O-C-C-U-P-Y OCCUPY, OCCUPY!

For the last little while, I've attempted to stay highly involved in the local Occupy movement for my area, OccupySLC.

I'm very active online, being stuck in an office for most of the day, and spend a lot of time on Facebook's various discussion pages. Most of that time in the recent weeks has been on the discussion forum for Occupy SLC. For the most part, it's the main gathering place for anyone interested in the Occupy movement that is local.

It has hundreds of members, and the official info page has thousands. It's an interesting place to be, that's for sure. Lots of controversial talk, those who aren't able to attend (at least, consistently) wanting to spread their opinions and have a voice, and a way to get to know the community and stay involved.

Unfortunately, these are fairly rampant

I'm a highly nonpartisan person in politics and other similar walks in life. I think about the greater good, with a focus on goals, and a grasp of the end goal but with my focus turned away from it. It helps me keep a level head when things heat up, which they most certainly continue to do so.

I need to get better about keeping this blog updated, but I have a lot to say on many subjects, and hopefully it's in a somewhat entertaining, valuable manner. This is just kind of a general intro I would say into how I view the recent Occupy Together movement.

Let me make a quick distinction that I think would assist many in understanding the recent uprising. The movement is OccupyTogether, and that's getting people educated and excited about making change GLOBALLY. The other side of things, is the steam pushing the movement locomotive, and that's the individual occupations wherever they may be. In most major cities, in those surrounding suburbs, there may be an individual occupation gaining steam.

This, as far as I know, is a very unique and 'fresh' movement as it's a global theme that we are pushing for, and that is ending greed and corruption within corporations, governments, and I think in the end, it will lead to destroying that within ourselves, and that is a beautiful thing and great light to have at the end of a tunnel we've been crawling through for so many years.

I won't be the most precise and accurate with what I say in the moment, admittedly, but the joyous thing is that as I continue on, I will only learn more about the world, economics, government, society, local city, and myself. If I can keep it up, I can track the transformation within myself and others through this current medium.

Now the reason I bring up the online side of things first, is that is where a vast majority will get their jumping off point in deciding how they see the movement and more particularly, the occupation in SLC. It is the most accessible, and most controversial. There is constant, diverse activity both on the info and specifically the discussion page. But the real magic is when you experience it for yourself.

I have been down at the occupation, in person, for much of my time in the last little while. It's a personal conflict to say I'm disappointed I'm currently working, as I would like to dedicate so much more time and energy down there personally but it's hard to work 8 hours, sleep 8 hours, and still join committees, make meetings, and dedicate time to volunteering for the occupation's community.

I'll spare you the details of camp specifics for now, as they are constantly evolving and I'm not up to speed on the most recent advancements, but some general info was needed before I truly break into blogging again as I'm hoping the occupation will live on for a long time, and I myself will be able to chronicle the events in my own way.

I have camped out overnight sleeping in the bitter, piercing cold many nights, woken up to a beautiful day and coffee, with a light breakfast, a meditation, and heading back to work. It has been a very productive, and enlightening schedule on top of how much I learn with the discussions and presentations that are constantly going on at the camp. I do what I can to help out, stay involved and up to date after work and online.

The first few days were the most fresh, beautiful days I've experienced in a very long time. I was instantly embraced into a new community, and felt I had great things to do. I'm still reserved, but vigilant, on what is happening, going on, and my thoughts on all motions. I encourage everyone to check out all aspects of the movement, and especially check out the camp itself. Just do me a favor, and leave your inhibitions at the curb, and view the park and occupation for what it is in that moment, and not the social stigma previously attached to the movement, its participants, locations, cultures, etc.

This is probably enough for now. I have a tendency to quickly and intricately build walls of text that I assume can be intimidating. I won't be spreading the word on this particular article or issue for a little time to come yet, but hopefully something valuable is to come from it. If anyone ever checks this out, has some criticism or additional info to add, be more than happy to contact me about it through whatever means, and that goes for everything that I write.

Thanks for your time and I'd appreciate it if you gained anything from this, to check it out as time goes on. I'll try to keep it updated.

Sincerely,

--Bronson

OccupySLC Main Info page
OccupySLC Discussion Page