1st round of Drafting Social Contract

[Occupy Austin]

Draft 1
-----------------------

Kenneth Hoot
Occupy Austin
11/14/2011

Social Contract

All people in our community will abide by the following rules of
conduct. If the conduct
of one of the members of the community is not in line with the rules
set forth in this
agreement, that member is subject to punishment up to and including
ostracism .

Members of the community must sign an agreement promising to abide by
the code of
conduct set forth in the following document. This includes those who
will live in the
community as well as supporters who wish to contribute to and visit
the occupied space.

The following code of conduct is for those who wish to remain or
become a part of the
Occupy Austin community:

1. Everyone must contribute something to the community every day. This
includes
but is not limited to: cleaning, protesting, organizing, legal help,
fundraising,
teaching, picketing, construction, maintenance, child care, food
preparation and/or
serving, donating resources and diffusing tense situations.
2. Drugs and alcohol will not be allowed in the occupied space. Those
who are
visibly under the influence will not be allowed back into the occupied
space until
they sober up. This serves two purposes; it prevents law enforcement
from using
the excuse of illegal activities to shut down the community as well as
improving
and maintaining a positive public image with the citizens of Austin.
3. Sexual harassment and misogynistic behavior will not be tolerated.
4. Violence and physical threats of any kind will not be tolerated.
5. Racism, homophobia and any other antisocial behavior that seeks to
divide the
community will not be tolerated.
6. Any direct action that is not approved by consensus of the GA
should not be
done in the name of Occupy Austin. Individuals are always allowed to
do what
they feel is necessary but they cannot use the name of Occupy Austin
without
consensus. Approved committees are allowed to take action on the
issues they’ve
been entrusted with; however, those committees are subject to
reformation and
dissolution by consensus of the collective members of Occupy Austin.
7. All members of the community must respect each other as fellow
human beings
regardless of background, education, income level, consciousness or
spiritual
beliefs.
8. Members who contribute to the movement and follow the code of
conduct set
forth in this document must be allowed to pursue their own personal
interests
outside the movement. This is supposed to be about freedom, not
restrictions on
the pursuit of happiness.
9. There should be no division between those who are disenfranchised
and those
who are embedded in the System. We need all kinds of people to make
this work.
10. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

These rules are subject to amendment and interpretation. As we
progress, more codes and
further clarification of current codes are to be expected.

[Ambrosia]

I really, Really, REALLY like this! I am glad that some ground rules
are being set, because this can help us focus more directly on the
goals that we are trying to accomplish. I do have one concern about
the first item listed in the code of conduct: Is this directed towards
people who are occupying 24/7? I personally am not on site everyday,
but I do try and do my part by promoting events and such, as well as
frequenting the forums. I was about to ask how this would be
regulated, but for the people who are there all the time, it might be
more obvious as to who is contributing. Anywho, I look forward to
hearing more about this group.
~Ambrosia

[Rich Elrath]

the language and tone need work, and we already respect a diversity of tactics so saying a da is not oa is not correct, or needed (6 is not needed, neither is the pursuit of happiness one).  I will work on a version but when you think of tone and language this should be about mutual respect and shared principles of the group, rather than rules to abide by.  We all share the principles in common, or agree to share them in the group for the
betterment of the group.
rich

[Marion Mlotok]

I completely agree with Rich about the language and tone and
everything he said. And, like Ambrosia, I also have a concern about
item 1. There will be days when people are sick or just need to
relax just like in the rest of our lives and there will be people who
for one reason or another are not able to help and, in fact, will need
help at particular times or maybe all the time. That being said, the
goal would be to have all of us be actively contributing to the
movement.

[Marion Mlotok]

[Martin McDuffy]

I don't think it's something that everyone should physically sign. I
think when we relocate to a new space, we should immediately have a
GA, and make these rules by consensus. They can be printed and
laminated somewhere for viewing, but it should be seen as a communal
code of conduct that you accept by participating, and that by
participating you accept.

I personally think the space should be waste free. We would save a
LOT of time and effort if we had an agreement on "leave no trace."
Bring in no disposable containers. Bring no plastic silverware or
paper plates. No trash in the space means no need for trash
separation and pick up. It also means less flies.

We could do a compost bin or two, but a list of what can go in it
needs to be posted right on it. No meat, no dairy, no paper, no
cigarettes, no trash. Meat and dairy attract rats, and I don't know
anyone who would want that in their compost pile. I wouldn't.

[ronstaf]

this draft was written by the author and posted as is...I concur that
the language must be more sensitive and less authoritarian.

