I was wondering about Occupy Oakland’s policy is on using their name. Has any moderator had to ask permission to use their name to start a facebook group? Has the “Occupy Oakland Bridge Caucus” had to ask Occupy Oakland to vote on calling itself that? Do committees, discussion groups, what have you, need to appeal to Occupy Oakland to use their name? If so, where does it say that? What is the wording of the proposal that states that? I’d like to know what the guide lines are. Additionally, how does a group become a committee. Is there an official process? Have all committees undergone the same process in order to become a part of Occupy Oakland.? If so, where is it stated? I just would like to look at the wording, I do not wish to be a pain. Thanks!
Use of the name Occupy Oakland.
Categories: Open Mic
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Much appreciated!
the occupy oakland Facebook people simply used the name so people could find the page and join the discussion. there are probably 6 FB pages with the name occupy or decolonize oakland, with a variation. the Facebook groups were not voted upon and have no GA approval.
committees do not have to be voted on by the GA. you can form just about any group of your own and call it committee by stating it at the GA. this is how every single committee has formed. these are groups that serve the entire general body of the movement. this is important if you want funding for a project or to operate your group. a true committee is something like the kitchen or legal committee – those groups affect everyone.
a working group is project oriented, much like a committee, but working groups can be short or long term. the facilitation committee also calls itself a “working group” because their work involves a series of projects. the people who worked on the general strike were working groups…their project was short-lived, building up to nov. 2. committees have ongoing, long term projects that serve everyone.
a caucus focuses on a particular demographic in the movement (or “affinity”), and serves as a discussion platform. there is a nonviolence caucus, for example. it’s more talk-oriented, not action oriented.
reps from each committee get together on sundays at 4pm with the “coordination committee.” i think the purpose is to recognize everyone who has formed a committee and to get people on the same page.
we have far too many committees in the movement as it stands. people start projects and drop them. people sit around and talk, but don’t follow through. the robust committees are overworked and need more people in them.
i think that you are right that these terms and concepts need to be defined. OWS has definitions for everything and they describe the process by which committees are recognized. i think the best group to work on that would be the coordination committee!