One of the most memorable books on community organizing is Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals. In this 1971 tract, community activist Saul Alinsky laid out a series of principles for bringing low-income people together to campaign together in a nonviolent way for progressive change.
Alinksy’s rule number 6 states that a good tactic is one your people enjoy.
I thought of this book when I learned that the Clean Air Festival is returning for a third year to East Vancouver’s Slocan Park (2750 East 29th Avenue). It will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday (September 14) next to 29th Avenue Station along the SkyTrain Expo Line.
Organizers launched this free event in 2023 as an immune-inclusive festival in response to COVID-19. N95-style respirators are required to ensure that those with weakened immunity can enjoy an afternoon of music, fun, and education with far less fear of contracting an airborne disease that could kill them.
This year’s headliner is Canadian folk singer-songwriter Zeo Boekbinder (they/them).
“I treasure an opportunity to play music for people, which is my favorite thing to do, in a way that keeps everyone safe,” Boekbinder said in a news release.
Watch Zoe Boekbinder’s music video for “Paralyzing” (directed by Carey Baldwin).
Clean air and radical rethinking of societal priorities
Snuneymuxw and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Elder Kelly While will lead a welcoming ceremony. The lineup of performers include the postpunk band houseguest, magician Travis Bernhardt, and the Tiddley Cove Morris folk dancers. Drag artist Mx Bukuru will be the emcee.
Attendees can also see an art installation by Gem Hall and Sacha Ouellet and participate in workshops. And to check off Alinsky’s community-organizing box, a variety of organizations will have tables at the event, including the grassroots antifascist group Weaving Our Worlds, the Vancouver Tenants Union, Protect Our Province, and DoNoHarm BC.
“Everyone deserves clean air, and the Clean Air Festival is about helping make that happen through solidarity, mutual aid, and community care,” festival organizer Dr. Karina Zeidler (she/her) said in the news release. “We’re honoured to feature so many community-serving groups, advocates, and allies, doing grassroots work in the fight against fascism, ableism, patriarchy, colonialism, and capitalism.”
The Clean Air Festival takes place from 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday (September 14) in Slocan Park (2750 East 29th Avenue) and online. It’s next to 29th Avenue Station along the SkyTrain Expo Line Follow Pancouver on Bluesky @pancouver.bsky.social. Pancouver is also on Instagram @PancouverMedia.
