Organizing Is the Intelligent Alternative to "Assemblitis" in Movements

Authentic Journalism in Nonviolent Civil Resistance

By Ximena Payán
School of Authentic Journalism, Class 2013

April 20, 2013

I’m Ximena Payan, a journalism student at the UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico). I have always looked for something different during my studies and I lost my way.

Being accepted into the School for Authentic Journalism represents a lot of things in my life. Firstly, it means re-taking the path why I chose this profession and why I love it. Secondly, it implies facing very real and detonating journalism. Lastly, it is the opportunity of meeting people who look for the same things that I do.

I met Al Giordano and a group of damn great people thanks to how much we all wanted to do something for Mexico and because of the disillusion brought to our lives by the 2012 elections.

The spontaneity of the student movement #YoSoy132 was like gasoline for a while but when the “assembly” virus fell on the movement, we reached this space we inhabit and build every Tuesday. The idea of non-violent civil resistance came by way through the “Strategy Room”. Every Tuesday from 8 to 10 in the evening, accompanied by a beer, we learnt about different movements around the world.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t until a three-day workshop where I could see that that was the way to do journalism. This was the way to see the world, the way to live: fighting with discipline without putting ourselves at risk.

And now I am here, striking a balance. I realize that I have stopped being an idealist revolutionary that thinks that marches and protests will change the world. Resistance is being there, on a corner. A hurt loved one is that one who resists and directs that towards an objective: the structures that oppose legitimate aspirations.

I believe that initiatives like the School for Authentic Journalism many times suffer for lack of resources. Nevertheless, if they can happen it is thanks to donations.
This is why I invite you to support the School through the Fund for Authentic Journalism to help the scholars. Invite you to help this paralyzed media system of ours to change and become a catalyzer of social movements.

You can make a donation right now, online, by clicking this link:
http://www.authenticjournalism.org

Or you can send a check to:

The Fund for Authentic Journalism

PO Box 1446

Easthampton, MA 01027 USA

Thank you,
Ximena Payán
Class of 2013
School for the Authentic Journalism

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