wiki.occupyboston.org - User contributions [en]

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-04-09T06:13:13Z

PaulB5:

[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Sustainable_Economy Back to the Sustainable Economy Working Group Page]]

List rating groups for discussion at the next meeting. Perhaps describe why you like them. And/or issues to discuss about them.

Please put your initials by the groups you add, and next to any comments, so we know who's doing what, without having to search through the history.

NOTE: The three categories are listed after each with a yes or no, as to what the ratings cover. If you think the yes/no is incorrect, change it and put your reasoning/initials. (please leave the "br" in "brackets")

= ''Rating agencies and membership organizations where membership indicates alignment with the values of the occupy movement.'' =

Assembled to help guide sustainable consumption. 
The plan is to identify which local businesses in the Boston area are aligned with the values of the Occupy movement in terms of their commitment to protecting the environment, creating meaningful and fair employment, and contributing to the community.
 
Because we don’t have the resources to rate each business individually, we decided to identify appropriate ratings agencies. We also decided that certain classes of business, such as worker-owned cooperatives, were probably inherently aligned with Occupy values. The task between now and our next meeting is to comb through the directories of these agencies to identify those businesses that are located in the Boston area.
 

 '''1. GREEN AMERICA''' (Paul B.) -- [http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm] This group lists 93 businesses in Massachusetts they have certified to be socially and environmentally positive. But not all of them might meet our SEWG's criterion of LOCALLY community-building, so we might need to consider those on a case-by-case basis. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

- Wes

 '''2. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS NETWORK ''' (Paul B.) -- This lists certified businesses in Cambridge -- [http://cambridgelocalfirst.org/business-directory/ http://cambridgelocalfirst.org/business-directory/] ; in Somerville -- [http://www.somervillelocalfirst.org/our-members/ http://www.somervillelocalfirst.org/our-members/] ; and in Worcester -- [http://www.worcesterlocalfirst.org/WLF/members.pdf http://www.worcesterlocalfirst.org/WLF/members.pdf] ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.)

- Susan

 '''4. INSTITUTE FOR GREEN BUSINESS ''' (Wes N.) -- [http://www.gbcertified.com/ http://www.gbcertified.com/] This certification focuses on environmental sustainability only. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

- Wes

 '''5. NORTHEAST ORGANIC FARMING, NOFA/MASS ''' (Wes N.) -- The Organic Food Guide, certified organic farms in Massachusetts. [http://theorganicfoodguide.com/ http://theorganicfoodguide.com/] Certified organic by Baystate Organic Certifiers. [http://baystateorganic.org/ http://baystateorganic.org/] ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.)

- Terra's Results: [[Northeast Organic Farming Map of Farms]]

 '''6. CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED ORGANIC FARMERS, CCOF ''' (Wes N.) -- Nationwide searchable directory of organic product suppliers. [http://www.ccof.org/directories.php http://www.ccof.org/directories.php] Here is their certification info. [http://www.ccof.org/certification.php http://www.ccof.org/certification.php] ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

- Terra's Results: [[California Certified Organic Farmers in Our Region]]

 '''7. FOOD ALLIANCE ''' (Wes N.) -- [http://foodalliance.org/certification http://foodalliance.org/certification] Low-spray agriculture (not organic), designed to assure safe and humane treatment of animals, workers, and environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

- Terra's Results: [[Food Alliance Rated Companies in our region]]

 '''8. WORKER-OWNED COMPANIES ''' (Paul B.) -- [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_worker_cooperatives#United_States http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_worker_cooperatives#United_States] This is Wikipedia's list for the entire USA, but many of the companies are actually local Massachusetts firms. (Even some that don't show their location in the list, do show Massachusetts in the website that is linked to their name in the list.) ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.)- 

'''9. 'B'-Corporations'''

'''10. Slow Food'''

'''11. Rudolf-Steiner'''

'''12. Boston Community Capital '''

- Susan

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-03-23T00:02:41Z

PaulB5:

[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Sustainable_Economy Back to the Sustainable Economy Working Group Page]]

List rating groups for discussion at the next meeting. Perhaps describe why you like them. And/or issues to discuss about them.

Please put your initials by the groups you add, and next to any comments, so we know who's doing what, without having to search through the history.

NOTE: The three categories are listed after each with a yes or no, as to what the ratings cover. If you think the yes/no is incorrect, change it and put your reasoning/initials. (please leave the "br" in "brackets")

= '''Rating agencies and membership organizations where membership indicates alignment with the values of the occupy movement.''' =

Assembled to help guide sustainable consumption.

 '''1. GREEN AMERICA''' (Paul B.) -- [http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm] This group lists 93 businesses in Massachusetts they have certified to be socially and environmentally positive. But not all of them might meet our SEWG's criterion of LOCALLY community-building, so we might need to consider those on a case-by-case basis. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

- Wes

 '''2. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS NETWORK ''' (Paul B.) -- This lists certified businesses in Cambridge -- [http://cambridgelocalfirst.org/business-directory/ http://cambridgelocalfirst.org/business-directory/] ; in Somerville -- [http://www.somervillelocalfirst.org/our-members/ http://www.somervillelocalfirst.org/our-members/] ; and in Worcester -- [http://www.worcesterlocalfirst.org/WLF/members.pdf http://www.worcesterlocalfirst.org/WLF/members.pdf] ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.)

- Susan

 '''4. INSTITUTE FOR GREEN BUSINESS ''' (Wes N.) -- [http://www.gbcertified.com/ http://www.gbcertified.com/] This certification focuses on environmental sustainability only. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

- Wes

 '''5. NORTHEAST ORGANIC FARMING, NOFA/MASS ''' (Wes N.) -- The Organic Food Guide, certified organic farms in Massachusetts. [http://theorganicfoodguide.com/ http://theorganicfoodguide.com/] Certified organic by Baystate Organic Certifiers. [http://baystateorganic.org/ http://baystateorganic.org/] ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.)

- Terra

 '''6. CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED ORGANIC FARMERS, CCOF ''' (Wes N.) -- Nationwide searchable directory of organic product suppliers. [http://www.ccof.org/directories.php http://www.ccof.org/directories.php] Here is their certification info. [http://www.ccof.org/certification.php http://www.ccof.org/certification.php] ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

- Terra

 '''7. FOOD ALLIANCE ''' (Wes N.) -- [http://foodalliance.org/certification http://foodalliance.org/certification] Low-spray agriculture (not organic), designed to assure safe and humane treatment of animals, workers, and environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

- Terra

 '''8. WORKER-OWNED COMPANIES ''' (Paul B.) -- [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_worker_cooperatives#United_States http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_worker_cooperatives#United_States] This is Wikipedia's list for the entire USA, but many of the companies are actually local Massachusetts firms. (Even some that don't show their location in the list, do show Massachusetts in the website that is linked to their name in the list.) ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.)- 

'''9. B Corporations''' '''10. Slow Food''' '''11. Rodulf-Steiner'''

'''12. Boston Community Capital '''

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-03-22T23:59:11Z

PaulB5:

[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Sustainable_Economy Back to the Sustainable Economy Working Group Page]]

List rating groups for discussion at the next meeting. Perhaps describe why you like them. And/or issues to discuss about them.

Please put your initials by the groups you add, and next to any comments, so we know who's doing what, without having to search through the history.

NOTE: The three categories are listed after each with a yes or no, as to what the ratings cover. If you think the yes/no is incorrect, change it and put your reasoning/initials. (please leave the "br" in "brackets")

= '''Rating agencies and membership organizations where membership indicates alignment with the values of the occupy movement.''' =
Assembled to help guide sustainable consumption.

'''1. GREEN AMERICA''' (Paul B.) -- [http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm] This group lists 93 businesses in Massachusetts they have certified to be socially and environmentally positive. But not all of them might meet our SEWG's criterion of LOCALLY community-building, so we might need to consider those on a case-by-case basis. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

 '''2. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS NETWORK ''' (Paul B.) -- This lists certified businesses in Cambridge -- [http://cambridgelocalfirst.org/business-directory/ http://cambridgelocalfirst.org/business-directory/] ; in Somerville -- [http://www.somervillelocalfirst.org/our-members/ http://www.somervillelocalfirst.org/our-members/] ; and in Worcester -- [http://www.worcesterlocalfirst.org/WLF/members.pdf http://www.worcesterlocalfirst.org/WLF/members.pdf] ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.)

 '''4. INSTITUTE FOR GREEN BUSINESS ''' (Wes N.) -- [http://www.gbcertified.com/ http://www.gbcertified.com/] This certification focuses on environmental sustainability only. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

 '''5. NORTHEAST ORGANIC FARMING, NOFA/MASS ''' (Wes N.) -- The Organic Food Guide, certified organic farms in Massachusetts. [http://theorganicfoodguide.com/ http://theorganicfoodguide.com/] Certified organic by Baystate Organic Certifiers. [http://baystateorganic.org/ http://baystateorganic.org/] ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.)

 '''6. CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED ORGANIC FARMERS, CCOF ''' (Wes N.) -- Nationwide searchable directory of organic product suppliers. [http://www.ccof.org/directories.php http://www.ccof.org/directories.php] Here is their certification info. [http://www.ccof.org/certification.php http://www.ccof.org/certification.php] ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

 '''7. FOOD ALLIANCE ''' (Wes N.) -- [http://foodalliance.org/certification http://foodalliance.org/certification] Low-spray agriculture (not organic), designed to assure safe and humane treatment of animals, workers, and environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

 '''8. WORKER-OWNED COMPANIES ''' (Paul B.) -- [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_worker_cooperatives#United_States http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_worker_cooperatives#United_States] This is Wikipedia's list for the entire USA, but many of the companies are actually local Massachusetts firms. (Even some that don't show their location in the list, do show Massachusetts in the website that is linked to their name in the list.) ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.)- 

'''9. B Corporations'''
'''10. Slow Food'''
'''11. Rodulf-Steiner 

'''12. Boston Community Capital '''

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-03-22T23:44:45Z

PaulB5:

[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Sustainable_Economy Back to the Sustainable Economy Working Group Page]]

List rating groups for discussion at the next meeting. Perhaps describe why you like them. And/or issues to discuss about them.

Please put your initials by the groups you add, and next to any comments, so we know who's doing what, without having to search through the history.

