SAGE Coalition is a non-hierarchical, independent "umbrella" organization based at St. Lawrence University. It consists of students, faculty, and alumni who are concerned about the global inequities that are so rapidly increasing. All those wishing to be an active member in the struggle for global justice are welcome to join the SAGE Coalition. SAGE is intended to encompass the wide range of issues that St. Lawrence University activists wish to engage in, and connect them to the larger anti-corporate globalization movement.
In being a coalition, SAGE members come together to work for aspects of global equity that they agree upon, leaving their minor differences behind to achieve a common goal. SAGE works as an "umbrella" organization, meaning that its members may take on issues of their choice, whether it be the environment, sweatshops, or corporate power, and take action with SAGE support. Members of the SAGE Coalition accept a variety of tactics in this fight for global justice. From protests to letter writing to rallies to bringing speakers, members are encouraged to take an active role in the issues at hand. Members must keep in mind what is in the best interests of the group when deciding upon an action.
Technical Stuff:
Decisions are to be made democratically, with the understanding that there is no president, vice-president, etc. Since there are no official leaders, members should agree on things with consensus. Meetings are not on a regular basis, and can be called by members of the coalition. The individual who called the meeting may act as a "facilitator" during the gathering. (They are not, however, required to do so.) Any member who wishes to be a facilitator at a meeting is free to do so. People are free to express their beliefs and members will act in a manner that is respectful to those beliefs. The agenda of the meeting is agreed upon by everyone who attends that meeting, and issues that are on the agenda are prioritized by the group. We like to sit in a circle, (make sure to introduce ourselves to anyone new), and decide on the agenda together. Everyone can contribute an idea or topic for discussion.
SAGE Coalition has set up a list-serve, designed for students in the Coalition to discuss when meetings are to be held, what actions they are interested in, and other tactical information. Members are welcome to sign-on, and are then free to post e-mails that can be read by all those on the list-serve. The list-serve has faculty, students, and alumni, creating a collective memory for actions and ideas.
SAGE is to stay independent from official St. Lawrence University club status. Other University clubs are free to affiliate with SAGE.
Return to the St. Lawrence Activists for Global Equity (SAGE) Coalition Home Page
This page was designed by Andrew Van Alstyne. Please direct all questions/comments to him.