[IndyMedia Bombay] PASS: Principles of Unity

[PUKAR @ IndyMedia]

Dear Bombay IndyMedia Network:

IMPORTANT: In order to complete our registration with the global IMC 
network, we must approve these IPrinciples of Unity. THIS DOCUMENTS 
MUST BE PASSED BY EVERYONE ON THIS LIST BY SUNDAY 14 JULY. Any 
objections/additions to the Principles of Unity and Membership 
Criteria responses must be communicated  to this list and discussed 
by then.

Please also send a self-introduction about yourself, your interest in 
IndyMedia, if you would like this to be communicated as part of IMC 
Mumbai's members' introductions.

Solidarity,


Shekhar and Sanjay
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PRINCIPLES OF UNITY

1. The Independent Media Center Network (IMCN) is based upon 
principles of equality, decentralization and local autonomy. The IMCN 
is not derived from a centralized bureaucratic process, but from the 
self-organization of autonomous collectives that recognize the 
importance in developing a union of networks.

2. All IMCs consider open exchange of  and open access to information 
a prerequisite to the building of a more free and just society.

3. All IMCs respect the right of activists who choose not to be 
photographed or filmed.

4. All IMCs, based upon the trust of their contributors and readers, 
shall utilize open web based publishing, allowing individuals, groups 
and organizations to express their views, anonymously if desired.

**see appendix: Open Publishing document (still in proposal phase, at 
this address:

http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/public/imc-communication/2001-April/001707.html

5. The IMC Network and all local IMC collectives shall be not-for-profit.

6. All IMCs recognize the importance of process to social change and 
are committed to the development of non-hierarchical and 
anti-authoritarian relationships, from interpersonal relationships to 
group dynamics. Therefore, shall organize themselves collectively and 
be committed to the principle of consensus decision making and the 
development of a [direct, participatory democratic process] that is 
transparent to its membership.

7. All IMCs recognize that a prerequisite for participation in the 
decision making process of each local group is the contribution of an
individual's labor to the group.

8. All IMCs are committed to caring for one another and our 
respective communities both collectively and as individuals and will 
promote the sharing of resources including knowledge, skills and 
equipment.

9. All IMCs shall be committed to the use of free source code, 
whenever possible, in order to develop the digital infrastructure, 
and to increase the independence of the network by not relying on 
proprietary software.

10. All IMCs shall be committed to the principle of human equality, 
and shall not discriminate, including discrimination based upon race, 
gender, age, class or sexual orientation. Recognizing the vast 
cultural traditions within the network, we are committed to building 
diversity within our localities.



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PUKAR (Partners for Urban Knowledge Action & Research)
P.O. Box 5627
Dadar, Mumbai 400014, India
E-Mail <pukarsecretariat@vsnl.net>
Phone +91 (022) 2077779, +91 98200.45529, +91 98204.04010
Web Site http://www.pukar.org.in/