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The prison system controls us, among other ways, by controlling the space we inhabit, the way our time is structured, and the information we can send and receive. We can take by organizing, as much as possible, our own space, time and information.
Find out who has been arrested, which affinity groups are in jail, who if anyone is missing or has been isolated. Consolidate the information so that in one or two phone calls it can be communicated to our legal team and support people.
Organize our own system of lines or lists to use telephones. Transmit messages for others.
Use legal team to communicate with others of our groups held in other locations.
Liason people can find out jail schedule and post it.
Remember, information from the guards, however nice they may seem, is not necessarily accurate. DON’T SPREAD RUMORS! Verify information.
Share information and stories about the action among ourselves.
When possible, organize our own space in jail: a meeting corner, a quiet corner, a healing space, a workshop space etc.
The time we spend together in jail can be enriching. We can organize workshops, classes, nonviolence trainings, political discussions, strategy and theory sessions, games, rituals, exercise sessions, music, talent shows, quiet times and of course, meetings. Remember not to become obessessed by meetings.
Don’t become panicked by their timetable. We can take the time we need to do what we have to do.
(When you have the opportunity to meet.)
Who are the guards? The other prisoners?
General population–an opportunity to learn and organize, not a fate worse than death!
Strategies of the guards and police:
Intimidation: Fear and pain
Divide and conquer.
Isolation
Singling out leaders, instigators
Good cop/bad cop.
Lies and disinformation.
Veneer–looking good in public, stacked negotiations