SCAF (Southern California Anarchist Federation) was a decentralized, regional network of anti-authoritarian collectives from Southern California. Formed in the beginning of 2004 by several individuals belonging to collectives spread throughout Southern California, the purpose of the federation was to provide a forum for groups and individuals to network, build solidarity, share resources, and help each other with local projects. The chapters included members from Orange County, the Antelope Valley, and Los Angeles. Various collectives formed from the federation involving labor support, a youth collective, and a women's collective. The Southern California Anarchist Federation disbanded in 2006.
My name is Shane Guglielmo, a master of social work student at California State University, Los Angeles. I am conducting a research study as a part of my thesis. This research will explore the perceptions of radical social movement organization members of the left concerning organizational structure and culture and how they relate to practice. The purpose of this study is to better understand perceptions of organizational dynamics in order to add to organizational theory, social work theory, practice, and knowledge, and to contribute to the ongoing discussion on the process of achieving social progress.
Importantly, this research will not be collecting any names or any information that could result in criminal or civil liability. Everything will remain voluntary and confidential. No individuals or organizations will be identified in the thesis report resulting from this study.
I have chosen this former organization and would be grateful if I had an opportunity to interview three members or former members of your organization. These individuals must have at least a year of experience, be over the age of 18, and feel comfortable with discussing the subject matter. I will need to meet with them individually in order to obtain consent and inform them about the interview process. I will then need to interview them. The interview process should last approximately an hour. The California State University, Los Angeles Institutional Review Board, has approved the interview instrument to be used with the participants.
Again, I will not be asking for the names of possible participants or any of their contact information. I will be calling, if possible, in order to confirm the possibility of participation. If anyone would like to participate in in this research, please have them contact me with a pseudonym at (626) 221-7739 or at ssparke@calstatela.edu in order to setup a meeting. If you would like to reach me for further questions, feel free to contact as well.
Thank you very much for your time,
Shane Guglielmo, M.S.W. student, California State University, Los Angeles
THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELES INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD FOR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS IN RESEARCH. ADDITIONAL CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS, OR QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR RIGHTS AS A RESEARCH PARTICIPANT, SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (Phone number: 323-343-3798).
