If someone is facing charges of any kind, supporters might form a defense committee, basically a small group of people dedicated to supporting that individual through their trial and, if they serve time, once they are inside. This episode explores anti-fascist political prisoner David Campbell’s experience with a defense committee and the experience of K and Heena, members of Ashley Diamond’s defense committee and organizers with Survived and Punished. If you’re listening to this episode the week it comes out, this week is a week of action for Ashley Diamond! Go to freeashleydiamond.com to learn more. RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts.Please consider supporting us on Patreon!Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rebel Steps

Free them all! (Defense Committees)

With intentional and friendly onboarding, groups can bring in new participants and grow an organization’s capacity. In this episode we explore tactics for onboarding with labor organizer RV, and hear from organizers with Kickstarter United, Outlive Them, and Brooklyn Eviction Defense about their onboarding processes. We're newly on TikTok! Follow us @rebelsteps for videos about our episodes, favorite books, and more!RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Grow the Movement (Onboarding)

Amid the flurry of news, it feels impossible to know what to do. We can doom scroll. We can listen to the litany of hot takes. But none of this seems to answer the question, what can we do now? If right now you’re confused about what to do next, you’re not alone! RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join the fight against fascism

This is the second episode in a two part series on street action. In this episode, I’ll be looking at what happens once you hit the streets, including how to do a basic eye flush and some ways to deal with an arrest.  If you haven’t listened yet, go back and check part 1 as well!RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Street Action 2 (Take the Streets)

As we round out this historically challenging year, it feels important to take a moment to reflect. In this episode, you’ll be hearing from a bunch of our comrades, many who have appeared on previous episodes and some who are podcasters in the Channel Zero Network. Hope you and your family and comrades are having a safe and restful holiday season!RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021

In this two part episode, I’ll be covering some street tactic how tos. This first part will talk about things to do before hitting the street. If you’re a seasoned street activist, I think you’ll still find some interesting information in here. If you’re brand new, you’ll find some great ways to get started. And this is also a great resource to send to someone who may be coming with you to a rally or action and doesn’t know exactly how to prepare.RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Street Action 1: Get Ready

As landlords continue to threaten tenants with evictions, newly formed tenants unions and associations as well as community organizations and neighbors will have to move quickly to try and assist vulnerable tenants, both now and in the coming months.  So, in this episode, I’ll be looking at eviction defense with Lupe and Rose of the LA Tenants Union.RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts.Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Get in touch with questions or comments at hello@rebelsteps.com. We’d love to hear from you!Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rent Strike 4: Eviction Defense

Hear from organizers Kat and Daisy of the Ithaca Tenants Union about their campaign to cancel rent as well Ali from Regal Tenants Union and Bushwick-Bedstuy Tenant Coalition. Both these tenants unions are fairly new and have built up mostly during the pandemic. If you’re trying to build up tenant power in your area, their experiences may shed some light on how to get started and what tactics have worked for them. Check out the show notes at http://rebelsteps.com/episodes/rent-strike-tenant-unions Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rent Strike 3: Build a Tenants’ Union

Amy, the producer of Rebel Steps, was part of the historic union drive to create Kickstarter United, the first union in the modern tech industry. Hear the trailer for an oral history project taking you behind the scenes of that campaign. Listen and subscribe at ksru.link. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Trailer: An Oral History of the Kickstarter Union

This episode wraps season 2 and looks towards what’s next for the podcast and for our movements.RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Get in touch with questions or comments at hello@rebelsteps.com. We’d love to hear from you!Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

S2E8: Conclusions

When making season one, almost every person I interviewed brought up avoiding burnout and prioritizing mental health as a crucial part of organizing. With so many experienced activists citing mental health as an important ingredient for success, it felt important to explore this issue as we close out season 2. In this episode, I’ll be exploring ways communities and individuals can prepare for the inevitable mental health struggles that accompany organizing.Rebel Steps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon!Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.comPlease consider supporting us on Patreon! Get in touch with questions or comments at hello@rebelsteps.com. We’d love to hear from you! Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

S2E7: Take Care, Give Care (Community Care)

Abolition has been a huge topic in the wake of the uprising sparked by the police murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Calls to defund or abolish the police are now experiencing a surge of interest, in the form of street art, protest signs, op eds, and more. Maybe you’ve found yourself chanting defund the police or sharing articles online, but aren’t sure how to act on them. So in this episode, I’ll be exploring things to consider as you take your first steps toward joining the abolitionist movement, especially in this tumultuous moment of a pandemic and global uprising, in a conversation with Mariame Kaba. Find more resources at rebelsteps.com/abolition.RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts.Please consider supporting us on Patreon!Music for this episode was gifted to us by Sephy. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join the Abolitionist Movement with Mariame Kaba

