15-M Zuid-Holland Assembly summary report. 18th October 2012.

During the assembly, the following proposals were debated:

- To prepare an action to support from the Netherlands the general strike in Portugal, Greece and Spain the 14^th of November. For the first time, a general strike will be coordinated among different countries. A first proposal could be to celebrate a demonstration in Dam Square in Amsterdam. The coordination with Greek and Portuguese activist groups would be a first priority.

- The following strategy for Zuid-Holland has been proposed:

- To try to connect by now with the Spanish community living here. They will be probably more interested in our activities than other groups. Nevertheless, we will keep the assembly completely open, with all the information and resolutions in English, so everybody feels free to participate.

- To propose the Amsterdam Assembly to design a common banner for the 15-M in Holland, so we can use it in different places to inform about our existence and our activities (Hogar español, faculties, music schools...). A small text and the way to connect via Facebook and e-mail, would be included.

- To prepare an informative event about what has been the 15-M process in the Netherlands, showing the achievements, actions developed (demonstrations, infomative actions, connections with other groups, videos and material, etc). How the existing situation is and what the short and long therm objectives are. We will look for places to host the event.

- To get information about what are the exact Spanish Ambassador obligations when he is officially asked about an specific issue.

- To investigate what are the strike rights in the Netherlands in case we would need to use them in a future.

Resumen de la Asamblea 15-M Zuid-Holland del 18 de octubre de 2012.

Durante la asamblea se debatieron las siguientes propuestas:

- Queremos organizar una acción de apoyo internacional en Holanda a la huelga general convocada en España para el 14 de Noviembre. Por primera vez una huelga general estará coordinada con otros países, de momento Portugal y Grecia. Una propuesta sería una manifestación en DAM Square en Amsterdam. La coordinación con los grupos de activistas Griegos y Portugueses sería una primera prioridad.

- Se propone una estrategia organizativa para Zuid Hollad.

- Centrarnos de momento en la comunidad española residente aquí. De todas formas la información se traducirá al inglés.

- Proponer a la Asamblea de Amsterdam diseñar un poster conjunto sobre el 15-M Holanda para usarlo en lugares que permita informar sobre nuestra existencia y actividades (Hogar español, universidades, conservatorios...). Se incluirá un pequeño texto y la forma de conectar vía Facebook y email.

- Hacer un evento informativo sobre cuál ha sido el proceso del 15-M en Holanda desde hace año y medio, mostrando las acciones realizadas (Manifestaciones, acciones informativas, conexiones con otros movimientos, videos y material, etc), cual es la situación actual y los objetivos a corto y largo plazo. En ese sentido informarnos sobre espacios donde realizarlo, Javier en Rotterdam y Sol en La Haya.

- Obtener información sobre cuáles son las obligaciones exactas del embajador de España en La Haya cuando se le pregunte oficialmente su posición sobre un tema concreto. (Sol se encarga)

- Existe interés en conocer los derechos de huelga en Holanda por si fuera necesario ejercerlos en un futuro (Javier se encarga).

POSITION OF THE TAKE THE SQUARE - ZUID HOLLAND ASSEMBLY IN RELATION TO THE YES WE CAMP! - TENTENKAMP BEURSPLEIN ON THE 17TH OF SEPTEMBER 2011 IN AMSTERDAM

After the decisive meeting on the 13th of September with the organizers of the Tentenkamp Beursplein, the Take the Square - Zuid Holland Assembly have decided not to participate in the protest camp, even though we fully support the international call of action against the stock markets on the 17th of September.

We believe in the creation of new spaces of discussion in which we all feel represented and free to give our opinion, in the way that is being developed and practiced on the squares all around the world.

The use of ideological and political branding by the organizers of the Tentenkamp Beursplein is in clear conflict with the spirit of this movement.

