Finding a Path for You
When this list was first formulated years ago, the steps were numbered, thus creating a sense of priorities. By removing the numbers and using language that shows the steps in no particular order, we wanted to reflect the evolution of the Food Not Bombs movement:
In the beginning the emphasis was on sending a political message about priorities of society throughout the world. Thus the name Food Not Bombs.
As Reaganomics and the real estate boom developed in the 19805, Food Not Bombs groups focused locally on the crisis of homelessness and government/corporate responsibility for the problem.
With the emergence of other do-it-yourself, antiauthoritarian projects (counter-institutions) in recent years, and with the ever-increasing irrelevance of government to people's needs, Food Not Bombs activists began to view their work as a building block of a new society. FNB groups support all types of demonstrations, rallies, campaigns and events, from Free Mumia rallies to a Reclaim the Streets, an activist conference to huge anti-globalization protests.
Thus it is important for a new Food Not Bombs group to have discussions that clarifies as much as possible its vision and mission. This may seem obvious, but going over it is still a good idea. You don't necessarily have to etch your vision in stone, but having something down on paper that, as the group progresses, will change too, will help everyone stay together and focused. This, combined with observing the logistics of your area, will help develop the best sequence for you.
