Hi folks,

During the lunchtimes of the week commencing the 22nd January we will be facilitating Cross-Union Palestinian Solidarity Events at the GSASA Assembly Building!

These events are a cross-union collaboration between student and staff unions at GSA:

GSA Student's Association x UNISON x UCU x Unite

The Vic will have an event from 12:30pm – 1:30pm every day on Monday 22^nd, Tuesday 23^rd, Wednesday 24^th, and Thursday 25^thJanuary 2024. All students and staff are welcome. In fact, the more the merrier! Just drop in.

In summary:

Monday 22^nd = Letter-writing x Banner-making x Zine-making

Tuesday 23^rd = Why it matters to put pressure on cultural institutions to actively stand in solidarity with Palestine?

Wednesday 24^th = Collective action for Palestine.

Thursday 25^th = Tatreez embroidery

(all from 12:30pm – 1:30pm)

Monday 22^nd = Letter-writing x Banner-making x Zine-making

On Monday we will have craft materials a-plenty to facilitate (1) letter writing to imprisoned Palestine Action activists (who put their liberty on the line to stand up to arms companies) and others impacted by the Palestinian genocide) (2) banner making for Palestinian solidarity actions – whether that be when you attend a protest, to find community through collective crafting, or to put up in your window (3) zine-making drawing on the historic context of zines as a tool for collective action, cultural sharing and storytelling, and activism.

Tuesday 23^rd = Why it matters to put pressure on cultural institutions to actively stand in solidarity with Palestine?

On Tuesday we will have a discursive workshop that centres of the ideas and questions of “why it matters to put pressure on cultural institutions to actively stand in solidarity with Palestine”, “how to do so”, and “what active solidarity is”. As part of this there will be a brief introduction into the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement and calls to action.

Wednesday 24^th = Collective action for Palestine.

On Wednesday we will be reflecting on our position as unions at GSA and what unions can do for Palestinian solidarity? This will also be a space to reflect upon the power of collective action and build connections between our communities here at GSA. Solidarity forever!

Thursday 25^th = Tatreez embroidery

On Thursday we will have an introduction session to Tatreez embroidery. All are welcome – it will be a beginner friendly space. We will provide the basic resources needed but feel free to bring an embroidery hoop along if you already have one! We will be learning how to cross-stitch a Tatreez sampler like this, based upon traditional Palestinian designs.

All week = 

Throughout the week will we also be adding to our growing resource list (& wall) with Palestinian stories, films, books, and more. This will be supported by the newly formed ‘GSASA Palestinian Solidarity Society’ moving forward.