Biodemocracy 2005 Statement of Unity
Our survival, well-being, common heritage and democracy are currently under attack by the biotechnology industry. Without the knowledge or consent of the public, biotech corporations and government collaborators are making sweeping decisions about the future of life and human society on earth. We, a coalition of diverse groups and individuals, call for democratic participation in all such decisions, and for an immediate halt to the use of biotechnologies that threaten and harm the natural world, human health, and our prospects for a sustainable future.
Reclaim the Commons Festival!
The BioDemocracy convergence will kick off on Saturday morning, June 18th with an open-air festival in Clark Park to celebrate the diversity of nature and our local communities. The Festival will bring together organic farmers, community gardeners, alternative health practitioners, artists, musicians, families, and activists from near and far to share knowledge, give-aways, food, fun and skills!
Biodemocracy Teach-In, June 18 – 20
This 3-day teach-in will offer something for everyone. There will be workshops and panel discussions on Genetic Engineering in Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals and Human Genetics, Biowarfare and Bioweapons, Sustainable Alternatives, and the Corruption of Science, plus a special screening of the film The Future of Food introduced by filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia, along with some of the key people interviewed in the film. Confirmed teach-in speakers include Medea Benjamin, Ignacio Chapela, Percy Schmeiser, Anuradha Mittal, Sheldon Krimsky, Carmelo Ruiz, Judy Wicks, Brian Tokar, and many more!
Summer Solstice Day of Action: Tuesday, June 21st
On the Summer Solstice, rise up in Philadelphia’s streets and gardens for the “Longest Day (of Action) of the Year!” Shine a light on biotech and pharmaceutical hotspots in central Philadelphia and spark non-violent resistance to business as usual at BIO 2005.
Food Not Bombs 25th Anniversary Gathering
Founded in 1980, Food Not Bombs is now celebrating its 25th Anniversary! The Anniversary Gathering will begin on Thursday and Friday, June 16th and 17th, with workshops, discussions and skill-shares. We’ll also brew scrumptious foods for everyone who attends BioDemocracy! Full details at: www.foodnotbombs.net/philly_gathering.html
Green and Black Urban Gathering
sous les pavés, la plage!
Philadelphia’s Under the Pavement Collective will strengthen this mobilization’s perspective of critiquing biotechnology in the context of our resistance to all forms of domination. Monday, June 20th will include a full day of skill-shares for sustainable, post-capitalist urban living.
Animal Rights Conference June 18th
On Saturday, June 18th, HUGS FOR PUPPIES will host an anti-vivisection conference in response to BIO 2005.
Get involved and donate!
We can’t stop the earth-eating insanity perpetuated by greedy biotechnology corporations all by ourselves. We need your help! There are many opportunities to help, donate funds and donate/loan items that we need to make this event a huge success!
Video: Matt Hern vs. John Zerzan debate
Two clips are now available, the first is an introduction and the second a kind of “opening statement” from both Hern and Zerzan. Here’s the text description from the event which took place on February 5: What does sustainable mean? and what is required for a sustainable society? John Zerzan and Matt Hern will discuss […]
The Municipal Economy
Our thanks to the author, Jesse Benn, for this this contribution. 1. Surrounding the idea of improving humanity’s relationships, with itself, and in the interaction of the human environment with the natural world, is the prospect of transcending the illusion of separation and hierarchical control through direct local community appropriation, across the planet, in the […]
