Direct Action Anti-Authoritarians Collective
The DAAA Collective, or Direct Action Anti-Authoritarians, was an anarchist and anti-authoritarian collective based out of the Central Valley city of Modesto in California, that existed from the summer of 2003, until they disbanded at the end of 2006. Their stated purpose was to promote "revolutionary class and community struggle, against capitalism, the state, racism, and other forms of hierarchy, coercion, and domination".
The collective got significant local press coverage by organizing Critical Mass bike rides, and Really Free Markets, along with countless small pieces and short interviews/quotes regarding other issues.
Background
Formed by various community members already involved in Food Not Bombs, in the summer of 2003, the collective worked on a wide range of projects and issues, but were especially focused on the homeless, working poor, and around police brutality/harassment issues. They ran a Food Not Bombs program, engaged in Copwatch and literature distribution. The group often supported community groups and unions who were self-organizing, and working on local projects; such as strikes or protests. The collective placed a heavy emphasis on working class self-organization, and promotes other radical ideas such as community organizing, mutual aid, earth and animal liberation, anti-racism, anti-fascism, direct action, and many other anarchist traditions.
Activities
In the summer of 2004, the group was mentioned in connection to an eco-terrorism scare, in the wake of a FBI produced memo relating to events to raise support and funds for anarchist political prisoner Jeff "Free" Luers. The group had planned to throw a benefit show to raise funds for the Jeff Luers defense fund, however the event was eventually cancelled. Since 2004, the collective has made consistent appearances at Modesto's Earth Day festival, terming it "Earth First! Day." Activities usually consist of literature distribution, free food, a patch-making/stencil table, and the occasional bit of music and street theatre. They've also held an event called "Reclaim the Parks," annually since 2004. RTPs generally consists of multiple meals served by Food Not Bombs, an opportunity to give away or receive things (Really Really Free Market; an example of a gift economy in action), round-table discussions, games, and general fun. The collective disbanded in 2006.
See also
- Anti-Racist Action
- CrimethInc.
- Direct action
- DIY ethic
- Freeganism
- Industrial Workers of the World
- Mutual aid