[Kunda Lee Wicce]

Thank you, Kenneth, for this draft. It contains many elements that are important to community. My comments on the draft are below. I'm also going to post separately other suggestions.

1 The Occupy Austin community is composed of on-the-ground (in-situ) occupiers and their allies. I like a statement that encourages allies to contribute services/goods/support to the occupation on a regular basis.

2 - 5 I would like us to describe in the Social Contract how we will enforce these boundary limits on behavior, so all will know what we are to do, and how we are going to do it. First step: perhaps we can agree on a short statement/affirmation for the people's mike when breaches of the social contract happen. For repeat or egregious offenses, will volunteers move the person to the edge with an enjoinder not to return until they are able to commit to the contract? Maybe require attendance with good behavior at the next anti-oppression training?

I recently witnessed disrespectful verbal behavior by a male magnet that resulted in another male setting a firm verbal boundary. That boundary was not respected by the magnet, the baiting continued and posturing resulted. I would hope that in such cases all parties would be supported in calming down, and that all assumptions/judgements about individual innocence or guilt set aside for the moment.

6 Yes on clarifying GA authority to dissolve or reform committees.

8-9 I appreciate these clarifications. There are many people who are embedded in the System to work for change. They are important allies now, and in the future, as the system will morph itself to reassert the power of the 1%.

10 This particular wording has its roots in Christianity and as such may unintentionally be resisted by some. Perhaps restate encouraging compassion for ourselves and others. Perhaps move to top of list :-)

Sparkles on Martin's "leave no trace" addition.

Kunti

[Ellen C. Friedman]

Excellent suggestions, Kunda.

In addition to changing the tone, the first draft leaves out a good bit that needs to be there. Agreements are founded upon principles, so it would be good to have our shared principles briefly stated as well. More on that in another email.

I took the agreements brainstorm and our affinity group's brainstorm and created a mindmap so we could start sorting and prioritizing the information. It's still a rough sort, but I find having a visual representation helpful to the process of drilling down to the important pieces so we can eventually simplify our message.

OA Agreements mindmap can be found online here:
http://www.mindmeister.com/123304906/oa-agreements

I created another mindmap a couple of weeks again from personal brainstorming. There is additional relevant info in this map, but I didn't want to integrate it into the above map yet because I wanted to keep the integrity of the brainstorming done at the GA. 

The "Common Ground" map can be found here: http://www.mindmeister.com/120251787/common-ground.

Ellen

[Occupy Austin]

The Social Contract
---------------------------------------->
I left all breaches of agreement blank as this aspect of should be
deliberated on for a bit. A second draft in complete form is at the
bottom of this email.
{indicate first draft statements}
* indicate second draft friendly amendments


{All people in our community will abide by the following rules of

conduct. If the conduct of one of the members of the community is not
in line with the rules set forth in this agreement, that member is
subject to punishment up to and including ostracism . Members of the
community must sign an agreement promising to abide by the code of
conduct set forth in the following document. This includes those who
will live in the community as well as supporters who wish to
contribute to and visit the occupied space.}

* All brothers and sisters who reside in this place of encampment can
live in an environment of respect and agreements with each other by
joining our social contract. The intent of this agreement is meant to
protect the individual rights of members of the community from
violence, threats of violence, and the need for police intervention in
the camp. The details of these agreements will be developed and
adopted through consensus and are amendable at any time through the
same consensus process. Breaches to these agreements will be met with
appropriate action to the nature of the breach. Visitors are
encouraged to check out the encampment and participate in any and all
activities without needing to agree to our social contract and only
simply acknowledging it. If a visitor wishes to become a member of
the community they will be asked to honor our agreements and/or
suggest amendments to our agreements to be brought to GA for
consensus.


{The following code of conduct is for those who wish to remain or

become a part of the Occupy Austin community:}

* Occupy Austin Social Agreements:


{1. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.}

*1. (that's good I just recommend making it number 1!)

{7. All members of the community must respect each other as fellow

human beings regardless of background, education, income level,
consciousness or spiritual beliefs.

9. There should be no division between those who are disenfranchised
and those who are embedded in the System. We need all kinds of people
to make this work.}

(I think we can combine these two)

*2. We agree to respect each other as fellow human beings regardless

of background, education, income level, consciousness or spiritual
beliefs.

{4. Violence and physical threats of any kind will not be tolerated.

3. Sexual harassment and misogynistic behavior will not be tolerated.

5. Racism, homophobia and any other antisocial behavior that seeks to
divide the community will not be tolerated.}

(I think we can combine these three)

* 3. We agree that everyone has the right to be free from both
physical and verbal harassment.

