How to occupy spaces to advance your cause: Difference between revisions

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'''<span style="">This page was created using insight following a learning circle held by the HUB on the subject, during which members of activist groups shared their learnings relating to this means of pressuring institutions.</span>'''
<span style="">This page was created using insight following a learning circle held by the HUB on the subject, during which members of activist groups shared their learnings relating to this means of pressuring institutions.</span>


== Groups Present ==
== Groups Present ==
Line 35: Line 35:


== How Do You Hold an Occupation? ==
== How Do You Hold an Occupation? ==
=== <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span id="HTMLENTITY:1657747402661" style="<span class=" title="&quot;" contenteditable="false" draggable="true" mwt-noneditable="" mwt-wikimagic="" mwt-placeholder="" mwt-htmlentity="" span="">font-size:" 12pt="" class="mwt-preserveHtml"&gt;Choice of Location</span></span> ===
=== <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; >Choice of Location ===


When selecting a location, find out what the '''implications and challenges of occupying''' it may be.
*For example:


'''<span style=" ">School</span>'''<span style="">: security is present from the beginning of the occupation.</span><br>
*When selecting a location, find out what the '''implications and challenges of occupying''' it may be. For example:
 
'''<span style=" ">School</span>'''<span style="">: security is present from the beginning of the occupation.</span><br>'''<span style="">Forest</span>'''<span style="">: police presence is not necessarily assured from the beginning of the occupation. Police will ensure an increased and regular presence if an injunction is filed against the occupiers. In the event that an injunction is filed, the police will make arrests and will not hesitate to use violence.</span><span style=""></span>
'''<span style="">Forest</span>'''<span style="">: police presence is not necessarily assured from the beginning of the occupation. Police will ensure an increased and regular presence if an injunction is filed against the occupiers. In the event that an injunction is filed, the police will make arrests and will not hesitate to use violence.</span><span style=""></span>


<span style=""></span>
<span style=""></span>
<li>The occupations of private places vs those of public places lead to '''different reactions''' from the authorities, and of owners (private domain) and municipalities (public domain).</li>
<li>The occupations of private places vs those of public places lead to '''different reactions''' from the authorities, and of owners (private domain) and municipalities (public domain).</li>
<li>Consider whether the place you are occupying has '''toilets and running water''' (e.g a forest, a vacant lot) and if not, plan for how you'll address these needs.</li>
<li>Consider whether the place you are occupying has '''toilets and running water''' (e.g a forest, a vacant lot) and if not, plan for how you'll address these needs.</li>
:
<span style=""></span>


=== <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; >Direct Democracy and Functioning ===
=== <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="&quot;font-size:" 12pt="">Direct Democracy and Functioning</span></span> ===




<p>'''<span style=""></span>'''</p>
<p >'''<span style=" "></span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style="">Assemblies</span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style="">Assemblies</span>'''</p>
<p><span style="">More often than not, an occupation will be punctuated by&nbsp;</span>'''<span style="">popular assemblies</span>'''<span style="">&nbsp;so that the group makes collective decisions concerning:</span></p>
<p><span style="">More often than not, an occupation will include </span>'''<span style="">general assemblies </span>'''<span style="">so that the group can include collective decisions concerning:</span></p>
*<span style="">their demands</span>
*<span style="">their demands</span>
*<span style="">negotiations with the adversary</span>
*<span style="">negotiations&nbsp;</span>
*<span style="">the roles of different committees</span>
*<span style="">the roles of different committees</span>
*<span style="">the food</span>
*<span style="">the food</span>
*<span style="">the activities that will take place during the occupation</span>
*<span style="">the activities that will take place during the occupation</span>
*<span style="">its duration, etc.</span><br>
*<span style="">its duration, etc.</span>
<p><br><span style="">Each group chooses which </span>'''<span style="">decisions </span>'''<span style="">will have to be taken in assembly and which decisions will be taken organically and autonomously (or by committee).&nbsp;</span><span style="">Sometimes, it is decided that the decisions taken in assemblies cannot derogate from the constitution of the group.</span></p>
<span></span>
:
 
:[https://ssmu.ca/governance/general-assembly/ Information on assemblies at McGill (English)]
<span>A meeting usually includes: an agenda and procedures allowing for the flow of exchanges and decision-making. </span><span>These can be explained to participants at the start of the meeting. </span><span>In order to be legitimate, a meeting sometimes includes a quorum, or a minimum number of people present so that the meeting can begin.</span>
<p><br></p>
 
<p><span style="">A meeting usually includes: an agenda, an animation, a secretariat and procedures allowing the harmony of exchanges and decision-making.&nbsp;</span><span style="">These can be explained to participants at the start of the meeting. </span><span style="">In order to be legitimate, a meeting sometimes includes a quorum, that is to say a minimum number of people present so that the meeting can begin.</span></p>
<span></span>
'''<span>Committees</span>'''<p><span style="">The occupying group may choose to form working&nbsp;</span>'''<span style="">committees</span>'''<span style="">&nbsp;.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Here are some examples of committees and their&nbsp;</span>'''<span style="">roles</span>'''<span style="">&nbsp;.</span><br></p>
<p><span style="">Each group chooses which </span>'''<span style="">decisions </span>'''<span style="">will have to be taken in assembly and which decisions will be taken organically and autonomously, or by a committee. </span><span style="">It may be decided that the decisions taken in assemblies cannot detract from the constitution of the group. For an example of using general assemblies, see: [https://ssmu.ca/governance/general-assembly/ information on assemblies at McGill]</span></p>
:<br>
'''<span>Committees</span>'''<p><span style="">The occupying group may choose to form working </span>'''<span style="">committees. </span>'''<span>Committees do not necessarily need to have a coordinating person. Many groups choose instead to have 1-2 people per committee who ensure that tasks are completed on time (''bottom-liners''). </span><span style="">Here are some examples of committees and their </span>'''<span style="">roles:</span>'''<br></p>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-  
|-  
| <span style="">Care Committee</span>
|   <span style="">Care Committee</span>
| <span style="">Responsible for thinking about practices that promote the well-being of the group.&nbsp;</span><span style="">See below for further resources and reflections on care in the context of occupation</span>
|   <span style="">Responsible for thinking about practices that promote the well-being of the group. </span><span style="">See below for further resources and reflections on care in the context of an occupation</span>
|-  
|-  
| <span style="">Food Committee</span>
|   <span style="">Food Committee</span>
| <span style="">Responsible for ensuring food supply.&nbsp;</span><span style="">This committee can collaborate with dumpster-diving groups for supplies, find volunteers to cook meals, etc.</span>
|   <span style="">Responsible for ensuring food supply. </span><span style="">This committee may find volunteers to cook meals, for example.</span>
|-  
|-  
| <span style="">Equipment Committee</span>
|   <span style="">Equipment Committee</span>
| <span style="">Responsible for finding equipment (tables, tents, fabric and ropes for banners...) and taking inventory of them</span>
|   <span style="">Responsible for finding equipment (tables, tents, fabric and ropes for banners...) and taking inventory of them.</span>
|-  
|-  
| <span style="">Safety Committee</span><br>
|   <span style="">Safety Committee</span><br>
| <span style="">Security committee, responsible for finding processes to ensure the security of participants (conservation of anonymity, encrypted communication, etc.)</span><br>
|   <span style="">Responsible for finding processes to ensure the security of participants (conserving anonymity, encrypted communication, etc.)</span><br>
*<span style="">Make sure you always have a person responsible for liaison with the police (communication with the police) on site</span>
*<span style="">Make sure you always have a person responsible for liaison (communication) with the police on site</span>
*<span style="">Develop a&nbsp;</span>[https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/crimethinc-what-is-security-culture security culture]<span style="">&nbsp;including encrypted communication modes (Signal, Keybase, RiseUp, etc.) and code names</span>
*<span style="">Develop a </span>[https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/crimethinc-what-is-security-culture security culture] <span style="">including encrypted communication modes (Signal, Keybase, RiseUp, etc.) and code names</span>
*<span style="">Find a lawyer available on call and distribute their number to those present</span>
*<span style="">Find a lawyer available on call and distribute their number to those present</span>
*<span style="">Provide workshops on&nbsp;</span>[https://fr.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/Information_l%C3%A9gale_101 legal information]<span style="">&nbsp;relevant to your situation and conduct&nbsp;</span>[https://fr.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/S%27informer_de_fa%C3%A7on_autonome research]<span style="">&nbsp;relevant to their specific situation.</span>
*<span style="">Provide workshops on </span>[https://fr.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/Information_l%C3%A9gale_101 legal information] <span style="">relevant to your occupation&nbsp;</span>
|}
|}


<p><br><span style="">Committees do not necessarily need to have a coordinating person.</span></p>
=== <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; >Adapt the occupation to the circumstances ===
<p><span style="">Many groups choose instead to have 1-2 people per committee who ensure that tasks are completed on time (</span>''<span style="">bottom-liners</span>''<span style="">)</span></p>
<p>'''<span style=" ">Activity Calendar</span>'''<br></p>
<p><br><span style="">For the operation at the </span>'''<span style="">care </span>'''<span style="">level , you will find more details below.</span></p>
<p><span style="">An occupation is also an opportunity to organize conferences, workshops, screenings and training. </span><span style="">The content and time of these activities can be decided in assembly, but the group can also choose to organize the calendar in an autonomous and participatory way, so that anyone can organize an activity.</span></p>
 
<p><span style=""></span></p>
=== <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; > Adapt the occupation to reality to circumstances ===
<p>'''<span style=""></span>'''</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>'''<span style="">Activity Calendar</span>'''<br></p>
<p><span style="">An occupation is also an opportunity to organize conferences, workshops, screenings and training.&nbsp;</span><span style="">The content and time of these activities can be decided in assembly, but the group can also choose to organize the calendar in an autonomous and participatory way, so that anyone who wants to organizes an activity there during the time slot. which suits him.</span></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><br>'''<span style="">Study space</span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style="">Provide a Study Space, Quiet Space</span>'''</p>
<p><span>This would be relevant for occupations of campuses, for example, where students may want to complete school work whilst supporting the occupation.</span></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><br></p>
<p>'''<span style="">Task board&nbsp;</span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style="">Task board&nbsp;</span>'''</p>
<p><span style="">Enables greater transparency and inclusion of new people</span></p>
<p><span style="">Enables greater transparency and inclusion of new members.</span></p>
<p><span style=""></span></p>
<p><span style=""></span></p>


=== <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; >Seek Support from Allied Groups ===
=== <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="&quot;font-size:" 12pt="">Seek Support from Allied Groups</span></span> ===


<p><br><span style="">To maximize solidarity with the occupation, contact allied groups (or develop trusting relationships with future allied groups).</span></p>
<span style=" ">To maximize solidarity with the occupation, contact allied groups (or develop trusting relationships with future allied groups). For example:</span>
*<span style="">teachers' union</span><br>
*<span style="">teachers' unions</span><br>
*<span style="">Support Employees Union</span>
*<span style="">employee unions</span>
*<span style="">Student associations&nbsp;</span>
*<span style="">student associations&nbsp;</span>


== Care of People in the Occupation ==
== Care of People in the Occupation ==
<p>'''<span style="">Provide resources in the face of repression</span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style="">Provide resources</span>'''</p>
*<span style="">For people who had to leave the occupation: circle of support available online</span><br>
*<span style="">For people who had to leave the occupation, consider a circle of support that is made available online</span><br>
*<span style="">For people who are on the site of the occupation: rest area (where massages are offered, for example)</span><br>
*<span style="">For people who are on the site of the occupation, provide a rest area&nbsp;</span><br>
*<span style="">Always keep in mind to communicate with our circle of comrades present at the occupation to check if everyone is well.</span>
*<span style="">Keep communication channels going with those present at the occupation to check if everyone is well.</span>
<p><br><span style="">For example, you could write down the legal information </span><span style="">that will be useful to you for the occupation and make it accessible.</span></p>
*Write down the legal information <span>that will be useful to you for the occupation and make it accessible.</span>
<p><br>'''<span style="">Provide a VACS process - Sexual violence</span>'''</p>
<p><br>'''<span style="">Provide a policy on sexual violence</span>'''</p>
*<span style="">“Sexually Based Violence (SGBV) is any form of violence committed through sexual practices or by targeting sexuality.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Unwanted gestures, words, behaviors or attitudes with a sexual connotation, expressed directly or indirectly, including by a technological means, are VACS.&nbsp;</span><span style="">-&nbsp;</span>[https://inrs.ca/linrs/services-a-la-communaute/harcelement-psychologique-et-violences-a-caractere-sexuel/les-violences-a-caractere-sexuel-cest-quoi/ National Institute for Scientific Research]<br>
*<span style="">“Sexually Based Violence (BV) is any form of violence committed through sexual practices or by targeting sexuality. This includes u</span><span style="">nwanted gestures, words, behaviours or attitudes with a sexual connotation, expressed directly or indirectly, including by a technological means. -</span>[https://inrs.ca/linrs/services-a-la-communaute/harcelement-psychologique-et-violences-a-caractere-sexuel/les-violences-a-caractere-sexuel-cest-quoi/ National Institute for Scientific Research]<br>
*<span style="">It is crucial to think about a policy on sexual violence, even before the occupation begins.&nbsp;</span><span style="">If your group does not currently have a clear policy, here are some examples of VACS policies to draw inspiration from as well as a list of resources for victims of sexual violence in&nbsp;</span>[https://www.quebec.ca/famille-et-soutien-aux-personnes/violences/agression-sexuelle-aide-ressources/organismes-d-aide-aux-victimes French]<span style="">&nbsp;and&nbsp;</span>[https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/violence/help-and-resources-for-sexual-assault-victims-and-sexual-assailants/community-organizations-that-help-victims-of-sexual-assault English]<span style="">&nbsp;as well as resources for persons who perpetrated this sexual violence in&nbsp;</span>[https://www.quebec.ca/famille-et-soutien-aux-personnes/violences/agression-sexuelle-aide-ressources/organismes-aide-auteurs-agression French]<span style="">&nbsp;and in&nbsp;</span>[https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/violence/help-and-resources-for-sexual-assault-victims-and-sexual-assailants/organizations-that-help-sexual-assailants English]<span style="">&nbsp;.</span>
*<span style="">It is crucial to think about a policy on sexual violence before the occupation begins. </span><span style="">If your group does not currently have a clear policy, here are a list of resources for victims of sexual violence in </span>[https://www.quebec.ca/famille-et-soutien-aux-personnes/violences/agression-sexuelle-aide-ressources/organismes-d-aide-aux-victimes French] <span style="">and </span>[https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/violence/help-and-resources-for-sexual-assault-victims-and-sexual-assailants/community-organizations-that-help-victims-of-sexual-assault English]<span style=""> , plus resources for persons who perpetrated this sexual violence in </span>[https://www.quebec.ca/famille-et-soutien-aux-personnes/violences/agression-sexuelle-aide-ressources/organismes-aide-auteurs-agression French] <span style="">and in </span>[https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/violence/help-and-resources-for-sexual-assault-victims-and-sexual-assailants/organizations-that-help-sexual-assailants English]. See the following example of a harassment policy: [https://www.asfa.ca/harassment-policy AFSA harassment policy]<br>
**[https://www.asfa.ca/harassment-policy ASFA (English)]<br>
<p><br>'''<span style="">Create safe spaces to encourage criticism and the sharing of problematic behaviours</span>'''</p>
<p><br>'''<span style="">Create safe spaces to encourage criticism and the sharing of problematic behaviors</span>'''</p>
 
<p><span style="">The care committee, for example, could create an anonymous feedback/criticism/comments box, the content of which could then be shared at the assembly or with targeted people.&nbsp;</span><span style="">The committee could also decide to offer in-person support in order to be an attentive ear to people who need to share anything in a non-anonymous way, without necessarily being comfortable speaking in front of an entire assembly. .</span></p>
*The care committee, for example, could create an anonymous feedback/criticism/comments box, the content of which could then be shared at the assembly or with targeted people.
<p><br></p>
*The committee could decide to offer in-person support in order to be an attentive ear to people who need to share anything in a non-anonymous way, without necessarily being comfortable speaking in front of an entire assembly.
<p><span style="">Pay attention to the minimization of the importance of care work and the tendency of several activist circles to place the burden of this work on women, transfeminine and/or LGBTQIA2S+ people.</span></p>
*Pay attention to the minimization of the importance of care work and the tendency of several activist circles to place the burden of this work on women, transfeminine and/or LGBTQIA2S+ people.
<p><br>'''<span style="">Provide psychological support</span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style=""></span>'''</p>
<p><span style="">An occupation can be a moment of enormous stress where a heavy mental load can weigh on members.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Some groups like to have an external resource person available to all participants who want it.</span></p>
 
<p>'''<span style=""></span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style=""></span>'''</p>
<p><br>
<p>'''<span style="">Provide psychological support</span>'''</p>
<p><span style="">An occupation can be a moment of enormous stress where a heavy mental load can weigh on members. </span><span style="">Some groups like to have an external resource person available to all participants who want it.</span></p>
 
<br>
<br>
== <span><span style=""><span style="">Obstacles to Horizontality<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span> ==
== <span><span style=""><span style="">Obstacles to Horizontality<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span> ==


Horizontality refers to the active creation of nonhierarchical relations through decision-making processes.
[https://en.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/How_do_horizontal_decision_and_deep_democracy_work%3F Horizontality] refers to the active creation of nonhierarchical relations through decision-making processes.


<p>'''<span style=""></span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style="">Negotiations</span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style="">Negotiations</span>'''</p>
<p><span style="">When negotiations are held with a body of power (school or business administration, government, etc.) there is a danger that the members of the negotiating team will accumulate more information, and therefore power over the rest of the group.</span></p>
<p><span style="">When negotiations are held with a body of power (school or business administration, government, etc.) there is a danger that the members of the negotiating team will accumulate more information, and therefore power over the rest of the group.</span></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><span style="">How to reduce the risk of the negotiating team hoarding power:</span></p>
<p><span style="">To reduce the risk of the negotiating team hoarding power:</span></p>
*<span style="">Popularize information on the issue through popularization documents and workshops</span><br>
*<span style="">Share information on the issue by distributing documents and workshops</span><br>
*<span style="">Open trading positions to everyone</span>
*<span style="">Open role rotation of these positions to everyone</span>
*<span style="">Consider the negotiating team as a simple channel of communication between the administration and the assembly;&nbsp;</span><span style="">the role of the negotiating team is not to make decisions in front of the administration, but to report the decisions of the assembly.</span>
*<span style="">Consider the negotiating team as a simple channel of communication between the administration and the assembly; </span><span style="">the role of the negotiating team is not to make decisions in front of the administration, but to report the decisions of the assembly.</span>
<p><br>'''<span style="">Great turnout</span>'''</p>
<p><br>'''<span style="">Turnout</span>'''</p>
<p><span style="">Some occupations bring together a hundred people, while others bring together thousands.&nbsp;</span><span style="">In the second case, it is more difficult to organize popular assemblies which bring together all the members.</span></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><br></p>
*Some occupations bring together a hundred people, while others bring together thousands. In the second case, it is more difficult to organize popular assemblies which bring together all the members.
<p><span style="">A method of decision-making when the number of participants is immense may be to organize strategic meetings in small groups open to all participants.&nbsp;</span><span style="">In this way, people who decide to spend less time in the occupation and not take part in decisions will be free to do so. </span><span style="">When applicable, it is of course necessary to follow Indigenous''' '''leadership</span>'''<span style=""> </span>'''<span style="">in relation to the occupation.</span></p>
*A method of decision-making when the number of participants is large may be to organize strategic meetings in small groups open to all participants. People who decide to spend less time in the occupation and not take part in decisions will be free to do so. When applicable, it is of course necessary to follow Indigenous leadership in relation to the occupation.
<p><br></p>


== Testimonials ==
== Testimonials ==


<p>'''<span style="">Testimony of a person who experienced the occupations of nuclear power plant construction sites with Clamshell Alliance&nbsp;</span><sup class="reference"></sup>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style="">Anonymous person who experienced the occupations of nuclear power plant construction sites with [https://www.fifthestate.org/archive/286-september-1977/letters/  Clamshell Alliance]</span><sup class="reference"></sup>'''</p>
[https://fr.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/D%C3%A9cortiquer_une_occupation#cite_note-1 [1]]<p>'''<sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"></sup>'''</p>
<p>'''<sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"></sup>'''</p>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Hit</span>'''<br>
| '''<span style="">Measuring success</span>'''<br>
| ''<span style="">&nbsp;[In criticizing the occupations carried out by the Clamshell Alliance, the person proposes what might have measured the success of an occupation]</span><br>''<p>''<span style="">The success of an occupation would be measured by</span>''</p>
| '' <span>In criticizing the occupations carried out by the Clamshell Alliance, the person proposes what might have measured the success of an occupation. </span><span>The success of an occupation would be measured by:</span>''
<p>''<span style="">1. Going to a site, staying there and blocking construction.</span>''</p>
<p>''<span style="">1. Going to a site, staying there and blocking construction.</span>''</p>
<p>''<span style="">2. Do it in a direct democracy and in a community way where self-confidence and initiative are reinforced among the participants.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Ideally, the idea of ​​an expropriation would be advanced there.</span>''</p>
<p>''<span style="">2. Use direct democracy and make community a priority; where self-confidence and initiative are reinforced among participants. </span><span style="">Ideally, the idea of ​​an expropriation (<span> </span>is possessing someone of property) would be advanced.</span>''</p>
|}
|}


<p>'''<span style="">Testimonies collected during the sharing circle</span>'''<br></p>
<p>'''<span style="">Testimonies collected during the sharing circle&nbsp;</span>'''<br></p>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Emergence of the idea and preparation</span>'''<br>
| '''<span style="">Emergence of the idea and preparation</span>'''<br>
| ''<span style="">&nbsp;The idea of ​​the occupation arrived in a big brainstorm.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Occupation was within the possibilities, but not the ultimate goal.&nbsp;</span><span style="">A comrade proposed to go on a hunger strike, which for us was the most intense action we could do for the disinvestment of our university.&nbsp;</span><span style="">When we saw that [another university] was carrying out an occupation, we decided to organize not only a hunger strike but also an occupation to support the hunger strikers.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Organized within a week or two (including the logistical issue of food for participants)</span>''
| ''<span style="">The idea of ​​an occupation arrived in a big brainstorm. </span><span style="">Occupation was within the possibilities, but not the ultimate goal. </span><span style="">A comrade proposed to go on a hunger strike, which for us was the most intense action we could do for the disinvestment of our university. </span><span style="">When we saw that [another university] was carrying out an occupation, we decided to organize not only a hunger strike but also an occupation to support the hunger strikers. This was o</span><span style="">rganized within a week or two.</span>''
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Reappropriation of an industrial zone</span>'''<br>
| '''<span style="">Occupation of an industrial zone</span>'''<br>
| ''<span style="">&nbsp;We are organizing in a former abandoned industrial zone where no occupation has been organized in due form, but we are working to frequent it and reclaim it.&nbsp;</span><span style="">There have also always been camps of homeless people, which have multiplied during the pandemic.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Nice collaborations between the people who came to clean the land but who did not live there, and those who lived there in tents / small trailers).&nbsp;</span><span style="">Then the police intervened and there was a resumption of work.&nbsp;</span><span style="">This is where the group made petitions, demonstrations, other artistic and family actions, blockages against the resumption of work.&nbsp;</span><span style="">It's difficult because everyone (municipal, provincial,</span>''
| ''<span style="">We are organizing in a former abandoned industrial zone where no occupation has been organized, but we are working to frequent it and reclaim it. </span><span style="">There have been camps of homeless people, which have multiplied during the pandemic. We've had ni</span><span style="">ce collaborations between the people who came to clean the land but who did not live there, and those who lived there in tents / small trailers). </span><span style="">Then the police intervened and there was a resumption of work.&nbsp;</span><span style="">This is where the group made petitions, demonstrations, art actions, blockages against the resumption of work etc.&nbsp;</span>''
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Escalation of pressure tactics</span><br>'''
| '''<span style="">[[Escalation]] of pressure tactics</span><br>'''
| ''<span style="">&nbsp;The occupation was the first step.&nbsp;</span><span style="">There has been no escalation of pressure tactics, although there have been demonstrations, actions and petitions in support of the occupation.&nbsp;</span>''
| ''<span style="">The occupation was the first step for us. </span><span style="">There has been no escalation of pressure tactics, although there have been demonstrations, actions and petitions in support of the occupation.&nbsp;</span>''
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Democratization of space</span><br>'''
| '''<span style="">Democratization of space</span><br>'''
| ''<span style="">Several narratives about why our group made an occupation exist and form intersections.&nbsp;</span><span style="">One of the reasons is that our group has existed for about ten years.&nbsp;</span><span style="">In the past few years, we have done occupations, but also internal pressure with the management as well as education of the student body.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Quickly this year, the idea of ​​“democratizing” our university became more and more interesting, and our occupation was part of this desire for democratization.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We wanted to open up the occupation space, make it participatory, and make decisions collectively in popular assemblies.</span>''
| ''<span style="">Several narratives about why our group made an occupation exist. </span><span style="">One of the reasons is that our group has existed for about ten years. </span><span style="">In the past few years, we have done occupations, but also internal pressure with the management as well as education of the student body. </span><span style="">Quickly this year, the idea of ​​“democratizing” our university became more and more interesting, and our occupation was part of this desire for democratization. </span><span style="">We wanted to open up the occupation space, make it participatory, and make decisions collectively in general assemblies.</span>''
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Interaction with the police in the forest</span><br>'''
| '''<span style="">Interaction with the police in the forest</span><br>'''
| ''<span style="">For about 8 months, people occupied the forest without reprisals - the only police presence was bi-weekly police visits.&nbsp;</span><span style="">No electricity or running water.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Latrines, gas and campfire heating.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Then the logging company filed an injunction.&nbsp;</span><span style="">That's when the police arrived, and the arrests were daily.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Support for arrested persons has been set up.&nbsp;</span><span style="">People could spend several hours or even days in cement structures or trees intended to delay their arrest.</span><br>''
| ''<span style="">For about 8 months, people occupied the forest without concern- the only police presence was bi-weekly police visits. </span><span style="">No electricity or running water; l</span><span style="">atrines, gas and campfire heating were used. </span><span style="">Then the logging company filed an injunction. </span><span style="">That's when the police arrived, and the arrests were daily. </span><span style="">Support for arrested persons has been set up. </span><span style="">People could spend several hours or even days in cement structures or trees intended to delay their arrest.</span><br>''
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Unfolding in a university</span><br>'''
| '''<span style="">Holding space in a university</span><br>'''
| <p>''<span style="">&nbsp;In the context of one university in particular, the lobby was stormed in less than an hour.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We entered all our equipment there as quickly as possible, taking it out of our cars which had parked in front of the entrance.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We set up our tents, making sure we could be comfortable.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Daily life was punctuated by our meetings with the rectorate and security;&nbsp;</span><span style="">every time we had to make a decision and meet with security/rectorate, we held a popular assembly.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We also organized a host of activities and conferences.&nbsp;</span><span style="">These activities were held at the same time as two people went on a hunger strike.&nbsp;</span>''</p>
|   <p>''<span style="">In the context of our university, the lobby was stormed in less than an hour. </span><span style="">We brought all our equipment there as quickly as possible, taking it out of our cars which had parked in front of the entrance. </span><span style="">We set up our tents, making sure we could be comfortable. </span><span style="">Daily life was punctuated by meetings with security and university officials. E</span><span style="">very time we had to make a decision and meet with security or university officials, we held a general assembly. </span><span style="">We also organized activities and conferences. </span><span style="">These activities were held while two people went on a hunger strike.&nbsp;</span>''</p>
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Support</span><br>'''
| '''<span style="">Support</span><br>'''
| ''<span style="">Many student associations on strike during the occupation;&nbsp;</span><span style="">so many people were available to ensure a presence on the scene.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Contact with student associations and the teachers' union was made beforehand so that they positioned themselves for the divestment of fossil fuels.&nbsp;</span>''<p>''<br>''</p>
| ''<span style="">Many student associations went on strike during the occupation; </span><span style="">so many people were available to ensure a presence on the scene. </span><span style="">Contact with student associations and the teachers' union was made beforehand so that they positioned themselves for the divestment of fossil fuels.&nbsp;</span>''''''
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Daily</span><br>'''
| '''<span style="">Daily Operations</span><br>'''
| ''<span style="">Different working groups - care committee, food committee, equipment committee, safety committee.&nbsp;</span><span style="">People weren't taking the lead, just bottom-liners to make sure things got done.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We did not have an intense response from security or management.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We had also set up a study area.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We had daily popular assemblies as well as a board of tasks to separate.&nbsp;</span><span style="">It was a good way to include new people and have a transparent operation.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Some days were very busy with workshops, but even when the days were freer, finding more formal meeting times was difficult.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Moreover, we didn't know everyone: how to trust the people who join the&nbsp;</span><span style="">space ?&nbsp;</span><span style="">How do we make more difficult discussions (eg: escalation of pressure tactics) accessible to new people?</span>''
| ''<span style="">Different working groups - care committee, food committee, equipment committee, safety committee etc. were developed. </span><span style="">People weren't taking the lead, just bottom-liners to make sure things got done. </span><span style="">We did not have an intense response from security or management. </span><span style="">We had also set up a study area. </span><span style="">We had daily general assemblies as well as a board of tasks to delegate. </span><span style="">It was a good way to include new people and have a transparent operation. </span><span style="">Some days were very busy with workshops, but even when the days were freer, finding time for more formal meeting times was difficult. </span><span style="">Moreover, we didn't know everyone: how do we trust the people who join the </span><span style="">space? </span><span style="">How do we make more difficult discussions (e.g: escalation of pressure tactics) accessible to new people?</span>''
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Deterrence Techniques</span><br>'''
| '''<span style="">Deterrence Techniques</span><br>'''
| ''<span style="">On the first day, security warned occupants of the fire danger of staying in the space overnight.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Another incident was that an employee set an alarm to disturb the occupants for about an hour.&nbsp;</span><span style="">It was not bad both security incidents.</span>''
| ''<span style="">On the first day, security warned occupants of the fire danger of staying in the space overnight. </span><span style="">Another incident was that an employee set an alarm to disturb the occupants for about an hour.</span>''
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Negotiations and horizontality</span><br>'''
| '''<span style="">Negotiations and horizontality</span><br>'''
| ''<span style="">The more the occupation advanced, the more difficult it was to maintain horizontality.&nbsp;</span><span style="">The people who were going to negotiate with the administration were of course those who were most aware of the progress of the negotiations.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Even if these people reported the negotiations to the meeting, some information could not be fully disclosed.&nbsp;</span><span style="">When you are in a position to negotiate, you have to be honest with both the assembly and the administration.&nbsp;</span><span style="">The role of the negotiating team is not to make decisions in front of the administration, but to report the decisions of the assembly.&nbsp;</span><span style="">It wasn't that bad for week-long negotiations, but it's unclear whether the horizontality would have held if the negotiations had stretched out over time.&nbsp;</span><span style="">To form the negotiating team, positions were opened.&nbsp;</span><span style="">On the other hand, as soon as it fell into technicalities (finances, carbon indicators...) it was more difficult to include everyone.&nbsp;</span><span style="">It is even difficult to popularize to people who participate in the occupation (but who are not in the negotiating team).&nbsp;</span><span style="">Another important aspect: the administration had difficulty understanding the principle of horizontality of the group.&nbsp;</span><span style="">They thought that some people who took more leadership were spokespersons for the movement, when they were not.&nbsp;</span><span style="">This put an additional mental load on these people.&nbsp;</span><span style="">was more difficult to include everyone.&nbsp;</span><span style="">It is even difficult to popularize to people who participate in the occupation (but who are not in the negotiating team).&nbsp;</span><span style="">Another important aspect: the administration had difficulty understanding the principle of horizontality of the group.&nbsp;</span><span style="">They thought that some people who took more leadership were spokespersons for the movement, when they were not.&nbsp;</span><span style="">This put an additional mental load on these people.&nbsp;</span><span style="">was more difficult to include everyone.&nbsp;</span><span style="">It is even difficult to popularize to people who participate in the occupation (but who are not in the negotiating team).&nbsp;</span><span style="">Another important aspect: the administration had difficulty understanding the principle of horizontality of the group.&nbsp;</span><span style="">They thought that some people who took more leadership were spokespersons for the movement, when they were not.&nbsp;</span><span style="">This put an additional mental load on these people.&nbsp;</span><span style="">They thought that some people who took more leadership were spokespersons for the movement, when they were not.&nbsp;</span><span style="">This put an additional mental load on these people.&nbsp;</span><span style="">They thought that some people who took more leadership were spokespersons for the movement, when they were not.&nbsp;</span><span style="">This put an additional mental load on these people.</span>''
| ''<span style="">The more the occupation advanced, the more difficult it was to maintain horizontality. </span><span style="">The people who were going to negotiate with the administration were of course those who were most aware of the progress of the negotiations. </span><span style="">Even if these people reported the negotiations to the meeting, some information could not be fully disclosed. </span><span style="">When you are in a position to negotiate, you have to be honest with both the assembly and the administration. </span><span style="">The role of the negotiating team is not to make decisions in front of the administration, but to report the decisions made by the assembly. </span>''
 
''<span>It wasn't that bad for week-long negotiations, but it's unclear whether the horizontality would have held if the negotiations had stretched out over time. </span><span style="">To form the negotiating team, positions were opened. </span><span style="">On the other hand, as soon as it fell into technicalities (finances, carbon indicators...) it was more difficult to include everyone. </span>''
 
''<span style="">Another important aspect: the administration had difficulty understanding the principle of horizontality of the group. </span><span style="">They thought that some people who took more leadership were spokespersons for the movement, when they were not.&nbsp;</span>''
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Power dynamics</span><br>'''
| '''<span style="">Power dynamics</span><br>'''
| ''<span style="">&nbsp;We try to prevent people who have been in the occupation longer from having more influence and power, but this is difficult to prevent completely.&nbsp;</span><span style="">When we started having a headquarters, as well as 2000-3000 people at the occupation, it was even more difficult to keep our horizontality.&nbsp;</span><span style="">To get organized, we had strategic meetings in small groups.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Everyone could join, without obligation.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Difficult to integrate people who are present for 2-3 days in decision-making.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We also followed the words of the Aboriginal elders on site.</span>''
| ''<span style="">We try to prevent people who have been in the occupation longer from having more influence and power, but this is difficult to prevent completely. </span><span style="">When we started having a headquarters, as well as 2000-3000 people at the occupation, it was even more difficult to keep our horizontality. </span><span style="">To get organized, we had strategic meetings in small groups. </span><span style="">Everyone could join, without obligations. It's d</span><span style="">ifficult to integrate people who are present for only 2-3 days in decision-making. </span><span style="">We also followed the leadership of Indigenous elders on site.</span>''
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Integrating care in the face of police repression</span>'''<br>'''<br>'''
| '''<span style="">Integrating care in the face of police repression</span>'''<br>'''<br>'''
| ''<span style="">&nbsp;We made a lot of mistakes.&nbsp;</span><span style="">So many people joined in that it was hard to keep track.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We had an arrest support list.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We had a support circle accessible online for people who had left the site.&nbsp;</span><span style="">For those who were on the site, we had established a "Rest and relaxation" camp where people who wanted to take a break were invited.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Massages.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Some people emerged from the occupation with police-related trauma.&nbsp;</span><span style="">It is important to communicate with our circle of friends who were present at the occupation.</span>''
| ''<span style="">So many people joined in that it was hard to keep track. </span><span style="">We had an arrest support list. </span><span style="">We had a support circle accessible online for people who had left the site. </span><span style="">For those who were on the site, we had established a "Rest and relaxation" camp where people who wanted to take a break were invited. </span><span style="">Massages were provided. </span><span style="">Some people emerged from the occupation with police-related trauma. </span><span style="">It is important to communicate with our circle of friends who were present at the occupation.</span>''
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Daily care</span><br>'''
| '''<span style="">Daily care</span><br>'''
| ''<span style="">The question of care was not our strength, among other things because the occupation was carried out at the last minute.&nbsp;</span><span style="">There was a space in the assemblies to give comments, criticisms and to suggest improvements.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We had sentient guardians on site who could be met privately if we didn't want to talk about it in a large group.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Also, it took us 2-3 days to realize that we didn't have a process for VACS.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We had an outside resource person for psychological problems.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Very stressful, a lot of mental load.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We held a debriefing after the end of the occupation to freely discuss care issues, among other things.&nbsp;</span>''
| ''<span style="">The question of care was not our strength, among other things because the occupation was carried out at the last minute. </span><span style="">There was a space in the assemblies to give comments, criticisms and suggest improvements. </span><span style="">We had people on site who could be met privately if folks didn't want to talk about something in a large group. </span><span style="">Also, it took us 2-3 days to realize that we didn't have a process for sexual violence. </span><span style="">We had an outside resource person for psychological problems. V</span><span style="">ery stressful, a lot of mental load. </span><span style="">We held a debriefing after the end of the occupation to freely discuss care issues, among other things.&nbsp;</span>''
|-  
|-  
| '''<span style="">Ensuring the safety of certain people</span><br>'''
| '''<span style="">Ensuring the safety of certain people</span><br>'''
| ''<span style="">Several young indigenous people had been arrested a few weeks before: so the watchword of this occupation was really to keep ourselves safe and to have as many people as possible to keep the young indigenous people safe.&nbsp;</span><span style="">We used a mass messaging tool (for example to broadcast an invitation to come to the occupation as reinforcements because of white supremacists who might be there).&nbsp;</span><span style="">Our police liaisons were white and colonizing to ensure Indigenous and racialized people do not interact with the police.&nbsp;</span><span style="">Throughout our occupation, we have also realized the importance of songs and celebrating and organizing film screening evenings.</span>''
| ''<span style="">Several young Indigenous people had been arrested a few weeks before: so a key goal of the occupation was really to keep ourselves safe and to have as many people as possible keep the young Indigenous people safe. </span><span style="">We used a mass messaging tool (for example, to broadcast an invitation to come to the occupation as reinforcements because of white supremacists who might be there). </span><span style="">Our police liaisons are white settlers to ensure Indigenous and racialized people do not interact with the police. </span><span style="">Throughout our occupation, we have also realized the importance of songs and celebrating and organizing film screening evenings.</span>''
|}
|}




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Latest revision as of 19:39, 30 August 2022

This page was created using insight following a learning circle held by the HUB on the subject, during which members of activist groups shared their learnings relating to this means of pressuring institutions.

Groups Present

Some groups wished to remain anonymous.

 

The Ecotheque is a university student collective whose goal is to create cooperative, participatory, environmental, inclusive and horizontal projects by following the three pillars of the group: education, art and militant action. In other words, the idea is to create a common knowledge accessible to students who do not necessarily have the opportunity to encounter this type of content due to the unidirectionality of their programs, among other things.

