DIY stands for "Do It Yourself." As a general ethos, it's about taking direct action to live independently from capitalist society. Some of us are creating safer spaces for people of all ages, genders, skin colors, sexual orientations, and abilities. Some of us are creating spaces that foster community and don't operate solely on selling alcohol or acquiring assets for already quite comfortable, rich men. Some of us are creating art that doesn't conform to whatever is popular. Some of us are sharing skills and knowledge. Some of us are trying to live freely and honestly. Some of us are trying to change the way we act and live to be more proactive and thoughtful. Some of us aren't allowed in bars. Some of us are actively working to dismantle and destroy this society. Some of us believe that only nonviolent actions can bring about positive social change and some of us don't. Some of us deal with sexism, queerphobia, and/or racism on a daily basis and are fed up. Some of us drink alcohol or do drugs and some of us don't. Some of us live in cities. Some of us live in suburbs. Some of us live in small towns. Some of us live in the woods. Some of us are proud to be outcasts and criminals. Some of us are monogamous and some are polyamorous. Some of us have been labeled as fat, ugly, pimply, loud, crazy, stupid, faggy, smelly, too thin, hairy, or sick. Some of us are looking for friends. Some of us are brown and some of us are white. The one thing we all have in common is that we want control over our own lives and we're doing something about it. We don't depend on experts or authorities. We are a constantly growing community of artists, activists, musicians, anarchists, punks, crafters, queers, writers, lovers, fighters, haters, and builders.
(Direct quote from Building: A DIY Guide to Creating Spaces, Hosting Events and Fostering Radical Communities, available for WEB viewing, to PRINT, or to BUY.)
Learn more about DIY at:
http://wikipedia.org/wiki/DIY_ethic