[translated from the French]
*1st General Assembly of the (renewed) Anti-Capitalist Convergence (CLAC) of
Montréal
TUESDAY, MARCH 1st at 6pm
UQÀM, Pavillon Hubert-Aquin (400 rue Sainte-Catherine Est)
Local A-2625 (métro Berri-UQAM)*
(proposed agenda below)
For more than a decade, the Anti-Capitalist Convergence (CLAC) and similar
groups have been very effective among the radical anti-capitalist left in
Montreal, with a certain degree of success despite limited means. The CLAC
has mobilized around global issues, made links between specific issues and
local struggles, and advanced a respect for a diversity of tactics and an
anti-capitalist analysis. This past January 22, about 30 activists and
organizers gathered in a Consulta to have a debrief about the work of
CLAC2010 and to discuss future perspectives together. A few observations
were consensual and it’s from the basis of those principles that it was
decided to (re)found the CLAC.
Firstly, in order to strengthen our movement, it’s necessary to have local
struggles that mobilize close to where we live, but at the same time there
is a need for larger mobilizations that converge those struggles together,
and make links between different organizing realities, otherwise we remain
fragmented. As well, if we want to create a strong anti-capitalist movement,
the groups and individuals in specific struggles must work together on
larger issues.
Secondly, if we want to maintain a convergence space in the long term, it’s
necessary for us to have a structure that is not too draining to manage.
While for many a convergence of groups would be more interesting, in order
for that to function each collective would need to devote a certain
percentage of its time and energy to the convergence so that the involvement
in a larger effort won’t take away from, but be an important part of their
organizing. However, the reality in Montreal is that much more work needs to
be done within groups in order to meet this vision so that it’s not just
certain individuals who see the strategic importance of a convergence. So,
for now it seems more realistic and functional to have a convergence where
decisions are made on an individual basis.
Principles for the (re)foundation of the CLAC-Montréal
1st principle : “To found a CLAC-Montréal, with an anti-authoritarian mode
of functioning and on the basis of the People’s Global Action (PGA)
hallmarks, as a convergence and space for radical left anti-capitalist
organizations.”
2nd principle: “That individual votes will constitute the basis of
decision-making of the CLAC-Montréal, all while aiming actively for the
support and participation of groups and their campaigns and mobilizations."
3rd principle: “The CLAC-Montreal will organize two assemblies per year as
well as special assemblies that will be called as needed, according to the
political conjuncture.”
4th principle: “The CLAC-Montreal will have the mandate to bring forward an
anti-capitalist analysis thru the organization of campaigns and
demonstrations, including the May 1st demo each year.”
5th principle: “That an ad hoc follow-up committee (suivi) will be
responsible for the organization of a General Assembly towards the end of
February and will make a structure proposal for internal coordination and
functioning.”
--> This committee will formulate proposals for the next assembly on: how to
intergrate/merge/dissolve former committees / the mandates and follow-up for
committees between regular assemblies / the decision-making process will a
special general assembly be called
*INFO: www.clac2010.net / blocampmontreal@gmail.com*