Forum Post: Lessons We Learned from the Occupy Movement
Posted 10 years ago on June 5, 2013, 12:03 p.m. EST by mpatruno
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- Social media can be used to organize and maintain a movement both online and offline.
- A clear agenda is needed from the get-go.
- Leadership from the top down is a must.
- The Occupy Movement connected people from all walks of life.
I know these may seem overly broad. But when you divulge deeper into them there are some really great and valuable lessons to be learned from it.
I work as a Community Maneger at startup which does community tools for nonprofits, and was/am disappointed at what happened in the end. Hopefully, we can all learn from the experiences from the original Occupy Movement, and build a better and stronger community through the first experience.
I wrote a more in depth article talking about the lessons learned, and what to take from each one.
http://bigmarkerblog.bigmarker.com/lessons-learned-from-the-occupy-movement/
I dont think the lack of leadership was the result of a "lack of top down leadership" so much as was a lack of people with leadership experience.
All young people- for the most part- and with this very apathetic nation, for many it was the first experience in organizing.
Most of the people who have good managerial ability and planning ability through their life experiences didnt show up. I realize that families take up a lot of time, but that was one of the points of occupying space- to have a station that is open, 24/7.
Some that did simply got tired over the constant infighting and debate over just what the organizing process was with GAs, workgroups, etc.
I was trial by fire for most of us, and while it didnt work out as good as it could have, it was a needed exercise in self governance. A lot of was learned and the leaders of tomorrow got a great taste of what it takes, the frustrations, and what its like to try to plan and carry out actions when its all volunteers.
I agree that it was trial by fire for everyone involved. That doesn't mean though that we cannot take from these trials and tribulations, to adjust our plan accordingly. So that next time there can be a bigger and more lasting impression and improvement on the world.
My opinions and the article I linked are not meant to be a slight, or a downgrading of what the Occupy Movement accomplished. I merely wrote them so that we can all reflect back on what happened, and try to learn from it.
I think reflection is one of the most important aspects of political organizing, that is usually overlooked. Posts like yours are what lead to real debate and actual thought into the process and the ups and downs.
I didnt take your post as a slight at all. It was a mess. But it was freakin awesome at the same time :)
Evolution is the nature of the Revolution - http://www.nationofchange.org/humanity-imperiled-1370439071 Not so much 'top down' as a cadre has to rise from below. Never Give Up! Occupy The Future! Solidarity
Are we underestimating the power of MSM to control a movement like Occupy?
1.agree 2.agree 3.disagree 4.agree Occupy has had no formal leader (that I know of) and yet it spread throughout the United States. I'd say that's pretty impressive. As for the clear agenda I say its good that you guys are spreading ideas that may materialize in the future in some shape or another. But right now we need practical solutions to solve our current problems. *also I learned that majority democracy is better than consensus democracy
I'm glad you agree with the majority of my points. Yet the lack of leadership may have been the main cause it fell apart after it had spread throughout not just the US, but the world. I am not saying Occupy was a failure, far from it, I just wish that more could've been done when the momentum was on our side and the press was paying attention.
Hopefully, these next few months can start to again spread the word, and captivate the world again.
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I agree. I don't think America will ever take part in a large scale full on rebellion/protest against our government. And personally, I think that's a positive thing, we are lucky enough to invoke change in different ways.
Hate to use them as an example because, well it's the tea party that is responsible for a lot of things wrong right now. But they organized effectively, and were able to elect people into Congress who could evoke the kind of change they wanted.
If we can take from the lessons learned back in 2011, we too can organize effectively and create a community of sustainment and growth.
You mean the Koch funded party.
Yup ;)