Month: June 2025

By Immigrant Defense Project (immigrantdefenseproject.org)

Who is at risk of being arrested by ICE?

The law allows the federal government to deport certain immigrants, including anyone without lawful immigration status or people with status who have certain criminal convictions. 

If I know I’m at risk, what can I do?

• Make a plan with your loved ones!

• Avoid contact with Immigration – don’t apply to change your immigration status or to renew your greencard and don’t travel outside of the United States without talking to a lawyer first!

• Avoid contact with the Criminal Justice System which can share your fingerprints with ICE!

What should I do if ICE agents approach me on the street or in public?

• Before you say your name or anything else, ask, “AM I FREE TO GO?”

• If they say YES: Say, “I don’t want to answer your questions.” Walk away.

• If they say NO: Use your right to remain silent! Say, “I want to use my right not to answer questions” and then “I want to speak to a lawyer.”

• If ICE starts to search inside your pockets or belongings, say, “I do not consent to a search.”

• DON’T LIE or show false documents. Don’t flee or resist arrest.

• Don’t answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born. They will use any information you provide against you. Do not hand over any foreign documents such as a passport, consular IDs, or expired visas.

If officers come to my home, will I know they are from ICE?

Not always! Beware: ICE agents often pretend to be police and say they want to talk to you about identity theft or an ongoing investigation.

Can ICE agents enter my home to arrest me?

If ICE agents do not have a warrant signed by a judge, they cannot legally enter a home without permission from an adult. Opening the door does not give them permission to enter your home.

So, what do I do if officers are at my door?

• Find out if they are from DHS or ICE. Try to stay calm. Say “I don’t want to talk to you right now.”

• Politely ask to see a warrant signed by a judge and to slip it under the door. If they don’t

have one, decline to let them in.

• If they are looking for someone else, ask them to leave contact information. You don’t have to tell them where to find the person and you should not lie.

What can I do if ICE is inside my home to make an arrest?

• Tell them if there are children or other vulnerable residents at home.

• Ask them to step outside unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.

• If they came inside without your permission, tell them “I do not consent to you being in my home. Please leave.”

• If they start to search rooms or items in your home, tell them “I do not consent to your search.”

• If ICE is arresting you, tell them if you have medical issues or need to arrange for childcare.

What are my rights if I am being arrested by ICE?

• You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to speak to a lawyer.

• DO NOT LIE. It can only hurt you in the future.

• You do NOT have to share any information about where you were born, what your immigration status is, or your criminal record. Ask to speak to a lawyer instead of answering questions.

• You do NOT have to give them your consular documents or passport unless they have a warrant from a judge.

• You do not have to sign anything.

Para leer esta información sobre ICE en español visite: immigrantdefenseproject.org/conozca-sus-derechos-con-ice/

Community is necessary for both activism and mutual aid. Building and maintaining it is a radical act! This can take many forms, and we encourage you to come up with your own plans and shenanigans. But since this is an organizer, here are a few structured ideas from Slingshot!

• Have a real conversation with someone of a very different age on your street

☐ I talked about _________________________ with ___________________________

• Fix or prettify some piece of public infrastructure (pothole, trashcan, sign, etc)

☐ I made __________________ better by ___________________________________

• Make and distribute flyers for a cause or event

☐ I distributed flyers for _____________________ at ___________________________

• Get to know someone who works nearby. What’s their family like?

☐ I met _____________________ and should remember ________________________

• Write an article for a local newspaper (or Slingshot!!!)

☐ I submitted an article about ___________________________ to ________________

• Borrow something silly from a neighbor (even better if you don’t know them!)

☐I borrowed ________________________ from _______________________________

• Make a very large batch of food, and offer some to at least two neighbors

☐ I made _________________________ and gave it to _________________________

• Create a provocative piece of art in your neighborhood 

☐ I made ______________________________________________________________

• Create a new routine meeting/hobby group (book club? knitting circle? …?)

☐ We meet every ________________________ to _____________________________

• Meet someone at a protest event. Get their contact info, and discuss some future mischief you can make together

☐ I met _________________________ who can be contacted at _________________ 

• Attend a local government meeting. Choose your own adventure: Introduce yourself to a council member, tell them something you liked about what they said, and make a polite, concrete ask, OR get kicked out for screaming about how fucked up something is! 