A. Physical Harassment: We agree that everyone has the right to be
free from physical harassment.

We agree to refrain from physical violence.
Breach of agreement:

To respect the right to freedom from physical sexual harassment we
agree to refrain from touching anyone on their buttocks, breasts or
genetalia without consent.
Breach of agreement:

We further agree to refrain from any other type of physical
interaction that a person considers offensive to them.
Breach of agreement:

Caveat
We agree that some physical interactions such as sparring and rough
housing are not considered harassment as long as all parties engaged
are consenting and the ability to verbally indicate cessation is
possible.

B. Verbal Harassment:

To agree that everyone has the right to freedom from verbal
harassment, to respect this freedom we agree to refrain from engaging
in racist, homophobic or any type of verbal interaction that a person
considers offensive to them.
Breach of agreement:

To respect the right to freedom from verbal sexual harassment we agree
to refrain from engaging in verbal interactions that mention sexual
activity without consent.
Breach of agreement:

Caveat
We agree that some risqué discussions are appropriate for consenting
individuals but that discussions of this type be located in a space
that is inaudible to non-consenting parties.

{2. Drugs and alcohol will not be allowed in the occupied space. Those

who are visibly under the influence will not be allowed back into the
occupied space until they sober up. This serves two purposes; it
prevents law enforcement from using the excuse of illegal activities
to shut down the community as well as improving and maintaining a
positive public image with the citizens of Austin.}

* 4. We agree to refrain from using alcohol and illegal drugs at
camp. We look at this as a sacrifice that is needed to prevent police
intervention and "negative" press.
Breach of agreement:

{1. Everyone must contribute something to the community every day.

This includes but is not limited to: cleaning, protesting, organizing,
legal help, fundraising, teaching, picketing,construction,
maintenance, child care, food preparation and/or serving, donating
resources and diffusing tense situations.}

* 5. We agree to participate in the daily maintenance and upkeep of
the camp such as: cleaning, food preparation, child care, medical
care, defusing tense situations and resource management. (We do not
assume that everyone will participate in everything but that everyone
will lend a helping hand when and where they can.)
Breach of agreement:

* 6. We agree to participate in the development of the Occupy Movement
by offering assistance in the areas of: education, legal work,
outreach, picketing, marching, etc. (We do not assume that everyone
will participate in everything but that everyone will lend a helping
hand when and where they can.)
Breach of agreement:

{6. Any direct action that is not approved by consensus of the GA

should not be done in the name of Occupy Austin. Individuals are
always allowed to do what they feel is necessary but they cannot use
the name of Occupy Austin without consensus. Approved committees are
allowed to take action on the issues they’ve been entrusted with;
however, those committees are subject to reformation and dissolution
by consensus of the collective members of Occupy Austin.}

*7. (I also agree with this statement and just suggest reordering it
to #7)
Breach of agreement:

{8. Members who contribute to the movement and follow the code of

conduct set forth in this document must be allowed to pursue their own
personal interests outside the movement. This is supposed to be about
freedom, not restrictions on the pursuit of happiness.}

* I think it would be impossible for us to prevent someone from doing
anything outside the camp and this agreement is not needed, I suggest
removing it.
End of The Social Contract
<--------------------------------------------------------------------


The Social Contract
--------------------------------------------------->
All brothers and sisters who reside in this place of encampment can
live in an environment of respect and agreements with each other by
joining our social contract. This system of agreements is meant to
protect the individual rights of members of the community from
violence, threats and the need for police intervention in the camp.
The details of these agreements will be developed and adopted through
consensus and are amendable at any time through the same consensus
process. Breaches to these agreements will be met with appropriate
action to the nature of the breach. Visitors are encouraged to check
out the encampment and participate in any and all activities without
needing to agree to our social contract and only simply acknowledging
it. If a visitor wishes to become a member of the community they will
be asked to honor our agreements and/or suggest amendments to our
agreements to be brought to GA for consensus.

Occupy Austin Social Agreements:

1. We agree to treat other people the way that we would ourselves like
to be treated.

2. We agree to respect each other as fellow human beings regardless of

background, education, income level, consciousness or spiritual
beliefs.

3. We agree that everyone has the right to be free from both physical
and verbal harassment.

A. Physical Harassment:

We agree that everyone has the right to be free from physical
harassment, to that end we agree to refrain from physical violence.
Breach of agreement:

To respect the right to freedom from physical sexual harassment we
agree to refrain from touching anyone on their buttocks, breasts or
genetalia without consent.
Breach of agreement:

We further agree to refrain from any other type of physical
interaction that a person considers offensive to them.
Breach of agreement:

Caveat
We agree that some physical interactions such as sparring and rough
housing are not considered harassment as long as all parties engaged
are consenting and the ability to verbally indicate cessation is
possible.

