Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Starting An Anarchist Black Cross Group: A Guide: Summer 2018
Starting An Anarchist Black Cross Group: A Guide: Summer 2018
anarchist black
cross group: A guide
summer
2018
welcome
This zine is a resource for anyone abolition is not a simple answer nor an
wanting to start an Anarchist Black Cross easy solution. It is a long way to go. That
group. It was a collective effort of people is why exactly we are talking about the
from various ABC groups across Europe. Anarchist Black Cross and not liberal,
We hope you find it inspiring and useful. statist or reformist ways of organising.
The past several decades we have Our tactics are based upon sharing
witnessed various forms of crisis and solidarity, not charity. More than
emerging all over the globe and while ever, it is critically important to share
resisting and fighting back, we as the knowledge and organisational tips
anarchists are paying close attention with people that want to take action.
to the changing patterns and tactics of That is why we wrote this zine: shared
state repression. To save the status quo knowledge is an important tool in
and powers-that be they divide and fighting against repression.
rule. They co-opt struggles and pacify
subversive movements. Meanwhile, we The best defense against repression
are striving to break free. is preparation. We hope this zine can
support you to organise where you are
We need to destroy all the prisons, and and build more resilience to repression
free all the prisoners. Our position is an in your movements and struggles for
abolitionist stance against the state and liberation. If you would like support or
it’s prisons. Of course, the only easy have questions about this zine please
solutions to such a complex problem email: tillallarefree@riseup.net
like prisons are the false solutions. But
what is the anarchist
black cross and why
does it exist?
The Anarchist Black Cross is an solidarity as our weapons. In all of what
international network of anarchist groups we do, we try to create links in and out
and individuals engaged in practical of prisons.
solidarity with prisoners and broader
anti-repression struggles. Anti-Repression and Movement
Defence Work
Prisoner Support
The state and those that wish to destroy
We support revolutionaries, anarchists movements for liberation attack us on
and others trapped in the prison system. many levels. The Anarchist Black Cross
We support and publicise prisoners’ network aims to build the infrastructure
efforts to organise and resist the system to be resilient to repression so that
from the inside. We try to work through we can continue fighting for liberation
letters, visits, material aid, as well and support comrades harmed by this
as demonstrations, campaigns and state violence. Many groups organise
spreading information about prisoners, ongoing long-term solidarity campaigns
the reality of prisons and the class with those affected by various waves
system which created them. Fundraising of repression across the world. Indeed,
and material support is a key part of our many ABC groups start in response to a
work. repressive operation in their region.
Semi-Open/Closed group
“
challenges they have experienced. they are also super kind and thoughtful. I
only hope I can do the same for them!
I got involved in ABC a few
months after a close friend My advice would be take care of the
was murdered in prison other people in your crew, and yourself.
in Texas. I wanted to do You have an incredible potential to
something productive with the anger I change so much, so take care of each
felt after his death. other.
•••
Our group do all kinds of stuff, from I joined a new group that formed in
fundraisers (we have started doing Warsaw at the very beginning of 2014 or
monthly burger nights as one of us is an 15. I already knew about ABC and how
amazing chef) to letter writing, to demos. it works in Poland but the situation in
It’s important because of how non- Warsaw started to be complicated for
judgemental the approach is – we aren’t some activists and there was a need to
looking for “worthy” people to support, have a supporting group here. Plus I was
but want to show love and solidarity sceptical and critical about how support
for the the political repressed people looks like
and how it could look like. We are doing good.
Feeling like this small group of people are very
dedicated to this work and we are building
good relations in the group step by step.
“
“ .. A close friend was
murdered in prison in
Texas. I wanted to do
something productive
with the anger I felt
after his death...”
“
I got involved in ABC because I
have an inspiring friend who made
me aware of the importance of
supporting people on the inside
and I saw how few people give time to it. Our
group spend a lot of time fundraising (gigs/
meals/raffles) and then a small amount of time
quickly giving that money away to groups all
over the world that are in need because of
state repression. We organise letter writing and
demos and act as occasional rent-a-mob for
other prison groups that we may or may not
be a part of. It’s important because prisons are
incredibly isolating and so staying in contact
with people on the inside can make a massive
difference to peoples lives.
Our challenges have been surviving! For What keeps me going? I think there is
all the years the group has existed, it’s this egoistic approach that if something
been underground with invitation only happens to me, I would love people to
membership. With that in mind it is worth help me out. This is one of the reasons,
mentioning that we try to act in most and the other thing is that through the
of the cases without bringing the ABC years of work in ABC it is becoming
brand to the table as it might potentially clearer what solidarity means and how
cause some troubles for those who important it is. Not just the words, but
actions that move the walls around the
people and make repressions a little bit
less successful.