Take the Square - Zuid Holland Assembly (The Netherlands)

COMUNICADO DE RECHAZO A LA REFORMA CONSTITUCIONAL PARA ESTABLECER EL TECHO DE DEUDA

(Carta para mandar al Embajador emb.lahaya@maec.es, al Presidente del Congreso jose.bono@presidente.congreso.es y al Presidente del Gobierno. Se puede cambiar el nombre a la carta y enviarlo desde otras Asambleas)

15-M Asambleas Amsterdam y Zuid Holland 31-08-2011

Excelentisimo Sr. Embajador/ Sr.Presidente del Congreso o Sr. Presidente del Gobierno:

Las Asambleas del 15-M Amsterdam y Zuid Holland expresan su total rechazo al acuerdo alcanzado la última semana por los dos partidos mayoritarios, PSOE y PP, a través del cual pretenden constitucionalizar el techo de deuda pública.

Consideramos que se trata de una medida extremadamente injusta, un ataque sin precedentes a los cimientos del estado de bienestar promovido por un gobierno supuestamente socialdemócrata. El cambio constitucional obedece a políticas económicas neoliberales que pretenden trasladar la carga del colapso del sistema financiero a la ciudadanía, que padecerá recortes en servicios sociales básicos como consecuencia de una crisis de la que no es responsable.

La fijación del techo de la deuda pública es, además, una política económica equivocada, que puede acarrear graves consecuencias para la evolución de la economía española aumentando significativamente el riesgo de recesión. Proponemos que se analicen opciones que difieran de la institucionalización de la austeridad, tales como la creación de un verdadero sistema de regulación económica internacional, la auditoría para la reestructuración de la deuda y la instauración de un sistema fiscal más justo.

Desde una perspectiva política, tanto el cambio constitucional como la ley orgánica propuestos tienen como objetivo eliminar el debate sobre las alternativas al dogma neoliberal. Se trata de un paso más hacia la falta de representatividad del electorado en la toma de decisiones, la constatación de la supeditación de la política a los mercados financieros. La soberanía popular ha vuelto a ser socavada por las entidades financieras y las instituciones supranacionales.

Asimismo, desde las Asambleas del 15-M Amsterdam y Zuid Holland mostramos nuestra más rotunda oposición al procedimiento seguido para acometer la reforma. Se ha llegado al acuerdo despreciando al electorado, ignorando la opinión pública en un parlamento dudosamente legitimado. Las formas utilizadas suponen un síntoma más del déficit democrático que padece el país, contra el que se lleva manifestando la ciudadanía y el Movimiento 15-M desde hace meses. Exigimos, por tanto, que esta medida y otras de similar calado sean sometidas al escrutinio público por medio de un proceso de consulta popular, que, en definitiva, se respete la esencia de la democracia.

15-M Asambleas Amsterdam y Zuid Holland, a 31 de Agosto de 2011

ACTA-MINUTES OF THE ZUID HOLLAND OPEN ASSEMBLY. DEN HAAG, 10TH AUGUST 2011.

11 people were present.

The points discussed were the following:

1. Defining values and goals of the Zuid Holland assembly

After making a summary of the crucial dates of the many actions and demonstrations in September (check document https://n-1.cc/pg/event_calendar/view/629844), the assembly agrees that we have to start creating a document that defines the common reasons to gather and the goals of our particular assembly. This will make it easier to coordinate with other groups with similar interests and to define the future actions.

We are going to open a subgroup in the N-1 to start working on a draft. By next assembly on the 17^th of August, we should have the main points/headlines to discuss.

2. Working method of the assembly:

The assembly decides to make two subgroups:

1- Freethinkers/content/thinking: in the following weeks, this subgroup will work on the definition of the values and goals of the assembly. It will also propose subjects for debates and possible solutions to social problems.

2- Action: this subgroup will think of different actions consequent with the definition and goals of the assembly.

It is possible for the same people to be part of the two subgroups. The aim is to make “mental space” for the two subjects: that in the N-1 group we roughly develop proposals for actions and content, and in the assemblies we take the time to discuss them further.