NOTE: The three categories are listed after each with a yes or no, as to what the ratings cover. If you think the yes/no is incorrect, change it and put your reasoning/initials. (please leave the "br" in "brackets")

= '''Rating agencies and membership organizations where membership indicates alignment with the values of the occupy movement.''' =

'''1. GREEN AMERICA''' (Paul B.) -- [http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm] This group lists 93 businesses in Massachusetts they have certified to be socially and environmentally positive. But not all of them might meet our SEWG's criterion of LOCALLY community-building, so we might need to consider those on a case-by-case basis. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

 '''2. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS NETWORK ''' (Paul B.) -- This lists certified businesses in Cambridge -- [http://cambridgelocalfirst.org/business-directory/ http://cambridgelocalfirst.org/business-directory/] ; in Somerville -- [http://www.somervillelocalfirst.org/our-members/ http://www.somervillelocalfirst.org/our-members/] ; and in Worcester -- [http://www.worcesterlocalfirst.org/WLF/members.pdf http://www.worcesterlocalfirst.org/WLF/members.pdf] ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.)

 '''4. INSTITUTE FOR GREEN BUSINESS ''' (Wes N.) -- [http://www.gbcertified.com/ http://www.gbcertified.com/] This certification focuses on environmental sustainability only. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

 '''5. NORTHEAST ORGANIC FARMING, NOFA/MASS ''' (Wes N.) -- The Organic Food Guide, certified organic farms in Massachusetts. [http://theorganicfoodguide.com/ http://theorganicfoodguide.com/] Certified organic by Baystate Organic Certifiers. [http://baystateorganic.org/ http://baystateorganic.org/] ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.)

 '''6. CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED ORGANIC FARMERS, CCOF ''' (Wes N.) -- Nationwide searchable directory of organic product suppliers. [http://www.ccof.org/directories.php http://www.ccof.org/directories.php] Here is their certification info. [http://www.ccof.org/certification.php http://www.ccof.org/certification.php] ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

 '''7. FOOD ALLIANCE ''' (Wes N.) -- [http://foodalliance.org/certification http://foodalliance.org/certification] Low-spray agriculture (not organic), designed to assure safe and humane treatment of animals, workers, and environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.)

 '''8. WORKER-OWNED COMPANIES ''' (Paul B.) -- [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_worker_cooperatives#United_States http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_worker_cooperatives#United_States] This is Wikipedia's list for the entire USA, but many of the companies are actually local Massachusetts firms. (Even some that don't show their location in the list, do show Massachusetts in the website that is linked to their name in the list.) ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.)

Sustainable Economy

2012-03-22T19:07:28Z

PaulB5: /* Meeting Minutes */

== About Sustainable Economy ==

Our current economic system is becoming more and more unequal [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_inequality_in_the_United_States] and unsustainable, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability] socially, fiscally, and environmentally. While it serves the needs of some, it fails to serve, and even oppresses the needs of others. We see this as unfair, unstable, and unsustainable and we believe that it does not have to be that way. Our goal is to transition toward a societal structure which can become more fair and economically equal over time. Our goal is to create an economy that works for everyone, in harmony with the laws of nature.

A "sustainable economy" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_economy] is an economy in which success is judged, not merely in terms of financial profit, but in accounting for social and environmental factors as well. This is known, in the business world, as the "triple bottom line". All factors must be present in judging the success of an enterprise. If one element is failing, the whole entity is failing and the system is in danger of collapse. Many businesses are adopting a triple bottom line philiosophy as a more holistic approach to assessing value and determining success for the long term. See more on triple bottom line philosophy [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_bottom_line]

Our success, as humans and as a society, should be measured in terms of individual prosperity, quality of life, our ability to minimize suffering, and of the "thrive-ability" of life on the planet. The US corporate structures and the domination structures of government are structures which disregard the overall health of the planet, and has very limited, short term sights on the health of the economy.

Stock exchanges around the world are all geared primarily toward profit. In fact, it is US corporate law which *requires* publicly traded corporations to pursue profits above all else. We believe there should be more to business than just profit.

See also, the [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Social_Enterprise_Working_Group Social Enterprise Working Group]] if you're interested in starting or working with Co-operatives, collectives, and/or Social Enterprises.

== Working Vision Statement ==

To transform our local economy into a community that provides for human and planetary needs through means that exemplify the shared values of the Occupy movement.

== Working Mission Statement ==

1. To create awareness and encourage education around ways to develop a sustainable economy. 2. To suggest and/or demonstrate actions that all people can take to improve the economy. 3. To promote the local independent creation of opportunities for individual, sustainable livelihoods.

==Goals of this working group (draft!)==

- EXPLORE the meanings of the word "sustainability" and

- CREATE AWARENESS within the Occupy Boston Community and the Boston region about the various ideas of what a "sustainable economy" might look like, so as to help ensure that OB statements and actions encourage society's move to a more sustainable society

- DISCUSS detailed practices and positions that will send the message regarding change that we believe is productive.

- DETERMINE legislative, individual practices that we believe strongly in. This task includes ECONOMIC MODELING of proposed practices/policies.

- ENCOURAGE Business and Government leaders, and Occupy Boston Working Groups to enjoy sustainable business practices.

- ADVOCATE with key public officials and the media to encourage the use of a more productive language that helps society both understand sustainability, and and move toward changes that we support.

- FOCUS on policies for businesses "external" to OB, including possible public policy reforms.

- COORDINATE with other OB working groups, in particular the [[Social Enterprise Working Group]](focused on Social Enterprise policy discussions), and the Social Enterprises themselves, as they form. Also with industry-level working groups focused on business, like the banking working group (no wiki yet), the trading/derivatives working group (no wiki yet), and other relevant groups, like the environment group.

==Ways to make the economy more sustainable==

1. [[Set of ethical business practices]] to evaluate businesses by.

2. [[Companies to Boycott and Divest From | Harmful companies]] to boycott and divest from.

3. An interactive shopping guide, [http://www.greenamerica.org/programs/responsibleshopper/index.cfm Responsible Shopper], from Green America helps you figure out which companies to buy from and invest in.

4. A searchable directory of ethical businesses at Green America's [http://www.greenpages.org/ National Green Pages] to buy from and invest in.

5. [http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm Green Business Seal of Approval] from Green America.

6. [[Buy Local | Directories of local businesses]] to support. (Buy Local)

7. [[Socially Responsible Business Associations | Socially responsible business associations]] for businesses to join.

8. [[Ethical Economic Models | Ethical economic models]] to explore.

9. [[Legislation to Promote Ethical Businesses | Ethical business legislation ideas]] to promote ethical businesses and penalize harmful businesses.

10. [[Books, articles, and other resources]] analyzing economic problems and offering solutions.

==Possible Projects to Work On==

1. Organize a day to divest-reinvest, such as Community Reinvestment Day. People can choose to either divest from all corporations on Wall Street or only from particularly harmful corporations. Encourage supporting socially responsible investment firms for those wishing a more traditional route.

2. Feature and honor people who make public announcements of divesting in Wall Street harmful businesses and investing in ethical businesses and local businesses on Main Street.

3. Collaborate with local banks, and credit unions to form special funds for community reinvestment. The local bank or credit union would make loans from these funds to local businesses and non-profits that meet certain criteria of ethical behavior, such as serving the local community. The community investors would receive a financial return on their investments.

4. Examine "rating" groups to see which ones we like. Put potential ones here for discussion at the next meeting: [[Sustainable Economy Rating Groups]]

==Sustainable Economy Rating Groups==

One of our on-going projects is to gather up, review and then public a list of rating groups to help us as a society make our world a better place. [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Sustainable_Economy_Rating_Groups See the list here]] and contribute!

=="Crowdfunding"==

Comparing the 3 bills now in Congress. House has passed one ("H.R.2930"). Senate has two others under consideration and open for your comment and input ("S.1791" & "S.1970").

==Contact==

[mailto:SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org] Email us if you have questions.

[https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainableeconomy Sign up] for our email list to join our working group.

[[Category:Working groups]]

==Meeting Minutes==
[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/a/af/Minutes_Feb_15_2012.pdf Minutes Feb 15 2012]]

[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/a/af/Minutes_March_1_2012.pdf‎ Minutes March 1 2012]]

==Name Change Notice==

The Sustainable Economy Working Group was formerly called Community Reinvestment.

The name was changed to encompass a broader perspective and to focus more on the issue of sustainability.

File:Minutes March 1 2012.pdf

2012-03-22T19:04:16Z

PaulB5:

Sustainable Economy

2012-03-01T04:59:03Z

PaulB5: /* "Crowdfunding" */

== About Sustainable Economy ==

Our current economic system is becoming more and more unequal [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_inequality_in_the_United_States] and unsustainable, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability] socially, fiscally, and environmentally. While it serves the needs of some, it fails to serve, and even oppresses the needs of others. We see this as unfair, unstable, and unsustainable and we believe that it does not have to be that way. Our goal is to transition toward a societal structure which can become more fair and economically equal over time. Our goal is to create an economy that works for everyone, in harmony with the laws of nature.

A "sustainable economy" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_economy] is an economy in which success is judged, not merely in terms of financial profit, but in accounting for social and environmental factors as well. This is known, in the business world, as the "triple bottom line". All factors must be present in judging the success of an enterprise. If one element is failing, the whole entity is failing and the system is in danger of collapse. Many businesses are adopting a triple bottom line philiosophy as a more holistic approach to assessing value and determining success for the long term. See more on triple bottom line philosophy [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_bottom_line]

Our success, as humans and as a society, should be measured in terms of individual prosperity, quality of life, our ability to minimize suffering, and of the "thrive-ability" of life on the planet. The US corporate structures and the domination structures of government are structures which disregard the overall health of the planet, and has very limited, short term sights on the health of the economy.

Stock exchanges around the world are all geared primarily toward profit. In fact, it is US corporate law which *requires* publicly traded corporations to pursue profits above all else. We believe there should be more to business than just profit.

See also, the [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Social_Enterprise_Working_Group Social Enterprise Working Group]] if you're interested in starting or working with Co-operatives, collectives, and/or Social Enterprises.

== Working Vision Statement ==

To transform our local economy into a community that provides for human and planetary needs through means that exemplify the shared values of the Occupy movement.

