Boston Global Action Network

In May of 2000, after successful protests in Washington DC against the IMF and World Bank, Boston activists were briefed by the Philadelphia-based UNITY 2000 progressive umbrella organization, a cluster of local and national groups working to hold actions during the Republican National Convention 2000 (abbreviated to R2K by activists). Under BGAN sponsorship, a task force assembled to plan Eastern Massachusetts' response and mobilization against corporate rule as embodied by the two-party state.

In the coming weeks, the task force worked to raise the profile of the upcoming protests in Philadelphia. A series of events were chalked out, including a civil disobedience workshop, banner raising on Independence Day, a potluck for affinity group formation, and forays into radio media. Along with the substantial press generated by the conventions and expected protests themselves, the R2K Task Force was able to transport a busload and support another bus of activists for the Unity 2000 march on July 30. This was particularly astonishing, as all expenses, including renting the buses were paid from out-of-pocket funds. No financial or organizational support was forthcoming (BGAN has already incurred an enormous debt from A16 buses), so task force members saw their assigned tasks through to the end with alacrity and diligence.

The task force carried on its work through August, where as part of its closing work, it shifted gears to show solidarity with jailed activists and to support them by raising funds for their legal expenses (see current projects -- R2K/RNC 420).