“
beginning it might look overwhelming.
“
••• in national campaigns against prison
expansion and more. We also organise
I actually first received actions as part of international days of
support from an ABC action.
when I was in prison. This
solidarity and support from I feel that ABC is beautiful and necessary
the group made a huge impression on for many reasons. I feel it is really
me, and when I was released and then important that the anarchist movement
finally free of these state conditions, I builds up the infrastructure that enables
joined the group. us to be resilient to repression. It’s clear
from history that effective struggles will
Our ABC group has engaged in many always be met by state and capitalist
activities over the years. At some points, forces.
we have friends and comrades we know
personally who are in prison, and our We need to learn from history and be
work may be more directly supporting prepared. It’s useful to have ABC groups
them – like prison visits, writing letters, in existence so that when the shit hits
fundraising etc. Other times, our work is the fan, we are ready and can respond.
more focused on international solidarity. It’s also meaningful to be organising
We try to organise at least one monthly international solidarity and constantly
event; this could be anything from a be developing and strengthening these
vegan burger night to raise money, to relationships. For myself, on a very
hosting a speaker who is touring and personal level, ABC gave me hope and
strength in prison. Knowing that one- “What keeps me going is
day I could get out and meet these knowing that these systems of
kind people who supported me really
meant the world. It kept me going and it
oppression and exploitation still
gave power to my heart knowing these exist and that the necessity to
people existed! fight remains.”
shouting back, and banging on the
I think our main challenge has been
doors – and it’s like the whole prison
finding enough people willing to
came alive with noises of defiance. It was
organise in a dedicated way. It is very
amazing! We later heard from a woman
easy to find people to help with certain
in this prison at the time who said it
events, like doing cooking, but it has
really ‘kicked off’ in the prison that night
been harder at times to have enough
and everyone their felt amazed that
people who will do this more boring or
people would come on NYE to support
invisible work like checking emails or
them.
updating the prisoner list. There have
also been some challenges with the
What keeps me going? It sounds really
gendered division of labour but this is
cheesy to say things like “Until All Are
improving!
Free” or “Until Every Cage is Empty” but
I really feel this way. That, we simply
Sometimes, the emotional work involved
cannot stop until all the cages and
in ABC can be challenging too. Like
prisons in this world are destroyed. What
when you hear from comrades who
keeps me going is knowing that these
have been tortured or beaten in prison,
systems of oppression and exploitation
or are just struggling with imprisonment.
still exist and that the necessity to fight
Organising can help you to feel less
remains. Emotionally, what keeps me
powerless, but you still feel like you
going is friendships that I have gained
just want to go there and destroy the
through the ABC network. There are
walls and get these people out! I think
some incredibly inspiring people active
this feeling of ‘not doing enough’ is
in this struggle and it is an honour to
something that many people feel
know them.
who are engaged in struggles, its not
exclusive to ABC.
My advice for new groups is to ask for
support when you need it – contact one
My favourite moment is I think definitely
of the longer running groups and simply
“
visiting one prison on the New Year’s
ask for help. We have all made so many
Eve solidarity demos and making
noise outside. Inside the women were mistakes and learned so
much over the years that
people are happy to help
others to get started. Also,
make sure you take care
of yourself and each other!
And fuck macho bullshit :)
“
For some years, I was were not how many people imagine
aware about the existence activism or how actually activism looks
of such a group in our city. like – something boring and taking a lot
I rather felt it is something of time. Because it is not activism. Our
super-secret and to me case is a bunch of friends, cooking food
it was a kind of 7th level of anarchism together and having a good time, and
or something. Now it sounds really meanwhile actually doing things. But
ridiculous, but I guess it was so because also I got to say that there are things
it was vital to not talk about who is doing which start to be hard after some time,
what and who is who, you know. like publishing things on the website –
especially if you have dozens of other
My involvement started with wave of things to do.
repression which also hit me and my
comrades, and anti-repression work It is good to share these responsibilities
got much wider scale than before and and not to create these hierarchies, I
involved more people. After some time, I mean, for example, really try to avoid a
realised that actually we are doing things situation when there is only one or two
which ABC is doing for a long time, and people who know how to put things on
the only difference is that I don‘t meet a website or has an access to e-mail,
other people from the group, who don’t because these things are very routine
necessarily do public things and don’t or they start to be routine very soon. So
want many people to know about their share it, and when you feel that this time
involvement. it was hard for you, share it with people in
group and make yourself a small reward.
So after some time I got closer and took I thing it’s a tip for how to make things a
some responsibilities that I wanted to bit more inspiring.
take care of. It was simple because we •••
are just bunch of friends and see each
other very often, and it is actually hard
to name the day when I got involved as
our ABC group doesn‘t have ritual for
accepting new people, like oaths around
the campfire when it’s a full moon –
which is really nice ritual I think..!