== Working Mission Statement ==

1. To create awareness and encourage education around ways to develop a sustainable economy. 2. To suggest and/or demonstrate actions that all people can take to improve the economy. 3. To promote the local independent creation of opportunities for individual, sustainable livelihoods.

==Goals of this working group (draft!)==

- EXPLORE the meanings of the word "sustainability" and

- CREATE AWARENESS within the Occupy Boston Community and the Boston region about the various ideas of what a "sustainable economy" might look like, so as to help ensure that OB statements and actions encourage society's move to a more sustainable society

- DISCUSS detailed practices and positions that will send the message regarding change that we believe is productive.

- DETERMINE legislative, individual practices that we believe strongly in. This task includes ECONOMIC MODELING of proposed practices/policies.

- ENCOURAGE Business and Government leaders, and Occupy Boston Working Groups to enjoy sustainable business practices.

- ADVOCATE with key public officials and the media to encourage the use of a more productive language that helps society both understand sustainability, and and move toward changes that we support.

- FOCUS on policies for businesses "external" to OB, including possible public policy reforms.

- COORDINATE with other OB working groups, in particular the [[Social Enterprise Working Group]](focused on Social Enterprise policy discussions), and the Social Enterprises themselves, as they form. Also with industry-level working groups focused on business, like the banking working group (no wiki yet), the trading/derivatives working group (no wiki yet), and other relevant groups, like the environment group.

==Ways to make the economy more sustainable==

1. [[Set of ethical business practices]] to evaluate businesses by.

2. [[Companies to Boycott and Divest From | Harmful companies]] to boycott and divest from.

3. An interactive shopping guide, [http://www.greenamerica.org/programs/responsibleshopper/index.cfm Responsible Shopper], from Green America helps you figure out which companies to buy from and invest in.

4. A searchable directory of ethical businesses at Green America's [http://www.greenpages.org/ National Green Pages] to buy from and invest in.

5. [http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm Green Business Seal of Approval] from Green America.

6. [[Buy Local | Directories of local businesses]] to support. (Buy Local)

7. [[Socially Responsible Business Associations | Socially responsible business associations]] for businesses to join.

8. [[Ethical Economic Models | Ethical economic models]] to explore.

9. [[Legislation to Promote Ethical Businesses | Ethical business legislation ideas]] to promote ethical businesses and penalize harmful businesses.

10. [[Books, articles, and other resources]] analyzing economic problems and offering solutions.

==Possible Projects to Work On==

1. Organize a day to divest-reinvest, such as Community Reinvestment Day. People can choose to either divest from all corporations on Wall Street or only from particularly harmful corporations. Encourage supporting socially responsible investment firms for those wishing a more traditional route.

2. Feature and honor people who make public announcements of divesting in Wall Street harmful businesses and investing in ethical businesses and local businesses on Main Street.

3. Collaborate with local banks, and credit unions to form special funds for community reinvestment. The local bank or credit union would make loans from these funds to local businesses and non-profits that meet certain criteria of ethical behavior, such as serving the local community. The community investors would receive a financial return on their investments.

4. Examine "rating" groups to see which ones we like. Put potential ones here for discussion at the next meeting: [[Sustainable Economy Rating Groups]]

==Sustainable Economy Rating Groups==

One of our on-going projects is to gather up, review and then public a list of rating groups to help us as a society make our world a better place. [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Sustainable_Economy_Rating_Groups See the list here]] and contribute!

=="Crowdfunding"==

Comparing the 3 bills now in Congress. House has passed one ("H.R.2930"). Senate has two others under consideration and open for your comment and input ("S.1791" & "S.1970").

==Contact==

[mailto:SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org] Email us if you have questions.

[https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainableeconomy Sign up] for our email list to join our working group.

[[Category:Working groups]]

==Meeting Minutes==
[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/a/af/Minutes_Feb_15_2012.pdf Minutes Feb 15 2012]]

==Name Change Notice==

The Sustainable Economy Working Group was formerly called Community Reinvestment.

The name was changed to encompass a broader perspective and to focus more on the issue of sustainability.

Sustainable Economy

2012-03-01T04:57:31Z

PaulB5:

== About Sustainable Economy ==

Our current economic system is becoming more and more unequal [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_inequality_in_the_United_States] and unsustainable, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability] socially, fiscally, and environmentally. While it serves the needs of some, it fails to serve, and even oppresses the needs of others. We see this as unfair, unstable, and unsustainable and we believe that it does not have to be that way. Our goal is to transition toward a societal structure which can become more fair and economically equal over time. Our goal is to create an economy that works for everyone, in harmony with the laws of nature.

A "sustainable economy" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_economy] is an economy in which success is judged, not merely in terms of financial profit, but in accounting for social and environmental factors as well. This is known, in the business world, as the "triple bottom line". All factors must be present in judging the success of an enterprise. If one element is failing, the whole entity is failing and the system is in danger of collapse. Many businesses are adopting a triple bottom line philiosophy as a more holistic approach to assessing value and determining success for the long term. See more on triple bottom line philosophy [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_bottom_line]

Our success, as humans and as a society, should be measured in terms of individual prosperity, quality of life, our ability to minimize suffering, and of the "thrive-ability" of life on the planet. The US corporate structures and the domination structures of government are structures which disregard the overall health of the planet, and has very limited, short term sights on the health of the economy.

Stock exchanges around the world are all geared primarily toward profit. In fact, it is US corporate law which *requires* publicly traded corporations to pursue profits above all else. We believe there should be more to business than just profit.

See also, the [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Social_Enterprise_Working_Group Social Enterprise Working Group]] if you're interested in starting or working with Co-operatives, collectives, and/or Social Enterprises.

== Working Vision Statement ==

To transform our local economy into a community that provides for human and planetary needs through means that exemplify the shared values of the Occupy movement.

== Working Mission Statement ==

1. To create awareness and encourage education around ways to develop a sustainable economy. 2. To suggest and/or demonstrate actions that all people can take to improve the economy. 3. To promote the local independent creation of opportunities for individual, sustainable livelihoods.

==Goals of this working group (draft!)==

- EXPLORE the meanings of the word "sustainability" and

- CREATE AWARENESS within the Occupy Boston Community and the Boston region about the various ideas of what a "sustainable economy" might look like, so as to help ensure that OB statements and actions encourage society's move to a more sustainable society

- DISCUSS detailed practices and positions that will send the message regarding change that we believe is productive.

- DETERMINE legislative, individual practices that we believe strongly in. This task includes ECONOMIC MODELING of proposed practices/policies.

- ENCOURAGE Business and Government leaders, and Occupy Boston Working Groups to enjoy sustainable business practices.

- ADVOCATE with key public officials and the media to encourage the use of a more productive language that helps society both understand sustainability, and and move toward changes that we support.

- FOCUS on policies for businesses "external" to OB, including possible public policy reforms.

- COORDINATE with other OB working groups, in particular the [[Social Enterprise Working Group]](focused on Social Enterprise policy discussions), and the Social Enterprises themselves, as they form. Also with industry-level working groups focused on business, like the banking working group (no wiki yet), the trading/derivatives working group (no wiki yet), and other relevant groups, like the environment group.

==Ways to make the economy more sustainable==

1. [[Set of ethical business practices]] to evaluate businesses by.

2. [[Companies to Boycott and Divest From | Harmful companies]] to boycott and divest from.

3. An interactive shopping guide, [http://www.greenamerica.org/programs/responsibleshopper/index.cfm Responsible Shopper], from Green America helps you figure out which companies to buy from and invest in.

4. A searchable directory of ethical businesses at Green America's [http://www.greenpages.org/ National Green Pages] to buy from and invest in.

5. [http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm Green Business Seal of Approval] from Green America.

6. [[Buy Local | Directories of local businesses]] to support. (Buy Local)

7. [[Socially Responsible Business Associations | Socially responsible business associations]] for businesses to join.

8. [[Ethical Economic Models | Ethical economic models]] to explore.

9. [[Legislation to Promote Ethical Businesses | Ethical business legislation ideas]] to promote ethical businesses and penalize harmful businesses.

10. [[Books, articles, and other resources]] analyzing economic problems and offering solutions.

==Possible Projects to Work On==

1. Organize a day to divest-reinvest, such as Community Reinvestment Day. People can choose to either divest from all corporations on Wall Street or only from particularly harmful corporations. Encourage supporting socially responsible investment firms for those wishing a more traditional route.

2. Feature and honor people who make public announcements of divesting in Wall Street harmful businesses and investing in ethical businesses and local businesses on Main Street.

3. Collaborate with local banks, and credit unions to form special funds for community reinvestment. The local bank or credit union would make loans from these funds to local businesses and non-profits that meet certain criteria of ethical behavior, such as serving the local community. The community investors would receive a financial return on their investments.

4. Examine "rating" groups to see which ones we like. Put potential ones here for discussion at the next meeting: [[Sustainable Economy Rating Groups]]

==Sustainable Economy Rating Groups==

One of our on-going projects is to gather up, review and then public a list of rating groups to help us as a society make our world a better place. [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Sustainable_Economy_Rating_Groups See the list here]] and contribute!

=="Crowdfunding"==

Comparing the 3 bills now in Congress. House has passed one ("H.R.2930"). Senate has two others under consideration and open for your comment and input ("S.1791" & "S.1970"). [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/a/af/Crowdfunding_Bills_Side-by-Side_-_HR_2930_S_1791_S_1970.pdf‎ Click here to view the 3 bills compared.]]

==Contact==

[mailto:SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org] Email us if you have questions.

[https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainableeconomy Sign up] for our email list to join our working group.

[[Category:Working groups]]

==Meeting Minutes==
[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/a/af/Minutes_Feb_15_2012.pdf Minutes Feb 15 2012]]

==Name Change Notice==

The Sustainable Economy Working Group was formerly called Community Reinvestment.

The name was changed to encompass a broader perspective and to focus more on the issue of sustainability.

Sustainable Economy

2012-03-01T04:53:46Z

PaulB5:

== About Sustainable Economy ==

Our current economic system is becoming more and more unequal [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_inequality_in_the_United_States] and unsustainable, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability] socially, fiscally, and environmentally. While it serves the needs of some, it fails to serve, and even oppresses the needs of others. We see this as unfair, unstable, and unsustainable and we believe that it does not have to be that way. Our goal is to transition toward a societal structure which can become more fair and economically equal over time. Our goal is to create an economy that works for everyone, in harmony with the laws of nature.

