Anonymous Comrade submits "The Ruckus Society, Rainforest Action Network, and United for a Fair Economy present:

"Ruck U: Global Justice Advanced Action Camp"

October 10-17, 2003, Arcadia, Florida

The Free Trade Area of the Americas will hold its 2003 annual ministerial meeting in Miami in November... and they’ll have company. Social and economic justice activists, environmentalists, and people of conscience will confront the ministers, nonviolently challenging their legitimacy right where it counts… in the schools, the community centers, the union halls, and in the streets.A six-day advanced training, Global Justice Advanced Action Camp, will focus on building the links between global and local struggles and provide an opportunity for activists and organizers to prepare for inspiring nonviolent action against the globalization of racism, imperialism, economic exploitation, militarism, and environmental degradation through the FTAA.

The camp is designed as two days of team building, political education, and elective trainings followed by four days of advanced, tracked learning. In addition to our core workshops in Nonviolence and Anti-Racist Organizing, participants will have the opportunity to hone their skills in focused areas and dialogue about how our lives are impacted by corporate globalization and the policies of the FTAA.

In addition, Action Camp provides organizers with a space to find inspiration, rejuvenation, and empowerment in the presence of so many others committed to building a just and sustainable future. We will provide a safe, fun, and family-friendly atmosphere, with cultural events and a last-night celebration.

Advanced Training Tracks(choose one):

Action Coordination: Scouting, Action Logistics, Radio Communications, Media Messaging, etc.

Arts in Action: Puppets, Political Theater, Dance, Drumming, Costume Design, Culture Jamming, etc.

Organizing:Identifying Issues, Campaign Strategies, Power Analysis, Coalitions, Media Messaging, etc.

Advanced Climbing: Rigging, Scouting, Anchors, Advanced Rope Techniques, High Angle Rescue, etc.

Mass Actions: Coalitions, Demos and Rallies, Mass Actions, Group Process, Messaging, Legal, etc.

We ask a sliding-scale ($100-$500) donation from those attending based on income and organizational capacity. Tasty meals will be provided by Ruckus’ top notch Volunteer Field Kitchen. Childcare and Spanish/English translation will be available to participants at no cost.

The Ruckus Society is dedicated to fostering the leadership of those most affected by the injustice and oppression we struggle against. Therefore, in all of our initiatives, we aim to prioritize the participation of youth; women; people of color;indigenous people and immigrants; poor and working class people; lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender queer, and transgendered people;differently-abled people and other historically marginalized communities.

** Ruckus is encouraging people of conscience to mobilize in Miami for the FTAA summit from November 17-21 and then carry the struggle to the gates of Fort Benning GA for SOA Watch’s nonviolent actions against the School of the Americas from November 21-23.**

Apply after August 15, 2003 at Ruckus Society