Report From the 2006 International Animal Rights Gathering

To see this year’s timetable, go to www.ar2006.info/timetable.html


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Reportback from the 2006 International Animal Rights Gathering

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Tuesday, August 01 2006 @ 05:24 PM PDT
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Animal RightsThis year’s international animal rights gathering was held in Kent, southeast England between 23 and 26 June. It was difficult to estimate numbers precisely, but around 600 activists from at least 26 countries attended the event, including 5 countries that took part for the first time, Israel, Czech Republic, South Africa, Columbia and Croatia.

INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL RIGHTS GATHERING 2006 - Report
http://www.ar2006.info/

This year’s international animal rights gathering was held in Kent, southeast England between 23 and 26 June. It was difficult to estimate numbers precisely, but around 600 activists from at least 26 countries attended the event, including 5 countries that took part for the first time, Israel, Czech Republic, South Africa, Columbia and Croatia.

The full list of countries was UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Italy, Croati, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, Israel, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Columbia and South Africa

The number attending was around 100 up on last year, but one of the key differences this year was that there were more foreign activists and less UK based activists, which was the aim of the organisers. This was made apparent the night before the event, as over 100 activists arrived on site, double last year’s figure at this time. This caught us a bit off guard with catering, since the official catering didn’t start until Friday breakfast. Even so, we managed to make food go round, with the help of a trip to the local shops.

The event took place on several acres on a farm and wildlife sanctuary, it was a beautiful location, with lovely scenery as well as the chance to see rescued farm animals close up, including cows, sheep, horses, hens and goats. At times activists had the opportunity to help feed the animals, which was the highlight for some visitors who had never seen farm animals so close up before.

Over the next four days, there was a huge range of workshops and talks covering all aspects of animal rights campaigning, from the practical, such as how to organise demos and campaigns, researching companies, map reading, to how not to do things and how things go wrong. It is always difficult to construct a timetable to suit everyone, we asked for people to propose workshops in advance, and some came up with some interesting new ideas.

There were legal discussions dealing how the law affects animal rights campaigns and theory workshops exploring the philosophy underpinning the movement. There were talks and lectures too, such as the science behind anti-vivisection, undercover investigations and an exciting talk and film show from Sea Shepherd UK, showing the latest action footage from the anti-whaling campaign on the high seas. There were networking meetings such as global anti-vivisection and international fur trade, with activists from many countries swapping ideas and tactics.

Following the feedback from last year, microphones were provided for the workshops this year, which made it easier for those who don’t speak so loudly or hear well.

There was also a selection of workshops and classes designed to improve us personally and as part of a group, such as self-defence, T’ai Chi, communication skills and relaxation.

Then there is the task of scheduling the events. With at least 3 workshops/talks running simultaneously throughout the event there was usually something for everyone, and we tried where possible to avoid obvious clashes, and some of the more popular ones were repeated. This year we also had a one hour free slot at 6pm each day, where the marquees would be free for unscheduled workshops, or for other workshops to continue where time had run out.

To see this year’s timetable, go to www.ar2006.info/timetable.html

Once the workshops finished each evening there was also a wide selection of entertainment. The aim of the gathering was to bring together activists from all over the world to promote co-operation and discussion, so it was important to create a friendly atmosphere where people felt they could relax and get to know one another.

The cinema tent wasn’t just entertainment, it was also an education. Firstly we showed various campaign video compilations from countries such as Israel, New Zealand, Italy and Australia.

Each evening this was followed a main feature, on the Friday and the Saturday we showed the excellent new movie, “Behind the Mask”, first time this had been seen in Europe. It is a moving mixture of various actions, comment, and animal abuse footage with an inspiring soundtrack. Many left the marquee in tears and were desperate to obtain a copy, so we spent the rest of the weekend making copies on a laptop in the reception tent, which were then taken away by activists to be shown in many countries.

On the Sunday, the mood changed a little, as we showed the film “Earthlings”, a slickly made but disturbing film full of horrific animal cruelty scenes, narrated by Oscar-winning vegan actor Joaquin Phoenix. Even for hardened activists this was hard going, but once again many copies were made and taken back to various countries.

As well as the cinema, activists could socialise in a disco tent, a bar or around a large campfire, and many new friendships and contacts were made. Unfortunately the disco tent was placed too close to the camping area, so there was some disturbance there, for which we apologise.

Three vegan meals each day were provided each day by “Anarchist Teapot”, who did a brilliant job, the menu was varied, delicious and nutritious, an excellent advert for veganism.

Veggies from Nottingham also provided hot drinks, snacks, and a constant supply of vegan cake which was also very much appreciated.

The Healing Area this year was tinged with sadness, as the main organiser, Gari Allen sadly died the week before the gathering, Even so, others rallied round, and the area was named in Gari’s honour. A range of therapies was available, as well as a stall selling cruelty-free oils and lotions.

One of the highlights of this year’s event was the AR2006 World Cup football tournament, which was arranged because the real event was taking place in Germany at the same time as the gathering. It was a five-a-side competition between various teams of activists, which was played out each evening on the village football field nearby. After a very entertaining few days, in the final on Sunday, the UK team won 4-3 against Italy, only possible at AR2006!

From the feedback we have received so far, the event was a big success, for some new activists it has changed their lives and given them a whole new outlook, as well as many new contacts.

In the end we achieved the main aim, which was to bring activists together from many countries, provide the space and facilities for people to meet each other, learn new skills and swap ideas and tactics. We hope you will use the experience wherever you go now to fight for a better world for the animals.

We will leave the rest of the site as it is for now for reference.