Occupy Nanaimo

What lead up to the Occupy Movement?
Before Occupy, civil rights movements had been growing in the east. Examples of this being the Tunisian Uprising, The Arab Spring, and the Spanish Indignados. They have been fighting for this global cause far before Adbusters put out the call to Wall St. Think of it merely as the North American branch of the movement. But on a larger scale, a lot of factors lead up to this. Social and economic injustice, corporate domination over our lives via control of the mainstream media (censorship and suppression of public opinion), and control of public policy via influential lobby groups. The rapid loss of our ecosystem, reckless dependence on unsustainable technology… the factors leading up to this momentous event are many, as are the voices shouting for change.

What is the Occupy Movement?
The Occupy Movement is a forum for change. It’s a collection of over 2,000 cities across this planet, stretching to every continent, addressing real concerns that the main stream media and politicians won’t touch. The Occupy Movement is a driving force that demands blind eyes stop being turned immediately to social, economic, environmental, political, medical, and cultural injustice. This is an example of what happens when too many people in a “democratic” society get pushed pushed a little too hard for the last time by the same bullies. We do the only thing we know how to, rather, the only thing the establishment doesn’t know how to handle: nonviolent, peaceful, productive, solution driven, civil disobedience. Whether you understand yet or not, the power to change the world lies in the individual. People from all walks of life, from the fringes of society, come out to help and to aid in any way that they can. The occupy Movement is also a forum for Democracy to be redeveloped (considering “”Democracy is the worst form of government… except for all the rest.”, it may be worth.. revising?). A place where the greatest, most dedicated minds in the world can meet and share Ideas. The Occupy Movement is laying the ground work for the reclamation of our sovereign countries (which are being sold out from under us to a few powerful individuals). Over to you Tom,
“I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around [the banks] will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered. The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs.”
-Thomas Jefferson,

Are the majority of the Occupiers unemployed?
That is not the case at Occupy Nanaimo. Likely a question from someone who watches a lot of TV. A very large portion of our volunteers and organizers have jobs, and some have families. Come and talk to us, and you will see we’re are not a group of whiners with no jobs, nor is the state of the economy the root cause of our malcontent.
The financial system would be a more accurate culprit. We are advocates for a better future for our children. A future not stranger to swimming, and eating food caught in the ocean. A future where human life does not come with a price tag. We have been gifted life on this most beautiful earth and by God it is our innate responsibility to take responsibility at the individual level to encourage positive change, in the only proven effective way, and to NEVER be discouraged by fear, doubt, or, lack of knowledge. There are some on the Occupy Nanaimo site that are currently unemployed. Some are homeless too. We are *almost* all the 99%.

How is the homeless community affilliated with Occupy Nanaimo?
Occupy Nanaimo has an open door policy to everyone that is a part of our cause. However we also have a ZERO tolerance policy stating that there is to be no drugs, alcohol, or intoxicated people on the property. The RCMP are notified if there is a breach and it is dealt with accordingly. We however do want to outreach to those less fortunate then others, the homeless people of the downtown area make up a big part of that number. If they can maintain sobriety or need help then the occupiers will do their best to comply. Some however have integrated perfectly into our little community, becoming vital cogs in our chain of gears that turns Occupy Nanaimo.

What is the “Consensus Process”?
The Consensus Process is the process in which decisions are made. It is done in the form of a General Assembly (GA). This is a public gathering in which all the decisions are made in an organized, direct, proportional democratic consensus is, thus far, always reached. Albeit, the process is time consuming, one cannot help remember the old cliche “measure twice, cut once.” sometimes it’s worth it to be sure especially when it concerns public, economic, political and environmental policy. Occupy Nanaimo does not consider our GA’s to be the epitome of democratic decision making, however with federal and provincial voter turnout as low as they are, municipally the trend is even weaker. It is a by the people for the people process.
There are various hand signals to help respect the individuals right to speak free of verbal interruption. The meeting minutes are of public access and anyone who has something to say is encouraged to come down and speak. This is a process that many are learning as they go, and it isn’t perfect yet, but is instrumental in developing a strategy of how to address the problems we face.

