From 19th to 24th September 07 hundreds of people will gather near to Gatwick Airport for the first No Border Camp to be held in the UK. Over five days this camp will be a rare chance to work together, to strengthen the campaign against the building of a new detention centre, Brook House, at Gatwick, and to share skills and ideas with groups from locally and across the world for how to build up the fight against the system of migration controls.
This is a first version of answers to Frequently Asked Questions, this is a work in progress (last update August 18th)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
From 19th to 24th September 07 hundreds of people will gather near to Gatwick Airport for the first No Border Camp to be held in the UK. Over five days this camp will be a rare chance to work together, to strengthen the campaign against the building of a new detention centre, Brook House, at Gatwick, and to share skills and ideas with groups from locally and across the world for how to build up the fight against the system of migration controls.
What groups are involved?
The No Borders network is an umbrella of groups of migrants and people working in solidarity with migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. We believe in freedom of movement, the right to remain and are involved in anti-deportation, detention and other struggles as well as educational outreach, campaigning for migrant rights and direct action. Groups so far involved in organising the camp are No Borders groups from London, Brighton, Nottingham, Leeds, Cardiff, Bristol, Newcastle. Also detainee support groups from London and Hounslow. We are supported by many groups both here in the UK and around the world.If your group wants to support the camp write an endorsement and send it to us.
How will the camp be organised?
There are working groups who are planning various aspects of the camp, Events, (programme of demonstrations, workshops, etc.), Infrastructure, (marquees, kitchens, water and sanitation etc.) Outreach and Networking, Publicity and Media and Finances. These groups are working by consensus and are all open to new people to get involved. See website for contact details.
At the camp itself the decision making will be made by big camp meetings where issues of the camp will be discussed.
More about our way of organising. We work without leaders and no one is being paid. This is sometimes difficult, but is the basis of our way of organising. Around the world and throughout history people organise in this way as the most effective at involving people in social change. Not waiting for bosses, politicians or 'experts' to take the initiative but building at the grassroots. Through this we can empower ourselves and learn to improve our own realities – not to become individual entrepreneurs or free-marketers, but to work together to make open, sustainable and equal societies. There are many different words and traditions that could be used to describe these political roots . Grassroots organising is based on the power of the people to take collective action on their own behalf. The camp will see hundreds of people coming together and 'doing it ourselves'. We see social change as a journey which we can all build towards every day, not some huge revolutionary event led by a small vanguard in a hoped-for future. The principles of the camp largely follow anarchist/autonomist thought. Anarchism, from the Greek 'without government', is a belief that people can organise society for themselves without formalised government. It argues that the best way to organise is through voluntary arrangements where people are likely to co-operate more.
How does this work in practice? No one is pretending that it is easy to challenge hierarchies and we have to work hard to be inclusive while also recognising that some people have more experience or skills than others. Organising in this way shouldn't be intimidating, we are all working it out together and supporting each other and there is always someone who is happy to explain what is going on. Some times it may seem a bit chaotic but the idea is not that nobody takes responsibility, but that we all do. We divide in to working groups which take on tasks in a particular area and then communicate between the groups through feedback and at regular meetings. This method of organising has not been plucked from the air but has precedents in many camps such as anti G8 convergences, other No Border camps, the camp for climate action, protest camps and gatherings. It can be hard work but also has the potential to be a potent mix of learning, protesting, working and having fun which we can all take back to our daily lives and struggles.
How can I participate in the preparations?
There are regular camp organising meetings in the lead up to the camp. Approximately every two weeks Check the website for details and venue. Support for the camp is growing and there are many ways for groups and individuals to get involved, to act in solidarity with the aims of the camp.
1. Come to the camp! We are hoping that people will come from far and wide. Offer a workshop, film screening, musical performance at the camp.
2. There will be a page on our website dedicated to the groups and campaigns attending the camp. Let us know if you are planning to come so we can add your link. This will help us know who is coming and establish communication. Contact:g-anbc2007@riseup.net
3. Add you name to our list of endoresements.
4. Whether you're planning to come or not, please write a few lines about who you are and what you do and why you support the camp.
