The General Defense Committee is committed to creating an organization of working and oppressed Peoples that is built for the task at hand. In this project it is helpful to have a general Code of Conduct.
As a center of political debate and education, a significant aspect of the General Defense Committee’s value derives from its embodiment of a revolutionary community. We are coming together and organizing from many different political tendencies and groups. Some of us may have even had conflicts in the past. We know that social abuse and harassment are pervasive in capitalist society, and the revolutionary movement is not immune to these behaviors. We are committed to working to de-escalate and resolve any problems that may arise as soon as possible. This code of conduct outlines the expectations of every comrade and cohort member of the GDC, as well as the consequences for non-comradely behavior.
Comradely Behavior
From the General Defense Committees Principles:
# 1. Our common welfare should come first; our success depends upon our unity. The Defense Committees are open to all revolutionary anti-capitalists of good faith, regardless of affiliation or lack of affiliation with any particular anti-capitalist ideologies or organizations. Diversity of traditions and tactics is our strength.
# 6. In our propaganda, in the discussion of our tactical and political differences, and in all other activities, the larger faith of true comradeship should prevail between us.
- Be cognizant of how our relationship to our educational, national, racial, class, and gender background can affect how we interact with our comrades and act in ways that promote the best of our revolutionary principles.
- Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
- Engage in debate and interactions with other comrades in ways that build up and clarify positions and ideas.
- Create relationships through our interactions that will bring us closer to our goal of liberation.
- Be helpful. Be encouraging. Practice collective goodwill, patience and solidarity.
- Be accountable and disciplined. Follow through with your obligations, lend a hand when needed. Be on time.
- We keep us safe. If you see non-comradely behavior, a dangerous situation, or someone in distress, say something.
Non-Comradely Behavior
Non-comradely behaviors include, but are not limited to:
- Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any comrades at all related events, social media, and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of political work.
- Harmful, prejudicial, or non-comradely verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, age, appearance, organization or tendency affiliation, name calling, and fed/bad jacketing (accusing a comrade of being a cop/fed without proof).
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following.
- Sustained disruption of talks or other events. Holding a talk hostage (incessant mansplaining).
- Unwelcome and uninvited attention or contact.
- Physical assault (including unwelcome touch).
- Real or implied threat of physical harm.
- Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm.
- Retaliation for reporting harassment is a violation of the code of conduct.
Consequences of unacceptable behavior
It is every comrade’s responsibility to pay attention to instances of non-comradely behavior, and take action as needed, for example by calling-in said comrade (to discuss the non-comradely behavior, one-on-one). In case of repeated non-comradely behavior or serious violation of this code of conduct, consequences may go up to a full-member vote at the next GAM to expel the comrade(s) in question. Unacceptable behavior from any comrade will not be tolerated
What to do if you are subject to or witness unacceptable behavior:
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, find a trusted GDC comrade to help, and take action if needed.
We ask comrades to take responsibility for their actions and be open to good faith feedback from other members. If needed, a small group process can help facilitate any disputes or conflicts.
As of February of 2024, A resolution procedure is being formulated that will be implemented for those that engage in unexceptable behavior in the GDC. that process will be published when it is completed.