A "sustainable economy" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_economy] is an economy in which success is judged, not merely in terms of financial profit, but in accounting for social and environmental factors as well. This is known, in the business world, as the "triple bottom line". All factors must be present in judging the success of an enterprise. If one element is failing, the whole entity is failing and the system is in danger of collapse. Many businesses are adopting a triple bottom line philiosophy as a more holistic approach to assessing value and determining success for the long term. See more on triple bottom line philosophy [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_bottom_line]

Our success, as humans and as a society, should be measured in terms of individual prosperity, quality of life, our ability to minimize suffering, and of the "thrive-ability" of life on the planet. The US corporate structures and the domination structures of government are structures which disregard the overall health of the planet, and has very limited, short term sights on the health of the economy.

Stock exchanges around the world are all geared primarily toward profit. In fact, it is US corporate law which *requires* publicly traded corporations to pursue profits above all else. We believe there should be more to business than just profit.

See also, the [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Social_Enterprise_Working_Group Social Enterprise Working Group]] if you're interested in starting or working with Co-operatives, collectives, and/or Social Enterprises.

== Working Vision Statement ==

To transform our local economy into a community that provides for human and planetary needs through means that exemplify the shared values of the Occupy movement.

== Working Mission Statement ==

1. To create awareness and encourage education around ways to develop a sustainable economy. 2. To suggest and/or demonstrate actions that all people can take to improve the economy. 3. To promote the local independent creation of opportunities for individual, sustainable livelihoods.

==Goals of this working group (draft!)==

- EXPLORE the meanings of the word "sustainability" and

- CREATE AWARENESS within the Occupy Boston Community and the Boston region about the various ideas of what a "sustainable economy" might look like, so as to help ensure that OB statements and actions encourage society's move to a more sustainable society

- DISCUSS detailed practices and positions that will send the message regarding change that we believe is productive.

- DETERMINE legislative, individual practices that we believe strongly in. This task includes ECONOMIC MODELING of proposed practices/policies.

- ENCOURAGE Business and Government leaders, and Occupy Boston Working Groups to enjoy sustainable business practices.

- ADVOCATE with key public officials and the media to encourage the use of a more productive language that helps society both understand sustainability, and and move toward changes that we support.

- FOCUS on policies for businesses "external" to OB, including possible public policy reforms.

- COORDINATE with other OB working groups, in particular the [[Social Enterprise Working Group]](focused on Social Enterprise policy discussions), and the Social Enterprises themselves, as they form. Also with industry-level working groups focused on business, like the banking working group (no wiki yet), the trading/derivatives working group (no wiki yet), and other relevant groups, like the environment group.

==Ways to make the economy more sustainable==

1. [[Set of ethical business practices]] to evaluate businesses by.

2. [[Companies to Boycott and Divest From | Harmful companies]] to boycott and divest from.

3. An interactive shopping guide, [http://www.greenamerica.org/programs/responsibleshopper/index.cfm Responsible Shopper], from Green America helps you figure out which companies to buy from and invest in.

4. A searchable directory of ethical businesses at Green America's [http://www.greenpages.org/ National Green Pages] to buy from and invest in.

5. [http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm Green Business Seal of Approval] from Green America.

6. [[Buy Local | Directories of local businesses]] to support. (Buy Local)

7. [[Socially Responsible Business Associations | Socially responsible business associations]] for businesses to join.

8. [[Ethical Economic Models | Ethical economic models]] to explore.

9. [[Legislation to Promote Ethical Businesses | Ethical business legislation ideas]] to promote ethical businesses and penalize harmful businesses.

10. [[Books, articles, and other resources]] analyzing economic problems and offering solutions.

==Possible Projects to Work On==

1. Organize a day to divest-reinvest, such as Community Reinvestment Day. People can choose to either divest from all corporations on Wall Street or only from particularly harmful corporations. Encourage supporting socially responsible investment firms for those wishing a more traditional route.

2. Feature and honor people who make public announcements of divesting in Wall Street harmful businesses and investing in ethical businesses and local businesses on Main Street.

3. Collaborate with local banks, and credit unions to form special funds for community reinvestment. The local bank or credit union would make loans from these funds to local businesses and non-profits that meet certain criteria of ethical behavior, such as serving the local community. The community investors would receive a financial return on their investments.

4. Examine "rating" groups to see which ones we like. Put potential ones here for discussion at the next meeting: [[Sustainable Economy Rating Groups]]

==Sustainable Economy Rating Groups==

One of our on-going projects is to gather up, review and then public a list of rating groups to help us as a society make our world a better place. [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Sustainable_Economy_Rating_Groups See the list here]] and contribute!

=="Crowdfunding"==

Comparing the 3 bills now in Congress. House has passed one ("H.R.2930"). Senate has two others under consideration and open for your comment and input ("S.1791" & "S.1970"). [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/a/af/Crowdfunding_Bills_Side-by-Side_-_HR_2930_S_1791_S_1970.pdf Click here to view the 3 bills compared.]]

==Contact==

[mailto:SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org] Email us if you have questions.

[https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainableeconomy Sign up] for our email list to join our working group.

[[Category:Working groups]]

==Meeting Minutes==
[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/a/af/Minutes_Feb_15_2012.pdf Minutes Feb 15 2012]]

==Name Change Notice==

The Sustainable Economy Working Group was formerly called Community Reinvestment.

The name was changed to encompass a broader perspective and to focus more on the issue of sustainability.

Sustainable Economy

2012-03-01T04:50:32Z

PaulB5:

== About Sustainable Economy ==

Our current economic system is becoming more and more unequal [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_inequality_in_the_United_States] and unsustainable, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability] socially, fiscally, and environmentally. While it serves the needs of some, it fails to serve, and even oppresses the needs of others. We see this as unfair, unstable, and unsustainable and we believe that it does not have to be that way. Our goal is to transition toward a societal structure which can become more fair and economically equal over time. Our goal is to create an economy that works for everyone, in harmony with the laws of nature.

A "sustainable economy" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_economy] is an economy in which success is judged, not merely in terms of financial profit, but in accounting for social and environmental factors as well. This is known, in the business world, as the "triple bottom line". All factors must be present in judging the success of an enterprise. If one element is failing, the whole entity is failing and the system is in danger of collapse. Many businesses are adopting a triple bottom line philiosophy as a more holistic approach to assessing value and determining success for the long term. See more on triple bottom line philosophy [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_bottom_line]

Our success, as humans and as a society, should be measured in terms of individual prosperity, quality of life, our ability to minimize suffering, and of the "thrive-ability" of life on the planet. The US corporate structures and the domination structures of government are structures which disregard the overall health of the planet, and has very limited, short term sights on the health of the economy.

Stock exchanges around the world are all geared primarily toward profit. In fact, it is US corporate law which *requires* publicly traded corporations to pursue profits above all else. We believe there should be more to business than just profit.

See also, the [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Social_Enterprise_Working_Group Social Enterprise Working Group]] if you're interested in starting or working with Co-operatives, collectives, and/or Social Enterprises.

== Working Vision Statement ==

To transform our local economy into a community that provides for human and planetary needs through means that exemplify the shared values of the Occupy movement.

== Working Mission Statement ==

1. To create awareness and encourage education around ways to develop a sustainable economy. 2. To suggest and/or demonstrate actions that all people can take to improve the economy. 3. To promote the local independent creation of opportunities for individual, sustainable livelihoods.

==Goals of this working group (draft!)==

- EXPLORE the meanings of the word "sustainability" and

- CREATE AWARENESS within the Occupy Boston Community and the Boston region about the various ideas of what a "sustainable economy" might look like, so as to help ensure that OB statements and actions encourage society's move to a more sustainable society

- DISCUSS detailed practices and positions that will send the message regarding change that we believe is productive.

- DETERMINE legislative, individual practices that we believe strongly in. This task includes ECONOMIC MODELING of proposed practices/policies.

- ENCOURAGE Business and Government leaders, and Occupy Boston Working Groups to enjoy sustainable business practices.

- ADVOCATE with key public officials and the media to encourage the use of a more productive language that helps society both understand sustainability, and and move toward changes that we support.

- FOCUS on policies for businesses "external" to OB, including possible public policy reforms.

- COORDINATE with other OB working groups, in particular the [[Social Enterprise Working Group]](focused on Social Enterprise policy discussions), and the Social Enterprises themselves, as they form. Also with industry-level working groups focused on business, like the banking working group (no wiki yet), the trading/derivatives working group (no wiki yet), and other relevant groups, like the environment group.

==Ways to make the economy more sustainable==

1. [[Set of ethical business practices]] to evaluate businesses by.

2. [[Companies to Boycott and Divest From | Harmful companies]] to boycott and divest from.

3. An interactive shopping guide, [http://www.greenamerica.org/programs/responsibleshopper/index.cfm Responsible Shopper], from Green America helps you figure out which companies to buy from and invest in.

4. A searchable directory of ethical businesses at Green America's [http://www.greenpages.org/ National Green Pages] to buy from and invest in.

5. [http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm Green Business Seal of Approval] from Green America.

6. [[Buy Local | Directories of local businesses]] to support. (Buy Local)

7. [[Socially Responsible Business Associations | Socially responsible business associations]] for businesses to join.

8. [[Ethical Economic Models | Ethical economic models]] to explore.

9. [[Legislation to Promote Ethical Businesses | Ethical business legislation ideas]] to promote ethical businesses and penalize harmful businesses.

10. [[Books, articles, and other resources]] analyzing economic problems and offering solutions.

==Possible Projects to Work On==

1. Organize a day to divest-reinvest, such as Community Reinvestment Day. People can choose to either divest from all corporations on Wall Street or only from particularly harmful corporations. Encourage supporting socially responsible investment firms for those wishing a more traditional route.

2. Feature and honor people who make public announcements of divesting in Wall Street harmful businesses and investing in ethical businesses and local businesses on Main Street.

3. Collaborate with local banks, and credit unions to form special funds for community reinvestment. The local bank or credit union would make loans from these funds to local businesses and non-profits that meet certain criteria of ethical behavior, such as serving the local community. The community investors would receive a financial return on their investments.