B. Verbal Harassment:

To agree that everyone has the right to freedom from verbal
harassment, to respect this freedom we agree to refrain from engaging
in racist, homophobic or any type of verbal interaction that a person
considers offensive to them.
Breach of agreement:

To respect the right to freedom from verbal sexual harassment we agree
to refrain from engaging in verbal interactions that mention sexual
activity without consent.
Breach of agreement:

Caveat
We agree that some risqué discussions are appropriate for consenting
individuals but that discussions of this type be located in a space
that is inaudible to non-consenting parties.

4. We agree to refrain from using alcohol and illegal drugs at camp.
We look at this as a sacrifice that is needed to prevent police
intervention and "negative" press.
Breach of agreement:

5. We agree to participate in the daily maintenance and upkeep of the
camp such as: cleaning, food preparation, child care, medical care,
defusing tense situations and resource management. (We do not assume
that everyone will participate in everything but that everyone will
lend a helping hand when and where they can.)
Breach of agreement:

6. We agree to participate in the development of the Occupy Movement
by offering assistance in the areas of: education, legal work,
outreach, picketing, marching, etc. (We do not assume that everyone
will participate in everything but that everyone will lend a helping
hand when and where they can.)
Breach of agreement:

7. We agree that any direct action that is not approved by consensus
at GA should not be done in the name of Occupy Austin. Individuals

are always allowed to do what they feel is necessary but they cannot
use the name of Occupy Austin without consensus. Approved committees
are allowed to take action on the issues they’ve been entrusted with;
however, those committees are subject to reformation and dissolution
by consensus of the collective members of Occupy Austin.

Breach of agreement:

End of Social Contract
<-------------------------------------------




On Nov 16, 2:23 pm, "Ellen C. Friedman" <ellencfried...@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Excellent suggestions, Kunda.
>
> In addition to changing the tone, the first draft leaves out a good bit
> that needs to be there. Agreements are founded upon principles, so it would
> be good to have our shared principles briefly stated as well. More on that
> in another email.
>
> I took the agreements brainstorm and our affinity group's brainstorm and
> created a mindmap so we could start sorting and prioritizing the
> information. It's still a rough sort, but I find having a visual
> representation helpful to the process of drilling down to the important
> pieces so we can eventually simplify our message.
>
> OA Agreements mindmap can be found online here:http://www.mindmeister.com/123304906/oa-agreements
>
> I created another mindmap a couple of weeks again from personal
> brainstorming. There is additional relevant info in this map, but I didn't
> want to integrate it into the above map yet because I wanted to keep the
> integrity of the brainstorming done at the GA.
>
> The "Common Ground" map can be found here:http://www.mindmeister.com/120251787/common-ground.
>
> Ellen
>
> On Wed, Nov 16, 2011 at 12:44 PM, Kunda Lee Wicce <
>

[Martin McDuffy]

I would alter this.  Bold is mine.

4. We agree that Occupy Austin is a non-intoxication zone,
and that we will not use nor be under the influence of drugs or
alcohol in our camp. We look at this as a sacrifice that is needed
to keep the space safe for families and the young, and

to prevent police intervention and "negative" press. 
Breach of agreement:

Also, I do not think people need to sign any document.  That's a mimic of things found in outside society that is generally negative.
I think we should be building people up again, and returning to a system by which a person's word is their bond. By agreeing verbally, by participating in camp, it is on their personal honor to act in accordance with the principles which bind us.  Rebuilding people requires rebuilding their sense of personal honor.  By sticking to the code, and their word, they empower themselves.

Duffy

[Occupy Austin]

The changes look good, and I also agree that we don't need people to sign the document but simply give their word

[Ronnie Garza]

I think that this will be a contentious issue, when it comes to not
being intoxicated at all. It will be hard to tell with some folks and
you would need to be constantly inspecting to enforce. It might be
easier to curtail any obnoxious behavior that results and perhaps have
a rule of thumb that if you are stumbling then you need to be in your
tent, or something along those lines. We should continue to discuss
this part of it.

