Feeling energized and delighted by the news from members of my family of friends, my tribe and my community: More people are stepping up, stepping out and getting involved!
Occupy isn’t a hierarchical, spearheaded organization. No one is liable for you. No one can protect you. You must manage your own risk and practice self-reliance, while you collaborate with others doing the same thing. In my judgment, your best judgment might be your best ally. Occupy is a global movement that invites people to embody and integrate their autonomy, and welcomes participation from everyone, in whatever way possible.
If you can draw, help that way. If you can speak, help that way. If you can walk, or cook, or like to serve food, contribute that way. If you can sing, or dance, or tell stories, or babysit children, share your gifts. If you are a writer, or a medic, or a lawyer, or a builder, help solidify and keep safe the movement with your talents. If you spend all day on Facebook, or Twitter, or you blog, or you produce media – donate some of your time to this global community of people working hard to improve quality of life for EVERYONE. If you are a [whatever], there is room for you in the Occupy movement.
That’s the message I heard in the call I answered during my first encounter with Occupy. Without a script, a leader, a key message, a brand identity, and because the movement is re-designing the way we do things in the world, I was, at first, totally as underwhelmed and frustrated by Occupy’s practical manifestation as I was overwhelmed by the autonomy in the crowd, community and movement.
I found many things wrong with the movement, and judged it through the lenses of my communications career, project management skills and strong, problem-solving muscles. I noticed that this and that weren’t occurring, and judged that this or that could, should and must be handled more efficiently, or effectively. The Occupy Oakland web site needed to be updated. The messages were scattered and plentiful. People in my community didn’t know what was happening in Downtown Oakland – and didn’t know how to find answers.
I saw people pitching in, exchanging ideas and information, and making plans to help. I noticed the different ways that people were helping. So, I retreated to my lair, to find a way to help. And you’ve been reading along – at Alive & Direct, and on my Facebook. You’ve been experiencing it, in our conversations in person and via email. And you’ll keep experiencing it, until I can no longer contribute to our evolution.
If you wonder what the occupation is about, please visit an Occupy encampment. Listen. Observe. Wait out your judgments. Manage your fear. Consider what you might gain. Respect what you could lose. Exercise compassion and patience with the process and with the people. Talk to the people. Find your own way.
Maybe you already are doing something. Maybe that’s why you’re reading this note. Maybe that’s why you’re passing it on to your network, via social media or your own blog, or at a cafe, or at the dinner table. Maybe it’s in your prayers, in your journal, or in your meditative moments. Maybe its in the way you see the world, or it manifests in the direction of your unfurling, unfolding, expansion and transformation. Maybe it’s the open mind you keep, as you consume the messages and metabolize the energies swirling through, towards and around you.
Whatever it is, keep sending it, keep being and doing it, and keep sharing it. We’re doing this, together. We’re learning how to live differently, together. I am one voice among many, in support and solidarity with the many, because I have this voice to share.
Encampments need supplies, they need people, they need resources, and they welcome you to join.
Remember, this is about life. And the only permission to live that you’ll ever need is the same permission you were born with. Don’t let the 1% keep it twisted; help yourself have what you deserve, in whatever way you can, want to and are willing to.
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