EM:DEF Resource Library

International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM)
The International Association of Assembly Managers represents nearly 3,000 venues worldwide. Legal counsel for the IAAM filed an Amicus Brief on behalf of The State Palace Theater, pointing out several problems in enforcement of the "crackhouse law" when applied to nightclubs.

National Bar and Restaurant Management Association
The National Bar and Restaurant Management Association invited EM:DEF to speak on a panel about "club drugs" and the use of the "crackhouse law" in prosecuting club owners and promoters. The panel took place at the Associations Miami Nightclub & Bar Trade Show in June of this year. The June issue of Nightclub and Bar Magazine includes a cover story titled "The Agony of Ecstasy." It details the dilemma facing nightclubs (and the military) in combating club drug use.

American Civil Liberties Association (ACLU)
The ACLU is perhaps the most recognised organization to defend civil liberties issues in legal matters. The ACLU assisted in preparing the Motion to Dismiss filed on behalf of defendants in the New Orleans case. They have also been active in several previous cases effecting rave promoters, and venue managers.

Drug Policy Alliance
Drug Policy Alliance is the leading organization advocating a compassionate alternative to the War On Drugs. Engaged in this struggle on many levels, Drug Policy Alliance has sponsored the activities of this very site - EM:DEF - providing administrative assistance and invaluable resources in the form of press and fundraising contacts. Drug Policy Alliance is firmly committed to seeing the government end it's war against professionals in the music industry. They also advocate less law enforcement emphasis in The War on Drugs, and more education and treatment.

Students for Sensible Drug Policy
The Drug-Free Student Aid Provision, which was amended to the Higher Education Act of 1998, is an unprecedented law which disqualifies those with a criminal record stemming from drug related crimes from receiving financial aid. The law has prevented several people from attending college - many of them fans of electronic music. Students for Sensible Drug Policy is committed to providing education on harms caused by the War on Drugs, working to involve youth in the political process, and promoting an open, honest, and rational discussion of alternative solutions to our nation's drug problems.

DanceSafe
DanceSafe is a nonprofit, harm reduction organization promoting health and safety. The National Office in Oakland, California trains volunteers to be health educators and drug abuse prevention counselors utilizing the principles and methods of harm reduction and popular education. Local DanceSafe chapters are run by young people who have a sincere interest in bettering their communities and educating themselves and their peers. DanceSafe also provides adulterant screening or pill testing services for ecstasy users. Pill testing is an important harm reduction service that saves lives and reduces medical emergencies by helping ecstasy users avoid fake and adulterated tablets that often contain substances far more dangerous than real ecstasy.

Dance Liberation Front, New York City
The goal of the Dance Liberation Front is to eradicate New York City cabaret laws, which prevent dancing in unlicensed venues. Norman Siegal, president of the NYCLU, is the legal representative for the DLF.

San Francisco Late Night Coalition (SFLNC)
Organizers in San Francisco formed this politically savvy PAC two years ago. The group reversed an unspoken attempt by the police to revoke late night permits of dance clubs, and has since worked with the city to implement a ground breaking approach to protecting the nightlife culture while improving safety standards at electronic music events - from nightclubs to private parties to massive raves. Way to go SFLNC!

DJing is Not a Crime
Organized to reverse a citywide crackdown on raves in Chicago, this group as gained Chicago Mayor Daly's support for a Park and Recreation sponsored DJ event.

1groove.com
1groove.com is a 24/7 live streaming "underground" electronic dance music site featuring a wide variety of musical genres mixed by the DJs as they would in clubs and at parties, plus "live streaming" programmed music, plus special exclusive mixes, interviews, features, and guest slots from DJs from every corner of the globe.

Basic.ch
Basic.ch internet radio offers daily live streaming mixes from Europe plus 5000 hours of archived DJ mixes. Best of all, Basic.ch features a variety of music styles and ABSOLUTELY NO ADS or registration required.

Groove Radio
Broadcasting 24-7 all over the world. Groove Radio has a combination of mix shows, programmed music and live interviews with today's top DJs. One of the few on-line stations to use live DJs - in the traditional radio sense of the term Disk Jockey - Groove Radio is a solid source of the newest sounds in electronic music.

Groovetech
With radio stations around the world, Groovetech allows listeners to hear music from a variety of electronic music genres. Their live telecasts and DJ interviews bring listeners into close communication with their favorite DJs. Groovetech also has a great store, and lots of community features.

Berlin's Love Parade
Berlin's Love Parade began in response to law enforcement crackdowns on raves and electronic music. Part protest, part celebration, the event launched what is now among the largest electronic music festivals in the world. Today, the parade attracts over 1,000,000 people, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy.

Newcastle Love Parade
The Love Parade in Newcastle was cancelled in 2001 due to the City Council's inability to meet the conditions of the Entertainment License for Love Parade 2001. Despite several months of careful planning by Radio One's Live Events team and SFX, the event was cancelled just prior to its scheduled date. The crowd was anticipated at 250,000 people, and the loss represents a significant decline in revenue for city businesses, as well as promoters, DJs, and others in the electronic music industry. Some parade events were moved to indoor nightclubs and arenas, but the word was people should not attend unless they had access to a ticketed venue.

Zurich Street Parade
The Zurich Street Parade attracts over 500,000 people each year. Started just a few years after Berlin's famous Love Parade, The Zurich Street Parade celebrates the best music of local and international talent. It's also held at the best time of year for enjoying Zurich's beautiful outdoors, and vibrant nightlife.

The Selekta
The Selekta is a global collective dedicated to the advancement of electronic music and the culture that surrounds it.

Know of other organizations, online resources, or professional associations that responsibly serve our community and would like to be listed? Please email our librarian so we can include them.

Copyright © 2001-2004 Electronic Music Defense and Education Fund - EM:DEF.  All Rights Reserved.
Continued operation of this project made possible by a grant from
the Drug Policy Reform Fund of the Tides Foundation.