Comments on: The OWS Think Tank: Then and Now

By: Michael Corey

Michael Corey — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:43:00 +0000

Thanks for posting the link. I recall reading the documents when they were posted; and I just finished re-reading them. I was able to identify some of the values of OWS and a few of the processes. Many of the things OWS is against are identified, but it is harder for an outsider to identify what OWS is for. With outreach as a goal, I think that a lot more needs to be done to address the questions that I asked. Building blocks for effective change, in my view, includes addressing an organization’s values, vision, processes, actions, resources required, timeframes and responsibilities .Answering the questions in clear, simple, everyday language can enhance understanding by those outside of the movement, help build consensus within the movement, and become the basis for a strategy and plan.

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:15:00 +0000

The answers to many of these questions can be found in under the “Official Documents” heading at: http://www.occupywallstreet.net/.

I don’t think there is any consensus on “timeframe” however, nor do I know if this is really being discussed on a consistent basis, though informally it must be in the back of everyone’s mind: how long is this going to take? I think most people realize social change is a long term project, or are disillusioned with the idea that there can be quick fixes or easy solutions.

By: Michael Corey

Michael Corey — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:44:00 +0000

I have a few questions. I suspect that in one form or another, they have been asked already. I’m not at all sure that they have been answered yet. With outreach as an OWS goal, in my opinion it might be extremely useful for the answers to these questions be answered in clear, simple, everyday language. Are there consensus answers to the following questions, or are you getting close to having a consensus on them? What are the values of OWS that guide its actions? What is the vision of the world that OWS strives to achieve? Are there historical or contemporary examples of a country or community where this vision has been achieved, or is close to being achieved? What processes does OWS intend to use to achieve its vision? What actions does OWS want to take to achieve the vision? Is there a priority on the actions? What timeframe is being considered? What resources are needed to accomplish the actions and achieve the vision? Change implies endings and beginnings. What does OWS see ending, and what does OWS see beginning? Perhaps the answers to these questions could be the basis for another posting.