Jamie Kifer
www.supportows.org
Occupy Newport
December 6, 2011
Dear Occupiers:
As an OWS supporter and participant, I have been afforded the opportunity to compare and contrast difficulties existing within multiple Occupy Communities. Several of these difficulties could potentially be addressed by agreeing to take the simple actions outlined within this proposal, with no real additional financial costs or countable risks to the movement in your area. If adopted locally, it could potentially prevent the strain of losing new supporters within the system during raids and rallies, it could ensure that new arrivals have the coaching they need in order to limit antagonistic behaviors and possibly avoid inciting of violence. Additionally, it would help to extend the community appeal from within the group in a more effective manner to those arriving during times of high tension, all the while alleviating some of the naturally occurring tension between veteran occupiers.
It has been my observation that during recorded events in multiple cities, it is the tendency of long term occupiers to seek the familiar faces of other long term occupiers, while this is a completely natural part of an evolving community, it leaves many new arrivals to determine the best courses of action on their own, and standing on the outskirts of the action.
This correspondence outlines the complete scope of the proposal, including objectives, procedures, identification of responsibilities, and estimated nominal fees.
OBJECTIVE
Implement a buddy system for new arrivals during periods of high tension and anxiety, in order to better track them in the event of arrests, to be able to determine if someone has gone missing, to introduce G.A. approved methods of protesting, to mentor and keep the peace of supporters to avoid accidental antagonistic behaviors, to extend the community aspect of OWS to potential long-term occupiers and to refocus the energies of veteran protestor to teaching new arrivals.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
1.Procedures
a.Assist in planning implementation of the Buddy system.
b.Recommend steps required to successfully initiate and maintain the use of the buddy system.
c.Communicate with multiple G.A.’s Nationwide regarding the use of the buddy system.
d.Monitor OWS events through feedback and live streaming videos in order to determine if the Buddy system is being used, to what extent and whether it is an effective system.
e.Solicit feedback from established OWS chapters to determine if any additional changes need to be considered as the movement itself evolves.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
This project demands significant involvement by your local OWS members. Ultimate success is highly dependent on their effort. To help achieve a smooth and successful implementation, it will be your responsibility to perform the following:
1.Determine what a reasonable number of new arrivals could be effectively monitored by one or two long-term occupiers.
2.Determine a short list of must know information that can be memorized by both new arrivals and veteran occupiers, e.g., how to respond to police, who to contact in an emergency, what can reasonably be expected to occur.
3.Write names and birthdays of new arrivals on arms or easy to access item, write contact numbers on new arrivals, such as lawyers, or general contact info.
4.If possible, introduce new arrivals to services available within the group, take photos or live stream interviews.
BENEFITS
The main benefit to initiating a buddy system during times that additional support is expected is clearly knowing who can be accounted for and when they have gone missing, which will result in fewer hours needed to track down new arrivals who have been arrested. Additional benefits include a more welcoming environment to potential long term occupiers, by making them the focus of a small group and allowing them to become familiar with individuals and services on site, and by helping to create a sense of belonging to and being needed by the OWS movement. Mentoring and coaching by seasoned occupiers could alleviate stress on new arrivals as well as provide them with tools to help prevent antagonistic behaviors, potentially leading to the prevention of additional violence. Seasoned occupiers focusing their energy on new supporters will help them renew their sense of success as individuals, and to facilitate the open armed community that can be the appeal of OWS for many long term participants. This will also allow occupiers to take a closer look at and observe the behavior of new arrivals, potentially cutting down on suspicions of infiltration or otherwise unnoticed infiltrator type behaviors-prevention through excellent service.
COSTS
Sharpies?
CLOSING
I thank you in advance for your valuable time and consideration. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Jamie Kifer
Administrator
www.supportows.org
Supportows@hotmail.com
Occupy Newport
RESPONSE
This letter correctly sets forth the understanding of the neighborhood group.
1 comment
alexis says:
Dec 20, 2011
Excellent idea in my opinion. I am glad to see this from OWS core organizers. For people to know they will not be abandoned in the potential chaos of a protest is important. It also improves group cohesiveness.
I would also reccommend having the following items in one’s pack:
gas mask( @12.oo from cheaper than dirt catalog ), emergency blanket ( less than 10.oo and folds paper thin), a group EMT or Wilderness First Responder on standby, and an alternate device ( tiny videocams
or pen recorders for example) for recording or documenting the scene. I am not meaning to sound alarmist, but at any time an incident can occur that may require an advanced level of preparedness. It is only wise to be able to have the utmost situational awareness and the supplies to take care of yourself and others.