Networking in Your Community
Food Not Bombs is about building a movement for a new society free of oppression and rich in possibilities. To make this happen, we must network with other groups and individuals that share our vision, or a significant part of it, and with broader networks such as the Food Not Bombs movement as a whole.
* Support political groups. Bring food to demonstrations you agree with along with your literature table. Bring food to union picket lines. Especially in political actions that last a long time, such as vigils and occupations, food is often greatly appreciated.
* Organize homeless and poor people. More cities than ever are enacting stupid laws against panhandling and sitting down or sleeping in public. The lives of' homeless people and transients are burdened with incessant police harassment. Food Not Bombs is often a leader is the struggle against these things.
* Communicate with service providers. You have twenty boxes of tomatoes? Maybe another meal provider can use some of them. Bringing food, raw or cooked, to homeless or battered women shelters is often appreciated. Building ties in the service community often pays off when you campaign for the rights of homeless and poor people.
* Meet your neighbors. So you live in a low income
area and handle a zillion boxes of free food every week. Share.
When things are moving locally, consider getting some
projects happening at a distance. Ecological and Native struggles sometimes
involve encampments for actions in remote areas. Having contacts for donated
food allows you to play a key, supporting role. By networking with other
Food Not Bombs, you can play a key role in organizing statewide or regional
demonstrations and actions.
Networking with Other Food Not Bombs
We are ready to support other Food Not Bombs groups, resources permitting, when:
1. A new group is starting and needs resources and encouragement.
2. A group is under attack, usually from police harassment.
3. A group has a large project, festival, event, etc. that is too big
to handle alone.
4. We are asked.
Every so often regional, continental, or worldwide gatherings take place so Food Not Bombs activists can share strategy, tactics, and recipes. Contact local groups and coordinate a regional gathering!
When Food Not Bombs people wander aimlessly (or aimfully) around the continent, lots of people get to work in each other's cities. Keep up to date on what cities/towns have FNB chapters. Keep the list handy when you travel.
