“Left and Right Wing Populism” - Bryan McCann
Populism describes political strategies that proclaim support for “the people” against “elites.” Historically, it has taken on a number of forms and is routinely used by the left and the right. This panel takes stock in this effective, if potentially dangerous, brand of politics by exploring its nature, uses across the political spectrum, and its relevance for the 99%"
“Health and Safety for Activists” - Kat Donnelly
What can you do before, during and after an action to stay healthy?
Get your questions answered! Learn about health issues faced during
demonstrations and Occupy encampments and ways to keep yourself and
others emotionally and physically well.
“Neighborhoods of Resistance: A Discussion Panel on the Struggle Against Evictions” - Moderator: Joe Mcguire
Join our discussion as we figure out what we've learned from our experiences in fighting foreclosures and where we should go from here. Hear from people who have fought eviction and won, as well as those who are still struggling.
“Reform or Revolution?” - David R. (Detroit), Courtney Biernat (St. Louis)
Across the broad spectrum of beliefs, ideologies, and extended communities that comprise Occupy, there are two defining camps that have emerged: those who wish to reform Capitalism, and those who wish to eschew the system altogether. We will be examining the historical question of ‘Reform or Revolution?’. Our goal is to present an information-based workshop incorporating History, Economics, along with current events, in order to facilitate a follow-up discussion. This is an important conversation to be having, as it will direct our focus moving forward and how we plan our actions accordingly.
“Banks and the Crisis in Detroit: How the foreclosure crisis created Detroit's fiscal deficit and why a moratorium on on municipal debt service and home foreclosures is needed now.”
Panelists will discuss the role of the banks in the crisis facing the City of Detroit, the role of the taxpayer-owned Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the foreclosure epidemic, and the disproportionate impact of the economic crisis on African Americans.
“Southwest Detroit Walking Tour” - Dianne Feeley
This short SW Detroit walking tour will discuss the city's industrialization both before and during the rise of the auto industry at the turn of the 20th century. It will focus on the city's 2nd sit down, at Kelsey-Hayes Wheel in December 1936. Less than a week after the employer agreed to recognize the union, GM workers in Flint began their sit down, setting off a wave of sit downs.
“ Long Term Strategy in Occupy.” - David Olo - Occupy Chicago
"Adapting concepts from neuroscience and grassroots DIY projects, A Team of Rivals is going to be putting together a framework that will allow everyone from Occupy to submit, develop, and test ideas to build our long term strategy toward accomplishing various goals"
"Fighting to Win: Drawing Lessons And Conclusions From Occupy's Victories and Defeats" BAMN
Serious, frank, and critical discussions of the experiences of the Occupy movement. For those not merely satisfied with just merely being on the right side of history, and who reject the notion that movements for progress are guaranteed to lose this workshop is for you!
“One on ones and building organizations from the bottom up.” - Bradley Ross
The description would be: Learn how to conduct effective one on ones to help bring people into the cause and foster relationships in the community. Use a 5 step method to get people involved and keep them interested. Commonly used tools of organizers that have a track record of building well-functioning organizations and good communities.
"Starving for Democracy: The Colombia-GM Hunger Strike and Its Relevance for US Workers"
This panel will examine the ongoing hunger strike of fired GM workers in Bogota, Colombia, that started August 1st. Many of the workers have sewn their mouths shut to demand that GM compensate them for the injuries and illnesses they suffered in the company's Colombia plant. The presentations will also explore the connections between the struggle for workers' rights in Colombia and here in the United States.
“Communist Manifesto and the "Occupy" movement of 1848.” - Chris Ringdal - International Socialist Organization
The Communist Manifesto is the world's second most published book, after only the Bible.
Since it was first written in 1848, the Manifesto has been translated into more languages than any other text.
It has been banned, censored, burned, and declared dead.
In 1848 it was alive.
Chris explains why it still is today.