A conference for activists
By Tom Sylva
Young people from around the country will be attending the Resistance conference in Melbourne July 3-5. The chance to discuss problems such as the environment, sexism and racism with international guest speakers like Jerry Ndou from the ANC Youth League is a big attraction.
Green Left Weekly spoke to three young people who are travelling interstate to the conference.
Marina Carman said she was looking forward to the huge range of discussion. "This is a chance for activists to get together to learn new things and new ideas. There will be 250 or 300 people attending, including international activists from Indonesia, New Zealand and South Africa.
"We will be talking about the environment, gay and lesbian rights, the international situation, Australian politics and international solidarity. There's also going to be a big Green Left rally."
Michael Tardif is interested in environmental issues. "There will be a lot of activist organisations present. One of these is the Environmental Youth Alliance, who are speaking on Saturday."
Michael says the conference "is a way for young people to help change things like sexism and racism. This is a theme of the public rally at the conference, titled 'It's freedom we're fighting for'."
Carla Gorton says of the conference, "There's no other opportunity to join up with other activists. The international speakers will be a great chance to see what's going on in other countries.
"There should be a lot more campaigns so we can reach out to other young people and get them involved in ending sexism and racism."