by ddd
01/27/2012 in Vision WG
The Vision Working Group has posted the current draft on the site for review – you may find the current draft here: Occupy Central Vermont Vision Statement.
Please take a look at the draft and bring your thoughts to tomorrow’s GAs!
by ddd
01/13/2012 in Next GA location & agenda, Vision WG
The vision statement working group was charged with the task of drafting a vision statement for Occupy Central Vt. The following is the first draft of this vision statement. It is based on the results of the brainstorming exercise that took place at the 3 December 2011 general assembly. The working group is submitting this draft to the general assembly with the intention of receiving and incorporating comments, corrections and suggestions into a next draft.
Vision of Occupy Central Vt.
We are creating a community in which all people lead dignified, fulfilling lives, all human needs are met, all human rights are upheld and everyone is treated in accordance with principles of social and economic justice.
Our community will sustain itself in balance with the rest of the living world.
We will govern our community by means of democratic processes based on principles of open and full participation, equality, transparency and accountability.
In moving toward our vision, we recognize that we must address many current issues in many areas, and we recognize the interconnectedness of many of these issues. Among these issues are the following.
[economy & work] We must redress economic imbalances, such as the concentration of wealth, by building an economic system as a public good that serves the human needs of all of us. We must reward work, not greed, and ensure that each of us is able to engage in work that is dignified and fulfilling.
[governance] We must overcome the failure of representative government to focus on the human needs of our community. In particular, we must radically reduce the current disproportionate influence of moneyed interests and increase the influence of all other people.
[education] We must ensure that each of us has access to a full education that is appropriate to our individual needs and desires. Our education system must emphasize critical thinking as the basis for participation in democracy.
[environment & ecology] We must protect and preserve the natural environment upon which all life depends. We must cease our consumption of non-renewable natural resources. We must end harmful pollution, habitat destruction and other behaviors that destabilize natural ecosystems.
[specific human needs] We must ensure that each of us has sufficient wholesome and nutritious food, that each of us has housing and that each of us receives the health care that we need when we need it. We must ensure that no one’s human needs go unmet because they lack money or are otherwise marginalized.
[individual & cultural expression] We must identify and put an end to all systems of oppression, such as racism, sexism, age-ism, able-ism and heterosexism, so that each of us has an equal opportunity to engage in community life safely and fully. We must value the diversity in our community. We must foster self expression and the arts.
[organization & strategy] The basis of our power is concerted collective action. To achieve our goals, we must grow our power by growing our movement, and we must develop each of us into a leader. We must adopt strategy and implement tactics that lead us to the accomplishment and preservation of this vision.
by ddd
12/16/2011 in Vision WG
The vision statement working group met and succeeded in interpreting, classifying and organizing the phrases and statements that were generated during the brainstorming sessions that took place at the 3 December 2011 GA (nothing else has been submitted since). The working group then developed a general structure for the statement, using as guidance the two identified purposes of the vision statement — (1) serving as a consistent reference in strategic decision making and (2) communicating concisely what we are working toward.
The working group will continue to draft language that concisely and completely expresses the collection of ideas and that satisfies the identified purposes. We expect to be ready to present a draft of a proposed vision statement to the GA in a few weeks.
by ddd
12/14/2011 in Vision WG
Tomorrow (Thursday) evening, the vision statement working group will begin poring through the collection of phrases and statements that were generated during the brainstorming sessions that took place at the 3 December 2011 GA. Our intention is to take those ideas and attempt to draft a consolidated vision statement, which we will then propose for adoption by the GA.
It is not too late to share your vision of what Central Vermont will look like after we have accomplished our work.
Visit http://www.occupycentralvt.org/?p=338, and add anything that you think is missing by entering your thoughts as a comment. Phrases, clauses — even full sentences — are all welcome.
by ddd
12/04/2011 in Vision WG
The vision statement working group proposed a process for developing a vision statement for the Central Vermont OWS group that began with the GA breaking up into small groups and brainstorming phrases that describe the state of our communities after we have succeeded in accomplishing our movement’s efforts. The working group’s intention is to take these phrases (and others entered into the comments section of this posting) and attempt to draft a consolidated vision statement, which it will then propose for adoption by the GA.
What follows are the raw, unfiltered results of the small-group exercise performed at the 3 December 2011 GA.
No economic and social injustice- central focus of movement
people oriented government – people first
government accountable to people
people’s needs and rights as main focus of gov’t
peace and sustainability
sustainable community
people working fewer hours, better quality of life
better environment, less driving
people lead fulfilling lives
people have capacity to make a living without killing themselves
people have freedom to do whatever they’re most passionate about- not limited in their opportunities
everyone’s human needs should be met
everyone who wants to work should be able to
gov’t truly by the people; people conducting governance on their own (de-centralizing gov’t?)
gov’t outgrowth of what community needs
a world not exclusively capitalist, a redesigned economy
Democracy is a good idea. Let’s do it!
Equality for everyone
Ending homelessness
More public infrastructure to connect us to the world
If you were the government what would you do?
A place where everyone has the ability to participate in democracy equally
full employment – public employment
To live in a society where we all have access to basic human needs
more sustainability (recycling, composting, etc.)
