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Vermont Prepares As
Anti-Globalization Activists Head
For Major Trade Protests in Canada
By Orin Langelle

March 13, 2001 - The Vermont Mobilization for Global Justice (VT MGJ), a newly formed coalition which includes more than 15 statewide groups, will hold a press conference this Thursday, March 15 at 11 AM in Burlington's City Hall Contois Auditorium. This press conference will announce the VT MGJ's plans to open a Convergence Center and Independent Media Center in Burlington in preparation for thousands of anti-economic globalization activists traveling through Vermont on their way to Quebec City, PQ, Canada for mass actions against the upcoming Summit of the Americas.

Representing the diverse VT MGJ will be Joseph Gainza, Field Secretary of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC); Anne Petermann, Resource Center Coordinator of the Native Forest Network (NFN); and Jonathan Kissam, Representative of United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America, UE District Two. Additionally, internationally renowned author and eco-feminist, Starhawk will participate in the press conference to discuss the anti-democratic nature of the upcoming trade talks in Canada and the grassroots response to corporate globalization.

The Summit of the Americas will push the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)--the total expansion of NAFTA from Alaska to Chile. Thousands will protest the negative environmental, social, human rights, and economic impacts of current and proposed trade and investment rules.

To prepare, Canada is mounting the largest security operation in that country's history, and is expected to prevent many people from even entering the country. In response, actions are being discussed for any and all people prevented from crossing.

"Called 'NAFTA on steroids' this proposed trade agreement will be met by massive opposition," said Anne Petermann of the NFN. "We here in VT are in a unique situation to help stop the FTAA due to our proximity to the border," she continued.

The Vermont Mobilization for Global Justice will coordinate activities on the US side of the New England border region which will include a Convergence Center for activists, an Independent Media Center, and support for activists that may be organized at and near the border. Over the next month, a variety of public events and training sessions are planned throughout the region. Starhawk has been actively involved in campaigns against corporate globalization over the past year, offering training sessions and participating in events in Seattle, Washington, DC, and Prague.

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