Isobel

How would you define Occupy?

A protest movement.

Why did you participate in Occupy?

I remained a non-participant observer, drawing and writing about it.

What impact did Occupy have on your personal life?

It was like dropping into a private members’ club or a sitcom. I met interesting people and remain grateful for the friendships I made there. I found acceptance.

Did Occupy change the ways you think, feel and interact with the world? If yes, how so? What do you feel that you learned (or unlearned) that was unique to Occupy?

I was fascinated by the way the community ran itself and related to the outside world. I learned quite a bit about acceptance. I started to engage with rough sleepers and homeless people and that made me volunteer for Crisis at Christmas – something I had been toying with for years but never done before. I lost my fear of that.

What impact do you think Occupy has had on the economic and political situation?

None but it has provoked debate in limited circles.

Given the current political and economic situation, what is your view on what people can do to bring long lasting systemic change?

Voting for Brexit was a disaster. Voting for Corbyn will also be a disaster. I despair.

Are you still actively working or engaged with people that you met through Occupy?

Yes

What kind of activities are you doing together?

Social