“
days before he traveled to the meeting. But don’t give up. Some small breaks,
It was really impressive to meet him and ok, but don’t give up. It’s
listen to his words during the discussions. also a story of trust and
He was so open-minded and talked dependability for other
about his experiences in prison. For me, people in the same or
it was the affirmation of why I’m fighting similar fights.
against the prison industry and that we
are right. •••
What keeps me going? It’s fucking “We are not just doing anti-
important. Yes, it’s hard work and nothing
fun about that, but it has to be pushed
repression work, we are enemies
forward. We are not just doing anti- of the state and capitalism and
repression work, we are enemies of the ABC is just one part of a lot. I can
state and capitalism and ABC is just one not stop. There will be always
part of a lot. I can not stop. There will be repression as long there is the
always repression as long there is the
state, so we will continue.
state, so we will continue.”
“
This work started for me We made and printed flyers and zines
almost 20 years ago, when about prison related topics, made talks
I started to get involved about current cases and prisoners and
with a quite active punk always collected money to support
scene. At this time, there prisoners and other groups. We took
was an active ABC group part in international gatherings and also
in the south of this country organised Anti-Prison-Days.
and one of the people was also doing
a DIY Punk Zine and I ordered it. And We participated in solidarity actions
with and within the zine was also ABC and since 6 years now, we organise a
Material. I immediately had the feeling solidarity-festival once a year. Since 4
that this is important and got drawn to years, we publish a monthly printed
this topic. And so a friend and I made an newsletter. We have a regular updated
ABC Solidarity Benefit Compilation on website with current events and an
Tape. We spread and printed flyers and incomplete list of prisoners.
pamphlets about ABC and prisoners.
Over the next years, the topic was And we have an always growing book
still important for me and I did some and zine distro. Sometimes, we manage
solidarity stuff for ABC groups but it to travel around and give talks about
would take almost 10 more years to start ABC related topics and/or the history
our own group in my city in 2008. of Anarchist Black Cross in general. We
are always happy to get asked for doing
Prison or Anti-prison perspectives were talks.
not a topic in the anti-authoritarian
movement at all and the anti-repression We consider ourselves more an anti-
groups did not have an anti-prison/anti- prison group than an anti-repression
authoritarian perspective. We wanted to group, but also do anti-repression work.
change this. Since about one year, we do a monthly
letter writing workshop.
In the first years, our main focus was to
spread the ideas of an anarchist view I think ABC is important because think
against prisons and make prisons/ it’s an important part of an anarchist
repression and solidarity a bigger topic struggle. We have to support (our)
within the anti-authoritarian movement. prisoners and also have to keep the
After a while, the banners on solidarity struggle against this prison society going.
demonstrations changed from “freedom ABC can be a useful label under which
for all political prisoners” to “freedom
for all prisoners” ;) haha. But we did a lot “It sometimes does not feel like
of talks about why we as anarchists are much what you can do, but then
against prisons and that there can’t be a
you get letters from prisoners
free society with prisons. A lot of people
within the movement seemed to have and they still have so much fight
a hard time with these ideas at least at in them and they let you feel
first. We also did an Infotour through the how important your support is to
country about this topic. them.”
different groups can also connect more are connected in a loose international
easily. There is a lot of material to use network.
from other ABC groups and the ABC also
has a long history we can look back and The challenges have been to keep going
try to learn but also take inspiration from. and not to burn out. In this line of work so
to speak there is not so many moments
Most people who are somehow involved of success, where you see immediately
with an anti-authoritarian movement or a result. We started with a group which
just the punk scene know what ABC is. was more than twice the size than we
There are punk-festivals all over Europe are now. Many people lost interest in
in solidarity with ABC groups who want the group, the ideas, the struggle… But I
to support this cause even if they are not guess otherwise the usual stuff like life in
part of groups themselves. a capitalist society in general.
On the other side, I think it is important The best moment is often its just a letter
to get organised and have anarchist you get from inside prison. The last two
structures to support prisoners, which years we also got invited to talk at a
keep on going and not form new from festival about our work and they wrote
case to case. And also not to completely some really nice words about our group
rely on the German Rote Hilfe, for and our work and why they do a benefit
example, who managed to print in the especially for us. It felt really nice to get
last two years at least two articles in appreciated for the work you do. It’s not
the Rote Hilfe-Newspaper celebrating why we do it, but to be honest it felt just
authoritarian communism (who killed really good.
