Critical Resistance Conference in Oakland , CA Sept. 26-28

Critical Resistance Conference
Oakland, California, September 26-28, 2008

http://www.criticalresistance.org/article.php?list=type&type=36

In September 1998, thousands gathered in Berkeley, California, for
conference that founded Critical Resistance’s movement to abolish the
prison industrial complex (PIC). Each participant, with their own
experiences of oppression and resistance, watched as diverse struggles
were unified: by humanity, hope, and the shared vision of a different
world. We witnessed a vision of a world with truly safe, healthy, and
whole communities; a world with unconditional access to self-determination
and dignity for all; and, critically, a world without imprisonment,
policing, and other forms of punishment and control.

To celebrate 10 years of Critical Resistance, thousands will converge once
more, September 26-28, 2008, in Oakland, California, for CR10, a 10th
Anniversary Celebration and Strategy Session.

Over the past decade, the movement to eliminate the PIC has faced
tremendous challenges. We have witnessed rising levels of imprisonment in
the US and around the world. We have endured passage of the USAPATRIOT Act
of 2001, the Military Commissions Act of 2006, increasing surveillance and
policing in our lives. Meanwhile, US-led wars continue to ravage
communities around the globe. We have witnessed the increased repression
and criminalization of migrants and immigrants, people of color, young
people, and queer communities. We have seen California prepare to embark
on the biggest prison building project in history as the Gulf Coast region
continues to struggle and to prevail in spite of ongoing neglect and
militarization.

During this period Critical Resistance has also developed into a leading
force fighting against the use of imprisonment, policing, and surveillance
as responses to social, economic, and political problems. During the past
10 years we have:
• Brought the idea of the prison industrial complex (PIC) into mainstream
conversations;
• Substantially increased collaboration of PIC abolitionists with
organizers in environmental justice, anti-violence, and queer movements;
• Promoted prisoners, former prisoners, and their loved ones as the real
experts on the system;
• Provided a platform and jumping off point for new organizations and
organizing efforts; and
• Contributed to dozens of local and regional victories across the country.

We have seen only the beginning of what we can accomplish together. CR10
promises to propel this momentum forward, with united, strategic force.
Through workshops, skill shares, performances, action, reflection and
celebration, CR10 aims to reunite our voices, reinvigorate our collective
refusal to be silenced and strengthen our collective will to build a world
without walls.