For that, there will be two subgroups created in the N-1, Action https://n-1.cc/pg/groups/635091/action/ and Thinking https://n-1.cc/pg/groups/635063/thinking/

Important: we all agree to communicate better online with the N-1 (https://n-1.cc/pg/groups/485492/take-the-squarezuid-holland/) so we make sure that concrete proposals are developed before we meet in the assemblies, where we will make the decisions and discuss the difficult points.

3. Rough ideas for the Freethinkers document:

- Our role in the revolution as expats

- Common consequences of the crisis (NL/EU/Global).

- How to communicate with other groups.

4. Next action: Info-night

Proposed dates: 9 or 10 of September.

To take into account: the 10^th of September there will be a big demonstration call from Greece.

The aim of the infonight is to see our capability and to inform people about the existence of the Zuid Holland assembly. There should be information about the 15O (call for Global Revolution), the March to Brussels (https://n-1.cc/pg/groups/565581/international-march-from-netherlands-to-brussels/) and the current political context (also in NL). The emphasis will be in making a good informative event, nevertheless we agree that it is also important to have music and a party.

Some brainstorm ideas: showing documentaries, making playful workshops/games, performances by musicians and dancer that participants of the assembly...

Venue: We have to start looking for one. If anyone has suggestions, please, let the assembly know. For the moment we will check out Nuthuis, squat places, and cultural initiatives.

5. Contact with other groups

We haven't decided about how to join the demonstration of the different Dutch sectors in September, but we will keep them in mind.

For the moment, one of us will check this Friday with the Plein van Beschaving (https://n-1.cc/mod/threaded_forums/topicposts.php?topic=569377&group_guid=485492) if we can coordinate something with them.

To do list (any help and suggestions are welcome):

- Start working online on the headlines of the Freethinkers/content/thinking document

- Look for venues for the info-night

- Think about info-night program

- Contact Plein der Beschaving

Next assembly:

Wednesday 17th of August at 18'30. Next to Den Haag Central Station, under the biggest tree in the park between Koningstunnel and Koekamplaan, in front of the Koninklijke Akademie van Beeldende Kunsten.

ACTA-MINUTES OF THE OPEN ASSEMBLY IN DEN HAAG. THE 27th OF JULY 2011.

Secretary: Sara

14 people were present.

The points discussed were the following:

1. Define the coordination between the local and international groups:

We decided to change the name of the group for “Zuid-Holland/South Holland” as there are not only people from Den Haag attending the assemblies, but also people from Delft, Leiden and Rotterdam. This can allow people to join more easily the group.

2. Media used for diffusion:

We decided that N-1 seemed to be the more appropriate tool to use. We decided to slowly leave the mailing-list used for communication and all register to N-1. A delay of 1-2 months is given to the group members to pass to N-1. (From now on the summaries of the assemblies will only be published on N-1 and the blog). A course about how N-1 works will be given by Paco from Amsterdam, but he is in Holland until the 25^th of August. We still have to define the date and place of this course!!!

We agreed that N-1 will allow us to have our internal discussions.

We also had the idea of asking the administrators of N-1 if it would be possible to create one big group of Holland inside N-1 and have as subgroups the groups of Amsterdam, Zuid-Holland, Utrecht... . This would allow to be very organised, save time and diffuse better. We are waiting an answer for this possibility.

We decided to keep Facebook and use it for minimal discussions and for the announcement of big events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/202620699774029/

We also decided to keep the blog and use it for the annoucement of big events and general information. In N-1 a subgroup will be created to discuss about what to put in the blog. Concerning the blog we have been told that there is only one boy managing it. He would need the assistance of one or two volunteers to help him out! If someone feels like doing it. Welcome!