☐ I got kicked out for / introduced myself to __________________________________

• Make a power map of your town or neighborhood. What corporations, organizations, and elected positions are actively influencing local policy? What local groups, churches, or organizations are getting shit done? 

☐ I was surprised to find that _____________________________________________ is _______________________________________________________________________

In the face of escalating fascism, we take our health into our own hands. Whether you live in a banned state, are at risk of healthcare racism, or just broke — self-managed abortion with pills (SMA or medication abortion) is available. 

To learn more about SMA, visit plancpills.org

What is SMA? Self-managed abortions are safe & effective methods of care when someone does not want to be pregnant. The medications involved are mifepristone and misoprostol (using just misoprostol works too!).

How To: a quick & dirty summary of SMA ! 

1. Swallow one (1) mifepristone like a regular pill. 
2. Wait 24 hours! You may have spotting. 
3. Take 700-1000 mg of acetaminophen for pain prep. 
4. Dissolve 4 misoprostol pills in your cheek between the gum and lower teeth for 30 minutes; swallow the remainder.
5. Bleeding/cramping usually within 4 hrs; pregnancy passes usually within 24 hrs of taking misoprostol.

Later than 10 weeks? Repeat Step 4 after 4 hours!

Tips & Safety: Remember your digital security!

• Use: maxi pads or diapers, pain medications, comfort foods & water, heat pad, tea, a friend ❤️

• DO NOT use: tampons, public web browsers or social media apps to discuss abortion. 

Do not take abortion pills with an IUD! 

•Aftercare: For support during or after, text M+A hotline: 1-833-246-2632 

Sourcing Medication:

• Visit plancpills.org or aidaccess.org on private web browser 

• U.S.: contact redstatereferences@proton.me 

• MX: contact LasLibresGTO@proton.me for package. 

• abortionpillinfo.org

• mahotline.org

Considering other options? → visit: all-options.org !

Abortion pills are 98% effective when used in the first trimester. Medication abortions in the US are extremely common — over 65% of all abortions overall are with pills). These are the same pills you would get in a clinic: they can be sent by mail and taken at home, as is done by millions of people around the world each year. The first pill, Mifepristone, is taken to block the hormone progesterone which is important for maintaining a pregnancy. Then, 24 hours later, 4 misoprostol pills are taken to induce uterine contractions which cause a period. 

This is not medical or legal advice, nor does Slingshot sell abortion pills or provide care. 

This is a non-comprehensive research and education resource. 

General theory of disorder at street protests

Order is when those in charge know where a crowd is and can manage the situation by re-routing traffic so business as usual can proceed everywhere else. From a police perspective, a bank occupation isn’t such a bad thing. There are a lot of banks, so having one shut down for a couple of hours is tolerable. 

Disorder is the rare, exciting, spontaneous moment when internal and external systems of repression lose their grip. Suddenly anything can happen and no one knows what is going to happen next. Those in charge fear disorder because they’ve lost control.

When we confront the police, it often results in order, not disorder, because the police know precisely where we are and its only a matter of time before they can amass enough forces to surround and bust us if they so choose. 

For disorder, we want to avoid ever seeing the police, but rather keep them guessing and confused while we’re free to cause chaos everywhere the police aren’t. Big protests often concentrate police forces and leave the rest of the city unguarded. The police are organized centrally, so multiple mobile groups can scramble their hierarchical structures. 

Disruption and disorder can take many forms. The system loves a conventional war within traditional categories organized around force and violence where they hold the upper hand. Like guerrilla fighters, it’s our job to figure out forms of struggle where we have an advantage. Creating humorous, absurd or beautiful expressions of the world we seek to build — music, art, gardens, public sex, bicycle swarms, etc. — avoids the system’s us vs. them paradigm. 

