An Evening in Portland

[Valerie]

Floating Lantern

Seattle's Anarch Free Press since 1986 • floatinglantern.bloodspot

An Evening in Portland
11.13.2014

A couple of days ago, I was given the opportunity to travel to the Portland Barony and speak alongside some other members of the Movement regarding strategic issues of interest to the sect. The evening's organizer, Warden Shiva, did an excellent job of scheduling speakers who presented on variety of topics and perspectives while still remaining within the overall theme of the event. Representatives were also particularly helpful in facilitating travel necessities for those of us arriving from out-of-town, a kindness that I and all of my component parts remain grateful for.

Lara Vigil, the headliner for the event, led a discussion regarding the work of Portland’s own Institute for Anarch Studies. The Institute is a new think-tank organization which devotes itself to the cataloging and discussion of various movements and political theories which exist under the Anarch cause. As the saying goes, you can’t kill an idea, so a public-service entity which is now dedicated to collecting and sharing our varied theories is delightful to see. Frankly, this was a niche just waiting to be filled. I hope they continue to prove as dedicated as I perceive them to be now.

Tamarin Archlight of Los Angeles also spoke about her experiences with recruiting for her own gang, Theatre of the Oppressed. If you don’t keep tabs on this sort of thing for some misguided reason, you may not know that Los Angeles presents one of the most volatile political climates on the West Coast. The flagship Free State has felt the impact of numerous upheavals over recent years, making Tamarin’s experience and lessons regarding how to form a community and advocate for the rights of all citizens in such an environment especially valuable. First-hand stories from members of the Movement regarding how we can assist the most challenged in our societies are both important technical reminders and narratives which galvanize the most practical aspects of our cause.

At my own talk, I shared what I’ve learned about forming relationships and creating change as an Anarch in a Camarilla domain. Those of you who have spent any time talking to me about my ideology already know well that I view the Movement’s founding documents, specifically the Convention of Thorns, as quite clear in joining the Camarilla and Anarchs together as partisan entities adhering to the same set of laws and Traditions. I spoke on this with special regard to how, as a member of the Movement living in a Camarilla-held domain, we can benefit these cities as a whole and their citizens without either proselytizing or setting aside our beliefs.

The event was particularly well-attended, which comes as no surprise given the willingness of Portland’s own residents in assisting those traveling to the Domain for a fair price. The Portland Baronial Council and most of the citizens of the city made appearances, as well as a few other individuals from out of town whose reputations preceded them. It’s excellent to observe that Portland continues to be run by a council - it’s one of the strongest ways for the Movement to distinguish its style of leadership and truly provide benefit to a city. Rumors of Barons flying solo and attempting to gain sole power through their role before being driven to oppress their “subjects” or ousted in a bloody coup have become too common. Seeing Portland continuing to operate under a Free State representative democracy model through the decades… well, I’d be lying if I said that didn’t make me a little bit homesick for the place.

The experience was, without question, a valuable one - even accounting for the risks that come with travel. I also know there was at least one other, a Fresia Zion, who had originally been scheduled to speak on the initial docket but wasn’t on the final schedule. I’d love to see another symposium held somewhere she, and others among us who are skilled with modern media, share their expertise. A fantasy is a powerful tool when it comes to working towards aspirations. What is an ideal, really, if not a fantasy with a practical backbone?

Either way: may the tradition continue, and my thanks to all who made it possible.

Valerie