On Nov 17, 2:25 pm, Occupy Austin <Inter...@occupyaustin.org> wrote:
> The changes look good, and I also agree that we don't need people to sign
> the document but simply give their word
>

> On Thu, Nov 17, 2011 at 9:19 AM, Martin McDuffy <duffy.cont...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
> > I would alter this.  Bold is mine.
>

> > 4. We agree t*hat Occupy Austin is a non-intoxication zone,

> > and that we will not use nor be under the influence of drugs or

> > alcohol in our camp.* We look at this as a sacrifice that is needed
> > *to keep the space safe for families and the young*, and

> > to prevent police intervention and "negative" press.
> > Breach of agreement:
>
> > Also, I do not think people need to sign any document.  That's a mimic of
> > things found in outside society that is generally negative.
> > I think we should be building people up again, and returning to a system
> > by which a person's word is their bond. By agreeing verbally, by
> > participating in camp, it is on their personal honor to act in accordance
> > with the principles which bind us.  Rebuilding people requires rebuilding
> > their sense of personal honor.  By sticking to the code, and their word,
> > they empower themselves.
>
> > Duffy
>

> ...
>
> read more »

[Chris Nielsen]

I agree with Ronnie.  When I shut down drinking at base people were putting beer in their Thermos. It got very old constantly checking peoples beverage container and dealing with the following arguements. That's my 2cents

[Martin McDuffy]

I'm not asking people to check thermoses.  I'm asking people to all come together, on their word, to confront someone who is intoxicated.  The whole group must as a unit, ask that person to leave camp until sober.  On your honor, you will not dishonor the group.  On your honor, you will defend the group.

Some people come from abusive homes, and don't want to be around a drunk.  Some people are battling addiction, and don't need to be around a drunk.  The city is FULL of places to be intoxicated.  Our space should not be one of them.  We are not a party.  We are a protest movement.  If you need R&R, if you need time to cut loose, leave the space and return later, it's not that difficult. 

This should be approved via consensus immediately upon a move, and it must be group "enforced" by people acting as one to ostracize people who don't follow through.  I don't want intoxicated soldiers in my army.  It's that simple.

[Kunda Lee Wicce]

*wavy fingers in the air*   This is do-able.

[Chris Nielsen]

I'm not advocating for people drinking, not at all. I'm simply stating that the task you propose is easier said than done. I'm willing to help.

[Occupy Austin]

NOBODY is going to be ostracized. There should be a way back in for
anyone who is asked to leave. And this may well come down to a vote,
this isn't an army, it's a community, it shouldn't feel like a
barracks but a living room.

On Nov 18, 10:14 am, Kunda Lee Wicce <kundaleewi...@grandecom.net>
wrote:

> *wavy fingers in the air*   This is do-able.
>
> On Nov 18, 2011, at 9:06 AM, Martin McDuffy wrote:
>
> > I'm not asking people to check thermoses.  I'm asking people to all come together, on their word, to confront someone who is intoxicated.  The whole group must as a unit, ask that person to leave camp until sober.  On your honor, you will not dishonor the group.  On your honor, you will defend the group.
>
> > Some people come from abusive homes, and don't want to be around a drunk.  Some people are battling addiction, and don't need to be around a drunk.  The city is FULL of places to be intoxicated.  Our space should not be one of them.  We are not a party.  We are a protest movement.  If you need R&R, if you need time to cut loose, leave the space and return later, it's not that difficult.
>
> > This should be approved via consensus immediately upon a move, and it must be group "enforced" by people acting as one to ostracize people who don't follow through.  I don't want intoxicated soldiers in my army.  It's that simple.
>

> > On Thu, Nov 17, 2011 at 2:52 PM, Chris Nielsen <capitolcruis...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > I agree with Ronnie.  When I shut down drinking at base people were putting beer in their Thermos. It got very old constantly checking peoples beverage container and dealing with the following arguements. That's my 2cents
>

> ...
>
> read more »

[Martin McDuffy]

I absolutely think people should be allowed second chances.  Third chances even.  But this is more of a tribe than a family.  We are not blood.  Only blood forgives unconditionally.  We are a voluntary network of people, and as we use no force against one and other, the only "punishment" per se, for breaking the code of conduct, is exclusion from the tribe.  Of course, simple matters and small infractions need only be brought to light, and most times I imagine the person in question will quickly apologize, and we can all move on happily.  But for flagrant abuses, or repeated abuses -- that is to say -- a person's demonstration that their word is no good, and further, that they hold no respect for our tribe, should warrant an end to our respect for that person.

Respect is earned.  It is given with the benefit of the doubt to strangers, and when it is returned in kind, a relationship is kindled.  When people do not return respect, they receive none further.  That is the very foundation of voluntary human organization.

