Rebel Steps

If someone is facing charges of any kind, supporters might form a defense committee, basically a small group of people dedicated to supporting that individual through their trial and, if they serve time, once they are inside. This episode explores anti-fascist political prisoner David Campbell’s experience with a defense committee and the experience of K and Heena, members of Ashley Diamond’s defense committee and organizers with Survived and Punished. If you’re listening to this episode the week it comes out, this week is a week of action for Ashley Diamond! Go to freeashleydiamond.com to learn more. RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts.Please consider supporting us on Patreon!Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With intentional and friendly onboarding, groups can bring in new participants and grow an organization’s capacity. In this episode we explore tactics for onboarding with labor organizer RV, and hear from organizers with Kickstarter United, Outlive Them, and Brooklyn Eviction Defense about their onboarding processes. We're newly on TikTok! Follow us @rebelsteps for videos about our episodes, favorite books, and more!RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Amid the flurry of news, it feels impossible to know what to do. We can doom scroll. We can listen to the litany of hot takes. But none of this seems to answer the question, what can we do now? If right now you’re confused about what to do next, you’re not alone! RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is the second episode in a two part series on street action. In this episode, I’ll be looking at what happens once you hit the streets, including how to do a basic eye flush and some ways to deal with an arrest.  If you haven’t listened yet, go back and check part 1 as well!RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As we round out this historically challenging year, it feels important to take a moment to reflect. In this episode, you’ll be hearing from a bunch of our comrades, many who have appeared on previous episodes and some who are podcasters in the Channel Zero Network. Hope you and your family and comrades are having a safe and restful holiday season!RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this two part episode, I’ll be covering some street tactic how tos. This first part will talk about things to do before hitting the street. If you’re a seasoned street activist, I think you’ll still find some interesting information in here. If you’re brand new, you’ll find some great ways to get started. And this is also a great resource to send to someone who may be coming with you to a rally or action and doesn’t know exactly how to prepare.RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As landlords continue to threaten tenants with evictions, newly formed tenants unions and associations as well as community organizations and neighbors will have to move quickly to try and assist vulnerable tenants, both now and in the coming months.  So, in this episode, I’ll be looking at eviction defense with Lupe and Rose of the LA Tenants Union.RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts.Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Get in touch with questions or comments at hello@rebelsteps.com. We’d love to hear from you!Check out the transcript and show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.com Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hear from organizers Kat and Daisy of the Ithaca Tenants Union about their campaign to cancel rent as well Ali from Regal Tenants Union and Bushwick-Bedstuy Tenant Coalition. Both these tenants unions are fairly new and have built up mostly during the pandemic. If you’re trying to build up tenant power in your area, their experiences may shed some light on how to get started and what tactics have worked for them. Check out the show notes at http://rebelsteps.com/episodes/rent-strike-tenant-unions Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Amy, the producer of Rebel Steps, was part of the historic union drive to create Kickstarter United, the first union in the modern tech industry. Hear the trailer for an oral history project taking you behind the scenes of that campaign. Listen and subscribe at ksru.link. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This episode wraps season 2 and looks towards what’s next for the podcast and for our movements.RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Get in touch with questions or comments at hello@rebelsteps.com. We’d love to hear from you! Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When making season one, almost every person I interviewed brought up avoiding burnout and prioritizing mental health as a crucial part of organizing. With so many experienced activists citing mental health as an important ingredient for success, it felt important to explore this issue as we close out season 2. In this episode, I’ll be exploring ways communities and individuals can prepare for the inevitable mental health struggles that accompany organizing.RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Get in touch with questions or comments at hello@rebelsteps.com. We’d love to hear from you! Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Abolition has been a huge topic in the wake of the uprising sparked by the police murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Calls to defund or abolish the police are now experiencing a surge of interest, in the form of street art, protest signs, op eds, and more. Maybe you’ve found yourself chanting defund the police or sharing articles online, but aren’t sure how to act on them. So in this episode, I’ll be exploring things to consider as you take your first steps toward joining the abolitionist movement, especially in this tumultuous moment of a pandemic and global uprising, in a conversation with Mariame Kaba. Find more resources at rebelsteps.com/abolition.RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts.Please consider supporting us on Patreon!Music for this episode was gifted to us by Sephy. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Anytime people are working together on something they are passionate about, there is bound to be some disagreement. These disagreements can be intense and emotional, especially if people are invested in the project. In this episode, we’ll be exploring some ways to handle conflict.RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts.Please consider supporting us on Patreon!Music for this episode was gifted to us by Sephy. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is an episode of a new podcast called Uprise Daily. This podcast collects protest news from around the country. We will be contributing to this project by occasionally doing recordings. If you like what you hear, subscribe to Uprise Daily wherever you get your podcast and follow them on Twitter @UpriseDaily. Liz and I were really surprised at how much news we hadn't heard about. There are stories unfolding in small towns across the country that aren't making the headlines. So give it a listen and see what's happening!Subscribe: https://anchor.fm/uprise-dailyFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UpriseDaily Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Another PSA from CZN about how to support your comrades if they're arrested. Also check out our full episode on jail support at http://rebelsteps.com/jailsupport.--With protests continuing in cities all over the world, the Channel Zero Network has some reminders on how to support those who have been arrested, and those who may be arrested in the coming days and weeks. Arrests are one tool cops use to repress mass movements. Arrest keeps protesters off the streets during demonstrations. They scare people with the threat of court cases and potential prison sentences. Alone, we feel defenseless against the police and the courts. By providing jail and court support, we can push back against this repression, from the moment that our comrades are taken in, to the end of their court case.Before heading out into the streets, make sure you and everyone you're with has acontact number written on their body. You'll need to get in touch with someone if you're arrested and you most likely won't have your personal belongings with you. This number can be the National Lawyer's Guild, a group you're involved with, or just a friend who's not at the protest.If you see someone getting arrested, call your legal support number with the arrestee's legal name and birthday. If you are in a large city, you may have to determine where they will be taken. Try to find the arresting officer's precinct or unit. This may determine where your comrade ends up. In smaller cities, everyone may go to the same place.If you expect more arrests, try to stay and observe. If not, you should head to the precinct to wait for the arrestee.Once at the precinct, use the legal name and birthday of the arrestee to ask the cops for the arrest number, charges, and where the arrestee will be taken or held. Keep anyone supporting you in the loop.Be prepared to wait many hours. Keep in touch with others and take turns waiting outside the precinct. It could take hours, or in some cases, the whole night,especially if there's been a mass arrest.From here, each city and state has different processes and different jargon. Connect with local organizers and read about local laws to learn what the process will be in your area. Here are some things that you might encounter. Sometimes arrestees are released quickly with a notice that they'll need to show up in court at a later date. If this happens, take the contact info of arrestees. You'll want to be ready to offer them court support in the future. Sometimes arrestees are charged before release. This is a longer process usually called arraignment, which is a procedural court hearing to file charges and set bail. The court will assign a public defender for arraignments. Try to have a couple offriends attend the arraignment for support. Due to COVID 19, you may only be able to observe via video.Sometimes arrestees will have to post bail to be released. If bail is set, let the court officer know you’re arranging payment and will be coordinating with the arrestee’s lawyer. If you need support making bail connect with local organizers, there may be a bail fund for protestors in your area.No matter what happens, always relay what's happening to other people offering support. Regardless of the legal situation the arrestee ends up in, you'll need to bring some things with you.People who are getting out may be exhausted or have trouble getting home. So bring snacks, water, aspirin, bus fare or transit cards, and cigarettes. If you have a friend being held, you can bring their favorite snacks! If you know the arrestee requires a specific medication, bring that too.You'll also need water and snacks to sustain yourself! Bring External batteries for charging phones as you may be waiting for many hours. If you can't stay and help with jail support, dropping off materials to those waiting can be a big help.Unfortunately, there is a high risk of exposure to COVID-19 while in an enclosed jail cell. Arrestees should consider self-quarantining and getting tested. For every street action and for every viral video of arrests, there are dozens of people outside the spotlight supporting the movement. Remember, it's not over until everyone's safely gotten out of prison and everyone's beaten their charges. Check out Rebel Steps' Jail Support episode at rebelsteps.com/jailsupport for more tips and resources. And follow Unicorn Riot and Channel Zero Network member It's Going Down for ongoing updates. The Channel Zero Network sends y'all solidarity. Stay safe out there and never stop fighting for a better world. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the wake of George Floyd’s death, protests are unfolding across the country. As new people are mobilized, we want to share some thoughts on how to stay safe while out in the streets. Remember, this is all a marathon, not a sprint. So take care of yourself and your comrades. Here’s some tips from the Channel Zero Network:Bring buddies and don't let them out of the range of your voice. Write a legal aid number on your body so you can get help if you get arrested. Be sure to know your buddies legal names and birthdays. You'll need these to help find them if they're arrested.When moving around, walk don't run. Stick together.Turn off your phone while out in the street to avoid surveillance of your locationand so as not to have your unlocked phone taken by the authorities or other bad actors.Try your best not to stick out in a crowd. Cover up tattoos with clothing or body paint. Cops will use footage from the protest to try to identify you. Wear clothes that are good for moving quickly. Avoid wearing jewelry and wear closed toe shoes. Wear your mask at all times, even if you're talking to someone in order to guard yourself against surveillance, covid 19, pepper spray, and tear gas.Avoid wearing contact lenses. Bring goggles of some kind in case of tear gas or pepper spray.Consider wearing bike helmets as police often cause head injuries with batons and other weapons. Don't take photos or video of people doing anything illegal or with their face uncovered. Whenever possible, film the cops, not the protesters.ONLY PUT WATER IN YOUR EYES. Don't use milk or baking soda or anything else.Clean water is the safest thing to use at a protest. If possible, bring a water-bottle to drink from and a water bottle to flush out eyes of any comrades who are maced or tear-gassed. And white comrades are encouraged to follow the lead of black and brown comrades, as they bear the brunt of state brutality.Follow Unicorn Riot and Channel Zero Network member It's Going Down for ongoing updates. The Channel Zero Network sends y'all solidarity. Stay safe out there and never stop fighting for a better world. For more tips, check out “Staying Safe in the Streets” from CrimeThinc. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This episode explores what’s happening on the front lines of some rent strikes and looks toward next steps and strategy, from connecting local tenant unions to building a larger movement. Featuring interviews with 3 organizers in New York: Ali Jaffery, Charlie Dulik, and Nicolás Vargas. RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Channel Zero Network podcasts have put out more content on the rent strikes. Check out It’s Going Down’s This Is America #115: Brooklyn Tenants On Rent Strike Talk May 1st for more from New York. Listen to Dissident Island Radio’s coverage of the London Rent Strikes here. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more content! Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Thank you to Tutlie and Ellen Siberian Tiger who gifted us music for this episode.Special thanks to WNYC’s archives for the radio audio from “Unemployment relief program; Musical Pastels trio; Nita Novi, accordion; Clara D'Angelo, soprano.” This audio was from a fundraising program that aired December 2, 1931, less than 2 months before the 1932 rent strikes began. Check out the full show notes for this episode here. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Political movements have often faced threats of physical violence from forces of oppression. So, in this episode, I’ll be looking at some ways you can get involved in community self-defense and talking to some folks currently involved in self-defense projects. There’s a trigger warning this episode. I’ll be talking about a variety of incidents of right wing violence. You may want to skip this episode if you’re not in a place to hear about this right now. Show notes on rebelsteps.com RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts.Please consider supporting us on Patreon!Organizing a rent strike or working on a mutual aid project? Submit a voicemail to our mailbox at rebelsteps.com/mailbox or email us at hello@rebelsteps.com. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Special emergency episode! Today we’ll be looking at how you can participate in a rent strike, step by step. There are lots of calls for a rent strike. We’re not the first and we’re not going to be the last! But we wanted to add our voice because there’s just not a lot of details of how to do this, especially in this very unusual moment. Basically, we’re asking, if we could organize a rent strike in 7 days across the country and across the world, what would be the first step?Warning: You alone skipping rent is not a rent strike and is very dangerous. A rent strike is a type of protest where tenants as a group refuse to pay rent until specific demands are met. You organizing your building to not pay rent together is a rent strike. But even when doing this together, the risks of a rent strike are incredibly high, including risk of eviction. Please take this decision seriously.Check out the show notes for this episode here for resources.RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Channel Zero Network is a great place to find more movement media! Check out our comrades Coffee with Comrades, the Solecast, the Final Straw, sub.Media, It’s Going Down, From Embers, Radical People Podcast, and more.Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Mainstream press has always been difficult terrain for leftists, leaving some activists to ignore it altogether and seek an alternative. This alternative is usually building activist news and media sources. This episode explores ways to create alternative media sources. RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Channel Zero Network is a great place to find more movement media! Check out our comrades Coffee with Comrades, the Solecast, the Final Straw, sub.Media, It’s Going Down, From Embers, Radical People Podcast, and more.Please consider supporting us on Patreon!Thank you to Sephy who gifted us music for this episode. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Support the Channel Zero Network on Go Fund MeInterview Coffee with Comrades: Episode 73: "Every Countdown Ends at Zero"Interview with Radical People: 26. Take PrideFind David Campbell’s new address and other updates at https://freedavidcampbell.com/Rebel Steps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. You heard trailers for Coffee with Comrades, Red Strings & Maroons, and Radical People, all also part of the Channel Zero Network.Support us on Patreon Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Every public action or event needs media of some kind to succeed. That may look like working with existing press or it might mean making your own media. People need to know why you’re taking action and what you’re asking for. Having good messaging, active communications infrastructure, and ongoing press ties are essential for movements to grow. This episode explores the concept of the Spectrum of Allies and includes tips on handling the mainstream media.RebelSteps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts.  Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Check out Lady Media Co. who gifted us some of the music in this episode. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is part two of group decision making. The first part explored how consensus decision making usually flows and why consensus has become an important part of leftist spaces. In this half, we’ll talk about some of the challenges that arise as well as some solutions groups have experimented with.Rebel Steps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon!Check out the show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.comCheck out and support the musicians who contributed to this episode: Tutlie, Sephy, and Morgane Fouse of Lady Media Co. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the toughest things about organizing together is making decisions as a group. There are a lot of things to weigh: Who gets a say in which decisions? What’s the balance between efficiency and inclusion? Listen to this episode to hear about consensus decision making. Rebel Steps is a member of the Channel Zero Network. Head over to channelzeronetwork.com for more anarchist podcasts. Please consider supporting us on Patreon!Check out the show notes for this episode on rebelsteps.comCheck out and support the musicians who contributed to this episode: Tutlie, Sephy, and Ellen Siberian Tiger. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Rebel Steps Season 2.  Working in bigger groups presents some new challenges. How do you care for each other and protect each other in the midst of political struggle? How do you lift up the voices of everyone in your group? How do you work through the inevitable disagreements? Music by Little Strike and Ellen Siberian Tiger. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of our interviewees from Season 1, David Campbell, who you heard in our jail support episode, is being unjustly imprisoned. For more on David’s case and how to support him, go to FreeDavidCampbell.com.Check our Write A Letter episode for more on letter writing and prisoner solidarity. Also, check out our Jail Support episode, the episode in which David’s interview was originally released.This podcast is part of the Channel Zero Network, an anarchist podcast network run by radical media makers.  Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We’re very excited to announce that we’ve begun working on season 2 of Rebel Steps! As we prepare to create this season, we’d love to hear from you. If you tried any of the activities in season 1 and would like to share your experience, please record a message at http://rebelsteps.com/mailbox or write us at hello@rebelsteps.com.We’d also love to hear if you have experiences with any of the topics we’re covering in season 2: Self-defense, sabotage, mental health, conflict resolution, media strategy, and group decision making. Any other thoughts on the podcast are welcome as well. Thank you for sharing your stories and ideas!Lastly, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve joined the Channel Zero Network. Channel Zero is an english-based anarchist radio/podcast network run by radical media makers. These podcasts share stories from the front-lines and lessons from history to spread revolutionary practices. Learn more about the podcasts within Channel Zero. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This series has offered a collage of ideas to get folks organized. This final episode will give you more to think about as you take the next steps. Hear closing thoughts from our interviewees on ways to move forward. Look for our show notes at https://rebelsteps.com. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joining your organization's jail support team means you'll be keeping track of your friends if they are arrested. Hear from some organizers in the MACC's Jail and Court Support Working Group and Legal Working Group about providing support and avoiding pitfalls. Look for our show notes at https://rebelsteps.com. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When people first set out to make a difference, they often gravitate toward charity. Yet charity has existed for eons, and the poor are still poor. Learn about the difference between charity and mutual aid projects. Look for our show notes at https://rebelsteps.com. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We'll need people to work together to build a better world. Joining or starting a group is a way to share skills, pool resources, and build relationships. Hear from two MACC participants about their first time showing up to a new group. Look for our show notes at https://rebelsteps.com. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Supporting prisoners is an important part of the resistance. One concrete way to offer this support is writing a letter. This episode features interviews with activists doing prisoner support in New York and offers ideas on a few ways to get involved. Look for our show notes at https://rebelsteps.com. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Street Art may not seem like a political act. But public art has historically been a part of planting the seeds for actions and gathering interest from a community. This episode includes tips for trying your hand at street art and interviews with artists on their own political art. Look for our show notes at https://rebelsteps.com. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's easy to get caught up in the idea that the role of organizer or activist is a specialized job. But everyone should be empowered to be an organizer and an activist. In this episode, you'll hear about activists' first steps into activism and get inspired to take your own. Look for our show notes at https://rebelsteps.com. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Rebel Steps. The Brazilian educator and philosopher Paulo Freire asked, “What can we do today so that we can do tomorrow what we cannot do today?” This podcast is about that question. Transcript and more info at https://rebelsteps.com Music: Don't force it, Little Strike (http://littlestrike.com/); Hush by Square Peg Round Hole (http://www.squarepegroundhole.me/). Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.