4. Examine "rating" groups to see which ones we like. Put potential ones here for discussion at the next meeting: [[Sustainable Economy Rating Groups]]

==Sustainable Economy Rating Groups==

One of our on-going projects is to gather up, review and then public a list of rating groups to help us as a society make our world a better place. [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Sustainable_Economy_Rating_Groups See the list here]] and contribute!

=="Crowdfunding"==

Comparing the 3 bills now in Congress. House has passed one ("H.R.2930"). Senate has two others under consideration and open for your comment and input ("S.1791" & "S.1970"). [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Crowdfunding_Bills_Side-by-Side_-_HR_2930_S_1791_S_1970.pdf The 3 bills compared]]

==Contact==

[mailto:SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org] Email us if you have questions.

[https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainableeconomy Sign up] for our email list to join our working group.

[[Category:Working groups]]

==Meeting Minutes==
[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/a/af/Minutes_Feb_15_2012.pdf Minutes Feb 15 2012]]

==Name Change Notice==

The Sustainable Economy Working Group was formerly called Community Reinvestment.

The name was changed to encompass a broader perspective and to focus more on the issue of sustainability.

File:Crowdfunding Bills Side-by-Side - HR 2930 S 1791 S 1970.pdf

2012-03-01T04:46:23Z

PaulB5:

Sustainable Economy

2012-03-01T04:44:10Z

PaulB5:

== About Sustainable Economy ==

Our current economic system is becoming more and more unequal [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_inequality_in_the_United_States] and unsustainable, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability] socially, fiscally, and environmentally. While it serves the needs of some, it fails to serve, and even oppresses the needs of others. We see this as unfair, unstable, and unsustainable and we believe that it does not have to be that way. Our goal is to transition toward a societal structure which can become more fair and economically equal over time. Our goal is to create an economy that works for everyone, in harmony with the laws of nature.

A "sustainable economy" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_economy] is an economy in which success is judged, not merely in terms of financial profit, but in accounting for social and environmental factors as well. This is known, in the business world, as the "triple bottom line". All factors must be present in judging the success of an enterprise. If one element is failing, the whole entity is failing and the system is in danger of collapse. Many businesses are adopting a triple bottom line philiosophy as a more holistic approach to assessing value and determining success for the long term. See more on triple bottom line philosophy [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_bottom_line]

Our success, as humans and as a society, should be measured in terms of individual prosperity, quality of life, our ability to minimize suffering, and of the "thrive-ability" of life on the planet. The US corporate structures and the domination structures of government are structures which disregard the overall health of the planet, and has very limited, short term sights on the health of the economy.

Stock exchanges around the world are all geared primarily toward profit. In fact, it is US corporate law which *requires* publicly traded corporations to pursue profits above all else. We believe there should be more to business than just profit.

See also, the [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Social_Enterprise_Working_Group Social Enterprise Working Group]] if you're interested in starting or working with Co-operatives, collectives, and/or Social Enterprises.

== Working Vision Statement ==

To transform our local economy into a community that provides for human and planetary needs through means that exemplify the shared values of the Occupy movement.

== Working Mission Statement ==

1. To create awareness and encourage education around ways to develop a sustainable economy. 2. To suggest and/or demonstrate actions that all people can take to improve the economy. 3. To promote the local independent creation of opportunities for individual, sustainable livelihoods.

==Goals of this working group (draft!)==

- EXPLORE the meanings of the word "sustainability" and

- CREATE AWARENESS within the Occupy Boston Community and the Boston region about the various ideas of what a "sustainable economy" might look like, so as to help ensure that OB statements and actions encourage society's move to a more sustainable society

- DISCUSS detailed practices and positions that will send the message regarding change that we believe is productive.

- DETERMINE legislative, individual practices that we believe strongly in. This task includes ECONOMIC MODELING of proposed practices/policies.

- ENCOURAGE Business and Government leaders, and Occupy Boston Working Groups to enjoy sustainable business practices.

- ADVOCATE with key public officials and the media to encourage the use of a more productive language that helps society both understand sustainability, and and move toward changes that we support.

- FOCUS on policies for businesses "external" to OB, including possible public policy reforms.

- COORDINATE with other OB working groups, in particular the [[Social Enterprise Working Group]](focused on Social Enterprise policy discussions), and the Social Enterprises themselves, as they form. Also with industry-level working groups focused on business, like the banking working group (no wiki yet), the trading/derivatives working group (no wiki yet), and other relevant groups, like the environment group.

==Ways to make the economy more sustainable==

1. [[Set of ethical business practices]] to evaluate businesses by.

2. [[Companies to Boycott and Divest From | Harmful companies]] to boycott and divest from.

3. An interactive shopping guide, [http://www.greenamerica.org/programs/responsibleshopper/index.cfm Responsible Shopper], from Green America helps you figure out which companies to buy from and invest in.

4. A searchable directory of ethical businesses at Green America's [http://www.greenpages.org/ National Green Pages] to buy from and invest in.

5. [http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm Green Business Seal of Approval] from Green America.

6. [[Buy Local | Directories of local businesses]] to support. (Buy Local)

7. [[Socially Responsible Business Associations | Socially responsible business associations]] for businesses to join.

8. [[Ethical Economic Models | Ethical economic models]] to explore.

9. [[Legislation to Promote Ethical Businesses | Ethical business legislation ideas]] to promote ethical businesses and penalize harmful businesses.

10. [[Books, articles, and other resources]] analyzing economic problems and offering solutions.

==Possible Projects to Work On==

1. Organize a day to divest-reinvest, such as Community Reinvestment Day. People can choose to either divest from all corporations on Wall Street or only from particularly harmful corporations. Encourage supporting socially responsible investment firms for those wishing a more traditional route.

2. Feature and honor people who make public announcements of divesting in Wall Street harmful businesses and investing in ethical businesses and local businesses on Main Street.

3. Collaborate with local banks, and credit unions to form special funds for community reinvestment. The local bank or credit union would make loans from these funds to local businesses and non-profits that meet certain criteria of ethical behavior, such as serving the local community. The community investors would receive a financial return on their investments.

4. Examine "rating" groups to see which ones we like. Put potential ones here for discussion at the next meeting: [[Sustainable Economy Rating Groups]]

==Sustainable Economy Rating Groups==

One of our on-going projects is to gather up, review and then public a list of rating groups to help us as a society make our world a better place. [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Sustainable_Economy_Rating_Groups See the list here]] and contribute!

=="Crowdfunding"==

Comparing the 3 bills now in Congress. House has passed one ("H.R.2930"). Senate has two others under consideration and open for your comment and input ("S.1791" & "S.1970"). [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Sustainable_Economy_Rating_Groups See the list here]] and contribute!

==Contact==

[mailto:SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org] Email us if you have questions.

[https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainableeconomy Sign up] for our email list to join our working group.

[[Category:Working groups]]

==Meeting Minutes==
[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/a/af/Minutes_Feb_15_2012.pdf Minutes Feb 15 2012]]

==Name Change Notice==

The Sustainable Economy Working Group was formerly called Community Reinvestment.

The name was changed to encompass a broader perspective and to focus more on the issue of sustainability.

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-02-27T19:25:37Z

PaulB5:

[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Sustainable_Economy Back to the Sustainable Economy Working Group Page]]

List rating groups for discussion at the next meeting. Perhaps describe why you like them. And/or issues to discuss about them.

Please put your initials by the groups you add, and next to any comments, so we know who's doing what, without having to search through the history.

NOTE: The three categories are listed after each with a yes or no, as to what the ratings cover. If you think the yes/no is incorrect, change it and put your reasoning/initials. (please leave the "br" in "brackets")

'''1. GREEN AMERICA''' (Paul B.) -- http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm
This group lists 93 businesses in Massachusetts they have certified to be socially and environmentally positive. But not all of them might meet our SEWG's criterion of LOCALLY community-building, so we might need to consider those on a case-by-case basis. 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) 
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) 
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.) 

'''2. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS NETWORK ''' (Paul B.) -- This lists certified businesses in Cambridge -- http://cambridgelocalfirst.org/business-directory/ ;
in Somerville -- http://www.somervillelocalfirst.org/our-members/ ;
and in Worcester -- http://www.worcesterlocalfirst.org/WLF/members.pdf 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) 
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) 
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.) 

'''3. BOSTON 'MAIN STREETS' PROGRAM ''' (Paul B.) -- http://www.cityofboston.gov/dnd/obd/about.asp This program generates community employment, but it's not yet clear to me if they actually certify the companies for meeting also environmentally-positive criteria. 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? No (T.F.) 
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) 
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.) 

'''4. INSTITUTE FOR GREEN BUSINESS ''' (Wes N.) -- http://www.gbcertified.com/ This certification focuses on environmental sustainability only. 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) 
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) 
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.) 

'''5. NORTHEAST ORGANIC FARMING, NOFA/MASS ''' (Wes N.) -- The Organic Food Guide, certified organic farms in Massachusetts. http://theorganicfoodguide.com/ Certified organic by Baystate Organic Certifiers. http://baystateorganic.org/ 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) 
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) 
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.) 

'''6. CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED ORGANIC FARMERS, CCOF ''' (Wes N.) -- Nationwide searchable directory of organic product suppliers. http://www.ccof.org/directories.php Here is their certification info. http://www.ccof.org/certification.php 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) 
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) 
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.) 

'''7. FOOD ALLIANCE ''' (Wes N.) -- http://foodalliance.org/certification Low-spray agriculture (not organic), designed to assure safe and humane treatment of animals, workers, and environment. 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) 
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) 
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.) 

'''8. MASS. FARMERS' MARKETS FEDERATION ''' (Paul B.) -- http://www.massfarmersmarkets.org/FMFM_Main.aspx . 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) 
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? No (T.F.) 
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? No (T.F.) 

'''9. WORKER-OWNED COMPANIES ''' (Paul B.) -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_worker_cooperatives#United_States This is Wikipedia's list for the entire USA, but many of the companies are actually local Massachusetts firms. (Even some that don't show their location in the list, do show Massachusetts in the website that is linked to their name in the list.) 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABTILITY? Yes (T.F.) 
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILIYT? Yes (T.F.) 
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY? Yes (T.F.)