and incarcerated anarchists/anti-
authoritarians). Of course many of the What keeps us going? It is just really
“sub-groups” who are part of Rote Hilfe important and it’s just part of our struggle
are not like this, but I think this over- as anarchists. It sometimes does not feel
reliance in Germany on this structure is like much what you can do, but then you
dangerous. And it also shows somehow get letters from prisoners and they still
that we are everywhere! ;) And that we have so much fight in them and they let
you feel how important your support is
to them. And most of the time you never
met them but you read their words and
you feel this strong bond and affinity. I
personally get a lot of power and energy
back from these letters.
international days of
solidarity
Many international days and weeks birthdays. This is a great resource for
of action take place throughout the regular letter writing events: https://
year in solidarity with prisoners. This nycabc.wordpress.com
list represents a few of those that
take place. These days can help keep
prisoner support active and visible in our
movements and struggles - but we are
not limited to them.
During this day, people worldwide Each year, June 11th serves as a day for
organise rallies, events and actions us to remember our longest imprisoned
in solidarity with Palestinian Political anarchist comrades through words,
Prisoners. Every year, Palestinian actions and ongoing material support.
serving a 20-year sentence in Bulgaria
for defending two Romani men from an
attack by fascist football hooligans. It is
now expanded to support all anti-fascist
prisoners. Groups are encouraged to
organise solidarity actions, events,
fundraisers, letter writings and more.
Find a list of prisoners here:
https://nycantifa.wordpress.com/global-
antifa-prisoner-list
Here are some tips from our own Sometimes it is worth to giving a shout
experience on how you can make around the anarchist movement for help.
some money. Some of it might not fit It might be that the other groups have
into reality due to political repressions. more possibilities to access funds than
This list is for updating for sure. So if you do. For example, western countries
you or your group have something to have more wealth than eastern or
add – feel free to write us back with your southern countries.
experience.
In that case, such a call can provoke
Fundraising evening/Presentation other people to take action in their own
town and raise funds for you. Do not
These are some kinds of presentations, underestimate the power of solidarity –
discussions or workshops that are you might be positively surprised how
connected with the matter for which people are eager to help those they
you are fundraising. For example, a don’t know, but with whom they share
presentation on repression against ideas.
activists protesting against G20, that
might be a platform to raise solidarity Party
funds. These are quite good in case you
want to collect money for causes that This is one of the most popular ways of
are not really present in your region. fundraising in western countries. In most
Through these events you can inform of the cases you can openly advertise
people and potentially inspire people the cause of the party and give people
to start being active in support of this possibility to party for cause. It is a great
or that cause. However, you shouldn’t way of raising money, because people
expect a lot of money from these kinds are eager to spend it on drinks or they
of events, as people are normally not just donate more in good mood.
However, good parties require a lot of
efforts from multiple individuals. There
is nothing worse than organizing a bad
fundraising party. If you get a reputation
of bad party maker, there is little chance
that this fundraising way will be open to
you for long.
Infotours
Tattoo Circus
Last words
Behaviour and relationship signs may • Changes in identity – you may feel
include: disconnected from certain identities
that you once held dear (such as
• Difficulty setting boundaries calling yourself an anarchist or
• Feeling like you never have time or feminist). You may find that you can’t
energy for yourself. cope with organising any more and this
• Feeling disconnected from loved affects your sense of who you are.
ones, even when communicating with
them • Changes in beliefs related to major
• Increased conflict in relationships psychological needs (e.g., beliefs
• General social withdrawal regarding safety, control, trust, esteem,
• Acting out/exhibiting the “silencing and intimacy). In an ABC context, this
response” – finding yourself unable might mean that perhaps you no
to pay attention to other’s distressing longer trust certain friends because
stories because they seem they let you down while you were in
overwhelming and incomprehensible, prison. Or it can mean that after police
and directing people to talk about less infiltration that intimate relationships
distressing material feel impossible.
• Decreased interest in activities that
used to bring pleasure, enjoyment, or
relaxation. Sexual difficulties.
• Irritable, intolerant, agitated, impatient,
needy, and/or moody. Impulsivity.
• Increased dependencies or addictions
involving nicotine, alcohol, food, sex,
shopping , internet, and/or other
substances
Taking Care of Ourselves - Some Ideas
Spain
• www.nodo50.org/cna – ABC Spain
• https://solidaritatrebel.noblogs.org -
Solidaritat rebel, a solidarity group for
support accused anarchists in Aachen bank
robbery case
Sweden
• abcstockholm@riseup.net – ABC
Stockholm
• abcumea@riseup.net – ABC Umeå
USA
• www.abcf.net – Anarchist Black Cross
Federation
• sbrooklynabcf.wordpress.com – South
Brooklyn ABC
• denverabc.wordpress.com – Denver ABC
• nycabc.wordpress.com – NYC ABC
Dedication
•••