AlterNet: 10 Ways To Support the Occupy Movement

[rasputin1952]

The OccupyWallStreet movement continues to spread with more than 1,500 sites. More and more people are speaking up for a society that works for the 99 percent, not just the 1 percent.

(abridged)

1. Show up at the occupied space near you.

2. Start your own occupation.

3. Support those who are occupying.

4. Speak out. Get into the debates and the teach-ins.

5. Share your story.

6. Be the media.

7. Name the meaning of this moment.

8. Insist that public officials treat the occupations with respect.

9. Study and teach nonviolent techniques.

10. Be resilient.

More at: http://www.alternet.org/story/152833/_10_ways_to_support_the_occupy_movement?page=entire

[starroute]

1. Okay, I'm sitting here at my computer being as resilient as I can ...

Now what happens?


What I'm trying to say is that this may be a useful guide for someone who wants to participate in the movement. But it's not really a list of "support" measures for us here at home, which is what I expected when I clicked on the thread.

[Merlot]

2. Yes, I was also expecting a list of ways to support without actually being there

Something that isn't possible for all of us. Besides, just think of how many more people would be counted in the support if there were a way to support them without going there.

Maybe we start a petition to show support?

[Zorra]

3. OK. Almost every Occupied City has an Occupation Website.

You can google Occupy Phoenix, or Occupy Boston, Occupy Indiana, etc, and find the link to the respective Occupy website of the city Occupiers you wish to support. Often there is a list of needs and a way to donate money.

Here's an example of a donation page (please feel free to donate to Occupy Phoenix!):

Click to Skip to the Following Parts of this Page:
Current Needs
Donate to #OccupyPhoenix
Locations to Drop Off Items

Currently Needed Items
This is an embedded Google Document we update regularly, to see this document, click here

http://occupyphoenix.net/?page_id=20

http://occupyphoenix.net/

You may find what you are looking for in terms of Occupation support measures you can engage in from home at one of these websites.

[starroute]

4. I already sent all my old sweaters and flannel shirts to OWS

And I might be able to dig up another shipment's worth, but that doesn't really answer the question.

It's more like what Merlot suggested -- a need to stand up and be counted. But internet petitions don't really do it either, because those are pretty much invisible.

I think I saw yard signs suggested on a thread earlier, and that's getting closer -- but something like that always makes me a little nervous, because I worry about getting my car keyed or my house egged. Whatever is done has to be done with solidarity.

The general concept that speaks to me is "Occupy Main Street" -- but the question is what that means and how to do it.

[lunatica]

5. I've been doing my best to spread the word

When Sergeant Shamar Thomas told the police off I told everyone I know about it and made sure they knew the name and invited them to google him. That works. That's how videos go viral. Word of mouth.

I also engage people in conversations about OWS. I've done a lot of explaining about what they are and what they want. Most people aren't inclined to go look for themselves, but they will be happy to be enlightened. Most end up getting excited about the movement because they realize they have everything in common with OWS. They realize it's them.

And I have somewhat of a reputation among my co-workers of knowing stuff, so many will come and ask me and I'm always happy to answer their questions.

That's support, whether it's monetary or donating food or clothing. It's just as valid.

[Fire Walk With Me]

6. Tried to Recommend but time's up, so a Kick instead!