Why is it important to Occupy Nanaimo (Canada)?
Although the North American phase of this movement began in, and many feel is centralized to, New York City and America, Canada is not immune to the effects of globalization, unstable fiat currency, or media censorship. Yes, our banks are stronger then our southern neighbor’s, but we participate in the same colonial wars, the unwarranted degradation of human rights and freedoms in the name of security against terrorists… Things aren’t OK. The middle class in Canada is disappearing faster than nearly any other developed nation. Does anyone know for sure if their going to receive a pension? If your kids will ever be able to afford to own a house? We have some of the nicest, cleanest most bountiful land in the world, in fact nearly every type of ecosystem can be found somewhere in “our own backyard”. Will that be a true statement in fifty years? This is most defiantly Canada’s problem.

Why Diana Krall Plaza?
Diana Krall Plaza was chosen for several reasons. Naturally the central square any city represents the heart of that community and a place for gathering. “Town squares” are commonly being occupied across the globe. It is sandwiched between the Library, which is an invaluable resource, and the Credit Union (we support credit unions and local banking alternatives) is the holder of the Occupy Financial Account. We have been working with our neighbors in an upfront, cooperative manner as to best appreciate the needs of all parties. In addition to it’s close proximity to the Vancouver Island Conference Center is convenient, and Diana Krall Plaza rests in the center of the downtown (small) business district.
We have received so much support from many of the surrounding businesses, and we’re getting their names out there and spending more ourselves downtown. We’re not unemployed hippies relaxing in a public square! We are here to be of service to the community. That is how this movement will grow: from the roots.

What are you DOING all day in Diana Krall Plaza?
This varies depending on the individual and his/her working group(s). However, be assured that daily, there are people collaborating with other working groups, and the community, to hone in on exactly what needs to change. We aren’t just a bunch of problematic complainers as some indeed portray us to be. We begin by exposing faults, proposing viable alternatives, and ultimately identifying fair, efficient, sustainable and cost effective policy. Following that we need only educate the public. At the risk of sounding ignorant, what we promote is the truth. We have nothing to gain but credibility.
Indeed, “whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.”
–Thomas Jefferson
In addition, each day we are collectively responsible for not only maintaining the structural integrity of the camp against the weather, and cleaning of the plaza, but also providing security for events and occupiers.
Every day, we engage in the decision making process of General Assembly, a truly refreshing taste of democracy.

How does this affect me as a Nanaimo tax payer?
Specifically, I would like to address the Thursday, October 27 article titled: Costs of Occupy Nanaimo Encampment begin to build, by Darrell Bellaart, Nanaimo Daily News, and comments (http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/story.html?id=075001d7-0bec-4b7f-8fe1-0bac4db6c544).
$120 a week in garbage removal. Yes, the City of Nanaimo, on routine maintenance, empties the city garbage cans once a week. Nothing new here. We haul our own trash and recycling thanks, in addition to sweeping the plaza of litter and leaves.
$260 + $27.75/fill This is indeed a legitimate direct expense to the taxpayer. An arguably insignificant expense, however direct expense. To this I say that there are thousands of citizens in this city who support Occupy Nanaimo and would deem 260+27.75/fill to be a refreshingly appropriate use of their tax dollars. Possibly when compared to slightly more than $75,000 from the pockets Nanaimo’s taxpayers to build a new door for the admin offices in the Port Theater. Now, this is not an attack on the Port Theater or City Council, as Occupy Nanaimo would like to remain impartial on this topic, for this example, as it is merely a comparative statistic.(http://www.nanaimowatchdog.com/2011/08/port-theatre-gets-new-door.html)
Daily visits from Bylaw Officers? I think not; however, we have exchanged email contact to facilitate speedy, remote communication.
The police do patrol downtown, and Diana Krall Plaza on their regular route, and occasionally help us with unruly wanderers.
To reiterate, and in conclusion, a large enough portion of the City of Nanaimo, in solidarity with Occupy Canada, support, even if they can’t occupy themselves, the Occupy movement to warrant this an appropriate, democratic use of taxpayer money.

