“Liberation is a praxis: the action and reflection of men and women upon their world in order to transform it,” writes Paulo Freire, thought by some to be one of the most influential thinkers and educators in the late twentieth century, in his book Pedagogy of the Oppressed.

Freire’s philosophy, although much more complicated and in-depth than the breadth of a single sentence, is the same philosophy held by many social activists, as displayed by one of the more prominent activist collectives in Prescott, AZ: the unique, volunteer run Catalyst Infoshop.

A cross between radical bookstore and movement archive

According to Infoshop.org, “an infoshop is a cross between a radical bookstore and a movement archive. Activists go there to read or buy movement literature; buy paraphernalia such as stickers, masks and spray paint; attend meetings, lectures or films; or just plain hang out.” The Catalyst Infoshop is no exception to that description, which gives an accurate idea of a movement in Prescott.

Volunteer operation

“The Catalyst Infoshop is a bookstore, lending library, zine archive and safe space for hosting community events,” reads their mission statement. “It is a volunteer run resource center dedicated to environmental and social justice. Through commitment to collective education and action, folks can learn to value each other as parts of their communal economy.”

“We do a lot of processing,” says Michael, a volunteer who preferred not to share his last name because he has a “beef with journalism.” He explains that many of those at the Catalyst subscribe to Freire’s praxis philosophy and participate in building theoretical foundations, acting and then reflecting. “It’s important to have access to info,” he says, “that’s a big part of the Catalyst.”

“Through commitment to collective education and action, folks can learn to value each other as parts of their communal economy.”

One of the main functions the Catalyst serves in the community is a safe, sober environment for people to come to meet, organize, or just hang out. They also do a number of community-oriented programs and host a variety of local musicians as well as touring ones.

Food Not Bombs and Karma Farm

One of the Catalyst’s largest efforts is Food Not Bombs (FNB), at which they serve a free vegan meal of donated food at the Courthouse Square every Friday and Sunday at 3 p.m. “The idea for me is it brings people together…just to share a meal together…to find some commonality,” says Yorke Brown, another volunteer.

Karma Farm is another movement backed by the Catalyst, where food is planted in backyards and other donated areas around Prescott and given away free. “Karma Farm is a really radical movement,” says Brown, with its goal being to shift the food economy to a “more local, economically sustainable” system.

The Catalyst is also involved with things like animal rights, indigenous solidarity, Maasai community survival, radical art, prison outreach programs like Books Behind Bars and various other initiatives that fit within their mission statement. The Catalyst has a community kitchen (where the food for FNB is prepared) and acts as meeting space for discussion and reading groups. They are also a venue; there are free all-ages shows at the Catalyst throughout the year, ranging from metal bands to solo artists.

The Catalyst is not run for profit and is maintained by volunteers, while being funded by private donations, book sales and fund raisers. “The Catalyst is always looking for really committed and inspired people to volunteer,” says Brown, as well as “book donations, food donations and financial contributions.”

One of the longest running infoshops

It has been in operation for five years, making it one of the longest running Infoshops in America. “To have an Infoshop run for five years is an amazing feat,” says Michael.

Located at 109 N. McCormick St., the Catalyst is free and open to anyone. For more information, a listing of shows and events, or to volunteer, go to the building on McCormick Street, check out their Myspace at myspace.com/catalystinfoshop, or e-mail at catalystinfoshop@riseup.net.