Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Occupy Cafe Stewards on December 12, 2011 at 7:16pm

Here is our Google Doc for drafting the Declaration(s): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lic10oQSUQP1oiSSsq3kRV_01FMwtQV...

Go team go!  Our goal is to have something ready by Thursday. 

Cheers,
Ben

Permalink Reply by Occupy Cafe Stewards on December 13, 2011 at 9:18pm

I've got my version of the main declaration up on our Google Doc now.  Here it is below as well:

What might it mean to “Occupy Main Street” for the next phase of our movement?  Main Street, i.e. the economy of the 99%, needs help desperately.  Is it possible that the Occupy movement can become a powerful catalyst for the emergence of “an Economy that Works for All?”   

If we believe in our hearts that such an economy is not only possible, but is already beginning to emerge, then let us go forth and make it visible and compelling to all of society.  The old economy is dying.  We can hospice it by tending to the pain it is causing, while midwifing a myriad of new, vibrant, dynamic ways for all of us to thrive together in a spirit of caring, giving, and love.

Most people don’t believe that such a thing is possible.  They have no frame of reference for it.  Let’s show them that it can indeed be done, on a scale that has real and powerful impact!

What if “Occupying Main Street” meant working to:

• Meet our neighbors
• Map the unused human assets that exist within our communities
• Connect those in need with those who wish to give of themselves
• Make our streets safer
• Make our neighborhoods more beautiful
• Grow our own food and support local farms
• Reduce resource consumption and waste
• Shift to greener processes and technologies
• Provide food, shelter and medical care to the neediest among us
• Support local businesses and revitalize local economies
• Find meaningful employment for everyone who wants it
• Educate ourselves and our communities about what matters most to us
• Learn what matters most to others
• Listen deeply and honor each other’s pain
• Share stories of what inspires us and of what might be possible
• Celebrate life together

What if we found ways to connect to, learn from and collaborate with the myriad groups and organizations that already exist to do this work as well?  What might be possible?  

And how might the world respond to an invitation to join us in this great endeavor?  Can we frame and model the idea of “Occupying” in a way that is so compelling that our ranks swell a million fold?  Can we achieve what we seek in any other way?