Occupy Boston Anti-Oppression Statement

Occupy Boston Commits to Anti-Oppression

This is a living document, ratified by the General Assembly on March 6, 2012. This statement was developed by the Safer Spaces working group.

Oppression exists on many different levels. This statement has been designed to address attitudes and behaviors, and we will continue to address the institutional and cultural levels of oppression.

Statement of Commitment to Challenge Oppression

We acknowledge that it is important to honor these values in order to effectively challenge oppression and build a more just and equitable community:

I enter this space with a commitment to mutual respect, conflict resolution, compassion, collaboration, cooperation and direct democracy.

I commit to supporting the empowerment of each person in order to subvert the histories and structures of oppression that marginalize and divide us.

I recognize that I may still have a lot to learn about types of oppression and I commit to learn.

I refrain from violence or threats of violence in this space. I recognize that certain behaviors - such as shouting someone down at a meeting or trivializing oppression - are antithetical to caring communication and can be triggering.

I acknowledge that there are others who may be quieter or less assertive than myself who also deserve equality in the direct democracy process. I may as a result need to remind myself to honor quiet moments to allow those people a safe space to speak.

I acknowledge that for a sustainable community to emerge & continue, I must aid in addressing the needs of the community, work collaboratively & cooperatively with others & be flexible when suggesting solutions.

Community Agreement to Commit to Anti-Oppression

We speak only for ourselves, and commit to hearing each other and creating opportunities for all voices to be heard, especially for those that have been historically marginalized or silenced, and for those that continue to be oppressed.

We agree that issues which are not on the agenda may arise during a meeting and need to be recognized. We agree that a way needs to be given to address these issues. Such priority is needed to create and support an anti-oppressive space.

As a community, we commit to developing creative and transformative ways to address harm. We seek to affirm the experience of those who were harmed while allowing all involved parties to transform conflict and cycles of abuse.