What to Bring

To be mobile and maximize the area that gets disrupted, you want to travel light and avoid bulky signs, props or costumes that slow you down. Wear good running shoes. If weather permits, water repellent clothes may help protect skin from pepper spray. Layers are good because they provide padding and can be used for disguise/escape. But in hot weather, avoiding heatstroke and dehydration so you can run is way more important than protection from chemical weapons or a disguise. You can carry water in a squirt bottle for drinking and to treat chemical weapons exposure. Use a fanny pack or bag that doesn’t get in the way in case you have to run. Don’t wear contact lenses, jewelry, long hair or anything the cops can grab. Think carefully about bringing drugs, weapons, burglary tools, sensitive information or anything that would get you in extra trouble if arrested. If you bring a cell phone, you may expose your personal information and your movements can be tracked — but on the other hand you can communicate with others and photograph stuff, so it depends what you’re up to. Gas masks, shields, goggles and helmets can put a huge target on you, can slow you down, and may promote the types of confrontations the system can digest and manage. 

Affinity Groups & Action Decision Making

Affinity groups are small cells — usually 4-8 people — who share attitudes about tactics and who organize themselves for effectiveness and protection during protests, riots or for middle-of-the-night action missions. The best affinity groups are people with pre-existing relationships who know and trust each other intimately. Decisions can be made as collectively and quickly. In a chaotic protest situation, affinity groups can enable decision making (as opposed to just reacting to the police) while watching each others’ backs. Affinity groups with experience and a vision within a bigger crowd can take the initiative when a crowd is standing around wondering what to do next. 

Some affinity groups use a code word which any member can yell if they have an idea for what the group should do next. Upon hearing the word, others in the group yell it too until the whole group gathers up and the person who called the huddle makes a quick proposal. A code word can also allow regrouping when the group gets separated in a chaotic situation. It is a good idea for everyone in the group to discuss their limits before an action. It can be helpful to scout locations and learn the area beforehand. During an action, taking time to check in about how everyone is feeling will keep the group unified. Don’t forget to eat, drink and pee. Some affinity groups have a division of labor in which some member stay away from the action to support members who might be arrested. An affinity group can send scouts on a bike to check out action opportunities. 

Good sex is an act of mutual aid. Every person, regardless of gender, is responsible for contributing to the well-being and pleasure of their partners and themselves. We must explore and know our own desires and learn to speak them. We must hear and respond to the desires of our partners (even if that means accepting refusal gracefully). This means finding the words to express how we like to be touched, spoken to, tied up, and cuddled. Getting explicit permission, however vulnerable and scary it may seem, is a great turn-on. What better than knowing your partner really likes it when you touch them that way, talk in that voice, or use that prop? What is better than knowing you can ask for anything, and it will at least be considered respectfully? There is no way that we or our relationships can grow if we don’t find safe spaces in which to explore.

If you have never spoken during sex, or asked permission, or blurted out your desires, feel free to start small. Most people receive compliments well, and appreciate encouraging suggestions. However, it’s equally important to discover the boundaries of your comfort (often situational) and speak them as well. Starting off with a “this feels so good” or “I love it when you…” or “I’d like you to spend the night if you’re interested” is fantastically brave. If you’re not there yet, work on moaning—just get yourself vocal. Steady yourself for disappointment (and delight), and enjoy the benefits of good communication. Often, people’s boundaries are related to past experience, and creating a safer “right now” can help some people open up closed doors. There is no implicit consent, just because you have kissed someone, to touch their genitals, or to have intercourse because you’ve had oral sex. If your partner tenses up or cries or is unresponsive, it’s really important to stop, check in, and support what they need. Be honest about any risk factors you bring, such as sexually transmitted infections, whether you have unprotected sex with other people, and if you have allergies to glycerin or spermicide (in lube) or latex. Details make all the difference.

It’s also important that we take care of our community and help out our friends. At the very least, we should directly check in with them about what they want and expect, and possibly act to get them to a place of lower risk. It’s also important to (in a supportive way) confront people who act aggressively in intimate contexts, because they may not understand that what they are doing is possibly assault. They are either okay with what they are doing, or don’t believe there’s anything wrong with it.

While being so direct about sex is outside of most norms, it transforms sexual experiences. When we are sure that we agree with our partners about expectation and desire, there is no fear to distract us—only pleasure and humor. It’s much less pressure to offer someone a choice (“Would you like to come home with me or would you rather hang out here?”) than a request (“Would you come home with me tonight?”). If we allow for slow and comfortable intimacy, we are likely to experience it more fully and joyfully.

So, if you are often the initiator of your sexual experiences, experiment with patience and let someone else take the lead. Even if it means being alone more often, you may find you enjoy yourself more when you are with partners. If you are less likely to initiate sex, think of ways you could safely ask for intimacy. Having the support of friends could make it easier to approach that really great someone.

