occupyfuture(at)gmail.com
www.facebook.com/occupythefuture
Asking the Question NOW, Co-creating the FUTURE together
We are a group of engaged individuals and global citizens who have witnessed the movement growing around Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Together and recognize its potential as a catalyst for real and lasting societal change. We have spent time at Occupy Wall Street, witnessed first hand the activity, non-violent community, and momentum that are growing there and have felt inspired to reflect and contribute to the growth of this movement and larger societal transformation by actively working with the following question:
What is the FUTURE you want to OCCUPY?
This question is of extreme importance in our time and one that we hope all people will ask of themselves, their communities and society as a whole. It points towards an essential task that we see for Humanity to collectively re-envision what picture of the FUTURE we want to live into.
What is the FUTURE that we hope to CO-CREATE? Where can the seeds of this FUTURE be seen NOW?
In speaking with fellow protesters at Occupy Wall Street, we were constantly asked the question “WHAT’S YOUR IDEOLOGY?” We don’t have one. We do have pictures we work out of, and that we try to keep as fluid as possible. We do so because we believe that, most importantly, the solutions we need can only be out of a living conversation between everyone, where we can create new solutions to our problems and new meaning to our lives. These solutions will of course be partial and will have to be suited to the actual situation on the ground. It is a living process. An evolution of social forms that has been stuck too long.
The pictures we work with are pretty basic:
First, we think the whole system must become far more radically participatory. Forever. We think this is the main demand of the Occupy Movement: to no longer hand over our decisions to business leaders and politicians and the meaning of our lives to entertainers and advertisers. We will create a new culture, and out of it, create a new politics and a new economy. This means each one of us standing up and taking our lives back, banding together as a truly civil society, a new global force that cannot be put back to sleep. We mean to stay and to shape the new dialogue that will determine our future.
That discussion will be about how we OCCUPY this planet, how we can avert climate disaster, and work with finite resources in the most efficient and sustainable way possible in order to meet everyone’s needs. That discussion will be about ending all the unjust occupations of one nation over another; of ending the unjust occupation of business in our political system. That discussion will be about questioning every aspect of life. What’s not broke? What’s not bankrupt?
So the Occupation must be permanent. An awakened citizenry. A third force – a Civil Society that can balance the powers of Business and Government. A space for us to meet each other and create the future anew. Re-occupy our own minds and hearts. Re-occupy our lives with meaning and a living culture.
We think the Occupation is about building a new civilization. Therefore, we ask you now to share your picture of what the FUTURE is that you want to OCCUPY. We’re very excited to hear your response and to begin the process of co-creation with all of you!
With hope and vision for a new FUTURE,
The Occupy The Future Team
Ani, John, Katie, Meaghan, Sarah & Seth
Contributors: Jordan, Kathleen, Melanie, Peter, Rosa, Thomas, Silvia
occupyfuture(at)gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/occupythefuture
I admire and support the way you are seizing the momentum of this social,cultural movement to freely and creatively respond to the situations we find ourselves confronted with today. It is truly inspiring to observe some of the practical intelligent and heartfelt interactions occurring as part of the “occupy” events. Is this a glimpse of what our capacities as human beings could be? I see much truth goodness and beauty here, and I am seeking these qualities….,for myself and my fellows today and for the future.
It was dark when I woke. This is a ray of snuhsine.
You might want to cross-post this. Permission granted.
http://slurvemag.com/magazine/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=766:we-are-here-to-inspire-a-movement&catid=222:right-fieldleft-field&Itemid=13
Also look at “Everybody Equal” on Facebook
Rock on!
I imagine our world being healed by the collective efforts of people who do not want to control or dominate it. I imagine our world with blue skies and diverse grass lands, forests, clean lakes and rivers. I imagine diverse communities of people cooperating to create prosperity for each other by growing food and making the things they need. I imagine less talk and more action. Camphill communities inspire me. I think Rudolf Steiner’s ideas in “Toward Social Renewal” can work.
@ Monica — I am so sorry. It’s a huge hole in my life, as it is yours, I am sure.
Hey everyone — here’s the latest about the LA global day of (in)action!
http://slurvemag.com/magazine/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=769:los-angeles-global-day-of-disorganization&catid=222:right-fieldleft-field&Itemid=13
It’s an insanely long link, so if you trust me, try tiny url:
http://tinyurl.com/6zqfbw3
Thanks for the support!
None of this will mean a thing if we dont make the conversation about the environment
I agree the occupy movement has been really successful in highlighting our current situation, I personally feel the Human Species have only 1 completely positive option – The Venus Project. Jacque Fresco speaks @ Occupy Miami on the 21st nOV, lets hope the world starts to listen…
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Always remember “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” – Albert Einstein
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