Sustainable Economy

2012-02-27T02:50:06Z

PaulB5: /* Meeting Minutes */

== About Sustainable Economy ==

Our current economic system is becoming more and more unequal [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_inequality_in_the_United_States] and unsustainable, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability] socially, fiscally, and environmentally. While it serves the needs of some, it fails to serve, and even oppresses the needs of others. We see this as unfair, unstable, and unsustainable and we believe that it does not have to be that way. Our goal is to transition toward a societal structure which can become more fair and economically equal over time. Our goal is to create an economy that works for everyone, in harmony with the laws of nature.

A "sustainable economy" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_economy] is an economy in which success is judged, not merely in terms of financial profit, but in accounting for social and environmental factors as well. This is known, in the business world, as the "triple bottom line". All factors must be present in judging the success of an enterprise. If one element is failing, the whole entity is failing and the system is in danger of collapse. Many businesses are adopting a triple bottom line philiosophy as a more holistic approach to assessing value and determining success for the long term. See more on triple bottom line philosophy [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_bottom_line]

Our success, as humans and as a society, should be measured in terms of individual prosperity, quality of life, our ability to minimize suffering, and of the "thrive-ability" of life on the planet. The US corporate structures and the domination structures of government are structures which disregard the overall health of the planet, and has very limited, short term sights on the health of the economy.

Stock exchanges around the world are all geared primarily toward profit. In fact, it is US corporate law which *requires* publicly traded corporations to pursue profits above all else. We believe there should be more to business than just profit.

==Sustainable Economy Rating Groups==

One of our on-going projects is to gather up, review and then public a list of rating groups to help us as a society make our world a better place. [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Sustainable_Economy_Rating_Groups See the list here]] and contribute!

== Working Vision Statement ==

To transform our local economy into a community that provides for human and planetary needs through means that exemplify the shared values of the Occupy movement.

== Working Mission Statement ==

1. To create awareness and encourage education around ways to develop a sustainable economy. 2. To suggest and/or demonstrate actions that all people can take to improve the economy. 3. To promote the local independent creation of opportunities for individual, sustainable livelihoods.

==Goals of this working group (draft!)==

- EXPLORE the meanings of the word "sustainability" and

- CREATE AWARENESS within the Occupy Boston Community and the Boston region about the various ideas of what a "sustainable economy" might look like, so as to help ensure that OB statements and actions encourage society's move to a more sustainable society

- DISCUSS detailed practices and positions that will send the message regarding change that we believe is productive.

- DETERMINE legislative, individual practices that we believe strongly in. This task includes ECONOMIC MODELING of proposed practices/policies.

- ENCOURAGE Business and Government leaders, and Occupy Boston Working Groups to enjoy sustainable business practices.

- ADVOCATE with key public officials and the media to encourage the use of a more productive language that helps society both understand sustainability, and and move toward changes that we support.

- FOCUS on policies for businesses "external" to OB, including possible public policy reforms.

- COORDINATE with other OB working groups, in particular the [[Social Enterprise Working Group]](focused on Social Enterprise policy discussions), and the Social Enterprises themselves, as they form. Also with industry-level working groups focused on business, like the banking working group (no wiki yet), the trading/derivatives working group (no wiki yet), and other relevant groups, like the environment group.

==Ways to make the economy more sustainable==

1. [[Set of ethical business practices]] to evaluate businesses by.

2. [[Companies to Boycott and Divest From | Harmful companies]] to boycott and divest from.

3. An interactive shopping guide, [http://www.greenamerica.org/programs/responsibleshopper/index.cfm Responsible Shopper], from Green America helps you figure out which companies to buy from and invest in.

4. A searchable directory of ethical businesses at Green America's [http://www.greenpages.org/ National Green Pages] to buy from and invest in.

5. [http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/sealofapproval.cfm Green Business Seal of Approval] from Green America.

6. [[Buy Local | Directories of local businesses]] to support. (Buy Local)

7. [[Socially Responsible Business Associations | Socially responsible business associations]] for businesses to join.

8. [[Ethical Economic Models | Ethical economic models]] to explore.

9. [[Legislation to Promote Ethical Businesses | Ethical business legislation ideas]] to promote ethical businesses and penalize harmful businesses.

10. [[Books, articles, and other resources]] analyzing economic problems and offering solutions.

==Possible Projects to Work On==

1. Organize a day to divest-reinvest, such as Community Reinvestment Day. People can choose to either divest from all corporations on Wall Street or only from particularly harmful corporations. Encourage supporting socially responsible investment firms for those wishing a more traditional route.

2. Feature and honor people who make public announcements of divesting in Wall Street harmful businesses and investing in ethical businesses and local businesses on Main Street.

3. Collaborate with local banks, and credit unions to form special funds for community reinvestment. The local bank or credit union would make loans from these funds to local businesses and non-profits that meet certain criteria of ethical behavior, such as serving the local community. The community investors would receive a financial return on their investments.

4. Examine "rating" groups to see which ones we like. Put potential ones here for discussion at the next meeting: [[Sustainable Economy Rating Groups]]

==Contact==

[mailto:SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org SustainableEconomy@occupyboston.org] Email us if you have questions.

[https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainableeconomy Sign up] for our email list to join our working group.

[[Category:Working groups]]

==Meeting Minutes==
Minutes_Feb_15_2012.pdf‎

==Name Change Notice==

The Sustainable Economy Working Group was formerly called Community Reinvestment.

The name was changed to encompass a broader perspective and to focus more on the issue of sustainability.

File:Minutes Feb 15 2012.pdf

2012-02-27T02:43:08Z

PaulB5:

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-02-26T21:52:54Z

PaulB5:

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-02-26T21:46:57Z

PaulB5:

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-02-20T04:07:59Z

PaulB5:

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-02-20T04:03:25Z

PaulB5:

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-02-20T04:01:44Z

PaulB5:

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-02-20T03:59:54Z

PaulB5:

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-02-20T03:57:50Z

PaulB5:

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-02-20T03:57:09Z

PaulB5:

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-02-20T03:53:42Z

PaulB5:

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-02-20T03:52:58Z

PaulB5:

Sustainable Economy Rating Groups

2012-02-20T03:41:13Z

PaulB5:

Strategies, Proposals, Positions

2011-11-19T13:56:16Z

PaulB5: Corrected "Electoral" to "Election"

The SPP working group is dedicated to discussing societal issues, determining their root causes, and responding with actionable proposals.

''[Note: 'Ideas' is being moved within Strategy. Link: [[WG/Strategies/Ideas]]]

*The GA of 23 October 2011 approved the [[Statement of Purpose]].

*Statement being discussed 10/31/11:[[Road Map|Message Statement]]
**[[Minutes from 10/31/2011 Meeting]]

'''*DECISION REQUIRED!''' November 4: please go to the Discussion tab above.

Old wiki threads:[[Talk:Statement of purpose|discussions]]

PLEASE CONSULT WITH SPP BEFORE RE-ORGANIZING THIS PAGE.

***Other Proposed Statements:

1. [[First Declaration]] 2. [[Human Rights]] 3. [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/%5CThree_Tier Three Tier Framework For Discussion]] 4. [http://boston.socialistalternative.org/wordpress/archives/91 List of Demands] Proposed by Brian W. and Socialist Alternative

== Working Method ==

The established method is first to reach consensus within SPP, and then to invite collaboration from other working groups. Presentation and voting at the General Assembly is only attempted after broad collaboration. Note: The Google Group is transitioning onto the OccupyBoston[dot]org server. Please register with the wiki to participate now.

***If you would like to post your Proposed Statement, feel free to add it to the list. If you can't figure out how to, leave it in the Discussion section and some one will create a linked page. Thanks.

== Join the Conversation ==

=== Next On-Site Meeting ===

=== Online ===

*Read and contribute to this wiki (the "Join" link is in the top right).
**Choose the Strategies, Proposals and Positions Working Group.
**Note the "tabs" on each page. Left side: Page and Discussion '''about''' the page; Right side: Edit.
**[[Practice Statement|Practice]] editing a statement here. Also see the [[Sandbox]].
*Take an [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dHhSSGl1dnVsVFVaOTlUa3RFck04RHc6MQ#gid=0%7C "Issues Survey"], aiming to estimate the levels of support for proposals in general topics, created by Joshua Sager. (One submission per person)
**View the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/gform?key=0AqBxYhlFsdpAdHhSSGl1dnVsVFVaOTlUa3RFck04RHc&hl=en_US&gridId=0#chart%7CSurvey Results] (constantly updates)

== Issues ==

These documents are active working pages containing proposed language about specific reform ideas or process changes that any of us wants to draft and discuss. Be aware that there may be several places where a topic is discussed, and that these documents belong to the group as a whole, not to any individual.

Please collaborate respectfully and feel free to add information or clarification on the topic page itself. Cite sources as often as possible! If you have specific expertise, make it known, but don't think you need to be an authority to participate. Anecdotal information may be helpful, too. Try not to destroy existing information, but, if some information is deleted, remember that the history of page's changes can be viewed through the wiki editing tools.

Use the Discussion tab of a page for general comments, opinions or explanations of controversy.

Consider exchanging a few private messages with someone if that might help resolve direct misunderstandings or differences in approach.

If we can learn to use built-in wiki tools to track pages, our discussions can be much more efficient. SPP would benefit from the creation of a 'general' discussion page, and perhaps a number of other 'functional' pages to create a sort of discussion/navigation tree.