If you want to join N-1. Click on this link https://n-1.cc/ after registering you can search for the group called “Assembly South Holland” or go directly to https://n-1.cc/pg/groups/485492/assembly-zuid-holland/. If you cannot find it search for Oscar Pretix (who is at the moment the administrator of the group) maybe it will be easier. Peolple can join the group freely. If ever you do so, please put a picture of any kind and try to fill in your profile and habilities (this could allow a better organisation). The idea is just to see how N-1 works and practise. If it doesn't work correctly you can ask a question on “bug”, which is on the bottom of the page of N-1.

3. Plans for the future:

A short guest Caroline from Freiburg talked about how the movement 15M was working in Germany.

We decided to start doing some actions. This could take place in September as many people come back from holidays. The aim is to diffuse the movement to local Dutch people and make them understand that we are in the same struggle.

We thought of joining local movements like the dancers, architects or Tolhuistuin one's. We also had the idea to protest in front of the international law court and embassies. We decided to open a subgroup for this purpese on N-1.

We also talked about helping to organize the march to Brussels or simply join a group of walkers. One's proposed to make an info-night in one of the cities of Zuid-Holland on the first week-end of September to spread more information about the global movement of October the 15^th. We decided to open a subgroup for this purpose on N-1 (https://n-1.cc/pg/groups/565581/international-march-from-netherlands-to-brussels/)

4. Remarks about the info-night of the 23^rd of July

We all agreed that it was a very good idea to organise this info-night. It allowed us to get to know each other better and in general we had a good time. The few remarks we could make are about technical matters. When watching the documentaries, the sound wasn't very good which made new people wanting to join the movement, difficult to understand what the movement was really about. Before projecting the documentaries someone could have presented them and after the showing a short time could have been given to people to express their opinions.

It was also a pity that the short videos that were planned to be shown, finally weren't. It would have been nice to show the short video about the 15M movement in Portugal and make people understand that the movement is spreading.

We decided that our next meeting will be held in Den Haag on the 3^rd of August at 18.30

ASSEMBLY DEN HAAG 6 OF JULY

Proceedings of the open assembly in Den Haag on the 8th of July of 2010

Secretary: Miguel (Portugal)

There were present around 15 people.

The points for discussion were:
- Coming events.
- Working groups.
- Discuss ideas for action on the 15th of October.
- Social networks

The meeting started with a general discussion of the current economic and political situation in Europe. Ideas on actions that promote change were discussed.

One possibility of action that was discussed was to do something during strikes that are organized by unions. The pros and cons of this type of action were discussed, but no decision was taken. It was decided that more research should be done on the unions, specially on the workers which are not part of the union bureocracy, to see if there are actions which could be interesting without putting in jeopardy the independence of the movement.
Someone suggested that a list of documentaries should be placed on a wiki or other easy to reach place, such that people can get more informed on the questions surrounding debt, the current economic situation and how we it came to be. Some of the documentaries suggested were:
- Zeitgeist
- Capitalism: a love story.
- debtocracy.
- money as debt.

Social Networks: It was said that it might be useful to set up a mailing list for people that want to be informed on the actions of the collective (i.e. google groups). Regarding the platform for organization of people participating in activities, comities, etc, it was discussed that n-1 (https://n-1.cc/) might be a good option. Other social networks discussed were agora and laurea?? . There is a person in Amsterdam that organizes n-1 workshops, it was stated that it would be a good idea to organize a workshop of n-1 in Den Haag.

Action 15 October:

- Counter the perception that the countries of the south are "just having fun". A slogan could be that "we are not living above our rights". It was stated, that the language of the governments and those that defend the cuts to public services has to be put into question, since those services did not fall from the sky, they were earned by the workers in countries like Portugal, Spain or Greece with a lot of sacrifice. Essentially the public services have to be defended, for they are a hard earned right.
- Somehow address the issue of debt.

see you next wednesday 13th of July.

ASSEMBLY DEN HAAG 26 OF JUNE

REPORT DEN HAAG 26 OF JUNE
Secretary: Sol

Herewith are the topics we discussed:

1. Party in Amsterdam.

There is a proposal from the Assembly in Amsterdam for organizing a party/event in Amsterdam. There is a commission working on that. The discussion is ongoing within the Google group. A place is needed, also the date and the activities that will be done need to be decided. We agreed that we want to support the event although more information is required, for instance if money is collected with the event, we would like to know what the use of the money would be.

