This year, the international animal liberation “Gathering” took place in Appelscha, Netherlands. After a rousing and lively march through the streets of Amsterdam, naming and shaming fur salons and Huntingdon Life Science targets, motor coaches transported the international assemblage to an anarchist campsite in the lovely town of Appelscha.

Workshops

WAR’s director, Camille Hankins facilitated a number of 90 minute workshops including: Engaging Business Police and Corporate Repression Engaging Communities Effective Anti-Vivisection Campaigning The Story of HLS and the NYSE Other workshops included: Investigations and undercover work How to shoot effective photos Campaign Strategy Tripods, lock-ons and office occupations Effective Demos Coping with prison

Some of the bright spots of the “Gathering” were the evening sessions during which the history of the animal liberation movement were presented. Keith Mann presented the History of the ALF in England. While Dr. Jerry Vlasak and Camille Hankins, representing the North American Animal Liberation Press Office, spoke about animal liberation activities in the USA. The third evening featured ALF footage from countries with active cells and a screening of Behind the Mask. Also screened was the film Loose Change, a documentary film that chronicled the truth behind 9/11 and exposed the levels to which the governments of the world will go to further their agenda of greed and corruption.

WAR Table

WAR also shared a table where a small number of Stumpy and bunny t-shirts were available along with a sign up sheet for WAR’s e-mail action alert list. Hundreds of international activists will be added to the list, as a result.

Late night at the bonfire

One of the best parts of the international gathering are the late nights around the bonfire. Unwinding after a full day of workshops, activists have the opportunity to get to know each other better and to foster international cooperation on campaigns.

March the streets of Amsterdam

Although every aspect of the Gathering was fun and educational, the highlight was undoubtedly the march through the street of Amsterdam on Thursday. The speeches were inspirational and the energy and passion of the marchers was contagious. If you would like to see a short film about “action louder than words”, click here: