Statement of Declaration

The following document has been unanimously approved and endorsed:

• We are group of individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and ideologies who have come together to form a democratic collective;
• We are in solidarity with Occupy Wall street and groups occupying cities across America and the world, but are our own independent collective;
• We hold that true democracies give equal weight to all voices, and disproportionate influence to none;
• That disproportionate influence has led to oppressively disproportionate wealth.
• Occupy Louisville is an exercise in self-governance which takes this principle as foundational and unshakable;
• Our message is inseparable from, and largely consists in, our process of decision-making, which we call the General Assembly. We concede that it is slow and sometimes painful both for those involved and for those external who seek policy recommendations. We believe that this process is worth the effort, as it deflects divisions and puts to the forefront what should be at the heart of all true democracies: the survival and wellbeing of every member in the group;
• We believe that our national and local governments should follow this principle, and a thorough review should be conducted in order to identify and eliminate routes to privilege not currently accessible by all U.S. citizens;
• We commit to non-violence, including verbal or implicit aggression, including destruction or defacement of property;
• We commit to working within the law wherever possible;
• We commit to respecting the spaces we occupy and surrounding communities;
• We seek amicable relations with all, and so that we may form a more perfect union, we welcome all to contribute their voices and thoughts, and only reject a priori those who use their power and influence to harm others both directly and indirectly;
• We understand that many human conflicts, including those perceived by others towards us, are at root a matter of misunderstanding and ignorance, and we seek to develop our own knowledge of global and local economic and political realities; to further this end, we extend an offer for a public and direct forum for those of you who are more informed on these matters to engage with us in ongoing dialogue;
• To further the above agenda, we will continue to occupy Louisville so that the common voice of the people is heard loudly in these halls until such time as we are convinced its reverberations will continue indefinitely without our presence;
• On these grounds, we respectfully seek a statement of public support from [Louisville City...] Council for our peaceful and democratic intentions as soon as business allows;