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Creating Grassroots Movements for Change: A Field Manual
Please note: This is a working document based on initial conversations with Summit participants as well as their responses to an extensive survey. The manual will be crafted further during the Summit. We encourage collaboration from all interested parties; the end of each chapter includes a link to the corresponding Howcast wiki guide, where users can edit their own version. Edits and suggestions will be taken into account for a second iteration of this manual, to be released following the conclusion of the Summit. For the latest updates, always check info.howcast.com/youthmovements/fieldmanual.Preface
In May 2007, coalition troops in Iraq discovered an al-Qaeda “how-to” manual at a terrorist safe house just outside of Baghdad. The manual provided guidance on how to torture enemies, recruit new members, and carry out terrorist attacks. This is not the only such toxic tutorial in circulation. A number of extremist groups are spreading information over the internet detailing how to make bombs and disseminate violence.
On December 3, 2008, the Alliance of Youth Movements gathered for three days to promote their own guide, to stand together and say that hope, not fear, is the greatest viral virtue. Seventeen of the world’s most successful antiviolence movements that began online shared and synthesized their best practices, and the result is Creating Grassroots Movements for Change: A Field Manual, which can be found at Howcast.com (http://info.howcast.com/youthmovements/fieldmanual). This manual is a “how-to” guide for individuals and organizations looking to push back against violence and oppression. All youth around the world who choose to stand up against violent extremism are encouraged to download, forward, email, comment on, and post links to the manual. The Alliance of Youth Movements is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that stands ready to help. Visit the Alliance of Youth Movements at http://youthmovements.howcast.com/
Warning
Think strategically and realistically when forming a grassroots movement. The best—and safest—way to do so depends on your circumstances; if there are oppressive or violent elements at work in your country or region, simply talking about your cause could put your freedom or very life in danger. If you believe that you may be at risk, please consult Chapter 7: “Potential Challenges” before proceeding with any action. Above all, know what is and isn’t allowed in your specific circumstance so that you never unwittingly put yourself or others in harm’s way.
