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Regional anti-militarism forum planned24 January 1996
By Emma King and Shane Guthrie Peace activists from around Australia have been discussing the need for an Asia-Pacific regional networking forum on anti-militarism. Many social justice campaigns in the region find themselves up against military violence. Campaigns such as these benefit from sharing skills and ideas. Recently, for example, Indonesian pro-democracy activists have supported East Timor demonstrations in Jakarta as a result of forums developed for exchanging information and support. In Australia, activists could benefit from a greater understanding of the concerns of peoples in the region. By developing our analysis of militarism, we can improve our ability to challenge regional militarism. We will also be contacting activists overseas to get input about how this forum could best be organised to benefit them. A collective has been set up to organise such a forum, to be held in April 1997. We are planning a forum at which activists can meet, share skills and ideas, and support each other's campaigns. To facilitate broad participation, we would like to provide pre-conference information and introduction sessions. This could be followed by a more structured agenda including presentations from people around the region. We are hoping the participation of marginalised groups will be actively encouraged at the forum. The conference could be split into three sections: the history of regional anti-militarism, with a few speakers from different areas; what's happening now, including information on regional issues and social change activities, and on the interconnectedness between regional campaigns, and between constructions of gender, race and militarism; and where we go next, focusing on working together, networking, peace campaigning in Australia and regional countries, and how these can challenge and improve our activities. After the formal conference, we would like to see a powerful and positive action, and possibly a speaking tour of some of the regional activists. We need input and support to develop these ideas raised so far. We also need practical assistance. If you want to join the organising collective, or can provide other assistance, please contact the collective c/o Shane Guthrie, Peace House, Northbridge WA 6865. Telephone (09) 227 7880, fax (09) 227 7882.
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