February
February Open Hours Sunday February 1, 8, 15 & 22, 1-4pm
Drop in for chats, coffee and tea, to pick up something new from the distro, or to browse the library!
Noodle Arms: QT+ Self-defence Tuesday February 3 & 17, 7-8pm
For people who don’t think they could fight their way out of a wet paper bag. Please arrive early; space is limited.
Cancelled Feb 18, sorry!
Writing New Worlds Wednesday February 4 & 18, 7-9pm
Writing New Worlds is a bi-weekly meet-up for anarchist and anti-capitalist creative writers. These sessions will be a space where we can break the rules of form while we engage with ideas like mutual aid, direct action, and solidarity.
Reading Hours Thursday February 5, 6-8:30pm
Have you been meaning to browse our library, look closer at our zines, or just sit down with a book? Come read and relax with us for Reading Hours – A dedicated time for quietly reading at Black Oak.
Poetry Open Mic and Coffee House Sunday February 8, 4-7pm
First timers welcome and encouraged. Come early on if you want to put yourself on the open mic list. Free coffee and snacks.
Anarchy in Europe: Reportback and Discussion Wednesday February 11, 7pm
In this presentation and discussion, two local anarchists will share reflections from a recent trip across several countries in Western & Central Europe. They’ll introduce some of the most interesting initiatives and projects they encountered during their travels, and discuss their potential relevancy/application to struggles in North America. Finally, they’ll do their best to contextualize some of the debates currently raging within and between European anarchist, anti-authoritarian and radical left scenes, particularly as they relate to resurgent militarism, ongoing genocide, and the looming spectre of war.
Make Good Trouble: Louder Than Words Saturday February 21, 1pm
Using a recent example of an autonomous direct action, we will collectively imagine the steps needed to build an action that is louder than any words could be. Learn and discuss steps, skills, roles and tensions in action organizing.
Make Good Trouble: Resisting Arrest Sunday February 22, 4pm
Come learn about your rights (and why they don’t much matter) and how to navigate being arrested and going through the court process. All questions welcomed.
Make Good Trouble: Speaking to Media Saturday February 28, 1pm
Discuss pros and cons of using mainstream media to cover actions. Understand other ways of getting your message out there. Observe, learn and practice media and interview skills.
March
March Open Hours Sunday March 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 1-4pm
Drop in for chats, coffee and tea, to pick up something new from the distro, or to browse the library!
Writing New Worlds Wednesday March 4 & 18, 7-9pm
Writing New Worlds is a bi-weekly meet-up for anarchist and anti-capitalist creative writers. These sessions will be a space where we can break the rules of form while we engage with ideas like mutual aid, direct action, and solidarity.
Reading Hours Thursday March 5, 6-8:30pm
Have you been meaning to browse our library, look closer at our zines, or just sit down with a book? Come read and relax with us for Reading Hours – A dedicated time for quietly reading at Black Oak.
Make Good Trouble: Tech Security and Intro to Tails Saturday March 7, 3pm
A primer on essential phone security and an intro to using Tails. Participants are welcome to bring their phones to get help reviewing and changing security settings.
Noodle Arms: QT+ Self-defence Tuesday March 10, 7-8pm
For people who don’t think they could fight their way out of a wet paper bag. Please arrive early; space is limited.
Discussion Group: Entertaining Anarchy Wednesday March 11, 7-9pm
Movies, TV, Comics, Books, Theatre etc! What are the pros and cons, when anarchist ideas pop up in pop-culture? How has mainstream entertainment affected our relationship with anarchy?
Bring your thoughts and feelings to Black Oak for an evening of discussion.
Make Good Trouble: Policing Technologies Saturday March 14, 3pm
Get an initial understanding of the intelligence and surveillance technologies of Hamilton Police – including a look at the technologies they may incorporate soon.
Make Good Trouble: Wheatpasting Saturday March 21, 1pm
Join us as we make up a wicked batch of wheatpaste that’s been known to keep posters up for years – then hit the streets to get some hot tips.
Stitch and Bitch Sunday March 22, 4-6pm
Hosted by Kahnekanoron Collective
Kahnekanoron Collective invites Indigenous kin and settler-accomplices in Hamilton to join us for our in-person Stitch and Bitch. This is a space for local Indigenous folks and settler accomplices to gather in a warm space, at the end of winter to work on whatever projects you got goin’ on (beadwork, sewing, knitting) etc. This is the final gathering of Kahnekanoron Collective’s annual Stitch and Bitch series. Have questions or need the link to virtual Stitch and Bitch offerings? Email contact.kahnekanoron@gmail.com
Noodle Arms: QT+ Self-defence Tuesday March 24, 7-8pm
For people who don’t think they could fight their way out of a wet paper bag. Please arrive early; space is limited.
Make Good Trouble: Risk, Repression & Revolution Saturday March 28, 1pm
Engaging in revolutionary politics necessarily entails risk. While many things can (and should) be done to mitigate risk, there are no guarantees and it is important to prepare for a variety of situations.
April
April Open Hours Sunday April 5, 12, 19 & 26, 1-4pm
Drop in for chats, coffee and tea, to pick up something new from the distro, or to browse the library!
Make Good Trouble: Decentralized Street Medic Skills Saturday April 4, 11am-4pm
Join @TorontoStreetMedics to explore street medic principles and practices rooted in bodily autonomy, collective care, and abolition. Focus on building decentralized skills to respond to chemical weapons, emotional first aid needs, and more. 5 hours.
Please note that this will not be a full street medic training. Space is limited.
Make Good Trouble: Scouting, Entry & Exits Saturday April 11, 1pm
Learn concepts of scouting and then put that knowledge into practice as we collectively scout a location and develop theoretical entry and exit plans.