anti-globalization-USA: Why And How To Strike On May Day ...by OccupyWallSt

originally published at StrikeEverywhere.net

Why are we striking? Why should you strike? And, what do we mean by General Strike?

We are striking to halt the flow of capital, reclaim a tool of resistance, and unify movements against exploitation, repression, and corruption. You should join the movement and strike because: everyone else will be doing it and it’ll be fun and empowering. But more importantly, join because you’ve experienced exploitation, repression, and corruption, and you are aware of their impact around you. Join if you are forced to work and consume; if you want to have a choice for an alternative.
By general strike, we mean everyone from all walks of life halting their role in producing, consuming, and participating within the current system. We invite the precarious workers, unemployed, undocumented, students, and everyone to join.

What do you get out of striking?

You can empower yourself. It’s an opportunity to directly stand up against what you feel is wrong. You can network. It’s an opportunity to meet and connect with others who want to improve the world for themselves and for others. You can learn about alternatives and resources that are available to you. It’s an opportunity to learn what other groups are doing to create alternatives, and what resources they are providing. You can get so much from striking; come out and learn what striking can do for you!

Curious about the General Strike on May 1 2012 but unsure what you can do?

Here are some easy, minimally involved, and low risk things you can do.

In Advance, starting now:

• Plan ahead, take a vacation. Take a personal day or two off and make a long weekend of it.
• Subscribe to the StrikeEverywhere mailing list and learn about the organizing https://lists.riseup.net/http://www.subscribe/strikeeverywhere/
• Attend meetings, benefits, and actions leading up to May 1st to get a feel for what the General Strike might be like.

April 27th - 30th:

• Use the long weekend to attend free workshops about the general strike, direct action, etc.
• Go to benefits, shows, and parties. Be social and meet others who will be participating in the General Strike. Build energy, excitement, and new friendships.
• Build an affinity group, or find a buddy or crew of friends who will go to the General Strike with you.
• Attend meetings and be a part of organizing for the General Strike. Or attend to learn about the plans and how to prepare.
• Put up stickers, posters, flyers, and agitate for the General Strike.
• If you are from out of town: pick up a map and learn the layout of the city and where you can plugin.

April 30th – May 1st:

• Out of vacation days? Take a sick day or two. Make a long weekend of it.
• Don’t get sick days? You’re not a slave, take a couple days off.
• Don’t spend money. Make use of the free resources that will be available through groups like OWS and others organizing alternatives to capitalism. Take part in and enjoy these alternatives!
• Come out into the streets and see what other people are doing. See for yourself what is happening (don’t rely on the media to show you). Experience the General Strike for yourself!
• Join in and participate in actions or play it by ear if you are uncertain.
• Bring your friends, a crew, an affinity group, and everyone you know. The more people that you take to the streets with, the safer you will be.

Convinced? Planning to take part in the General Strike need something concrete to do:

• Go to StrikeEverywhere.net and look at the calendar of events to see if any of the actions are something you want to take part in.
• Go to http://strikeeverywhere.net/framework/new-york-city-tasks/ and volunteer to do a task, or suggest a new task for people working

Self-employed and unsure how you can participate?

You can stop producing and consuming. If you are a boss, give your workers and yourself a long weekend. Come out to the streets. Participate in and enjoy alternatives to capitalism.

Unemployed and uncertain how you can participate in a strike?

Come out into the streets, enjoy alternatives and resources that are made available to you. Join the movement, join people in the streets, and support others who are in the same position as you or in a precarious work situation.

Undocumented and uncertain how you can participate in a strike?

If you feel at risk, take precautions and make sure you feel safe at all times. If possible come out into the streets, enjoy alternatives and resources that are made available to you.
If these low risk activities result in any backlash or threats from your employer:
- Write us at info@strikeeverywhere.net
- Post it on facebook and twitter
You are not a slave, and have the right not to work. Actions will be organized to help shutdown hostile work environments and provide support and solidarity for those who chose to not work.

For Legal Support, contact:
National Lawyers Guild 212 679 6018
S t r i ke E ve r y w h e r e . n e t
Strike Everywhere!
Global General Strike!
info@strikeeverywhere.net
http://strikeeverywhere.net
facebook.com/strikeeverywhere
twitter.com/strikeeverywher

 by OccupyWallSt