Dear people,

on October 28 – 30, 2016, activists of the climate justice and anti-coal movment meet at an Rhineland Action Conference in Cologne, to discuss ideas for 2017.

If we want to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, every additional ton of coal that is burned is one too many. In order to realize climate justice and coal-phase out, we need to take matters into our own hand!
That’s why in 2017, there will be action days in the Rhineland coal-field. The vision: a lot of different groups and organizations organize their actions – independently, according to what they are best at, but in solidarity. (like the „area concept“ that developed in the protests against the transport of anti-nuclear waste). That could be a combination of demonstrations, smaller action groups, cultural events, background studies, infrastructure blockades….

„Ende Gelände“ will also be part of this, they are planning to organize a mass action of civil disobedience in the Rhineland next summer. To look at this, there will be an Ende Gelände meeting in Berlin (September 29 – October 2). In addition, at the Cologne conference we want to open up a space for cooperation for groups who want to organize themselves outside Ende Gelände, in a larger context. Resistance is biodiverse!

Things we want to discuss on the Rhineland action conference:

• Where do we stand politically and what does the movement need?
• How can a concept of cooperation for action days look like? („Area concept 2017“)
• How can your organization/group/yourselves take part?
• How can we connect to other struggles (agriculture, free movement, degrowth….)
• How can different groups work together in solidarity?
• How can the actions in the Rhineland be part of a larger international context?

If you have suggestions for a „concept of cooperation 2017“, you are welcome to send it to us before hand!
Because we would like to plan the logistics well, please register if you want to come: rheinland2017@riseup.net

With friendly, brave and curious regards,
The planning team

Practical:

Day: Weekend October 28 – 30, 2016
Place: University of Cologne, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923 Köln;
Accomodation: We will try to organize solidarity accomodation in private houses. Please bring your sleeping bag and mattress and tell us well in advance that you need a sleeping place.