As to whether or not we are an "army," I think in certain respects, we are.  Look what is happening in New York, Oakland, Atlanta, Athens, Rome.  This is a resistance movement.  It is resisting the dominant culture.  It is resisting the culture because it values money and power over life and dignity.  This is why when people prove incapable of working with us productivly, we have to leave them behind.  We don't cease to represent them.  We don't cease to love them.  But if someone takes from the movement more than they contribute, we do a disservice to ourselves and to everyone who has ever helped us by carting those people along.  If we continually allow larger and larger numbers of people who take more than they give from our movement, then we will crumble under their weight.  Taking more than one gives back is the DEFINITION of unsustainable.  Unsustainable systems cannot be sustained. 

If we are serious about what we are doing, we should think about this very seriously.

[Kunda Lee Wicce]

The key phrase from below was "ask that person to leave camp until sober." The way back in is to walk in sober.

We are all saying the same thing :-)

[Ellen C. Friedman]

Here is the first draft of the principles section for possible inclusion in the social contract.

I hope to see you in a few hours at the working group meeting.

Ellen

* * * *

We the people of Occupy Austin recognize the current systems of the world as corrupt and harmful to all life on planet earth. With these principles and agreements, we begin to create a different form of society, one that honors every person as worthy, supports all voices and creates a safe container for our community. We are here to create a space that stands apart from existing authority;  therefore, love and respect for each other is paramount.

Principles of Unity

We recognize these principles which are the foundation for our agreements.

Dignity - Every human has inherent worth and value. This worth is not dependent on class, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, wealth or where you live rather it is because we are living beings with the capacity for consciousness, love and wisdom.

Solidarity - We recognize the interconnected and interdependent systemic nature of our relationships with all life. Therefore, we accept the duty to be good stewards of our relationships and stand in solidarity with each other.

Respect - Because each person has inherent worth, we respect all as equals. We respect the health and well-being of individuals, other species and the environment.

Nonviolence- As beings conscious of each others worth & the interdependence of our community, we minimize harm to all. Individuals possess the right to choose their own course of action, as long as they do no harm to others or our community as a whole.

Sharing - We recognize the existence of things we share,  called Commons, which include the natural & societal resources we inherit, use &  steward for future generations. Living in solidarity, we share power and resources in a sustainable manner.

Accountability - Each person and the community as a whole are accountable for the well-being of our community. People in roles who serve the community have additional obligations that balances the authority given to them by the community. People who choose to disrespect individuals or the community will be treated with respect but their disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.

[Martin McDuffy]

 I like it.

[Chris Nielsen]

Here here!

[Marion Mlotok]

I like it a lot, Ellen. One suggestion: changing the very last word
from "tolerated" to "accepted". I think it means the same thing and
I prefer the tone of it.

Thank you all for all the hard work that has gone into this.
Marion

[Kunda Lee Wicce]

"sparkles" as well. Very well stated.

Regarding "People who choose to disrespect individuals or the community will be treated with respect but their disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated," how about "will not be permitted to continue" ? Maybe another word better or best describes our intention/meaning.

Kunti

[Ronnie Garza]

Yeah, very nice Ellen. My suggestion is:

"People who choose to disrespect individuals or the community will be

treated with respect but their disrespectful behavior will be
discouraged."

On Nov 19, 4:27 pm, Kunda Lee Wicce <kundaleewi...@grandecom.net>
wrote:

[Cedric Bridgewater]

I think the no trace thing is great and can be implemented not only
with food but the info table. We need to cut down on paper waste by
geeting a printer and only print info when it is needed. We can have a
laminated copy out for people to read and if they want to bring a copy
home then we print it, or point them to a online site where they can
read it later.

> > further clarification of current codes are to be expected.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Will Wise]

As long as people care and strive to follow the rules the wording
won't exactly matter too much. No one will be standing there pointing
at the document saying the language says this or have a lawyer suing.
Hah. Anyway back in reality its a community simply saying what its
about and what it does, and allow for an immediate consensus of action
if its needed.

Its good to formally and at least verbally go over the principles of
Occupy Austin and have a document for it for everyone to see.

[RB Harris]

What Will said. I feel the document should be more a guideline than a
set of rules that should be adhered to, to the letter. And for sure,
it's a good idea to verbally review the principles, as well as provide
a copy to be made available, possibly posted on a community bulletin
board or other centralized location.

[Occupy Austin]

We have a "guideline" in place at City Hall (no drugs, no violence, no
politics, no religion), the problem, for those who have been down
there every day, is that people will break these guidelines and there
is no clear and equal way of addressing these breaches to the
guidelines. No set of rules and consequences, so it is case by case
and that is not equal. The social contract is meant to fix this
issue, BUT, if those recommending no set of "rules" would be willing,
the task is to create a safe space at City Hall without agreements and
consequences. What do ya'll think?

