Hope this is the right place to ask this question.
I am interested in joining the AF, I have read through the information on their website and understand what they stand for and what their ideology is and I have, broadly, the same ideological beliefs. I am also interested in being more involved in direct action politics and this is why I am considering joining the federation.
However, I would like to know more about what being a member actually entitles, practically speaking? Are there any members here that can advise me. What I want to know are things like, what sort of level of commitment is expected? How regularly is the federation involved in protests etc.? Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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I've flagged this post up in the AF's internal communications, but I'll make a quick start.
To be a member of the AF, you need to:
a) agree with the aims and principles
b) be involved in the work of the organisation
c) pay subs to the organisation
As you want to know about level of committment, b) would be the most relevant point here.
Activity can include participating in various activities, whether local, regional or national, for example, demos, campaigns, etc. These may be explicity AF or wider anarchist or class struggle activities, workplace, community, student, etc. It could mean attending local meetings (if you have a local group nearby, or attempting to set up a local group) and occasional national meetings. You may also contribute to the AF internal forums, send reports to the Internal Bulletin, may wish to be involved in writing for publications, etc, participate in working groups, take on an official position in the organisation, blah, blah, blah.
Now while all that sounds like a mega shitload of stuff, you are really not expected to do everything... in fact you'd be bonkers if you did, would be permanently running round like a blue arsed fly and would pretty soon burn out.
We all have lives to lead, jobs, families, friends, and so, whatever committment you make will need to fit in with all your other stuff. In other words, keep a healthy balance, do what you can but don't break your neck because, as an organisation, we're dead flexible. On the other hand, if you were to do absolutely nothing, then what would be the point of being a member apart from paying subs?
Hope that answers your question