How to Host an Anarchist Event

Groups of anarchists or anarchist types often meet for either political or celebratory events (or some blend of the two). Their meetings are generally not in upscale hotels or convention centers, or even in the free pavilions of public parks, but in old schools, churches, or other public spaces that have been appropriated by someone in the group. Hosting an anarchist group means embracing the politics of the group at large and catering to a general anarchistic principle when deciding how to hold the event.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Get the word out. Anarchist meetings are generally advertised by word of mouth, or perhaps by fliers made as cheaply as possible. Let locals know this meeting will be going on.
2. Find a venue. Particular venues either will or will not let anarchists gather within their doors. Sound out the idea with those in possession of the public spaces you'd like to use.
3. Decide if you will be providing food or drinks. In the spirit of the event, refreshments should be obtained at little or no cost.
4. Research all applicable laws. Many laws involve permits to congregate or permits to march. The local law enforcement might be looking with particular awareness at any anarchist gathering, so make sure your t's are crossed and your i's dotted.
5. Be available at the event to do any troubleshooting that may arise. As with any planning, things can always go wrong. A little vigilance by planners goes a long way. A planner of an anarchist event has an added roll, they are the 'mediator' between the local community and members of the group who may congregate. You'll need to make sure that political extremists or unstable individuals do not cause undue apprehension in the community, including local officials who may be wary of the event.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep it legal. Communicate to those attending that you will not tolerate dangerous or nuisance behavior, or anything else that is illegal. Try to get a grasp of who will be attending and what their intentions are.
• Avoid generalizations. No two people are alike, and 'anarchism' as a political philosophy means different things to different people. The uniting factor should be that an anarchist meeting is a place to talk about philosophies rather than a stage for acting out on anti-social tendencies.