=== Political Reform ===

*[[Citizens United to End Political Bribery]]
*[[See also "Election Reform" category further down on this page]]

=== [[SPP Economic Regulation|Economic Regulation]] ===

*[[Resource-based Economy]]
*[[SPP Finanacial Regulation|Ideas]] and general discussion about financial reform
*[[CostOfLiving|Lower cost of living]]
*Financial Industry Reform
**[[Banking Regulation and Structure Reform|Banking Regulation/Structure Reform]]
**[[Monetary Policy and Federal Reserve System|Federal Reserve System]]
**[[Currency Control]]
**[[Trading/Derivatives]]
**[[Reform the Federal Reserve]]
*[[Free Trade]]

=== [[SPP Tax Reform|Tax Reform]] ===

**[[Flat Tax]]
**[[Participatory Budgeting|Participatory Budgeting]]
**[[Lift the cap on FICA]]

=== Election Reform ===

*[[Third Party|Start a Third Party]]
*[[Proportional Representation|Proportional Representation]] (is also linked under "Sovereignty & Law", below)

=== Media ===

*[[Media Conglomeration]]
*[[Network Neutrality]]
**[[Free Network]]

=== SPP Human Needs/Rights ===

[[SPP Human Needs|Background Reading/Reference Docs for Human Needs/Rights]]

*[[Healthy Food as a Right|Healthy Food as a Right]]
*[[Clean Water as a Right|Clean Water as a Right]]
*[[Shelter as a Right|Shelter as a Right]]
*[[Housing Crisis|Housing Crisis]]
*[[Health Care|Health Care as a Right]]
*[[SPP Education|Education]]
**Student Debt [[Education and Student Debt|Education and Student Debt]]
*Opportunity
**Working Rights Labor Issues
*Access
**Physical
**Knowledge
**[[Network Neutrality|Virtual/Internet and Network Neutrality]]

=== [[SPP International Relations|International Relations]] ===

*[[WG/Strategies/IR/Amendment for Peace|The Smedley Butler Amendment For Peace]]
*War/Peace

=== [[SPP Sovereignty and Law|Sovereignty and Law]] ===

*[[Proportional Representation|Proportional Representation]]
*War on Drugs
*Third World Debt
*Foreign Aid
**how it contributes to regional conflict
**food/medical service distro and contribution to deprivation / violent corruption
*Prison-industrial Complex

=== Reducing the Cost of Government ===

*Senior Executive Service (has it outlived its usefulness and/or is it contributing to unnecessary expenditure)
*Bring Congressional Benefits and ALL Gov't employees benefits in line with median worker
*Stop spending on "roads to no where"

== Links ==

*Discussion often takes cues from community generated media. Explore the [[Arts/Media|Media]] and [[Education|Education]] pages, containing many articles of interest.
*[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Other_Message_Statements_%26_Versions_of_Current_Option Original Roadmap Proposal]]
*[[Warren Buffet Ideas]]
*[[Other General Ideas]]
*For more Ideas, go to the Ideas Working Group on the left.

Currently, Ideas and SPP are separate, with Ideas focusing on the facilitation of dialogue, development of ideas, and seeding of working groups/autonomous action. SPP has been focusing more on the statement of purpose and the nuts and bolts of bringing proposals to fruition, though its official role is still to be determined.

----

''Based on: [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/Strategies,+Proposals,+Positions Strategies, Proposals, Positions at wikispaces]''

Strategies, Proposals, Positions

2011-11-19T13:55:15Z

PaulB5: Added cross-reference to "Electoral Reform" category

The SPP working group is dedicated to discussing societal issues, determining their root causes, and responding with actionable proposals.

''[Note: 'Ideas' is being moved within Strategy. Link: [[WG/Strategies/Ideas]]]

*The GA of 23 October 2011 approved the [[Statement of Purpose]].

*Statement being discussed 10/31/11:[[Road Map|Message Statement]]
**[[Minutes from 10/31/2011 Meeting]]

'''*DECISION REQUIRED!''' November 4: please go to the Discussion tab above.

Old wiki threads:[[Talk:Statement of purpose|discussions]]

PLEASE CONSULT WITH SPP BEFORE RE-ORGANIZING THIS PAGE.

***Other Proposed Statements:

1. [[First Declaration]] 2. [[Human Rights]] 3. [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/%5CThree_Tier Three Tier Framework For Discussion]] 4. [http://boston.socialistalternative.org/wordpress/archives/91 List of Demands] Proposed by Brian W. and Socialist Alternative

== Working Method ==

The established method is first to reach consensus within SPP, and then to invite collaboration from other working groups. Presentation and voting at the General Assembly is only attempted after broad collaboration. Note: The Google Group is transitioning onto the OccupyBoston[dot]org server. Please register with the wiki to participate now.

***If you would like to post your Proposed Statement, feel free to add it to the list. If you can't figure out how to, leave it in the Discussion section and some one will create a linked page. Thanks.

== Join the Conversation ==

=== Next On-Site Meeting ===

=== Online ===

*Read and contribute to this wiki (the "Join" link is in the top right).
**Choose the Strategies, Proposals and Positions Working Group.
**Note the "tabs" on each page. Left side: Page and Discussion '''about''' the page; Right side: Edit.
**[[Practice Statement|Practice]] editing a statement here. Also see the [[Sandbox]].
*Take an [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dHhSSGl1dnVsVFVaOTlUa3RFck04RHc6MQ#gid=0%7C "Issues Survey"], aiming to estimate the levels of support for proposals in general topics, created by Joshua Sager. (One submission per person)
**View the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/gform?key=0AqBxYhlFsdpAdHhSSGl1dnVsVFVaOTlUa3RFck04RHc&hl=en_US&gridId=0#chart%7CSurvey Results] (constantly updates)

== Issues ==

These documents are active working pages containing proposed language about specific reform ideas or process changes that any of us wants to draft and discuss. Be aware that there may be several places where a topic is discussed, and that these documents belong to the group as a whole, not to any individual.

Please collaborate respectfully and feel free to add information or clarification on the topic page itself. Cite sources as often as possible! If you have specific expertise, make it known, but don't think you need to be an authority to participate. Anecdotal information may be helpful, too. Try not to destroy existing information, but, if some information is deleted, remember that the history of page's changes can be viewed through the wiki editing tools.

Use the Discussion tab of a page for general comments, opinions or explanations of controversy.

Consider exchanging a few private messages with someone if that might help resolve direct misunderstandings or differences in approach.

If we can learn to use built-in wiki tools to track pages, our discussions can be much more efficient. SPP would benefit from the creation of a 'general' discussion page, and perhaps a number of other 'functional' pages to create a sort of discussion/navigation tree.

=== Political Reform ===

*[[Citizens United to End Political Bribery]]
*[[See also "Electoral Reform" category further down on this page]]

=== [[SPP Economic Regulation|Economic Regulation]] ===

*[[Resource-based Economy]]
*[[SPP Finanacial Regulation|Ideas]] and general discussion about financial reform
*[[CostOfLiving|Lower cost of living]]
*Financial Industry Reform
**[[Banking Regulation and Structure Reform|Banking Regulation/Structure Reform]]
**[[Monetary Policy and Federal Reserve System|Federal Reserve System]]
**[[Currency Control]]
**[[Trading/Derivatives]]
**[[Reform the Federal Reserve]]
*[[Free Trade]]

=== [[SPP Tax Reform|Tax Reform]] ===

**[[Flat Tax]]
**[[Participatory Budgeting|Participatory Budgeting]]
**[[Lift the cap on FICA]]

=== Election Reform ===

*[[Third Party|Start a Third Party]]
*[[Proportional Representation|Proportional Representation]] (is also linked under "Sovereignty & Law", below)

=== Media ===

*[[Media Conglomeration]]
*[[Network Neutrality]]
**[[Free Network]]

=== SPP Human Needs/Rights ===

[[SPP Human Needs|Background Reading/Reference Docs for Human Needs/Rights]]

*[[Healthy Food as a Right|Healthy Food as a Right]]
*[[Clean Water as a Right|Clean Water as a Right]]
*[[Shelter as a Right|Shelter as a Right]]
*[[Housing Crisis|Housing Crisis]]
*[[Health Care|Health Care as a Right]]
*[[SPP Education|Education]]
**Student Debt [[Education and Student Debt|Education and Student Debt]]
*Opportunity
**Working Rights Labor Issues
*Access
**Physical
**Knowledge
**[[Network Neutrality|Virtual/Internet and Network Neutrality]]

=== [[SPP International Relations|International Relations]] ===

*[[WG/Strategies/IR/Amendment for Peace|The Smedley Butler Amendment For Peace]]
*War/Peace

=== [[SPP Sovereignty and Law|Sovereignty and Law]] ===

*[[Proportional Representation|Proportional Representation]]
*War on Drugs
*Third World Debt
*Foreign Aid
**how it contributes to regional conflict
**food/medical service distro and contribution to deprivation / violent corruption
*Prison-industrial Complex

=== Reducing the Cost of Government ===

*Senior Executive Service (has it outlived its usefulness and/or is it contributing to unnecessary expenditure)
*Bring Congressional Benefits and ALL Gov't employees benefits in line with median worker
*Stop spending on "roads to no where"

== Links ==

*Discussion often takes cues from community generated media. Explore the [[Arts/Media|Media]] and [[Education|Education]] pages, containing many articles of interest.
*[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Other_Message_Statements_%26_Versions_of_Current_Option Original Roadmap Proposal]]
*[[Warren Buffet Ideas]]
*[[Other General Ideas]]
*For more Ideas, go to the Ideas Working Group on the left.

Currently, Ideas and SPP are separate, with Ideas focusing on the facilitation of dialogue, development of ideas, and seeding of working groups/autonomous action. SPP has been focusing more on the statement of purpose and the nuts and bolts of bringing proposals to fruition, though its official role is still to be determined.

----

''Based on: [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/Strategies,+Proposals,+Positions Strategies, Proposals, Positions at wikispaces]''

Talk:WG/Strategies/Ideas

2011-10-30T01:15:36Z

PaulB5: /* Move Occupation Every Week to Symbolic Indoor Location */

== Message vs No Message, pro and con ==

This is suggestion for a topic for a Speak out. Maybe a pro/con format:

Pro Message:: Demands are futile. Goals and strategies to meet those goals are something that is within our control. The president has been demanding a lot of things lately and gotten nowhere. If we want Bank Reform, we need to stop patronizing the culprits. If we want campaign finance reform, we need to stop voting for candidates who cater to special interests. If we want to stimulate manufacturing in the US, we need to stop buying cheap crap from China. We can't just sit around and stomp our feet until someone else meets our demands. We need to be the change. We need goals and a solid strategy.

Con Message: it will define us and leave people out.

== June-teenth Demonstration--Emancipation Day ==

This is a very big holiday within the African American community. Planning a large demonstration on that day, 6/19 (?), would give folks something to look forward to that is inclusive and takes a lot of planning, like a whole winter of it.

== Move Your Money Day, 11/5 ==

This is a national call to move money into local credit unions. It could create big changes. All we really need to do is flyer large crowded places. There's a flyer on their website, which I've had no luck getting to Outreach. Other ideas:

I'd love to get a group of people together to make handmade invitation.

