Ten Reasons Why the Occupy Movement Changes Everything

Many question whether this movement can really make a difference. The truth is that it is already changing everything. Here’s how:

1.  It names the source of the crisis. The problems of the 99% are caused by Wall Street greed, corrupt banks, and a corporate take-over of the political system. 

2.  It provides a clear vision of the world we want. We can create a world that works for everyone, not just the wealthiest 1%.

3.  It sets a new standard for public debate. Those advocating policies and proposals must now demonstrate that their ideas will benefit the 99%. Serving only the 1% is no longer sufficient.

4.  It presents a new narrative. The solution is no longer to starve government, but to free society and government from corporate dominance. 

5.  It creates a big tent.  We, the 99%, are made up of people of all ages, races, occupations, and political beliefs, and we are learning to work together with respect.

6.  It offers everyone a chance to create change. No one is in charge. Anyone can get involved and make things happen.

7.  It is a movement, not a list of demands.  The call for transformative structural change, not temporary fixes and single-issue reforms, is the movement’s sustaining power.

8.  It combines the local and the global. People are setting their own local agendas, tactics, and aims. But we also share solidarity, communication, and vision at the global level.

9.  It offers an ethic and practice of deep democracy and community. Patient decision-making translates into wisdom and common commitment when every voice is heard. Occupy sites are communities where anyone can discuss grievances, hopes, and dreams in an atmosphere of mutual support. 

10.  We have reclaimed our power. Instead of looking to politicians and leaders to bring about change, we can see now that the power rests with us. Instead of being victims to the forces upending our lives, we are claiming our sovereign right to remake the world.

Developed by the staff of YES! Magazine and Steve Piersanti of Berrett-Koehler Publishers. You can purchase the book here.

This “10 Ways” list is available for copying, reproduction, and distribution under a Creative Commons Attribution NoDerivs (CC BY-ND) license, which allows for redistribution, commercial and non-commercial, as long as it is passed along unchanged and in whole, with credit to the original publication in this book.