Anytime people are working together on something they are passionate about, there is bound to be some disagreement. These disagreements can be intense and emotional, especially if people are invested in the project. In this episode, we’ll be exploring some ways to handle conflict.RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts.Please consider supporting us on Patreon!Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.comMusic for this episode was gifted to us by Sephy. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

S2E6: Talk It Out (Conflict Resolution)

This is an episode of a new podcast called Uprise Daily. This podcast collects protest news from around the country. We will be contributing to this project by occasionally doing recordings. If you like what you hear, subscribe to Uprise Daily wherever you get your podcast and follow them on Twitter @UpriseDaily. Liz and I were really surprised at how much news we hadn't heard about. There are stories unfolding in small towns across the country that aren't making the headlines. So give it a listen and see what's happening!Subscribe: https://anchor.fm/uprise-dailyFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UpriseDaily Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Introducing Uprise Daily

Another PSA from CZN about how to support your comrades if they're arrested. Also check out our full episode on jail support at http://rebelsteps.com/jailsupport.--With protests continuing in cities all over the world, the Channel Zero Network has some reminders on how to support those who have been arrested, and those who may be arrested in the coming days and weeks. Arrests are one tool cops use to repress mass movements. Arrest keeps protesters off the streets during demonstrations. They scare people with the threat of court cases and potential prison sentences. Alone, we feel defenseless against the police and the courts. By providing jail and court support, we can push back against this repression, from the moment that our comrades are taken in, to the end of their court case.Before heading out into the streets, make sure you and everyone you're with has acontact number written on their body. You'll need to get in touch with someone if you're arrested and you most likely won't have your personal belongings with you. This number can be the National Lawyer's Guild, a group you're involved with, or just a friend who's not at the protest.If you see someone getting arrested, call your legal support number with the arrestee's legal name and birthday. If you are in a large city, you may have to determine where they will be taken. Try to find the arresting officer's precinct or unit. This may determine where your comrade ends up. In smaller cities, everyone may go to the same place.If you expect more arrests, try to stay and observe. If not, you should head to the precinct to wait for the arrestee.Once at the precinct, use the legal name and birthday of the arrestee to ask the cops for the arrest number, charges, and where the arrestee will be taken or held. Keep anyone supporting you in the loop.Be prepared to wait many hours. Keep in touch with others and take turns waiting outside the precinct. It could take hours, or in some cases, the whole night,especially if there's been a mass arrest.From here, each city and state has different processes and different jargon. Connect with local organizers and read about local laws to learn what the process will be in your area. Here are some things that you might encounter. Sometimes arrestees are released quickly with a notice that they'll need to show up in court at a later date. If this happens, take the contact info of arrestees. You'll want to be ready to offer them court support in the future. Sometimes arrestees are charged before release. This is a longer process usually called arraignment, which is a procedural court hearing to file charges and set bail. The court will assign a public defender for arraignments. Try to have a couple offriends attend the arraignment for support. Due to COVID 19, you may only be able to observe via video.Sometimes arrestees will have to post bail to be released. If bail is set, let the court officer know you’re arranging payment and will be coordinating with the arrestee’s lawyer. If you need support making bail connect with local organizers, there may be a bail fund for protestors in your area.No matter what happens, always relay what's happening to other people offering support. Regardless of the legal situation the arrestee ends up in, you'll need to bring some things with you.People who are getting out may be exhausted or have trouble getting home. So bring snacks, water, aspirin, bus fare or transit cards, and cigarettes. If you have a friend being held, you can bring their favorite snacks!  If you know the arrestee requires a specific medication, bring that too.You'll also need water and snacks to sustain yourself! Bring External batteries for charging phones as you may be waiting for many hours. If you can't stay and help with jail support, dropping off materials to those waiting can be a big help.Unfortunately, there is a high risk of exposure to COVID-19 while in an enclosed jail cell. Arrestees should consider self-quarantining and getting tested. For every street action and for every viral video of arrests, there are dozens of people outside the spotlight supporting the movement. Remember, it's not over until everyone's safely gotten out of prison and everyone's beaten their charges. Check out Rebel Steps' Jail Support episode at rebelsteps.com/jailsupport for more tips and resources. And follow Unicorn Riot and Channel Zero Network member It's Going Down for ongoing updates. The Channel Zero Network sends y'all solidarity. Stay safe out there and never stop fighting for a better world.  Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

PSA: Jail Support Tips from CZN

A podcast about taking political action guided by the concepts of direct action, solidarity, autonomy and mutual aid.

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Rebel Steps

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