[Spotykach] what is spotykach

[olhas]

Spotykach provides a forum for people either side 
of the conceptual line dividing east and west.

It is a meeting place for people who acknowledge 
the way to break down the ‘iron wall of 
perception’ is not by ignoring difference, but by 
exploring how historical, cultural, economic and 
political forces shape activities, interests, 
values, and behavior of activists both in their 
home environment and in the international sphere.

Accordingly, rather than attempting to smash 
these region-specific features it explores ways 
to deal with them. Awareness of each others 
expectations, observations, personal discoveries 
and points of views can serve as great tools to 
for construction of a new way in our communication and greater understanding.

It is a space in which regional and cultural 
specific issues can be discussed, debated and 
negotiated with underlying principals of a 
genuine internationalism- one built on mutual respect, interest and equality.



As such, Spotykach is also a space where people 
can also share and discuss different activist 
strategies to be tried/employed/rejected in 
various regions, and link ‘mutual citizens based campaigns’ in east and west.

At least partially it aims to address the fact 
that for many western activists issues specific 
to eastern activists have sometimes been treated 
as of secondary concern, but is not intended as a 
one-way street for either information or support.



Through argument and analysis from different 
individuals and groups it also aims to explore 
answers to a number of questions-

What are the cultural stereotypes and how do they 
affect our interaction or expectations of each other?

How and why do they influence progressive political activities?

How can we move beyond the inertia that arises from leaving them?

What really lies behind radical slogans?

What is real solidarity about?

How can we prevent or break down misunderstanding 
between groups in activities with the common goal 
of establishing a just and generous world?

Which philosophical theories and analysis in 
different regions make sense for everybody and which are just foam of time?

How can we to learn separate personalities from 
the temporary ideas or situations in life they are going through?



Stemming from experience with the Tusovka 
project, Spotykach acknowledges that different 
sides need to listen and be listened to 
carefully, to prevent serious misunderstanding 
and disappointment, and before real collaboration can start.



So your have a word, comrades
.