1: JOIN MISN’S CORE COLLECTIVE

MISN is a grassroots group that organizes entirely on a volunteer basis. Everything we do depends on a team of organizers (like you!) to bring it all together. We need your skills, knowledge, and energy!

Core collective members organize MISN events, campaigns, projects, and materials while also planning the larger direction of the group and working behind the scenes to offer direct support to mining-impacted communities. They research what’s going on and share what they learn with the rest of the collective so we can do effective work. They meet about two or three times a month. Meetings are usually held every other Tuesday evening, currently over videoconference while social distancing requirements are in place. Collective members are also part of smaller sub-committees planning specific actions and projects, or representing MISN as part of other networks and coalitions.

You don’t have to be an expert on mining issues to join MISN! We do ask, however, that you be open to learning and working within an anti-oppressive framework. While it’s expected that members follow through on commitments and keep informed, everyone understandably has different capacities at different times and are encouraged to contribute what works for them individually. Core members are part of the internal higher volume list-serve. New members are added onto this list-serve, if interested, after attending several meetings and getting involved in the group.

MISN is very committed to making sure that new members are supported well in their transition into the group. Because of this, there will sometimes be times when we are not accepting new members due to capacity issues. If you’re interested in getting involved in the core collective, please email us at [email protected] and we’ll let you know if and when we might be able to onboard you!

2. BECOME AN AD HOC VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are MISN Supporters (see below) but are also on a special volunteer listserv. MISN calls on this small group of amazing people to provide help at specific events when they are able. Examples of volunteer activities include – making banners (aka art builds), setting up for events, doing tweet blasts on social media, taking on roles in creative actions, greeting attendees, etc.

This is a good option for folks who want to help but don’t have the capacity to attend regular meetings or make a consistent commitment.

You can join the volunteer listserv by signing up at events or by emailing [email protected] with “Volunteer” in the subject line.

3. BECOME A SUPPORTER

Are you getting updates from MISN? Hundreds of supporters get news from MISN’s low volume newsletter, on Twitter, Instagram, and from our Facebook page. They make MISN activities a success by sharing posts and event notices with their networks. They attend MISN events, whether protests, vigils, public speakers, or film screenings, as they are able. Some make financial contributions to help MISN, an all-volunteer group, function. Everything you do to raise awareness of mining injustices and to challenge the Canadian mining industry is important.

Anything you donate to this fund will go directly to communities impacted by Canadian mining companies when needed, upon their request.

Examples of needs that have been met in the past through our Impacted Communities Fund include:

• money for land defenders incurring medical costs after experiencing violence for their activism,
• youth scholarships for mining justice activists,
• funeral costs,
• travel costs for land defenders connecting with each other across a distance, etc.