Recently, the Anarchist Pedagogies Network called off one of its webinars after it was made aware of a speaker’s support of groups that lobby for legislation that could potentially harm the rights of transgender people. This may seem like a controversial decision for some, but we feel it was the only correct decision, as it was the one most in line with an anarchist ethic.
In 1871, in his article “Man, Society, and Freedom”, Michael Bakunin stated: “I am not myself free or human until or unless I recognize the freedom and humanity of all my fellowmen.” The anarchist position on freedom has always been conditional; we cannot be free without safeguarding the true freedom of those around us. For us, as anarchists involved in education, this commitment is deep and powerful. It stems from a profound conviction of the humanity of those around us, and a stern belief in community as a force for social change.
This principle crumbles if it stops at transgender people. Just like our commitment to solidarity with people of color, indigenous people, poor folks, and people with disabilities, our stand must be firm with the LGBTQ+ community, and especially with transgender people. This means that we must turn to transgender people for guidance, include transgender people in all of our activities, and it also means that we must stand with them when they need us. Our struggle is a shared struggle. Our freedom is a shared freedom.
Meaningful education from an anarchist perspective requires the assurance that learners can freely investigate, debate, and suggest ideas in a safe, inclusive space. It also requires coherence between principles and everyday actions. As members of the APN, we realize that anarchism is a hard standard to follow, but require of ourselves and our speakers a commitment to this coherence. The only way to practice what we preach is by making our network a safe and inclusive space, one in which any person can come, ask questions, argue, and stay curious. To do so, we must also demand that the rights of marginalized communities are upheld, and their struggles recognized. As anarchist educators, we are committed to this high ethical standard, and will continue to follow it when planning our future events and initiatives.
With love and solidarity,
APN
CANCELLED. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT FROM ANARCHIST PEDAGOGIES NETWORK:
Today’s APN webinar will not go ahead as planned. Information came to light yesterday that the event coordinating group was not previously aware of and that does not correspond with APN's values and position. We appreciate everybody who has contacted us.
We aim to build a strong and inclusive educational community based on freedom, solidarity and mutual aid. On Monday, we’ll announce a special event, commemorating 100 years since Kropotkin's passing. We hope that this event will be a great opportunity to come together and discuss some of our mutual interest.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll keep you informed as soon as we can. Thank you very much for your patience, interest, and support for the network.
Love and solidarity, APN
As teachers, educators, facilitators, and learners, we want to create educational environments that are inclusive and directly democratic. We want to promote ideas such as freedom, self-organisation, and mutual aid. We want to help individuals and communities learn and through direct action develop together to create better, more sustainable, and more caring societies for everyone, now and in the future.
We believe, as Lucy Parsons said, that “Anarchists know that a long period of education must precede any great fundamental change in society”. With the Anarchist Pedagogies Network, we want to create a space to learn about educational anarchist ideas and practices, to share experiences and knowledge, and to support local struggles to implement and develop these ideas and practices.
Some of us are involved in formal education; others are involved in informal or nonformal education. We work within and across different knowledge systems or traditions, and across different age groups and abilities. The challenges we face in these learning spaces may differ, but we think it’s important to learn from and support each other. We need to create community beyond borders and liberate ourselves through revolutionary lifelong learning.
The aims and principles of the network are as follows.
If you’d like to join the APN, please write to anarchapednet@riseup.net. You can also follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube).
With love and solidarity,
APN