These FAQs do not constitute “official statements,” which are only issued by the General Assembly itself. They are merely our attempt at providing brief responses to the questions most commonly asked of Occupy Brooklyn participants.
What is Occupy Brooklyn?
It means something a bit different to each person. See our most recent attempt to answer that question by clicking here. Occupy Brooklyn is sometimes shortened to OBK.
What’s with these abbreviations: OBK, OWS, WG, GA, OBKGA?
As with any group, we know too many acronyms just lead to unnecessary confusion and bureaucratic nonsense and try not to use them. Nevertheless, sometimes space and brevity dictate shortening things. OBK=Occupy Brooklyn. OWS=Occupy Wall Street. WG=Working Group. GA=General Assembly. OBKGA = Occupy Brooklyn General Assembly.
What is a General Assembly?
The General Assembly is a gathering of people committed to making decisions based upon a collective agreement or “consensus.” There is no single leader or governing body of the General Assembly – everyone’s voice is equal. Anyone is free to propose an idea or express an opinion. General Assemblies are commonly called “GAs.” They are usually facilitated by a changing group of volunteers who, in service to and at the request of the General Assembly, attempt to coordinate a fair, constructive, and horizontal discussion. While many base their approach off of those used at Occupy Wall Street, each GA adopts a process of consensus that reflects its unique needs.
What is direct action?
A direct action is a broad term that can be used to refer to rallies, protests, sit-ins, occupations, community service events, etc.
What is a working group?
Within the General Assembly, there are smaller gatherings known as “Working Groups” that focus on supporting specific processes required for the group to function or organizing around topics relevant to the movement. These range from Outreach, Direct Action, and Facilitation to Political Prisoners, Language & Culture, and Food. All groups are open to anyone interested in supporting. You can see and join all of Occupy Brooklyn’s working groups by visiting: http://occupybk.org/groups/
Where are you occupying?
Occupy Brooklyn is not occupying a space in the borough, though doing so is regularly discussed. We’re currently focusing on building support for the movement, establishing an effective General Assembly, and mobilizing our communities for focused direct actions.
How are you related to Occupy Wall Street?
Occupy Wall Street is often used to refer to the global movement and to the specific group and encampment at Liberty Plaza in Manhattan. Obviously, Occupy Brooklyn exists in solidarity with the national and global Occupy movement and participants considers themselves part of that broader community.
Many OBK participants are also active at Liberty Plaza/Zuccotti Park. Yet, we are autonomous from our friends at the OWS occupation site, and our principles and actions are defined at Brooklyn General Assemblies. This precise nature of this relationship is evolving, and this is a continuing discussion at OBK General Assembly meetings and in working groups.
How are you related to the NYC General Assembly?
The NYC General Assembly refers to the collective body at Liberty Plaza. It sparked the Occupy movement and reached consensus on ideas and actions that inspired occupations worldwide. It also addresses local concerns relevant to occupants of Liberty Plaza. As such, its decisions, like those of all General Assemblies, are independent and represent only those participating there. Likewise, the Brooklyn General Assembly’s decisions and considerations are unique to its local needs.
How are you related to occupybrooklyn.org and @occupybrooklyn?
The Occupy movement is filled with autonomous individuals taking action to stand up for the movement and give voice to their neighborhoods. As a result, there are many sites that may use language that are not directly affiliated with the Occupy Brooklyn General Assembly. OccupyBrooklyn.org and @occupybrooklyn are two such sites. The Occupy Brooklyn GA has named OccupyBK.org, @OccupyBKGA, and Facebook.com/OccupyBrooklyn as its designated accounts.