106 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
106 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
# Freedom to Gather: Building Community Through Assembly
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!!! quote "Alberta Community Philosophy"
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"Real freedom includes the right to come together - and not just for hockey games and stampedes."
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[Call Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety](tel:7804159550){ .md-button }
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[Email Minister about Assembly Rights](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/assembly-rights){ .md-button }
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[Call Dan Williams, Minister of Municipal Affairs](tel:7804273744){ .md-button }
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[Email Minister about Community Spaces](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/gathering-spaces-municipal){ .md-button }
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## Why Gathering Matters
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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.
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### The Power of Assembly
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!!! info "Key Benefits of Gathering"
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- Building real-world connections
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- Sharing ideas face-to-face
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- Creating community resilience
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- Organizing for change
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- Celebrating diversity
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- Supporting local culture
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## Types of Gatherings
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### Community Gatherings
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- Town halls and community meetings
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- Cultural celebrations
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- Block parties and street festivals
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- Community gardens
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- Mutual aid networks
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### Political Assembly
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- Peaceful protests
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- Community organizing meetings
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- Public forums
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- Citizen committees
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!!! warning "Remember"
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Freedom to gather comes with responsibility. Respect others, respect spaces, and remember that peaceful assembly is the key.
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## Creating Safe Spaces
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!!! tip "Best Practices"
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- Ensure accessibility for all
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- Provide inclusive facilities
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- Consider safety measures
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- Respect noise ordinances
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- Have clear communication channels
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- Plan for emergencies
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## The Impact of Gathering
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When communities gather:
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- Ideas spread
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- Movements grow
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- Change happens
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- Democracy strengthens
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- Culture thrives
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!!! note "Get Started"
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Want to organize a gathering? Start small, think inclusive, and remember: every great movement started with people simply coming together.
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---
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## Sources & Evidence
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### Assembly Rights in Alberta
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- The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects **freedom of peaceful assembly** (Section 2(c))
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- Municipal bylaws can regulate but not prohibit peaceful gatherings
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- Police must balance public safety with assembly rights
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- Source: [Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-12.html)
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### Public Space Access
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- Community hall and recreation centre fees have increased in many municipalities
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- Public library meeting room access has been reduced due to funding cuts
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- Parks and public spaces face increasing restrictions
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- Source: [Federation of Canadian Municipalities](https://fcm.ca/)
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### Protest Rights
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- Alberta's Critical Infrastructure Defence Act (2020) created new restrictions on protests near infrastructure
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- Environmental and Indigenous rights protesters face enhanced penalties
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- Police kettling and mass arrest tactics have been used against peaceful protesters
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- Source: [Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre](https://www.aclrc.com/)
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### Community Organizing
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- Labour organizing faces challenges under Alberta's employment laws
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- Non-profit organizations face increased reporting requirements
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- Charitable status rules limit political advocacy
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- Source: [Muttart Foundation - Non-Profit Sector Research](https://www.muttart.org/)
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### Digital Gathering Alternatives
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- Rural broadband gaps limit virtual gathering options for many communities
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- Digital divide affects participation in online town halls and consultations
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- Privacy concerns exist around government monitoring of online organizing
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- Source: [Canadian Internet Registration Authority](https://www.cira.ca/)
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