As young people committed to building a world that works for all of us, we know resistance and people-powered movements are necessary and we choose to be the generation that dissents. We know that more money for war, cops, cages, and all forms of militarism only means safety for the ruling elites. We know that real safety comes from caring for each other and our environment. So, let’s get organized.

From February 10 - 11, we’re gathering in Chicago for a weekend of relationship building and participatory workshops to build up our anti-militarist youth movement, and to help sustain our chapters into a spring semester of powerful direct action organizing!

We'll do a deep dive into:

• A grounded analysis of the state of the empire and our movements
• All about power and how we can build, shape, and organize power
• How we build the movement through direct action campaigns to demilitarize institutions on your campus: local/campus law enforcement, military recruiters, and weapons profiteers

Come through to envision, strategize and build towards a demilitarized future together, while cultivating resilient relationships, culture, and joy through storytelling, an open mic, mística, and space to connect & be in community.

Sign up using this form and we'll follow up about attending this in-person gathering in Chicago. This gathering is open to students who are connected to college or university campuses in the Midwest. Black, Indigenous, queer and trans young folks, people of color, and those directly impacted by militarism are strongly encouraged to attend.

The training begins at 3:30 pm on Friday, Feb. 10 and ends on 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb 11, with an optional open mic & kick back lasting until 10 PM on Saturday.

All attendees are suggested to get a PCR test 2-3 days prior to attending the gathering, in addition to required rapid testing upon arrival each day (tests will be available on-site). We require all attendees to wear a N95 or KN95 mask while indoors at all times during the gathering, except to drink or eat. We know the pandemic is not over, and that we all have the responsibility to take care of each other. In order to keep all of us safe we ask that you read through and agree to Dissenters' COVID-19 Protocols.

Meals will be provided for all attendees. We will offer travel reimbursements for the CTA for folks traveling inside Chicago, and up to $100 for gas or bus tickets for those traveling from outside of Chicago. Funding support for lost wages and child care will be available on a sliding scale basis.

See you there!

Questions? Reach out to alex@wearedissenters.org.