A didgeridoo aimed at the Federal Reserve that says, "Mooove Yaaa Money".

== Camp Protectors Pledge ==

During the resistance to the Contra wars undertaken by Reagan, some people signed a pledge to turnout if there should ever be a credible threat to invade Nicaragua/El Salvador.

It's a great tactic. We could use it to get people to pledge to come out should the camp ever be threatened with removal or when a new camp needs to open up.

== Mass Emailing for Actions ==

Can an email go out to everyone on all lists when ever there's an action? Or a CD? Or maybe a form that lets people decide when they want to hear from us---like when the camp is threatened?

== Peace Song Radio Call In ==

Choose a day, any day, like June-teenth and ask everyone to call requests for peace songs into their favorite radio station.

== Tea Party Tax Debate Challenge ==

Challenge the Tea Party to a debate about taxes at the Tea Party ship...they just opened a new one, an d there might be events to flyer/hang a debate on...we'd need "ringers"...like from Dollars and Sense, the magazine. And a funny mc, like Jay Leno and a funny right winger, but there are none. Get sponsorship from accountants and tax attorneys and bean counters.

== Pen Pal A Stock Broker ==

Hook Individual occupiers up with Stock Brokers, etc. and ask them to write to each other...and to, eventually, allow their correspondence to be published. Us and open letter to the Wall Street Journal. and a blog.

Get Naked and Roll in the Grass; April 1 demonstration against boring work.

== Move the Camp to South Station for the winter ==

Organize a rally to support the move, on Thanksgiving. "We're going home."

== Flyering Challenge for Off Site Supporters ==

Ask off site supporters to show up to flyer crowds at other events and marches, but also non-political events. Create a contest/acknowledgement system, like getting a button every time you show up and give out a hundred fliers. Use Off Site Supporters Affinity Groups, or Poffs--Pods of Friendly Friends.

== POFFS, Affinity Groups of Off Site Supporters or ==

Pods of Friendly Friends; groups of five people connected to each other by email and to the OB mailing list, who come down to the site occasionally and want to be connected to others who also come down occasionally.

Even better, people connected to each other, in POFFS, with funny names, are more likely to show up to do things like flyering, protecting the camp, etc.

Some people will even want to do it to meet strangers or with friends.

== "die in" at health insurance co's council annual meeting ==

Find out when their big meeting is and have a mock "die in" from denied claims. Feature real people who's claims have been denied. Lead in w/24 hour reading of health insurance horror stories.

== 24 hour reading of health insurance horror stories ==

Great lead in to any single payer demo; easy to organize, can be done on site or inside....at a sit in at a health insurance co....or in some public space that they've paid for....less dangerous...a little research into connections....so many private goliaths underwrite public space these days....maybe the Fleet Center?

== Ranked Choice Voting for this Poll ==

To demonstrate how proporational/horizontal systems work.

== In the name of Jesus the Healer, move to St. Paul's Cathedral for the winter ==

In the name of Jesus the Healer, and the Buddha, demand $5million for non-profit single payer. Leave in the spring, regardless of outcome.

== Name OB's Wind Turbine, "Cape Wind" ==

in support of the struggling project. Have a standout with pinwheels to show support for wind energy.

== Move Occupation Every Week to Symbolic Indoor Location ==

If the elites know you're moving in a week, they won't kick you out. Generate a list; send it to the companies in question asking for permission to camp in their lobby for a week, at an undetermined time. The day before the move, draw straws to decide where. Any company that refused shelter will be a "no room at the inn" in.

Besides companies, we might possibly consider very friendly sites like the Arlington Street Church and other 'moral message' supportive locales.

A third class of locations to consider is college campuses -- they have lots of outdoor space, and also possibly indoor space.

Strategies, Proposals, Positions

2011-10-25T17:11:50Z

PaulB5: Included "Proportional Representation" topic within "Electoral Reform" topic, because many viewers might look for it there. But also left it within "Sovereignty & Law" topic, and stated that.

This Working group is dedicated to discussing societal issues, determining their root causes, and responding with actionable proposals.

SCROLL DOWN to see links to on-going policy statement development. Note the dates to see where the current conversation is happening. And note which docs have been APPROVED BY GA. If a doc has not been approved, then it is DRAFT (in process).

To join in on the conversation:
* '''Onsite Schedule/Meeting Time: 7pm TONIGHT, 10/24/11, by the main stage
* '''Online discussions:''' 
** Wiki (Document Development and Comment-posts) 
*** SCROLL DOWN and choose a link. Note the "tabs" on each page. One for the page, and one for "posts" ABOUT the page 
*** For wiki access, pleas choose the "join this wiki". 
*** [[Practice Statement|Practice Editing]] a Wiki here.

** Email Group discussing specific policies/technical mechanics: [http://groups.google.com/group/occupy-boston-spp?hl=en]] 
*** EMAIL DISCUSSION HISTORY (this is under construction but you can track the history at the googlegroup homepages) help: Terra 978 808 7173, [mailto:occupybostonvol@gmail.com occupybostonvol@gmail.com]
* Take the Issue Survey (You can only take this once)
** Link to the Survey: [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dHhSSGl1dnVsVFVaOTlUa3RFck04RHc6MQ#gid=0 [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dHhSSGl1dnVsVFVaOTlUa3RFck04RHc6MQ#gid=0] https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dHhSSGl1dnVsVFVaOTlUa3RFck04RHc6MQ#gid=0]] 
** Link to the Survey Results (constantly updating): [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/gform?key=0AqBxYhlFsdpAdHhSSGl1dnVsVFVaOTlUa3RFck04RHc&hl=en_US&gridId=0#chart [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/gform?key=0AqBxYhlFsdpAdHhSSGl1dnVsVFVaOTlUa3RFck04RHc&hl=en_US&gridId=0#chart] https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/gform?key=0AqBxYhlFsdpAdHhSSGl1dnVsVFVaOTlUa3RFck04RHc&hl=en_US&gridId=0#chart]] 
---- 
'''GENERAL ISSUES (brainstorming and process discussion)'''
* [[statement of purpose|Statement of Purpose]] - Our first priority is to create an inclusive umbrella statement of purpose; specific issues will follow next.

* [[Warren Buffet Ideas|Warren Buffet Ideas]] [Note: this 'congressional reform act' is bunk. see here: <http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/c/congressional-reform-act-2011.htm> in other news, buffet has made a few cool statements: <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/15/opinion/stop-coddling-the-super-rich.html> thanks]
* [[Other General Ideas|Other General Ideas ]]
* [[Issues|Issues page]]

All documents created by this Working Group are DRAFT until it is approved by the GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

'''SPECIFIC ISSUES'''

* Constitutional Reform
** [[SPP End Corporate Personhood|End Corporate Personhood]]
* [[SPP Economic Regulation|Economic Regulation]]
** [[SPP Finanacial Regulation|Ideas]] and general discussion about financial reform 
** [[CostOfLiving|Lower cost of living]] 
** Financial Industry Reform 
*** [[Banking Regulation and Structure Reform|Banking Regulation/Structure Reform]] 
*** [[Monetary Policy and Federal Reserve System|Federal Reserve System]] 
*** Trading/Derivatives 
*** Currency Control 
** Free Trade 
** [[SPP Tax Reform|Tax Reform]] 
*** Flat Tax 
*** [[Participitory Budgeting|Participitory Budgeting]]
* Election Reform
** Start a [[Third Party|Third Party]]
** [[Proportional Representation|Proportional Representation]] (is also linked under "Sovereignty & Law", below)
* [[SPP Human Needs|Human Needs]]/Rights
** [[Healthy Food as a Right|Healthy Food as a Right]] 
** [[Clean Water as a Right|Clean Water as a Right]]

** [[Shelter as a Right|Shelter as a Right]] 
** [[Housing Crisis|Housing Crisis]] 
** [[Health Care|Health Care as a Right]] 
** [[SPP Education|Education]] 
*** Student Debt [[Education and Student Debt|Education and Student Debt]] 
** Opportunity 
*** Working Rights Labor Issues 
** Access 
*** Physical 
*** Knowledge 
*** [[Network Nuetrality|Internet]]and Network Neutrality 
'''''' physical 
'''''' virtual
* [[SPP International Relations|International Relations]]
** [[Amendment for Peace|The Smedley Butler Amendment For Peace]] 
** War/Peace
* [[SPP Sovereignty and Law|Sovereignty and Law]]
** [[Proportional Representation|Proportional Representation]] 
** War on Drugs 
** Third World Debt 
** Foreign Aid 
*** how it contributes to regional conflict 
*** food/medical service distro and contribution to deprivation / violent corruptoin

=Links=
----
* View the Google Group discussion: [http://groups.google.com/group/occupy-boston-spp/ Occupy-Boston-SPP] ''[>Note: The wiki has the capacity to organize more efficiently than the Google Group, but it is unclear which forum has precedence, so please be aware of both.]''
* Contact via [mailto:occupy.ideas@gmail.com occupy.ideas@gmail.com]
* The Reforms discussion often takes cues from community generated media. Explore the [[Press|Press]] and [[Education|Education]]pages.
* View preliminary results of the [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h2b1NawJhhmdXBOm9RySsZRcAIOcl4jhhMBV--CiIwU/edit?hl=en_US "Issues Survey,"] aiming to estimate the levels of support for proposals in general topics, by Joshua Sager.
* [[Education|Articles of Interest, and Issues from other Occupy sites]]

=Page Notes=
---- 
Move to rename: ditch "SPP," - adopt "Reforms": reforms is not deep enough, restructuring is better. 
This avoids the extreme vagueness of 'ideas' and the over-complication of 'spp.' I will try to post a broad announcement on the google group to invite further discussion. [TF: yeah, but we're merging the facilitation/ideas group w/SPP, right?]

 
Sections to be addressed: 
Strategies, Issues, Objectives, Finished Proposals, Tactics, Meeting Notes (and schedule), Background Info.

Who knows what this note is for? I can't figure it out. Can someone explain it, or if you authored, it erase it? 
'''"Rights"''' or '''"Corrections" (C)'''*
-------
''Based on: [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/Strategies,+Proposals,+Positions Strategies, Proposals, Positions at wikispaces]''