Divest McGill is an environmental justice campaign that has been fighting for 10 years to get McGill University to recognize the urgency of the climate crisis and withdraw its investments in the fossil fuel industry. It is also a group of more than a hundred students who, over the years, have done an enormous amount of research, popular education and mobilization on the subject.
 

The Fairy Creek Blockade is a nonviolent direct action from the frontlines of what's colonially called British Columbia. The people who participate fight to protect the remaining 2.7% of ancestral forest in British Columbia from logging. Beginning in August 2020, thirty individual forest defenders from across the South Island, including neighbouring communities, came together to set up a roadblock one thousand meters above sea level on the western ridge of Fairy Creek, in Pacheedaht territory.

Since then, a community of Indigenous youth, elders and gender-diverse people have led the full-time outreach work. The blockade received support from future Hereditary Chief Victor Peter of the Pacheedaht and the Union of British Columbia Chiefs (UBCIC). Blockades have united under the #laststandforforforests at four main locations and several pop-up locations.


Why Occupy?

To escalate pressure

  • The occupation can be combined with other tactics: a student strike, hunger strike etc.
  • In some cases, occupation may be the first tactic chosen (e.g. in Fairy Creek, occupation was the first tactic advocated)


To democratize its environment

Often, the idea behind an occupation is not only to put forward demands on a specific issue (eg, a university's divestment from fossil fuels), but also to redefine where power should lie; should it belong to the administration of the school or rather to the student body which decides to occupy a building and establish a direct democracy? 

How Do You Hold an Occupation?

Choice of Location

  • When selecting a location, find out what the implications and challenges of occupying it may be. For example:

School: security is present from the beginning of the occupation.
Forest: police presence is not necessarily assured from the beginning of the occupation. Police will ensure an increased and regular presence if an injunction is filed against the occupiers. In the event that an injunction is filed, the police will make arrests and will not hesitate to use violence.

  • The occupations of private places vs those of public places lead to different reactions from the authorities, and of owners (private domain) and municipalities (public domain).
  • Consider whether the place you are occupying has toilets and running water (e.g a forest, a vacant lot) and if not, plan for how you'll address these needs.
  • Direct Democracy and Functioning

    Assemblies

    More often than not, an occupation will include general assemblies so that the group can include collective decisions concerning:

    • their demands
    • negotiations 
    • the roles of different committees
    • the food
    • the activities that will take place during the occupation
    • its duration, etc.

    A meeting usually includes: an agenda and procedures allowing for the flow of exchanges and decision-making. These can be explained to participants at the start of the meeting. In order to be legitimate, a meeting sometimes includes a quorum, or a minimum number of people present so that the meeting can begin.

    Each group chooses which decisions will have to be taken in assembly and which decisions will be taken organically and autonomously, or by a committee. It may be decided that the decisions taken in assemblies cannot detract from the constitution of the group. For an example of using general assemblies, see: information on assemblies at McGill


    Committees

    The occupying group may choose to form working committees. Committees do not necessarily need to have a coordinating person. Many groups choose instead to have 1-2 people per committee who ensure that tasks are completed on time (bottom-liners). Here are some examples of committees and their roles:

    Care Committee Responsible for thinking about practices that promote the well-being of the group. See below for further resources and reflections on care in the context of an occupation
    Food Committee Responsible for ensuring food supply. This committee may find volunteers to cook meals, for example.
    Equipment Committee Responsible for finding equipment (tables, tents, fabric and ropes for banners...) and taking inventory of them.
    Safety Committee
    Responsible for finding processes to ensure the security of participants (conserving anonymity, encrypted communication, etc.)
    • Make sure you always have a person responsible for liaison (communication) with the police on site
    • Develop a security culture including encrypted communication modes (Signal, Keybase, RiseUp, etc.) and code names
    • Find a lawyer available on call and distribute their number to those present
    • Provide workshops on legal information relevant to your occupation 

    Adapt the occupation to the circumstances

    Activity Calendar

    An occupation is also an opportunity to organize conferences, workshops, screenings and training. The content and time of these activities can be decided in assembly, but the group can also choose to organize the calendar in an autonomous and participatory way, so that anyone can organize an activity.


    Provide a Study Space, Quiet Space

    This would be relevant for occupations of campuses, for example, where students may want to complete school work whilst supporting the occupation.


    Task board 

    Enables greater transparency and inclusion of new members.

    Seek Support from Allied Groups

    To maximize solidarity with the occupation, contact allied groups (or develop trusting relationships with future allied groups). For example:

    • teachers' unions
    • employee unions
    • student associations 

    Care of People in the Occupation

    Provide resources

    • For people who had to leave the occupation, consider a circle of support that is made available online
    • For people who are on the site of the occupation, provide a rest area 
    • Keep communication channels going with those present at the occupation to check if everyone is well.
    • Write down the legal information that will be useful to you for the occupation and make it accessible.


    Provide a policy on sexual violence

    • “Sexually Based Violence (BV) is any form of violence committed through sexual practices or by targeting sexuality. This includes unwanted gestures, words, behaviours or attitudes with a sexual connotation, expressed directly or indirectly, including by a technological means. -National Institute for Scientific Research
    • It is crucial to think about a policy on sexual violence before the occupation begins. If your group does not currently have a clear policy, here are a list of resources for victims of sexual violence in French and English , plus resources for persons who perpetrated this sexual violence in French and in English. See the following example of a harassment policy: AFSA harassment policy


    Create safe spaces to encourage criticism and the sharing of problematic behaviours

    • The care committee, for example, could create an anonymous feedback/criticism/comments box, the content of which could then be shared at the assembly or with targeted people.
    • The committee could decide to offer in-person support in order to be an attentive ear to people who need to share anything in a non-anonymous way, without necessarily being comfortable speaking in front of an entire assembly.
    • Pay attention to the minimization of the importance of care work and the tendency of several activist circles to place the burden of this work on women, transfeminine and/or LGBTQIA2S+ people.


    Provide psychological support

    An occupation can be a moment of enormous stress where a heavy mental load can weigh on members. Some groups like to have an external resource person available to all participants who want it.


    Obstacles to Horizontality 

    Horizontality refers to the active creation of nonhierarchical relations through decision-making processes.

    Negotiations

    When negotiations are held with a body of power (school or business administration, government, etc.) there is a danger that the members of the negotiating team will accumulate more information, and therefore power over the rest of the group.


    To reduce the risk of the negotiating team hoarding power:

    • Share information on the issue by distributing documents and workshops
    • Open role rotation of these positions to everyone
    • Consider the negotiating team as a simple channel of communication between the administration and the assembly; the role of the negotiating team is not to make decisions in front of the administration, but to report the decisions of the assembly.


