Forum

MINUTES EDUCATION WORKING GROUP FEBRUARY 17 AT MARCIA’S HOUSE 1:00 – 3:00

Meeting started at 1:00 adjourned at 3:00.
Present: Marcia L., Penny C., Ronna L., Alyce W., Futureman, Carol F. Barb S.,

We discussed the 3 and 4th chapters of the book. Since we all did not complete the reading for this meeting the discussion ranged from the book to what actions we might take. These notes will reflect those comments which seem relevant to what we might consider teaching.

A basic foundation is essential for any movement. The education group suggests that this foundation considers the following:
1. Is this a loving act?
2. Is this good for the group?
3. The foundation needs to be respectful, loving and caring. This is brought out in historical movements that were violent (as seen in Che Guevara’s writing)
4. Occupy is more a moment that a movement – a training ground to learn to work collectively.
5. Occupy can be viewed as a holding environment (pg 55)
6. A purpose of Occupy movement is to build a just and sustainable world.
7. Pg 80-81 “General Assemblies are the maximum decision-making body of the settlements (Brazil’s Landless workers Movement). The principles that govern the settlements are democracy, participation by everyone in decision-making, division of labor, and collective leadership.”
8. Learning occurs in the context of teaching and vice versa.
9. We are striving for a cooperative and economic democracy and representation that is responsive to the people.
10. Pg 59 “Development informed by critical theory is, therefore, inherently political”.
11. Studying cooperative movements will be important in informing Occupy.
12. 2012 indicates the end of the “masculine era” and the beginning of a more cooperative era.
13. Organizations important but must not get the movement derailed into sectarianism.
14. Need to keep looking for the Achilles Heel to undermine structures that harm/oppress people.
15. We need to use the tactics of the Oppressors:
a. Massive propaganda,
b. Use Social Capital (in lieu on monetary capital),
c. Education (OUR BRAINS),
d. The numbers (99%),
e. Computers.

POSSIBLE ACTIONS FOR EDUCATION
Align with Fourth Corner (Francis Alley)
Align with local cooperatives
Align with Living Democracy
Align with Sustainable Connections

Ramp up the Move Your Money Campaign

Advertise buying local

Invite any and all of them to provide education, promote it, advertise it, and attend it.

Inquire about venues for education:
WCC
WWU
WECU
Next meeting – advance a project.