Only you can save the world
We want the 99% to become the 100%
We want to live in a society without greed
People before profit
To each according to their need from each according to their ability
overcoming distinction between intellectual and manual labor
you are the government- speak up!
Alternative forms of corporations (cooperatives)
Needs category/Democratic power category
You know the problem, become part o the solution
Educate to mobilize
Be the change you want to see in the world
Democracy no dogma
An individual blueprint is dogma, everone’s blueprint is democracy
Equal access to educational resources
Just, sustainable, peaceful world
common good is a sexier idea than corporate wealth
socialist socialite
globalize humanity
people-centered democracy
publically funded elections
participatory direct democracy
poverty-free central vt – housing, education, food needs met
successful alternative economic system
central vt measuring success in other than economic terms
down with the -isms…confronting oppression
community consciousness of priveledge
egalitarian, fulfilling livelihood where everyone propspers in all ways beyond economic measure and able to meet human needs and live a life of dignity
No big banks, with localized economy
safe, ecological world
collectively not identify solutions [we had trouble reading the handwriting on this one; please correct, if we got it wrong]
critical thinking skills/participatory democracy
CT Vters involved in critical thinking
space in our lives to think about a place where basic needs are met without working 80 hours
where no one is working poor
income disparity dissolves, there is no working poor
basic needs: communication, health, quality of life, etc.
making infrastructiure affordable
adjusting political systems so that all people’s needs are represented (campaigns financed by outside entities)
truth in finance for politicians
this is not an environmental movement (even though environmental concerns can be addressed within the vision)
economic impacts on our social system
built on economic self-interest and that’s ok
all people are engaged and have their needs met
taxes are used to meet basic needs
Mostly self-sufficient economy
greater justice for everyone
social and economic equality
100% community participation in democracy
Culture of peace, non-violence
democracy in the workplace
vibrant small businesses
healthy working landscape
restored natural environment
less influence from predatory corporations
empowered citzenry
direct democracy
transparency in government
multi-party system
socially-inclusive environment (everyone welcome to participate)
sustainable community development
access for all
vibrant local art & music
progressive tax system
integrated education system
lifetime education system
accessible non-profit driven health care
affordable housing for all
workable transportation system
low carbon footprint
town & community planning that takes into account the environment
more efficient town & community planning
regional planning
strong labor movement
multiple forms of business ownership
livable wage
affordable green energy
vibrant local food system
no grain-fed cows, sheep, goats
accessiblility to affordable, green building
cooperative financial institutions
VT Central Bank
not a utopian ends – occupy as a process
horizontal democracy
collective power
direct democracy
fair elections, less influence of money, equal media coverage
a world of love, compassion, justice and respect for all beings
participation in decision making
local autonomy/responsibility/global responsibility/communication/cooperation/fluid vision/adaptability
on-farm slaughter, local food sovereignty
ecodesign process public/private
locally manufactured, designed, distributed energy systems based on collectively determined real needs
accountability, rights of ecology
clean water, land, air….all beings needs met
A voice for the 99% and the environment; everyone has what they need
meaningful work
available local, renewable resources
free of banks and corporations
safe recreation
transparency
“We would like to see: a central Vermont that is safe from corporations particularly those that erode our capacity to live healthy & happy lives – military, agribusiness…)
ecological balance, beyond balance economy and ecology
de-colonize, de-colonization
place history
post democracy
equal voice
placed-based economy
social economy
barter economy
re-localization
needs-based
skill sharing
earth is living being, humans part of the Earth
full cost, true-cost economy
pioneers for a better Earth
sustainable Vermont
VT setting example for rest of country
economy of scale
respect other species
community with awareness of effects of actions
community resiliency
equal opportunity
steady-state economy (vs. endless growth)
economic reform
evolution of human consciousness
recognize everone’s needs
transparency
Vermont mythbusting
taking care of those falling throught cracks
visibility of people’s needs
non-judgmental
by ddd
11/30/2011 in Vision WG
Occupy Central Vt. Vision Statement Working Group Meeting
November 28, 2011 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Present: Marrisa Caldwell, Paul Erlbaum, David Kreindler, Brian Tokar, Jennifer Zollner
by Colin
10/31/2011 in Vision WG
[Before working group breakout sessions, the GA had a conversation about a unified vision statement. This working group was formed to determine the process by which one might be formed and adopted by the GA. Apologies for lack of clarity in notes - all I have are the handwritten notes from the group, and I was not part of the discussion so I can't expand on them - WG members, please help with revisions/comments]
Vision/Issues in parallel
Process
1. From GA – breakdown in small groups, ask “why are we here?” report back to full group
2. Vision – underlying causes
Identity
Brainstorm (vision group) a proposal based on issues – root causes define issues which defines vision
Issues – present
Vision – future
What do people want the world to look like?
Creating a space to work on a vision statement.
- What does vision statement look like?
- Time in assembly for small groups to “vision”
write. clarify. write. clarify
General local
A statement of principles
what does this mean
Moving Document
- Worried about cohesiveness with large group
-> Vision clarifies and unites
1. rotating small groups
GOAL A sentence
2 take sentences and find commonality
-> each group ONE word
-> each group list of phrases, 4 or 5
-> 1/2 hour break out, come up with vision phrases
Values and principles
Definition and purpose
Vision -> Dreams
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