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- FORMING AN EARTH FIRST! GROUP
El Lobo Solo
EARTH FIRST! has survived attacks by moderates, would-be leaders and the agents of the
system. remaining the most diverse, passionate, committed, and uncompromised group of
environmental activists. Our direct actions in defense of the last wild places only seem radical
compared to an entire paradigm of denial and control, where the individual is convinced they
are powerless, and the organizations set up to proted the wilderness continue to bargain it
away.
EARTH FIRST! is a priority, not an organization. It is the name of our journal, and the slogan of
our emerging tribe, but it is a tribe without chiefs. The only "leaders" are those temporarily
working the hardest and taking the most risks. New ideas, strategies and crucial initiative
come from the individual, and all decisions are made within affinity group based on preferred
tactics. EF! is as much an extended family as an environmental movement, developing the
integrity and skills for a new / old way of living with-in the land. Our actions are firmly based
in Deep Ecology, the spiritual and visceral recognition of the intrinsic, sacred value of every
living thing.
EARTH FIRST! is an international movement composed of small, bioregionally-based clans.
They are taking it upon themselves to become intimately familiar with the ecology of their
area, and the most immediate and serious threats to it. We apply "direct pressure" to stop the
bleeding, with a combination of education. litigation. and creative civil disobedience. EF!'ers
invariably experience both the joy and the anguish so acutely that they felt isolated and alone
before coming together as a group. Nothing is more empowering or more fulfilling than acting in
defiant and creative consort with other like-hearted people. Dare to love that much!
TO START AN EF! GROUP in your area, consider the following elements:
CONTACTS:
Even though it is up to every individual EF!'er to come up with campaigns and strategies to
carry them out, a successful group still needs "Contacts" to
-Establish a mailing address and phone for the group to be made available for anyone wanting
to get in touch.
-to maintain a mailing list, help instigate actions, initiate calls on the "phone tree" when
urgent announcements must be made.
Contacts will be listed in the national EF! Journal. To avoid any confusion or loss of momentum
should some key motivator leave, it is best to have TWO committed contacts, ideally male and
female, on-eampus and off-eampus. (two names, two numbers, one sharedPO Box)
A MAILING LIST &PHONE TREE is an essential way of keeping everyone in touch. Begin
with friends you know share your biocentric enthusiasm. Put out sign-up sheets at any
environmental concerts, speeches, etc. that you put on. as well as asking to do the same at other
related events (Native American. anti-nuke, Cockburn concerts...). Put out an information table
in front of student unions and natural food stores, with stand-up graphic displays on your
campaigns and a sign-up sheet. Try doing a one-time only insert in related alternative
publications calling for participation.
NOTE: Make sure it is clear to everyone putting their name on that it is a list for potential
activists, not a mailing list for free newsletters.
THIS LIST should include their addresses for mailings, phone numbers for quick access, and
notes on their skills (enjoys making costumes, good with signs and graphics, willing to work on
timber appeals, computer literate, committed to civil disobedience, etc.)
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