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Finding an affinity group?

I'm interested in getting involved with anarchistic and consensus-driven activism... But where the hell do I start?

There's a semi-local Food Not Bombs, but they aren't meeting at the moment (protesting I imagine).

Are there similar groups I could look for? Are there social media type places I should look? Any kind of newbie infoshops?

I'm shit at making just regular acquaintances, so finding a specific kind of group has been a headache.

Thanks in advance

punkisundead ,

Are you looking for an affinity group as described in the linked text or in general participation in anarchist projects in groups?

I think for the first its really hard if you currently dont have many personal connections to like minded folks, but the second one is something I really encourage you to try out.

Also if consensus driven / non hierarchical activism is your main focus, you might find groups that are not anarchist but (try to) practice their activism this way. Its kinda the current way most groups aspire to organize themselves if they are not specifically hierarchical.

Edit: also while the foodnotbombs group might currently be inactive, you could still try to shoot them a message via social media or email and ask them for connections and ideas in your area.

BoxesOfPepe OP ,

I'd like to create such an affinity group as you linked to, but I'm new to the area and don't have those connections yet.

Anarchist projects or groups would be a great way to get a feel for everything, see collective action and actually be a part of it rather than reading and reading.

Any advice on how to find such groups? I'm planning to visit some teach-ins and a mobile info-shop kind of library, but that's sort of a grasp at straws.

Are there listservs or similar things you could suggest? Idk if those are used much anymore, but the Graeber I've read mentions them a fair amount.

swunchy ,

Have you looked into mutual aid groups in your area? I found a group near me just from Facebook/Google, they mainly distribute food and camping supplies to homeless people or anyone else that needs it

BoxesOfPepe OP ,

I'll start looking around for those as well. Are there any you could suggest specifically? Or is it more of a local find-whats-there kind of thing?

CurlyWurlies4All ,
@CurlyWurlies4All@slrpnk.net avatar

Anarchism is nearly always extremely local by its nature.

BoxesOfPepe OP ,

Right, I meant more like Food Not Bombs is decentralized but there's a shared name. As opposed to groups more singular in name/goal/mission.

Woozythebear ,

There is probably a local DSA chapter near you. They often hold meetings where all are welcome and you can meet like minded people.

That being said, each chapter is pretty different so keep that in mind.

soratoyuki ,

Seconding this. There's a surprising number of anarchist and anarchist-adjacent people in DSA, including the Libertarian Socialist Caucus.

BoxesOfPepe OP ,

I'll definitely give that a look, thanks kindly!

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