Thank you for setting up a sandbox for us.
Generally, the work goes on three levels:
1. Long-term. Development of integral vision connecting self-governance (Bookchin, Ocalan, EZLN, Rojava), solidarity economy (Greece grassroots, cooperatives) and liberatory technologies (appropriate, open tech etc. etc.). This is mainly integration of existing intellectual and practical achievements of many people throughout the world. I try to maintain a frame of reference to select short- and mid-term ventures I get involved, alone or with various affinity groups.
2. Mid-term. Building a test-bed and infrastructure. This is the core of Amargi House in Thermaikos project. Coupled with “We are Thermaikos” document (https://pad.riseup.net/p/We-are-Thermaikos ) it is intended as a cornerstone for both economic and technological base for the community here, but also as a blueprint for similar ventures around. The discussion on the topic is now practically on hold, due to the recent election here in Greece that left people heavily depressed. That is why we are now focused on the short-term, practical projects, inevitably leading us to migration issues. Some direct successes should bring more stamina (and funds) back to the community.
3. Short-term. Turning migration crisis into a win-win-win game – for migrants, local population and the donors. We are a bit too far (over 100 km) from the main migration routes to provide daily support, but we established that there are four areas we may cotribute to:
3.1. Manufacturing/integration
– ***“Refugee Welcome Kit”***, a set of locally manufactured or purchased equipment, being handed to migrants at they enter Greece. It will contain essential utensils, addressing real needs during the transit. In emergency, it will also provide minimal survival ability, even during the winter.
– Stage camp infrastructure kit. A set of cheap but sturdy equipment to build a (semi)permanent stage camp facility, built and manned by the locals, making the migrant transit as unobtrusive and comfortable as possible. The core of the construction is based on Vinay Gupta’s @hexayurt in several variants, expanded and upgraded with additional facilities.
3.2. Organization and distribution.
– Introducing “Repair, reuse, recycle” process regarding migrants’ equipment. If there is enough people interested “at the receibving end” of migration routes, we shall organize the process of retrievenig certain equipment from the migrants when they reach their destination, sending it here to Greece, to be cleaned, refurbished or repaired and handed over to new users. It will save resources long-term and show respect to the donors, who want to see their help being used wisely.
– Introducing “Support the locals” system. There is a growing contribution from local groups of volunteers. But they do not have direct access to external funding. Also, they are hardly known, thus not credible to foreign donors. They are also overloaded with current work, not having resources for planning, reporting and infrastructure building. We plan to fill this gap by identifying these groups, monitoring their activity and needs and connecting them with donors and other supporters. We shall also open an online warehouse, providing locally-sourced goods – from backpacks to food – to the supporting groups, at fair prices. Instead of Amazon, foreign donors will be able to buy things there, having them delivered to any of locally identified support units.
In the next hour or so I will publish more posts on general assumptions regarding the refugee/migrant work done here and about out local situation (coommunity, work organization etc.) Stay tuned.