How is this an effective means of achieving tangible , positive change?
I believe Margret Mead said it best, that one should “never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Occupy has already changed the world. With participation on all seven continents, in over 1500 cities, over two million citizens took to the streets marking the largest civil rights movement in recorded history. This momentous movement is more than just a wake up call. This is a new beginning. The “change” we have been waiting for. People say there’s nothing you can do… well that was true. Until someone did something. Now the ball is back on our side of the court. The “power” is in limbo right now because nobody can be sure if the potential to reclaim it is greater then the system that is trying to, with a kind of arrogant nonchalance, suppress this very opposition with media blackout or censorship. But it is certainly within our reach. For the first time in history, the world is on the verge to system revision. On our terms. All we have to do is stand up. Although it’s not all wishful thinking. If we do not make *some* change now (yesterday) we risk facing devastating environmental catastrophe(s). This puts the future of the human race in peril.
The “feelings” that built up to manifest this movement,although not expressed by many and improperly identified by others, are further evidence that this has to happen eventually. I mean the power is ours.. in theory so why can’t we just use it to make much needed change. we deserve better. we have the potential for better. it’s about time we have it.
If you support this movement, realistically, eventually you will be confronted with a decision. However it is phrased or delivered, you will face an ultimatum. You will either condemn this initiative as unrealistic, an unfortunate and helpless point of view, and turn back to the oppressive debt laden materialistic society that “is working”. Or you will recognize the potential of this infant movement, and stand up for yourself, and your parents, your children, and your natural ancestral environment and take responsibility. In a democracy, the citizens have the power. and the duty to use that power of decision making in a socially responsible manner. Which brings us to the only way we know how: non-violent peaceful assembly and civil disobedience. In the Age of Information, the pen is far mightier than the sword.

What is the organizational structure of Occupy Nanaimo?
Occupy Nanaimo has no leaders, but it has many leaders. There are those who facilitate General Assembly, and those who conduct interviews with the press. Those who bring forth the ideas that form the baby steps of this infant movement. Those who are respected because they are respectable, not because of a title.
Those who command a skill set be it carpentry, philosophy, Leadership, charisma, organization, initiative and the ability and necessity to lead by example are innate skills imbued in each of us, unique to the individual.
Everyone is entitled to be involved in the decision making process from the individual working group through the steady course of this movement to during a truly significant time in history.

When does Occupy end?
The Occupy Movement will continue indefinitely, for as long as is required to “awaken” those who refuse to accept the true nature of the world, and our place in it. For as long as it takes to get the corporate influence out of our governments and out of our “free press”. As long as it takes to establish sustainable primary, secondary AND tertiary industries run on clean, renewable energy, as current (and suppressed) technology enables us to do. As long as those who commit the most heinous, and selfish of crimes by conspiring to fatten of their already bulging pockets at our (the 99%) personal, and hereditary detriment, are permitted to grossly profit at the expense of honest, hard working, well meaning, and intellectually suppressed peoples in the developed and developing nations, may stand just out of reach of JUSTICE, WE WILL continue to stand in solidarity with New York and over 2000 cities world wide.

I want to help, how can I get involved?
While there is plenty of information available online, and it is absolutely possible to sign up for working groups online as well (http://occupynanaimo.ca/forum/viewforum.php?f=3), the BEST way to get involved/informed is to come down to Diana Krall Plaza and meet the occupiers. Go right up to the Information Tent and identify yourself as a supporter. From there you may affiliate yourself with one (or more) of the working groups, sign local petitions, become involved in your community on a social and political level, offer donations (see our wishlist here http://occupynanaimo.ca/2011/11/02/needs-and-donations/), make/post a sign representing the change you want to see, if you’re musically inclined, come on down and lend a tune!