One of the common misconceptions about Anarchists is that we are opposed to being "organised" that the very existance of an organisation such as ours is an oxymoron.
So let's talk about how we organise.
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For an anarchist organisation. to remain non-hierarchical and non-authoritarian it is essential that roles and responsibilities are distributed evenly. For federation-wide roles, we operate a formal structure of delegation and direct democracy with recallable delegates,
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meaning that if someone is not fulfilling responsibilities they can have those tasks passed on to someone else in a non-judgemental and supportive way for the good of the organisation. Many roles are informal and temporary,
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however, and it is hoped that members will also fulfil these as best they can and in an accountable way. One of the key ways to support the organisation is to anticipate something that needs doing and take some responsibility for seeing that it is addressed.
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The organisation is based on the following fundamental criteria:
FEDERALISM
The AF is a decentralised organisation made up of individual members who form into groups based on location. We have no leaders or central decision-making body and the direction of the organisation
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is decided upon by its members. Members come together regularly to develop theory, strategy and tactics through debate and discussion, aiming for participation of all members in decision-making such that effective consensus can be reached.
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Most decisions are made at Federal Delegate Meetings. Those who cannot attend these meetings can mandate any other member to act as their delegate to bring their positions to these meetings to ensure that their opinion is included.
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POLITICAL UNITY
The AF is based on a common set of aims and principles, with its structure detailed in the membership handbook. Before joining, a potential member must agree with the outlined aims and principles of the organisation.
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In addition, we may adopt policies and analyses that are the result of discussion and elaboration by all the members. As these will be developed collectively, it is expected that they will reflect the views of the whole organisation.
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Members may propose changes to these structures, but it must be the result of a genuine change of view emerging from new ideas and experiences since their joining the organisation. When an individual joins, it is expected that they join as a result of genuine agreement
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with the political and organisational principles of the AF. As membership is sponsored by a group or regional secretary it is their responsibility to ensure that new members fully understand these documents.
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TACTICAL UNITY
The AF seeks to act in a co-ordinated way, developing strategies and tactics through discussion and debate which members are expected to implement where appropriate.
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COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY AND SOLIDARITY
Members must not act so as to undermine the federation but instead must seek to support the federation in practice and show solidarity for other members.
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FREE ASSOCIATION AND AUTONOMY
The individual does not subsume their identity into the collective. A member is one who has chosen to associate with others and retains their autonomy. If a member or group does not agree with policies, strategies or tactics adopted by the
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federation once they have become members, then they do not have to implement these decisions and may express their disagreement.
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........... so, that is how we do it. It's not perfect and it's not for everyone or every organisation but it's the model we use to organise ourselves, you know... as Anarchists.
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Further to this, you might find our Membership book useful for various processes and models of organising.
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