John S.
How would you define Occupy ?
Difficult to define. But for me it was the movement that came together in September and October 2011 to point out that our economy is designed to benefit a tiny minority at the expense of the vast majority.
What were you doing before Occupy ?
I was involved in the climate justice movement and other social justice campaigns.
Why did you participate in Occupy?
I wanted to be part of this important moment in history in order to spread it and contribute to the debates.
What impact did Occupy have on your personal life?
Quite a big impact during the occupation, as I was camping in St Paul’s church yard. I discovered a new network of activists who came out of the occupation. We are still in contact today thanks to social media and involved in various campaigns, such as anti-fracking.
What impact do you think Occupy has had on the economic and political situation?
It has altered the terms of the debate. It hasn’t yet altered the economic situation, but we can see many of the criticisms of the economic status quo which Occupy was making are now being taken up by politicians like Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn.
Given the current political and economic situation, what is your view on what people can do to bring long lasting systemic change?
We need to get organised in our work places and in our community to build the resistance against the government’s social disastrous austerity policies. If we can get organised on a large enough scale we can stop thus government in its tracks.
Before Occupy, were you involved in activities related to the reasons why you participated in Occupy? (Activist groups, campaign groups, media platforms, volunteering, research, etc)
Yes
Which ones?
Climate Camp, Campaign against Climate Change
Are you still involved in activities related to the reasons why you participated in Occupy? (Activist groups, campaign groups, media platforms, volunteering, research, etc)
Yes
Which ones?
Reclaim the Power, Occupy Democracy
Are you still actively working or engaged with people that you met through Occupy?
Yes
What kind of activities are you doing together?
Action camps, occupations, marched, cycle rides, squats