# Freedom to Gather: Building Community Through Assembly

!!! quote "Alberta Community Philosophy"
    "Real freedom includes the right to come together - and not just for hockey games and stampedes."

[Call Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety](tel:7804159550){ .md-button }
[Email Minister about Assembly Rights](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/assembly-rights){ .md-button }

[Call Dan Williams, Minister of Municipal Affairs](tel:7804273744){ .md-button }
[Email Minister about Community Spaces](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/gathering-spaces-municipal){ .md-button }

## Why Gathering Matters

In an age of digital isolation and social distancing, the freedom to gather has never been more important. It's about more than just meeting up - it's about building the foundations of community action and social change.

### The Power of Assembly

!!! info "Key Benefits of Gathering"
    - Building real-world connections
    - Sharing ideas face-to-face
    - Creating community resilience
    - Organizing for change
    - Celebrating diversity
    - Supporting local culture

## Types of Gatherings

### Community Gatherings
- Town halls and community meetings
- Cultural celebrations
- Block parties and street festivals
- Community gardens
- Mutual aid networks

### Political Assembly
- Peaceful protests
- Community organizing meetings
- Public forums
- Citizen committees

!!! warning "Remember"
    Freedom to gather comes with responsibility. Respect others, respect spaces, and remember that peaceful assembly is the key.

## Creating Safe Spaces

!!! tip "Best Practices"
    - Ensure accessibility for all
    - Provide inclusive facilities
    - Consider safety measures
    - Respect noise ordinances
    - Have clear communication channels
    - Plan for emergencies

## The Impact of Gathering

When communities gather:
- Ideas spread
- Movements grow
- Change happens
- Democracy strengthens
- Culture thrives

!!! note "Get Started"
    Want to organize a gathering? Start small, think inclusive, and remember: every great movement started with people simply coming together.

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## Sources & Evidence

### Assembly Rights in Alberta

- The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects **freedom of peaceful assembly** (Section 2(c))
- Municipal bylaws can regulate but not prohibit peaceful gatherings
- Police must balance public safety with assembly rights
- Source: [Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-12.html)

### Public Space Access

- Community hall and recreation centre fees have increased in many municipalities
- Public library meeting room access has been reduced due to funding cuts
- Parks and public spaces face increasing restrictions
- Source: [Federation of Canadian Municipalities](https://fcm.ca/)

### Protest Rights

- Alberta's Critical Infrastructure Defence Act (2020) created new restrictions on protests near infrastructure
- Environmental and Indigenous rights protesters face enhanced penalties
- Police kettling and mass arrest tactics have been used against peaceful protesters
- Source: [Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre](https://www.aclrc.com/)

### Community Organizing

- Labour organizing faces challenges under Alberta's employment laws
- Non-profit organizations face increased reporting requirements
- Charitable status rules limit political advocacy
- Source: [Muttart Foundation - Non-Profit Sector Research](https://www.muttart.org/)

### Digital Gathering Alternatives

- Rural broadband gaps limit virtual gathering options for many communities
- Digital divide affects participation in online town halls and consultations
- Privacy concerns exist around government monitoring of online organizing
- Source: [Canadian Internet Registration Authority](https://www.cira.ca/)

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