Some of us have noticed things that are causing or could cause us trouble at Occupy Oakland. We want to start a dialogue through this survey. We don’t know the answers, but want to face some of the challenging things that may be growing, things we often don’t speak about hoping they will go away. We offer this discussion as a way to make us stronger and more long-lived.
Each of us thinks that the way we engage with others is cool/justified and yet as we try to live together, some behaviors could divide us from within. There is a tension between a deep desire to welcome every person and the sad reality that some people’s needs, styles or disruptions can ultimately threaten our community.
Should we have community standards?
What are they re:
— unwanted sexual advances
— personal space
— drugs and partying
— exchange of money
— other
What should we do if we have standards and people can’t agree to them?
Have you noticed ways that historic racial tensions that have divided our movement in the past arepresent here? Or tensions around gender/gender presentation? Please describe.
Thank you to folks who have given thoughtful responses here. This did go to the GA, thanks for the fantastic discussion there. There will be hard copies of this survey at the info table today and a discussion today Monday 10/17 at 2pm about how our talk can be put into practice.
this needs to be brought to the camp and to the GA. i’ll help you do this, but we need to contact each other.
Here are my thoughts:
– unwanted sexual advances
Absolutely ZERO tolerance on this. No means NO.
– personal space
Respect people’s personal space but this one has a lot of gray area. People should be able to enforce this the best they can. Don’t leave valuables in tents unattended. Bring such items at your own personal risk.
– drugs and partying
I support the use of minor-moderate alcohol/pot but only in ones tent, not in public. Lets face it, people are going to do it.
But if one gets too drunk/high and start acting disruptive, that person should be escorted to his or her tent to sleep it off or asked to leave. Any other types of drugs or narcotics should be banned outright and anyone caught using or selling such drugs should be evicted.
Noise levels should be reduced after 12am on weekdays (some of us gotta work).. maybe at 1:30am on weekends.
– exchange of money
Don’t really see the problem in this but do so at your own risk. I personally gave a gal a few bucks to pick up a pack of cigarettes while I was washing dishes without a hitch. If you gave someone money and you got cheated or swindled then that’s your problem in my opinion. Use your best judgment.
– Other
There is going to be problems, no doubt about it. But I would recommend people to handle such problems with common sense and rational thinking. If there is a problem, try to solve it on your own in a peaceful manner. If it escalates and someone wants to goad you into a fight, walk away. Think about your own safety and well being and also think of the safety and well being of your community.
imo you should take the same stance the OWS folks have and have a Good Neighbor Policy
link – http://www.occupywallst.org/article/good-neighbor-policy/
(qoute of text on that page)
Following respectful and good-faith dialogue with members of the local community which has been rebuilding since the trauma of 9/11, Occupy Wall Street hereby announces the following Good Neighbor Policy:
OWS has zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol anywhere in Liberty Plaza;
Zero tolerance for violence or verbal abuse towards anyone;
Zero tolerance for abuse of personal or public property.
OWS will limit drumming on the site to 2 hours per day, between the hours of 11am and 5pm only.
OWS encourages all participants to respect health and sanitary regulations, and will direct all participants to respectfully utilize appropriate off-site sanitary facilities.
OWS will display signage and have community relations and security monitors in Liberty Plaza, in order to ensure awareness of and respect for our guidelines and Good Neighbor Policy.
OWS will at all times have a community relations representative on-site, to monitor and respond to community concerns and complaints.
Occupy Wall Street October 13, 2011
Note: In conjunction with local community members and their representatives, OWS is also working to establish off-site sanitary facilities such as port-a-potties.
kick those people out, or call the cops
and don’t confuse people crying racism with actual racism