Ontario Coalition Against Poverty speaker in Edinburgh
Community Organizing and Anti-Poverty Work: The OCAP Story
7.30pm Mon 13 Sept
Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 30-36 Dalmeny Street (off Leith Walk near Pilrig church), Edinburgh EH6 8RG
Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty are organising a public meeting with the dynamic Canadian group, Ontario Coalition Against Poverty. This will be an excellent opportunity to hear about how large numbers of people have successfully taken direct action against poverty, and to discuss what lessons can be learnt for our activity here in Scotland.
OCAP write:
"The Ontario Coalition Against Poverty has fought for justice and dignity for poor people for 20 years. Using direct action we have won individual cases including social assistance benefits, housing repairs, and withheld wages. Through mass mobilization, we have won housing and millions of dollars for poor people in Ontario.
We mount campaigns against regressive government policies as they affect poor and working people. In addition, we provide direct-action advocacy for individuals against wellfare and ODSP (disability benefits), public housing and others who deny poor people what they are entitled to. We believe in the power of people to organize themselves.
We believe in the power of resistance."
This meeting will discuss OCAP's model of fighting back against the harsh ways that neo-liberal capitalism plays out in the lives of poor and working class people.
More about OCAP on their website :
http://www.ocap.ca/
The OCAP speaker will also be talking at a meeting in Glasgow on Sunday 12th September, as part of their tour of Britain - for info on the Glasgow meeting contact glasgowsolnet@gmail.com
Find us
EDINBURGH COALITION AGAINST POVERTY is based at the Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh (ACE), an open campaign space, infoshop and wholefoods co-op, providing resources and solidarity. Resources available include computer/internet access, cheap copying, free leaflets, books, pamphlets and mags for sale, a small wholefoods shop, and a library.
Every tuesday from 12 noon till 3pm advice and solidarity is available for benefits and debt hassles, housing and other problems. Please contact us at Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty c/o ACE, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA 0131 557 6242 ecap@lists.riseup.net We invite you to join our solidarity phone tree, and get involved.
ACE is also open every Saturday 11am-6pm and Thursday 6-8pm, and other times for particular events (but the advice sessions are only on Tuesdays).