It’s our responsibility to create new sexual expectations based on good communication that not only reduce the likelihood of sexual assault, but affirm that sex is normal and necessary. This begins with teaching children healthy ideas about their bodies and believing people when they share stories of sexual assault. Consider it turning on the lights. There are endless ways for us to end our internal oppression and explore healthy, better sex.

Tips for dealing with the police

These suggestions from the National Lawyers Guild “Know Your Rights” guide summarize the rules to which the police are theoretically subject. However be careful: the police, the courts, and the government can and do ignore these rules when they feel like it. Sometimes, police retaliate against people for exercising their rights. These tips may help you later on in court, and sometimes they won’t. But even though the state can’t be counted on to follow its own laws, it still may be helpful to know what these laws are so you can shame particular state agents or deal with particular situations. Always use your best judgment — if you aren’t doing anything wrong, there may be no reason to be excessively paranoid or escalate a potentially innocent and brief encounter with a police officer who is just saying “hi” into an ugly situation by acting suspicious and refusing to say “hi” back. The point is to avoid giving information.

Providing this information isn’t intended to scare you into inactivity or make you paranoid. Even in the current context, the vast majority of radical projects proceed with no interference from the police. The police hassle and arrest people because they hope that such repression will frighten everyone else into submission. We can take reasonable precautions while continuing the fight for liberation. 

Never Talk to the Police

Anything you say to an FBI agent or cop may be used against you and other people — even if the questions seem routine or harmless. You don’t have to talk to FBI agents, police or investigators on the street, if you’ve been arrested, or if you’re in jail. (Exceptions: Your name, date of birth and address are known as “Booking questions” which are not included in your right to remain silent. Also, in some states you can get an additional minor charge for refusing to identify yourself after a police stop based on reasonable suspicion). Only a judge has the authority to order you to answer questions. Many activists have refused to answer questions, even when ordered by a judge or grand jury, and subsequently served jail time to avoid implicating others. It is common for the FBI to threaten to serve you with a grand jury subpoena unless you talk to them. Don’t be intimidated. This is frequently an empty threat, and if they are going to subpoena you, they will do so anyway. If you do receive a subpoena, call a lawyer right away.

Once you’ve been stopped or arrested, don’t try to engage cops in a dialogue or respond to accusations. If you are nervous about simply refusing to talk, you may find it easier to tell them to contact your lawyer. Once a lawyer is involved, the police sometimes back off. Even if you have already answered some questions, you can refuse to answer other questions until you have a lawyer. Don’t lie to the police or give a false name— lying to the police is a crime. However, the police are allowed to lie to you — don’t believe what they say. If you’ve been arrested, don’t talk about anything sensitive in police cars, jail cells or to other inmates — you are probably being recorded.

What To Do About Police Harassment On The Street

If the police stop you on the street, ask, “Am I free to go?” If yes, walk away. If not, you are being detained but this does not necessarily mean you will be arrested. Ask, “Can you explain why you are detaining me?” To stop you, cops must have specific reasons to suspect you of involvement in a specific crime. Police are entitled to pat you down during a detention. If the police try to further search you, your car, or your home, say repeatedly that you do not consent to the search, but do not physically resist. 

What To Do If Police Visit Your Home

You do not have to let the FBI or police into your home or office unless they have a search warrant. If they have an arrest warrant you may limit entry if the person surrenders outside. In either case, ask to inspect the warrant. It must specifically describe the place to be searched and the things to be seized. You do not have to tell them anything other than your name and address. Tell the police that you can not consent to the search unless it is also inspected by a lawyer. If the officers ask you to give them documents, your computer, do not consent to them taking it. However physically trying to block them from searching or seizing items may escalate the situation. You have a right to observe what they do. You should take written notes of their names and what they do. Have friends act as witnesses. 

What To Do If Police Stop You In Your Car

If you are driving a car, you must show police your license, registration and proof of insurance, but you do not have to consent to a search or answer questions. Keep your hands where the police can see them and refuse to consent (agree) to a search. Police may separate passengers and drivers from each other to question them, but no one has to answer any questions. 

