Brighton Gathering: Consensus on Direction

The following are draft guidelines drawn up at the Earth First! gathering on 18th-19th April. A primary aim of the gathering was to define what exactly Earth First! is, and we decided that the best way of defining what we are would be to prepare a statement on our aims, methods, and principles. The following are draft rules so if you weren't at the gathering but want to express an opinion or disagreement then contact the update.

Aims

- To defend the environment
- To confront and expose those destroying the environment.
- To realise a human lifestyle that exists in balance and harmony with the natural world and that has respect for all life.

Methods

We will achieve these aims by:
- empowering individuals and groups to take direct and focused action against those destroying the environment.
- networking information and contacts between action groups to facilitate the growth of a movement and encourage group autonomy.
- by raising funds for direct action campaigns and networking costs.

Principles

The following are principles within which all groups have agreed to work.

1. Local groups should be empowered and supported to organise and network their own campaigns and actions. Local groups organising an action can lay down ground rules for that action. Other groups involved should be informed of, respect, and comply with these rules.

2. We recognise that some people may feel moved to damage property. We neither condemn nor condone such actions. Such actions are the sole responsibility of the individuals involved.

3. We agree that violence towards living things is not a legitimate tactic in environmental campaigns. Therefore we will follow strict principles of non-violence when confronting the destruction of the environment.

4. We recognise the diversity of opinion within the environment movement and support the genuine efforts of other environmentalists in defending the earth.