State.

We strongly see the need to come together and act on our visions of the world we want to create and not on our fears. Though we came together against the Bank and Fund what we came together for is even more important now. We want to continue to mobilize, though we are all uncomfortable carrying forth in the way we planned. The tactics that were ideal to the original situation will not have the same effects at this time. We are no longer calling for militant blocs. We will take action to inspire, motivate and demonstrate that a world based on needs not profit; a world of mutual support; a world free from oppression is possible. This is a time to come together in true solidarity, in a way that supports all those working for a better world.

Our plans include a convergence week starting with the opening of the Anti-Capitalist Convergence Welcome Center on Monday, September 24. All week long we will engage in skill shares, art, organizing meetings and outreach. At a time when many people think that war is the answer to violence talking to our neighbors will be a revolutionary act. We plan a Community Dialogue with people about what is happening in the world by asking them Why? We will continue to make connection between critical local issues like the lack of housing and healthcare and global capitalism.

On Saturday morning we will hold Anti-Capitalist March Against Hate. That afternoon we will establish our Temporary Autonomous Zone to support and provide for ourselves in a caring and inclusive way. It will be a hate free zone, a war free zone, and a capitalist free zone. We encourage everyone to make a contribution whether it be a class for the free school, offering basic medical support, drumming, clothing swap, skill shares, performance, strategic discussions, food and more!

Saturday evening we are extending an invitation to friends and neighbors to join together in a “Food Not Bombs” Community Dinner. When the state’s pro-war rhetoric claims that "America takes care of it's own" yet spends billions on a war when many of its people go to sleep hungry and homeless it’s time for a change. We want to model that change.

We urge people to take action together in Washington DC. Taking action at home is equally important, however. If you cannot come to Washington, organize an action, talk to people in your neighborhood or set up your own autonomous zone. People are rising up everywhere saying no to hate and no to war. Join with anti-capitalists and other around the world as we take action for justice!