[OccupyComms] Winter Carnival Proposal for Occupations

[rachel mariner]

>
> Dear Occupy all of the UK:
>
> If you were at the conference in London on 19-20 Nov, you might have heard
> of the Winter Carnival proposal.
>
>
> We
> have a vision of a way to expand the movement beyond the tents and into
> the populace, using the natural alliance the Occupy Movement has with
> churches.  This alliance is not one of belief, but one of urgent goals:
> economic and social justice, true democracy and caring for the weakest in
> our society.
>
> We
> have a vision of growing the movement to truly encompass the 99%.  We have
> a vision of the people of Britain coming together this winter and
> lighting their dark streets, walking shoulder to shoulder together and
> acknowledging their common goal of a more just world for their children.
>
>
> This
> vision involves a Winter Carnival – a local event held at the Cathedral
> by and for the Occupation and any allies who come forward.  One part of
> the Winter Carnival may be a visit from a “Touring Occupation”
> originating in London.
>
> One
> part may be a debate held inside the Cathedral.   In 1647, the
> Levellers held debates at Putney Cathedral to determine what course the
> people of the UK wanted the country to take – apart from the monarchy
> and the existing government. What do we want and how do we get there?
> The time has come to have that dialogue anew.
>
>
> For both the church (any church - the Church Universal) and the
> Occupation, the goal here is outreach.  The idea is that any
> organization would be welcome to participate, from local green parties
> and activists like UK Uncut to churches and faith groups of all
> descriptions.  The idea is that we stand together and celebrate the fact
> that the ideas of the Occupation are already beginning to triumph.  But
> we need to truly reach the 99%. We want to start that process of outreach
> by walking in the streets with all
> our allies, lighting the darkness of winter with candles, by engaging,
> teaching, listening and learning.
>
> We have contacted about 22 bishops and may have contacted one near you.  Salisbury
> and Leicester have already shown interest.
>
> Would
> you be interested in working with us to bring a Winter Carnival to
> your city?  It would be work, but it is the kind of work and organizing
> that can be done by supporters who are not able to camp.
>
> Below
> is a proposal for you to consider and perhaps bring to your General
> Assembly or outside supporter.  Please let us know if you would like to do
> something like this with us or even if you want to know who we contacted
> near you and whether they have responded.
> Note this is an idea in development - a
> very powerful idea that could really bring the movement forward - but it
> has not yet been approved by the General Assembly at St. Paul’s or
> Finsbury Square.
>
>
> Kind regards
>
>
> Winter Carnival Committee
>
> Contact
> Rachel Mariner  * 07960907937
>
>
>
> Winter Carnival
> General Proposal
>
> Whereas Occupy London has accomplished the beginning of a great moral
> awakening in Britain;
>
> Whereas
> the Church of England, the Church Universal, people of many other
> faiths and people of no faith share the goals of a more moral
> marketplace and a more moral government put forth by the Occupation;
>
> Whereas
> a public forum throughout all of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern
> Ireland, is greatly to be desired by everyone who seeks to understand,
> decide and support the reforms necessary;
>
> Whereas the spirit of the movement must spread beyond the camps or be in
> danger of diminishing;
>
> AND FINALLY, whereas this is a land with a rich history of festivals:
>
> THERE IS PROPOSED a Winter Carnival
>
> There
> is proposed a great Winter Carnival, to roll through all of Britain
> from Cathedral to Cathedral.  These Cathedrals are our commonwealth and
> they and the national Church of England should be pressed into service
> in this time of injustice and moral crisis.
>
> Winter Carnival could have multiple components.
>
> Candlelight Walk:
>   A symbolic candelit walk beginning at St. Paul’s could start the
> Carnival – a victory march that recognizes the triumph of awakening the
> Occupation has started.  The walk could go through London to St. Albans,
> Southwark, Westminster and beyond.  In each city, the Occupiers could
> arrive at the train station and be met by local supporters, local
> activists, people of faith and people in need.  They could then walk,
> holding candles, to the Cathedrals.  A spreading of light.
>
> Putney Debates:
>  As in 1647, the Cathedrals could host debates or town meetings where
> the governmental and economic reform we seek could be refined,
> discussed, considered and our different options learned.  Occupy and the
> Church could invite speakers and leaders to hold public meetings about
> how we as a people want to live.  A written constitution and bill of
> rights could be drafted by a travelling working group.
>
> Open Forums:
> at the carnival, all interested parties, including people of the
> churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, the Occupy movements, people from
> political parties and interest groups and grass roots organizations,
> would come and talk about how to make change for the better.
>
> Reclaiming of Government: A
> walk from the Cathedral to the government buildings – the town halls –
> where people could hold a General Assembly, airing their grievances in
> this winter of our discontent.
>
> Heritage:  Open
> the Cathedrals to the Occupiers and children and have history teachers
> explain the martyrs, and the historical role of the Church in securing
> greater liberty for the people.  Let us hear the stories of the martyrs
> and progress and reform.  Let us remember our own past together.
>
> Wine, Feasting and Song:  Local amateur bands could play, local suppliers
> could offer food, mittens and mulled wine and fairy lights, a celebration
> to raise our spirits and by
> raising our spirits raising our humanity.
>
> Practical Help:  The touring and local Occupations could assist at local
> foodbanks, homeless
> shelters and elder care centres to bring attention to local cuts
> issues.
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