DGR Wisconsin's first event

On August 5th, an amazing event that i helped to set up happened at Candlelight Collective in West Bend. I, on behalf of Deep Green Resistance Wisconsin, invited musicians Big Dudee Roo and Thistle to play their songs of ecological, social, and feminist resistance. I gave a short talk and presentation on Deep Green Resistance (DGR) and also had a DGR table set up.

The presentation started with a showing of the incredibly powerful short film, Resist: Do not Comply, which includes the voices and words of Lierre Keith and Derrick Jensen, two of the authors of the just-released book, Deep Green Resistance: Strategy to Save the Planet. I am so grateful that i had the wisdom of Lierre and Derrick on hand to begin the presentation with; the film had many in tears, and really set a tone that was perfect for what i was speaking to. The talk started with general information about the Deep Green Resistance movement: it's strategy, analysis, goal, and statement of principles. Then, i discussed the local Wisconsin chapter, where we are it in terms of building the group, our goals, and how folks can get involved to start fighting this system of death at home.

In the future, i would like to deliver a DGR speech more clearly and confidently, so in the meantime i will be practicing. Overall i felt the feedback was good, though (probably because the venue as a whole is supportive of me, as i helped to found it and am still very active there; but anyways...). Many heads were nodding as i spoke. There was no time for Q&A, but i only heard positive comments and excitement about the movement as the evening went on.

The table looked wonderful. It included: two stand up signs with DGR quotes (from DGR Austin); The Problem, or why: Deep Green Resistance pamphlet; General DGR fliers and brochures; Green Scare pamphlets; A pamphlet written by Waziyatawin, called Indigenous People and the Revolution; Security Culture pamphlet; E-mail update sign-up sheets; and a glossy Deep Green Resistance sign. All of the literature was free, and much of it was taken over the evening. Multiple people signed up on the e-list sheets, and many commented about getting more involved.

I want to note how amazing the music at this event was, too. Thistle played first. She sang many songs about gardening, riding bicycles, occupying the Wisconsin state capitol, and killing those who spilled oil in the Gulf of Mexico. I really loved a song she played called "The Last Day of the Sword", about the end of patriarchy. Thistle's energy was intense and inspiring. Next, was Big Dudee Roo. They have been one of my favorite bands this year, and meeting and watching them play was a total honor. Besides being extremely talented musicians, the politics in their lyrics are perfect. A couple of the band members are already active in the Deep Green Resistance movement, and, very much to my delight, it shows. In one song, for example, they sing a beautiful quote (and one of my personal favorites) from Derrick Jensen: "If we wish to stop the atrocities, we merely need to step away from the isolation." My words simply cannot do their music justice, and i urge you to listen and buy cd's from them to give your support. If you are anything like me (someone who loves life, resistance, feminism, and the landbase) you may feel like you finally found the musical match to inspire you in all facets of your work.

As of now, Deep Green Resistance Wisconsin is planning for more events and opportunities to speak and give presentations like this. If you have ideas or want to get involved or want to give us feedback, get in touch: dgrwisconin [at] riseup [dot] net.