What To Do If You Are Arrested

Repeatedly tell the police “I am going to remain silent, I would like to see my lawyer.” If you suffer police abuse while detained or arrested, try to remember the officer’s badge number and/or name. You have the right to ask the officer to identify himself. Write down everything as soon as you can and try to find witnesses. If you are injured, see a doctor and take pictures of the injuries as soon as possible.

Searches at International Borders

Your property (including data on laptops) can be searched and seized at border crossings without a warrant. Do not take any data you would like to keep private across the border. If you have to travel with electronic data encrypt it before crossing and make an encrypted back up of any data before crossing in case your computer or phone is seized. 

Police Hassles: What If You Are Not A Citizen?

In most cases, you have the right to a hearing with an immigration judge before you can be deported. If you voluntarily give up this right or take voluntary departure, you could be deported without a hearing and you may never be able to enter the US legally again or ever get legal immigration status. Do not talk to the ICE, even on the phone, or sign any papers before talking to an immigration lawyer. Unless you are seeking entry into the country, you do not have to reveal your immigration status to any government official. If you are arrested in the US, you have the right to call your consulate or have the police inform the consulate of your arrest. Your consul may help you find a lawyer. You also have the right to refuse help from your consulate.

Police Hassles: What If You Are Under 18 Years Old?

Don’t talk to the police — minors also have the right to remain silent. You don’t have to talk to cops or school officials. Public school students have the right to politically organize at school by passing out leaflets, holding meetings and publishing independent newspapers as long as these activities do not disrupt classes. You have the right to a hearing with your parents and an attorney present before you are suspended or expelled. Students can have their backpacks and lockers searched by school officials without a warrant. Do not consent to any search, but do not physically resist. 

Common Sense Activist Security Measures

Don’t speculate on or circulate rumors about protest actions or potentially illegal acts. Assume you are under surveillance if you are organizing mass direct action, anything illegal, or even legal stuff. Resist police disruption tactics by checking out the authenticity of any potentially disturbing letter, rumor, phone call, or other form of communication before acting on it. Ask the supposed source if she or he is responsible. Deal openly and honestly with the differences in our movements (race, gender, class, age religion, sexual orientation, etc.) before the police can exploit them. Don’t try to expose a suspected agent or informer without solid proof. Purges based on mere suspicion only help the police create distrust and paranoia. It generally works better to criticize what a disruptive person says and does without speculating as to why.

People who brag about, recklessly propose, or ask for unnecessary information about underground groups or illegal activities may be undercover police but even if they are not, they are a severe danger to the movement. The police may send infiltrators/provocateurs posing as activists to entrap people on conspiracy charges of planning illegal acts. You can be guilty of conspiracy just for agreeing with one other person to commit a crime even if you never go through with it — all that is required is an agreement to do something illegal and a single “overt act” in furtherance of the agreement, which can be a legal act like going to a store. It is reasonable to be suspicious of people in the scene who pressure us, manipulate us, offer to give us money or weapons, or make us feel like we aren’t cool if we don’t feel comfortable with a particular tactic, no matter why they do these things. Responsible activists considering risky actions will want to respect other people’s boundaries and limits and won’t want to pressure you into doing things you’re not ready for. Doing so is coercive and disrespectful — hardly a good basis on which to build a new society or an effective action.

Keep in mind that activists who spend all their time worrying about security measures and police surveillance will end up totally isolated and ineffective because they won’t be able to welcome new folks who want to join the struggle. We have to be aware of the possibility of police surveillance while maintaining our commitment to acting openly and publicly. Smashing the system is going to require mass action as well as secretive covert actions by a tiny clique of your trusted friends.

More info contact the National Lawyers Guild: 415 285-5067 or 212 679-5100; read The War at Home by Brian Glick or Agents of Repression by Ward Churchill

Even with all their prisons and armed agents, oppressive structures are never as all-powerful as they want us to think. Regular people can fight back effectively for freedom and a better world. None of us has to do it all alone. There are millions of us and everyone can do something. Decentralized, persistent and varied opposition adds up. Here are some tips to fight the power. 

• Our psychological ability to resist is the key thing we have to nurture, protect and defend. The biggest thing working against popular struggle can be our self-perception of weakness — not seeing how anything we can do as an individual can make a difference. 