[Cedric Bridgewater]

I am at City Hall most of the time when I am not working and I am so sick of the crap that is going on I dont even sleep on the steps any more. For the last two nights I have sat in a chair by the info booth just so I dont have to deal with "them people". I feel embarrassed when people pass by and ask about Occupy Austin and see people walking around cursing, looking under the influence, and a slue of other stuff.   City Hall has become a waste land with no clear set of rules, code of conduct or whatever you want to call them/it. Something needs to get done soon, I am at the point that I am wishing the cops and City Hall shut it down. If the picture we have painted at city hall is what democracy looks like you can keep it.

[Don Taylor]

 I have been saying from the very beginning that the Occupy Movement needs rules, organization and stated goals. We are going to lose the good people and be left with derelicts.  Cederic you have worked too hard to let this movement wither for lack of organization.  Step up and demand some structure.  Call for a well attended GA and make something happen  Open participation does not preclude structure.  Horizontal participation yes -- Horizontal leadership NO

Donald R. Taylor

[Cedric Bridgewater]

Well I just heard some crazy news today. I heard that a secret Occupy Austin has formed and it is by invite only. I think that is why City Hall is falling apart, the ship is sinking and everyone has started boarding life boats heading for land but me and a few others who care about OA.

[Martin McDuffy]

Cedric,

We hear you.  It has been a rough road since the beginning.  We are all working to find solutions.  I just ask that you don't give up.  City hall, or no city hall.  I used to sleep there until the police started arresting you if you slept on the grass.  There was no room for me on the steps, so I stopped going there at night. 

We are going to start our 24 hour occupation of the Capital soon.  I don't know about this "secret" Occupy Austin, that might just be a rumor.  But you should at least stick around and try the Capital Occupation. 

I'm so sick of losing good people.  Please hang on if you can.

Duffy

[Marion Mlotok]

When we first started, I suggested forming and then became a member of the peacekeeping working group.  My intention was for surrounding anyone who was violent and removing them so that police wrath would not come down on us.  I saw three possibilities for violence:  law enforcement provocateur plants, people intent on violence from the get go and people who lost their tempers under the stress of a situation.  i tried to recruit people (veterans, martial arts folks) to the movement who could actively remove people, but had no success with this endeavor and didn't really pursue it as far as I could have.  The magnet and other members of the group did not have this same vision.

To succeed at removing people who aren't following agreed upon guidelines, we need people who have the courage, whom we trust and who are not volatile to step up and say they will be the security (or whatever you want to call it) working group.  I'd suggest at least 10 - 12 people be from this group be at city hall at any given time and that others commit to helping them. 

Without removing the people creating problems for the movement, people like myself will come only intermittently.  i do not feel comfortable or safe down there, particularly at night.

Unless this issue is dealt with definitively, this movement in Austin will not grow.

My two cents.  I'm open to discussion.

Marion Mlotok

[Martin McDuffy]

We can't use force on anyone.  In any way.  We can present a unified front.  We can make people feel unwelcome.  But until someone commits physical aggression, we can't use force.  And "authorizing" a group of people to do so is a really murky area.  It was tried in the beginning, and the second "peace keepers" even tried to address an issue, people gave them shit.

What we need is a new location, with no open ended handouts.  I keep pushing for Occupy to be a non-intoxication zone, a no waste zone, and a no oppression zone.  If we can agree to these things, people who are there for reasons other than Occupy, will be put off by the discipline required to participate.

[Marion Mlotok]

My concern about that is that the same people who are problems now will come to and stay at the new location.  How will it be decided who gets fed and who doesn't?  

Marion

[RB Harris]

I daresay that a portion of the CH Occupiers will not leave their current spot. And after all, we as a whole are better off in the long run expanding, rather than out-and-out relocating. As to the feeding...hmm. A couple of folks are still talking about that and working out a solution that benefits everyone involved. Nothing solid in place as of yet...not that I'm aware of, anyway.

