Introduction

Sumac Centre (formerly the Rainbow Centre) provides resources and a meeting place for local groups and individuals campaigning for human & animal rights, the environment, peace and co-operation world-wide. Established in the late 1970's as the Rainbow Centre, Sumac works independently of, but in co-operation with, other groups both locally and nationally. We receive no regular funding, but exist through the hard work of many people, all of whom are volunteers.

The Issues

Here are some of the issues we are concerned about and actively involved in:

• Environment - acid rain, agriculture, alternative energy, campaigning groups, conservation, global warming, nuclear issues, permaculture, pollution, recycling, transport, etc.
• World Issues - Amnesty International, appropriate technology, Baby Milk Action, famine & hunger, population, etc.
• Peace - chemical weapons, civil defence disarmament, nuclear weapons, pacifism, peace camps, etc.
• Human Rights - anti-fascism, apartheid, civil liberties, exploitation, fair-trade, famine & hunger, homelessness, etc.
• Animal Rights - blood sports, captive animals, circus cruelty, dairy industry, farming/fur trade, human rights, rescue & rehoming, slaughter, vivisection, veganism, wild animals, etc.
• Food & Health - additives, alternative medicine, diet, drugs & vaccines, food poisoning, genetic engineering, irradiation, smoking, vegetarianism, etc.

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but is intended to give an idea of our agenda.

Putting It Into Practice

The values that we hold are all well and good but of little consequence unless they are acted on. Sumac Centre is all about putting it into practice and enabling others to do likewise.

The day-to-day activities of the centre are informed by our awareness of the issues and the world around us. As a co-operative, all volunteers have a say in how the Centre is run and the direction it follows. Accordingly, sexist, homophobic or racist views will not be tolerated. Note that this is not about "Political Correctness". This is the real world and such attitudes continue to affect many peoples' lives.

The Centre itself provides a place where locals can meet other concerned individuals in a friendly, relaxed environment. Whether people are popping in to make use of our vegan cafe and social club, or looking for information in the library, it all adds up to people participating and increasing their awareness of the issues.

Over the years Rainbow, and now the Sumac Centre, have built-up extensive campaigning resources (computer facilities, library, photocopier, etc.) These are available for use by many local groups and individuals. If you would like to get involved with any of the Centre's existing user groups, or even start your own, the facilities and know-how are all here. Sumac is all about co-operation and sharing our skills and knowledge. Get Involved!

A Quick Word About "Veggies"

Veggies is a separate company, based at the Sumac Centre, catering at many different events around the country (green gatherings, demos, festivals etc) and manufacturing frozen Veggies burgers & sosages, sold in local shops and cafes, and distributed throughout the north Midlands by 'Lembas'. Veggies help fund the Sumac Centre, and other campaign activities. Some of any remaining profits are donated to "Vegfam" - to 'feed the hungry without exploiting animals'. Veggies also produce the Animals Contact Directory and the Animal Rights Calendar. For more information, check out Veggies Home Page