5. Support the 22nd September demonstration against the detention centre. As well as many other actions, workshops, meetings, music etc at the camp itself we there will be a big international demo at Tinsley House detention centre in Crawley on the Saturday 22nd of September. More details will be available soon, can you group mobilise for this demo (organise transport etc).. it would be great!
6. Help with outreach and fundraising. We have a range of flyers, films and information and are very keen to do, or help with outreach events.
7. There are of course costs and any donations for the camp can be sent to:Cheques, payable to No Borders Brighton, cane be sent to No Borders Brighton, PO Box 74, Brighton BN 1 4ZQ. Please write No Border Camp on the back.
How will the camp be set up and taken down? If you have time and especially if you have specific skills it would be great if you could come a couple of days before and stay later to help to set up and take down the camp. There’ll be things like putting/taking down marquees, setting up water access and water points, setting up rubbish/recycling points, making showers, etc. If possible, please plan to stay an extra few days to help take down all the camp structures and making sure we leave the site in the same state we found it in. The camp is organised solely by volunteers and relies on the work of individuals who join the camp to keep it running, so please come prepared to stick around at the end to help if you can. The whole take down process will take around four days but the more people that stick around the faster it'll happen. More details available soon.
What facilities will there be?
While the specifics are being worked out still some things we will definitely have are:
-kids tent - kitchen providing 3 affordable, vegan meals a day (Plates, mugs & cutlery will all be provided by the Teapot.) - first aid tent - workshop tents and meeting tent -welcoming and info point - toilets -clean water - alternative media tent and possible internet access
How can I get there?
We will announce the exact site nearer to time. Here’s some basic travel information. We will be arranging transport from London and Brighton for the demos and encourage other groups to do so as well. (more info to follow)
Try to come here without flying but if you have to Gatwick will be the nearest airport.
From UK–You can take the coach to London from most big towns/cities in the UK. Megabus is cheap and national express have funfares that are also very cheap. You can then take the train form London to Crawley or Three Bridges and weپfll have transport from there to the camp.
Driving-information about this later
From Europe -Again coach is a cheap option coming from anywhere in mainland Europe. You can take a Eurolines coach from most big cities to London. Take a train from London to Crawley. If you are travelling in a group of 4 or more you can get a cheap ticket 4 for the price of two in the train
www.megabus.com
www.nationalexpress.com
www.raileurope.com
the man in seat 61 is a great website for overland travel to and from UK from all over the world, check out www.seat61.com
It is often cheaper to book in advance so look at www.thetrainline.com
What equipment do I need to take with me?
It is possible and people are welcome to come just for the day, but if you plan to stay at the camp although there will be some communal areas we expect people to be self sufficient for their own camping equipment. If you do not have this stuff it may be possible to borrow something, get in touch with us.
Things you will need: -tent -sleeping mat -sleeping bag - torch and batteries - rain coat/trousers - warm clothes -wellington boots or hiking boots
Other things which would be useful:
-notebook and pen for workshops. Washing stuff -- soap, towel etc. Personal first aid kit Toilet paper Sunblock Tealight candles and jamjars Bottle/can opener Any medication you need Insect repellent Plate, mug, cutlery Car phone chargers Solar lights Bin bags
What if I have a medical problem?
There will be medics and first aid available at the camp and the demonstrations but we can all minimise the need for these by taking responsibility for own health.
Always wash your hands after you go to the toilet to stop any stomach bugs spreading!!
Always carry water and food for yourself. Drink lots of water to avoid getting dehydrated. Eat regularly to avoid your blood sugar getting low, which makes you disorientated and a danger to yourself and others. Take emergency sugar rations eg.chocolate, flap jacks. Tell your mates if you have any medical issues (eg asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, pregnancy, heart problems etc.) Carry any emergency medication you might need, eg insulin, inhaler, even if you have not had a problem for a long time. Also take your prescription (otherwise the cops might take it off you). Wear a small wristband with medical issues written on it to makes it easier for medics to treat you.
Can I bring my dog?
The camp team has decided to not let dogs on site. If you however have a guide dog you can bring her along.
More info later.