[Will Wise]

what i hear conceptually is a new space that avoids the problems of
city hall. safe place to stay 24/7 and with more strict discipline and
expectations. maybe some logistics with the new location that address
the problem like food schedule. separate the loitering and camping
from the assembly and actions.

i am not trying to get too detailed and practical here and keep it
abstract so the need and purpose for the Community Group and
Relocation Group are clear. they are both handling the same issues.
its OK to deliberate and take time discussing this because its an
important issue for occupy austin and a pivotal moment for austin and
the nation.

we can all get frustrated at the process and environment at city hall.
people's dedication are leaving them exhausted. a little angry that
not a lot of tangible things have been accomplished after their
effort. it is not occupy's fault as a whole and no one's fault really.
these problems were adopted by occupy just as it has united many
needs. besides fixing these problems we should also pace ourselves and
be flexible in avoiding the problems to begin with. perhaps use the
energy somewhere else than city hall. community building and actions
many places and dates. maybe even get some rest away from city hall.
=)

i'm looking to occupy wall street and Berkeley for some guidance but
can't get a clear up to date picture. does anyone have some info or
rumors on occupy outside of Austin and how it has been handling this
kind of territory stuff?

[Kunda Lee Wicce]

When there is a tent community for OA, it could have an alternative monetary system, such as everyone who does some work for OA gets fed.

[Martin McDuffy]

The city hall occupation will fall apart because there will be no one there to attend to it.  I tried to pass a proposal making the move official.  The "hangers on" won't come to the capitol because we can't sleep there, and we won't have a food table.

[Cedric Bridgewater]

My fear about the move is everyone is like yes, lets do it but come on lets get real how long will most of you head to congress and protest on a regular??? I am willing to bet dollars to donuts after a week there will be less than 5 people there trying to hold on. The homeless are the only ones capable of devoting the time and energy to occupy 24/7 so we need to figure out a way to motivate and inspire them to give a dam, If not Occupy Austin will fall.  

[Ellen C. Friedman]

Thanks, all!  There's still more that I feel could be covered in the agreements and some existing could be condensed. Will try tomorrow or next day to work on it.

Ellen

[Marion Mlotok]

Tell me what's planned.  Are you saying it's a daytime only occupation?  What hours?  Every day?  It'd be great if the details were on the home page of the website.

Marion

[Brian Coalson]

I have those same questions Marion.  I see that the move is scheduled for Saturday, which to me, is not nearly enough time to get numbers out in force for a move to another location.  When OA first started, there were planning meetings going on for a while, marketing and flyering happened well in advance, networks were built, and there was 1,000+ people that showed up for the first night.  This is what we need if we want to move to the Capitol, and it's not going to be done by sending out a few tweets and throwing it up on the site.  

Personally, I don't think that the numbers are really there to move to the Capitol.  Even on large nights like when the Education march happened last Thursday, City Hall fit all the people in without much of a problem.  I would rather have a smaller space that we can fill than a huge space that makes us look small.

Also, unless we are planning a mass action to claim right to camp at the Capitol, we are going to lose our occupy presence and a lot of our power.  This is Occupy Austin, not Show Up Every Day from 5 till 10 Austin.  I know many can't occupy 24/7, and that's fine, but those that can and do are helping the movement simply with their presence.  It is politically and rhetorically meaningful and we should not give it up so easily.

--
Brian Coalson

[Anthony Floriani]

I could be wrong about this, but I think you're misunderstanding the strategy around the planned capitol presence. 

As it was explained to me, we are NOT shuddering the City Hall encampment, and we won't be moving any resources without a GA consensus. The Capitol contingent is meant to be intentionally small-ish and under-equipped as a matter of strategy. Since we can be there 24/7, and we know that other groups have in fact slept there, the intention is to go and test the water slowly. if things go well, we escalate as numbers grow, maybe adding rugs and sleeping mats, then a table or two, then a med station, and so on. There won't be an all out rush to get ourselves installed in mass numbers before police show up. It's intended to be gradual and not in conflict with City Hall.

At least, this is how I understand it.

Anyway, isn't this email thread about the social contract?

-Tony

--
Anthony Floriani

Austin, TX

[Cedric Bridgewater]

Tony you are right, it will be small and slow but 24/7, you come and do what you can then head home and someone else takes your spot. The plan is to have atleast 30 guys there at anygiven time day and night. for as sleeping I heard you can not sleep but take a two hour rest then you must get up. (LOOP HOLE) how long must I wait before I am allowed to rest again? is it stated anywhere? I am thinking we can get a two hour nap stand up stretch then lay back down.

[Don Taylor]

Do you have a list of groups that have been allowed to sleep overnight at the capitol?  We might be able to use that to get an injunction against the Troopers from  forcing OA out of the Capitol Grounds.  By the way the Capitol Occupation is a good idea.  I can’t wait to see the reporters start asking Perry about it.

[Anthony Floriani]

Devil's in the details. I should've been more clear: I've been told second hand that activists have slept on the steps. I'll try to find out more.  

[Ellen C. Friedman]

Is there a new draft of the contract in the works? If there is, I'd love to see it.

Ellen