Creating Alternatives: a Series of General Assemblies

The first in a series of General Assemblies under the umbrella title ‘Creating Alternatives’ took place atop the steps of St. Paul’s on Saturday June 16. Initiated to encourage local community groups who are working to challenge various aspects of our broken system, the Creating Alternatives GAs seek to deepen Occupy London’s link with existing community organisations. About 60 people came together to begin the process of discussing whether and how local communities can work collaboratively with the Occupy movement in the future.

The GA consisted of an introduction to the existing work and approach of Occupy, descriptions of the nascent Community Bill of Rights and the Localism Act, and a talk on ‘the commons’. There were also powerful contributions from a Haringey community group and the Save Leyton Marshes campaign. The break-out groups discussed ideas for future assemblies and the feedback session was full of enthusiasm to continue the process and encourage more groups to attend the assemblies.

It is impossible to say how this shared platform will develop, but the general attitude of those present was that the Creating Alternatives discussion series was a positive step for all parties involved and worth continuing.

By Liz Beech