Principles of Unity
These shared principles guide our collective in our work together and in publishing this project. Please read through this page before submitting to Rose City Radical to make sure your piece aligns with our collective values of abolition, decolonization, gender & sexual freedom, consent & direct democracy, antifascism and social ecology.
Abolition
We oppose policing, prisons, border regimes, surveillance, and the prison industrial complex as a whole. We stand in solidarity with Black-led uprisings and organizing against these racist, deadly systems. We also stand with immigrants against family- and life-destroying institutions such as ICE. We center the perspectives of BIPOC organizers, whose lived experiences of racism must lead the struggle against white supremacy.
We see transformative justice as a path towards abolition and liberation, and strive to embody restorative values in our relationships with one another. We publish thoughtful dialogue and constructive criticism. When conflict inevitably comes up, we will search for the most healing and restorative / transformative way forward together.
Decolonization
Portland exists on the stolen land of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other tribes. Many Native people continue to live here and in the surrounding area. We strive to be accomplices to local Indigenous Nations in struggling against colonialism, improving their lives, and getting their land back. Whenever possible we will amplify messages from Indigenous organizers in their own words and collaborate with them to see how we can best be of service to them.
Gender & Sexual Freedom
We oppose hetero-patriarchy in all its forms. Centering the perspectives of femme, genderqueer, and trans individuals, we seek the abolition of the gender binary and a celebration of the diversity of gender expression and sexual identity.
Social Ecology
We remember that humans exist as just a small part of much larger interconnected ecosystems. We honor the mystery and wonder of this planet that we call home. In the midst of spiraling climate collapse, we seek to explore ways of creating deep connection and interdependence with the nonhuman world.
Consent & Direct Democracy
Everyone deserves to have their voice heard and participate in decisions that impact them. We advocate collective control over all communal projects—including this newspaper! Building the world we want to live in begins with practicing direct democracy in our organizing spaces.