Faced with a bleak future filled with cutbacks and deprivation, a group of protesters came together in 2015 to do something about it.
Now, the People’s Assembly Against Austerity has quickly spread across the UK with almost 100 local factions nationwide, each doing their bit to incite change.
In their mission statement, the Assembly says it “aspires to support, encourage, coordinate joint action, and facilitate a transfer of experience rather than to command”, something which the Cardiff branch is keen to echo.
Just one successful protest of many (Image courtesy of Cardiff People’s Assembly)
In 2015 when Cardiff Council announced plans to close 7 libraries across the capital, dozens turned up outside the Central Library on National Libraries Day to make their voices heard. Three days later, Cardiff Council dropped their plans.
Adam Johannes, 37, from Convenor, was one of the founders of the local Assembly branch and has stayed with the cause since, seeing the group achieve numerous wins against austerity since that first protest.
Now he’s teamed up with Cardiff Transition’s Pat Gregory to create the Activists Café – a series of events, each geared towards a specific cause, which aim to make the community of activists in the city a force to be reckoned with.
The activists come together against austerity in their droves (image courtesy of Cardiff People’s Assembly)
This week saw the first full meeting of the Activists Café taking place, with activities such as a quick getting-to-know you session between members, speeches from organisers, discussion groups, and – yes – there are even snacks and refreshments.
“We always include food, tea, coffee and refreshments and socialising,” Adam says, “as breaking bread together is an important political act.” The events will take place monthly, however the next meeting will be in January to allow for the Christmas period.
The Café aims to provide a safe and supportive social space for inspiration, motivation, and, of course, fun, and newcomers are always welcome.
“Activism can be hard work. If we act alone, we can feel powerless to create lasting change” Adam adds. “We want to help people build solidarity with each other and relearn lost community-building skills to become better individuals, activists and organisers, together.”