• Organizing with others can decrease isolation and powerlessness. Building trust face-to-face with friends, neighbors, family and at work makes everyone less afraid. You can join study groups, affinity groups or radical organizations, but parties, dinner guests and picnics help, too. 

• We have to be for something, not just against stuff. Let’s clearly articulate our values and describe the world we want based on tolerance, abundance, compassion, health, freedom, sharing, beauty, inclusion, pleasure, environmental sustainability and love. Just being against cruelty, conformism, violence, greed, hierarchy and pollution keeps us weak and on the defense.

• Insurgents need joy, healing, rest and mutual aid to endure over the long haul. Eat and sleep!

• Disruptive actions can divert authoritarian resources and slow down their agenda.

• Decentralized leaderless movements are harder to crush. Build trust in small cells. 

• Despots depend on people voluntarily complying and gradually adjusting as things get worse. Don’t alter your behavior before you’re forced to. None of this is normal or inevitable.

• Humor and ridicule are secret weapons. Tyrants rule through anger and fear — shift the script. 

• Act out as part of your daily life, keep at it, and have fun. Rebellion brings meaning and joy. 

• Here’s a catalog of actions anyone can take inspired by Gene Sharp’s 198 Methods of Action:

Banner drops

Blockade ports, train tracks, airports

Boycott Amazon or similar collaborators 

Candlelight vigils

Circulate petitions

Copwatch

Create public art 

Disclose identities of state agents

Display caricatures of our oppressors

Don’t help the police or army

Engage in pranks

Fasts

Funeral protests 

General strikes

Give mock awards

Graffiti

Group bike ride protests or rallies

Hide dissidents or fugitives

Make zines and leave them around town

Marches and parades

Mock funerals

Mutiny

Nude-ins

Organizational open letters

Overload administrative systems

Pickets against government and business

Pie public figures 

Prayer and worship actions

Prisoner support

Property destruction

Provide sanctuary 

Public speeches

Quickie walkouts (lightning strikes)

Reclaim oppressor’s symbols 

Refuse to conform to dress codes

Remove signs to create confusion

Rename public places to honor rebels

Renounce degrees or honors

Report sick at work (sick-in)

Resign from job in protest

Riot

Sex strikes

Sit-ins

Slow down traffic by dancing in crosswalks

Slowdown strike

Spell out slogans with rocks, sand or plants

Stay-in strike

Street party 

Street theater / guerrilla theater

Student strikes

Take extended lunch

Tax resistance

Teach-ins

Tell subversive jokes

Torchlight march

Tree sits

Turn your back to oppressors

Paste up posters

Whistle or pot & pan “concerts”

Work-to-rule strike

Write and sing freedom songs

Write letters to officials

Fiction:

Country of Ghosts – Margaret Killjoy

The Dispossessed – Ursula K. Le Guin

The Ministry for the Future – Kim Stanley Robinson

The Faggots & Their Friends Between Revolutions – Larry Mitchell

Trouble on Triton – Samuel R. Delaney

Babel – R. F. Kuang

Inferno – Dante Alighieri

Sand Catcher – Omar Khalifah

Rojava – Sharam Qawami

The Fifth Sacred Thing – Starhawk

Nonfiction:

Let this Radicalize You – Kelly Hayes and Mariame Kaba

Delay, Deny, Defend – Jay Feinman

Homage to Catalonia – George Orwell

The Politics of Nonviolent Action – Gene Sharp

The Solutions Are Already Here – Peter Gelderloos

Settler Cannabis – Kaitlin Reed

Simple Sabotage Field Manual – The CIA

A Continuous Struggle – Garrett Felber

In Defense of Looting – Vicky Osterweil

Riot. Strike. Riot – Joshua Clover

Slow Down: A Degrowth Communist Manifesto – Kohei Saito

Countering Dispossession, Reclaiming Land – David E Gilbert

The Mushroom at the end of the World – Anna Tsing

Blessed is the Flame – Serafinski

Against the Vortex – Anthony Galluzzo

The Politics of All – Dean Caivano

The Legacy of Luna – Julia Butterfly Hill

Fear of Black Consciousness – Lewis R. Gordon

Grievance in Fragments – Grant Farred

The DIY Occupation Guide (2024 Update) – Anonymous

Environmental Warfare in Gaza – Shourideh C. Molavi

A Mass Conspiracy to Feed People – David Boarder Giles

Too often, we are forced to live in a mindset of scarcity: our time feels scarce from having to work shit jobs to earn wages, our access to space has been systematically limited, from colonizers’ original theft of land from Native folks to the ongoing treatment of land as a commodity. When we talk about “the system”, we are indicting a way of life that is fundamentally premised on non-consensually taking the wealth and beauty of this world, and enclosing, commodifying, and ruining it. And making us miserable in the process. 

