Not managed to visit the social centre in Glasgow yet, its shutting down soon is that right?
Are there plans to kick it off again somewhere else in the future?
Anyone who uses these boards visited, whats it like?
Good luck with things anyway.......
Its' quite a good place. It is a good place for groups to meet, and new groups to form. Loads of info and ideas on new campaigns. Although the majority are anarchists a few communists, socialists, greens have come along and lent a hand to a few outdoor activities whenever extra hands have been needed. It has hosted bands for fundraising, and there has been some good discussion nights on a range of subjects.
It used to be a open door, where anybody could just walk in from the street and were made to feel welcome. Now because of some thefts there is a shut door policy where folk have to chap the door before someone unlocks it and lets them in. I think that is a bad policy, and will discourage people. Nobody wants to have their stuff nicked but closed doors are against the spirit of what we are all struggling against.
I have heard rumours that the place is going to close, but nobody can give a definate answer. There has also been factions developing between the Glasgow anarchist groups; where dislikes become petty squabbles.
We all need a strong anarchist base, especially in Glasgow. The SSP (Scottish Scientology Party), the STW, the anti-war coalitions & Scottish CND don't want a strong anarchist movement, as this challenges their control-freakery. They prefer activists who stay imprisoned by rules and agenda, and they will discourage members who don't toe the party/committee line. Scottish CND do give some limited funding to a few anarcho-groups involved in the anti-nuke movement but this funding gives them a level of control. A strong independent anarchist movement will divert funds that they think should go into their pockets. For example the autocratic Scottish CND and the SToptheWar have for several years been involved in a on-off name-calling competition, whilst both trying to get as many groups and individuals to affiliate with them. Affiliation means cash and control. Anarchy means freedom.
I am not trying to slag off those groups for they have a few merits, but if anarchy fails then life will resort back to the status quo, where the only choices for potential activists will be to sign away their individuality to the control-freaks above.