We would like to propose to the organizers to create an information point about the Spanish revolution in general or about a more concrete topic. We also though about the possibility of inviting Dutch artists (which are now very active) to the party, they could present a paper proposal for the Dutch government regarding the government cuts; and we would have an assembly in order to agree about the final document. It would work as an example for them of how an assembly works.

2. Rol of the movement.

We discussed about the two characteristics of the Spanish Revolution in The Netherlands. In one side we want to support the actions in Spain and on the other side we want to expand the movement internationally, for which other kind of activities are required. We would like to coordinate more actions with the Dutch social movements, which so far has been a bit complicated. Also access to more information about the actions in Spain would help to support them.

3. Communication.

This is a very important point. Also related with the connection with the Spanish movement. Currently there are many different ways of communication ongoing, Facebook, google groups and Dutchrevolution.blogspot are working quite well in the dutch revolution but other systems, more secure and better for internal communication are being developed. Within the Den Haag Assembly we were using the free Social Network “Agora” developed by the assembly from Terrasa (Catalonia, Spain). We also know that a Bigger Free Social Network called N-1 is being developed. In theory all the assemblies across Europe are using it.  We agree to use all of them up until we realize which one works better for our needs.

4. Actions.

There are different actions taking place in the Netherlands. The same day of the assembly 26 of June, a big March from Rotterdam to Den Haag took place for protesting against the social and cultural expenditures cuts. There was a demonstration in Den Haag Monday 27th. More actions from the cultural and artists groups might be organized. Also the public transport workers are actively organizing strikes against the privatization of the public services.

The days from 2 to 5 of July Squatters groups among the country are going to resist the enforcement of the anti-squat law in the Netherlands. We agreed that the fight of the squatters is fair because it is a direct action against the housing speculation and the right to have a house. Nevertheless any support to them must have the condition that no violence of any kind would be used. The pacifism of our movement is its best weapon.

Finally, due to the huge demonstrations in Greece these days against the privatization of the public services and the social cuts forced by the EU, IMF and World Bank, the Greek movements in Greece asked for any support from abroad, actions, manifestations, etc. The 29th the Greeks will surround the Parlament peacefully to avoid the approval of the cuts.

We did not agree any direct support or action for these issues, but each of us is free to support it or propose anything in this regard.

5. Comissions and Structure.

Within the Den Haag Assembly there is not any clear division of tasks yet due to the still small number of persons involved. (There were also members from Rotterdam and Leiden in the Assembly that do not have their own assembly yet) We though that by know would be better to organize ourselves within the commission going on in Amsterdam, which might work as national. In case of necessity we can create our own. By now we decided that what we need for sure is somebody responsible of the Assembly Summary that would be also responsible to upload the information to Dutchrevolution.blogspot. For this time Sol will be the responsible.

Solidarity action on Wednesday (15jun11) 16.00 in front of the Greek embassy in Den Haag.

Dam square group supports solidarity action on Wednesday (15jun11) 16.00 in front of the Greek embassy in Den Haag.

In Greece things are moving at a rapid pace, and the occupation/protest movement is building links with the workers.

With this strategy, the protestors are realising the massive social (including economic) power they hold in their hands, things can rapidly change. Please support this action in word, and if possible, deed.

1) The General Assembly of Syntagma (that is the main square in Athens) decided to support the General Strike on the 15/06 and to try to create a human chain around the Greek parliament which is located at the same square.

2) They have also decided to continue the actions in the square and to support all the actions of the unions and other organizations which fight for the same goal.

3) They are organizing a big action for the day that the parliament will decide for the new austerity measures. For that say we will also try to organize something.

Den Haag última asamblea / Den Haag last assembly