Positive Force is an activist group that works for fundamental social change and youth empowerment. We organize benefit and free concerts, demonstrations and teach-ins and also do direct work with needy people. Positive Force is not about a list of "do's" and "don'ts"—we are about a spirit of flexible, creative rebellion that has room for many specific beliefs. Apathy, ignorance, conformity and greed are our common enemies. We believe in the power of young people to change the world and in the right of all to live as they wish, provided that they are not preventing others from being able to do so.

Life is an open-ended process of learning and growth. Positive Force is a collection of diverse individuals. Nonetheless, we are united in opposing racism, sexism, homophobia, militarism, violence, classism, hierarchy, ageism, excessive materialism, economic inequality, censorship and discrimination against disabled people, among other things. All should be guaranteed basic needs like food, shelter, healthcare and education. We also generally encourage people to move towards simple, communally-oriented lifestyles that are free of chemical abuse and that show respect for the Earth and all life forms. We are not dogmatic. Cooperation and tolerance are far more important to us than any self-righteous idea of purity.

Since Positive Force arose from the punk underground, we are about far more than just "alternative" music. We promote active, questioning, responsible, alternative lifestyles. In the end, it is what each of us does, and not what we say, that really counts. Our lives can be the most powerful protest imaginable. if we refuse to be trapped by the lies, poisons and escapes of our society, if we refuse to become stagnant, complacent and uncaring, we have a chance to make a real difference, a chance, even, to radically change our world as we change ourselves. If we throw away that chance, if we just take the easy way out, how will anything ever change? Revolution can start now, it can start with eachof us... if we want it to.

Here is a interview with Mark Andersen about the book "Dance of Days" »