Yet, in actuality, we still inhabit a “sacred web of abundance” (SWoA): an interdependent ecology of beings that supports life, which long predates – and lives on despite – “the system”. The more we leverage and lean into that web, the stronger we are, the less we rely on the system we want to overcome, and the more we show others that another world is indeed possible. 

While perhaps too abstract for some, the SWoA concept was offered recently by friends in the Stop Cop City movement, who saw real world benefits in tapping into wild nut trees, backyard food production, reclaimed Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge, and mutual aid networks that skim wealth from the excesses of consumer society. When we witness the abundance we hold and offer, within human communities but especially that of our nonhuman kin, we reframe our struggles to survive, and start to see greater possibilities. 

At a time of deep depression, loneliness, poverty, and learned helplessness, the sacred web of abundance can help us focus our energies on building the new world in the shell of the old, but also shed the productivism and ecological ignorance of past radical movements. We learn about our actual places, our actual homes, and the way they hold us. We partner with our nonhuman kin to increase mutual abundance, care, and place-fulness. We leverage that abundance to feed, house, clothe and help people in other ways. And in generating an upward spiral of abundance in a shifting, disaster-prone climate, we build the resilience we need for our struggles to come.

To learn more see Defending Abundance Everywhere at crimethinc.com

Our world is currently held hostage by a political system where resources and power are wildly concentrated, leaving most of us feeling vulnerable, stressed out, and disempowered. While a few live with impossible wealth, everyone else is told that resources are scarce — that to achieve health, security, comfort, and happiness we must compete with one another. We are told that the way to find the safety we seek is through submissive participation in this economic system — even when this experience is exhausting, diminishing, and often humiliating. The state has always been a vehicle for the consolidation of wealth. Even so-called ‘socialist’ states aim to concentrate resources, usually under the guise of fair distribution down the line. Regardless of intention, this means that everyday people’s ability to feed, clothe, and shelter ourselves becomes dependent on the whims of a governmental body — this level of power is dangerous, and easily wielded against us. 

The stakes could not be higher. We are talking about the material conditions of our lives, our ability to access resources we need to survive and to support our loved ones’ survival. But, when you look a bit closer, it is clear that the security offered to us by employers is brittle and liable to fail — what happens when money turns back into paper, when health care and housing and healthy food are impossible to access with the wages you earn from a job that is killing your body and quashing your life-spark? When ‘saving’ is a relic of decades past? 
It is time to take a step back and identify other, more reliable, support systems. 

We have seen how networks of mutual aid serve as a lifeline for communities experiencing crisis. What if we chose to emphasize this resource sharing in advance, on purpose? Not as an afterthought or a stop-gap in case of emergency, but a central component of how we think about our daily security. The more we share, the less we need, and the more able we are to make life decisions from a place of security rather than scarcity. We can choose to work at a job we like that pays less or work fewer hours and divert that time to even more sharing, which then will come back around when we have needs our friends can help with.

This is quite actionable right now, on the scale of your friendships and family. Are you a dentist, plumber, preschool teacher, mechanic, food grower, or good at mending clothes? Do you know how to cut hair? Can you help paint a house, harvest apples, preserve dumpstered veggies, construct a deck? Do you have extra space in your house or extra clothes you don’t wear anymore? Your friends and neighbors all have helpful skills and resources, too! Maybe your household has someone who works at the farmers market (produce), while another gets food stamps (high-calorie staples), while a third loves to cook? What habits or structures can you set up to share more often?

There are also interesting examples where this idea has been brought to a bigger scale. To reach that bigger scale, we will need to think big, and act big. But the only way we’ll get there is rooted in a robust and networked community of folks who can and do share essential goods and services, who together form the basis for that bigger thing. So start where you are, but don’t just stay there. The abundance is here, and an even more abundant future awaits us!