Presentation [1]
WHY WE PUBLISH
The goal of “Collective Action” is to circulate information concerning tendencies with-in present day capitalist development and the struggles, both large and small, that inevitably erupt against it. Our special focus is on struggles and social conditions in the United States, partially to counter the belief that “nothing ever happens here.” i.e. that class struggle is dead. But even if this is our stated goal, immediately several practical questions come up:
1) How to separate what really matters from what doesn’t, especially considering the bewildering amount of so-called information already pumped out and circulated by the establishment press?
2) Even when a particular issue is covered, often the coverage is incomplete, distorted, fragmented, or otherwise obscured by the bias of the person reporting on it. For example, on the subject of strikes, the vast majority of reporting (even when the strike is not totally ignored) gives little depth or understanding of what is different or new, what workers feel (as opposed to union leaders and representatives), or even the outcome of the strike. “Facts” are separated from social context.
3) Even if we can get information, what role should analysis play in how we cover it?
We don’t pretend to have any easy answers to any of this. Instead, we conceive of “Collective Action Notes” as a deliberately open-ended project that will evolve depending on the number of people who decide to participate in it. Each of whom, in turn can and will bring his and her own particular insights to a give question or observation. Besides the general statement in the opening paragraph, there are still a few broad and loose points we would like to orient toward:
1) “Micro” level reports from people participating in a struggle themselves or with close knowledge of same.
2) A look at what is happening in social phenomenon not ordinarily considered “political.”
Some influences: A-Info’s Bulletins, “Echanges”, the old “Facing Reality / Correspondence”, parts of “News and Letters”, old “Solidarity”, although we hope “Collective Action Notes” in time will develop a flavor of its own. We ask people to send us
1) Clippings from local newspapers on a regular basis.
2) Short reports and observations.
Right now, we are aiming for regular publication (every 3 months for now, bi-monthly or monthly as soon as possible) of a 3-4 page format newsletter. In the beginning, we will send “Collective Action Notes” free to anyone who requests it.
Pamphlets
- The maryland freedom union - Mike Flug
- The new movement - Henri Simon
[1] In issue n°1 January 1994.