    Turnout

    • Some occupations bring together a hundred people, while others bring together thousands. In the second case, it is more difficult to organize popular assemblies which bring together all the members.
    • A method of decision-making when the number of participants is large may be to organize strategic meetings in small groups open to all participants. People who decide to spend less time in the occupation and not take part in decisions will be free to do so. When applicable, it is of course necessary to follow Indigenous leadership in relation to the occupation.

    Testimonials

    Anonymous person who experienced the occupations of nuclear power plant construction sites with Clamshell Alliance

    Measuring success
    In criticizing the occupations carried out by the Clamshell Alliance, the person proposes what might have measured the success of an occupation. The success of an occupation would be measured by:

    1. Going to a site, staying there and blocking construction.

    2. Use direct democracy and make community a priority; where self-confidence and initiative are reinforced among participants. Ideally, the idea of ​​an expropriation ( is possessing someone of property) would be advanced.

    Testimonies collected during the sharing circle 

    Emergence of the idea and preparation
    The idea of ​​an occupation arrived in a big brainstorm. Occupation was within the possibilities, but not the ultimate goal. A comrade proposed to go on a hunger strike, which for us was the most intense action we could do for the disinvestment of our university. When we saw that [another university] was carrying out an occupation, we decided to organize not only a hunger strike but also an occupation to support the hunger strikers. This was organized within a week or two.
    Occupation of an industrial zone
    We are organizing in a former abandoned industrial zone where no occupation has been organized, but we are working to frequent it and reclaim it. There have been camps of homeless people, which have multiplied during the pandemic. We've had nice collaborations between the people who came to clean the land but who did not live there, and those who lived there in tents / small trailers). Then the police intervened and there was a resumption of work. This is where the group made petitions, demonstrations, art actions, blockages against the resumption of work etc. 
    Escalation of pressure tactics
    The occupation was the first step for us. There has been no escalation of pressure tactics, although there have been demonstrations, actions and petitions in support of the occupation. 
    Democratization of space
    Several narratives about why our group made an occupation exist. One of the reasons is that our group has existed for about ten years. In the past few years, we have done occupations, but also internal pressure with the management as well as education of the student body. Quickly this year, the idea of ​​“democratizing” our university became more and more interesting, and our occupation was part of this desire for democratization. We wanted to open up the occupation space, make it participatory, and make decisions collectively in general assemblies.
    Interaction with the police in the forest
    For about 8 months, people occupied the forest without concern- the only police presence was bi-weekly police visits. No electricity or running water; latrines, gas and campfire heating were used. Then the logging company filed an injunction. That's when the police arrived, and the arrests were daily. Support for arrested persons has been set up. People could spend several hours or even days in cement structures or trees intended to delay their arrest.
    Holding space in a university

    In the context of our university, the lobby was stormed in less than an hour. We brought all our equipment there as quickly as possible, taking it out of our cars which had parked in front of the entrance. We set up our tents, making sure we could be comfortable. Daily life was punctuated by meetings with security and university officials. Every time we had to make a decision and meet with security or university officials, we held a general assembly. We also organized activities and conferences. These activities were held while two people went on a hunger strike. 

    Support
    Many student associations went on strike during the occupation; so many people were available to ensure a presence on the scene. Contact with student associations and the teachers' union was made beforehand so that they positioned themselves for the divestment of fossil fuels. '
    Daily Operations
    Different working groups - care committee, food committee, equipment committee, safety committee etc. were developed. People weren't taking the lead, just bottom-liners to make sure things got done. We did not have an intense response from security or management. We had also set up a study area. We had daily general assemblies as well as a board of tasks to delegate. It was a good way to include new people and have a transparent operation. Some days were very busy with workshops, but even when the days were freer, finding time for more formal meeting times was difficult. Moreover, we didn't know everyone: how do we trust the people who join the space? How do we make more difficult discussions (e.g: escalation of pressure tactics) accessible to new people?
    Deterrence Techniques
    On the first day, security warned occupants of the fire danger of staying in the space overnight. Another incident was that an employee set an alarm to disturb the occupants for about an hour.
    Negotiations and horizontality
    The more the occupation advanced, the more difficult it was to maintain horizontality. The people who were going to negotiate with the administration were of course those who were most aware of the progress of the negotiations. Even if these people reported the negotiations to the meeting, some information could not be fully disclosed. When you are in a position to negotiate, you have to be honest with both the assembly and the administration. The role of the negotiating team is not to make decisions in front of the administration, but to report the decisions made by the assembly.

    It wasn't that bad for week-long negotiations, but it's unclear whether the horizontality would have held if the negotiations had stretched out over time. To form the negotiating team, positions were opened. On the other hand, as soon as it fell into technicalities (finances, carbon indicators...) it was more difficult to include everyone.

    Another important aspect: the administration had difficulty understanding the principle of horizontality of the group. They thought that some people who took more leadership were spokespersons for the movement, when they were not. 

    Power dynamics
    We try to prevent people who have been in the occupation longer from having more influence and power, but this is difficult to prevent completely. When we started having a headquarters, as well as 2000-3000 people at the occupation, it was even more difficult to keep our horizontality. To get organized, we had strategic meetings in small groups. Everyone could join, without obligations. It's difficult to integrate people who are present for only 2-3 days in decision-making. We also followed the leadership of Indigenous elders on site.
    Integrating care in the face of police repression

    So many people joined in that it was hard to keep track. We had an arrest support list. We had a support circle accessible online for people who had left the site. For those who were on the site, we had established a "Rest and relaxation" camp where people who wanted to take a break were invited. Massages were provided. Some people emerged from the occupation with police-related trauma. It is important to communicate with our circle of friends who were present at the occupation.
    Daily care
    The question of care was not our strength, among other things because the occupation was carried out at the last minute. There was a space in the assemblies to give comments, criticisms and suggest improvements. We had people on site who could be met privately if folks didn't want to talk about something in a large group. Also, it took us 2-3 days to realize that we didn't have a process for sexual violence. We had an outside resource person for psychological problems. Very stressful, a lot of mental load. We held a debriefing after the end of the occupation to freely discuss care issues, among other things. 
    Ensuring the safety of certain people
    Several young Indigenous people had been arrested a few weeks before: so a key goal of the occupation was really to keep ourselves safe and to have as many people as possible keep the young Indigenous people safe. We used a mass messaging tool (for example, to broadcast an invitation to come to the occupation as reinforcements because of white supremacists who might be there). Our police liaisons are white settlers to ensure Indigenous and racialized people do not interact with the police. Throughout our occupation, we have also realized the importance of songs and celebrating and organizing film screening evenings.


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