It’s been just over two months since Occupy Together Day, 15th October. There are so far 2,686 occupations listed around the world. All sending a message to the 1% that people have had enough now.
Time to take stock of what we’ve achieved so far at Occupy Bristol. Reporting on what we do is part of how we are accountable to you, our fellow citizens.
In the last two months we have:-
- Run eight community days at weekends, with talks, discussions, crafts and kids activities. This is an opportunity for anyone to get involved and learn more about what we’re here for. Whether you want to have an in-depth political discussion, sit and do some crafts, or just have a cup of tea and a chat. Themes have ranged from inter-faith picnic to circus to food.
- Organised the Move Your Money campaign to encourage people to vote with their wallets and hit the banks where it hurts by moving to more ethical banks or credit unions.
- Performed political actions to publicise our Move Your Money campaign and highlight the way banks are screwing the rest of us.
- We’ve raised important issues like how inequality has grown dramatically over the last 30 years and got more people talking about them. For example, the Cathedral are now planning a series of discussion events next year on inequality. Potentially in partnership with Occupy Bristol.
- We asked the council about ethical banking and they are re-considering their financial investments and putting in place an ethical investment policy.
- Hosted talks, discussions and workshops on everything from the financial system to Greenham Common to democracy in ancient Athens.
- Hosted meetings for all sorts of progressive groups – from Stop the War to Bristol Social Enterprise. One thing we can do is provide a central space for meetings and help bring groups together who are concerned with critiquing, or finding alternatives to, our present systems. Please get in touch if you’re a group interested in working with us.
- Free skills sharing – everything from bike maintenance to listening skills to Polish.
- Open mike nights
- Performances from local musicians, and from Mr Billy Bragg.
If you’ve got ideas about what you’d like us to do in the new year, please let us know in the comments, or get in touch!
*photo by samsaundersleeds
