reBUIlding grass roots
democracy below from
one square at a time
KL PEOPLE’s ASSEMBLY CODE OF CONDUCT 1. RESPECT
Respect each speaker and their opinions. Name-calling, accusations, verbal attacks, sarcasm and other negative exchanges are counter-productive.
2. OPENNESS
Keep an open mind. Be open to new concepts and ideas. Encourage the broadest range of ideas and viewpoints.
OCCUPY DATARAN CONTACT INFO facebook.com/occupydataran twitter.com/occupydataran occupydataran@gmail.com 011-1112 3028
*(8-digit number)
3. LISTENING
Undivided attention to the person who is speaking. Listen to understand, not to contradict.
4. NON-JUDGEMENTAL
Keep the discussion on the issue, not on the individual. It is okay to disagree with another person’s point of view. If need be, agree to disagree.
5. INCLUSIVENESS
All members are equal & everyone’s input is equally valued. Make sure that everyone’s voice is heard. Include everyone in the discussion.
is an independent & autonomous grassroots initiative to reclaim Dataran Merdeka as an open and democratic space for the people. It is not affiliated to any ideology, political party or NGO.
HAND GESTURES DURING THE ASSEMBLY YES AGREE
WHAT IS OCCUPY DATARAN?
DISAGREE
GET TO THE POINT
Occupy Dataran is an independent initiative by common people, for common people. It aims to: Reclaim Dataran Merdeka as an open and democratic space, as a playground of ideas and activities and as a platform for collective decision-making. Explore how ordinary people can increase their participation in political decision-making and democracy beyond elections. Imagine a new political culture beyond race, ideology, beliefs, social status, creed, gender and political affiliation. Occupy Dataran is held every Saturday night at Dataran Merdeka, typically from 8:00pm – 6:00am the next day.
Who started Occupy Dataran? Occupy Dataran was started by a group of ordinary citizens inspired by the 15-M movement in Spain, a grassroots movement that was calling for "Real Democracy Now". The idea to occupy Dataran Merdeka was developed during the first informal gathering of about 23 people, some friends and some strangers, at Dataran Merdeka on 30 July 2011.
Is there a leader in Occupy Dataran? In Occupy Dataran, we do not look to one leader, but make space for all to be leaders. The group strives to organise itself in a democratic, horizontal and non-hierarchical manner. This means everyone has an equal say in decision-making. Teamwork and collaboration are important values. All roles such as moderators and coordinators are chosen on voluntary basis and rotated every week.
Who organises Occupy Dataran programs?
REPEAT YOUR POINT
Anyone who joins Occupy Dataran are free to organise programs. There is no central organising committee. Programs are organised on voluntary basis. Programs include the Universiti Rakyat (a free and open space for anyone to conduct workshops or lectures to share a skill/knowledge), Pasar Percuma (a literally free-market where anyone can offer or take things and services free of charge), Speakers’ Corner (an open space for anyone to voice their opinions and express themselves freely) and many more!
TIME’s UP
POINT OF ORDER
What is the KL People's Assembly? The most consistent program held in Occupy Dataran is the KL People's Assembly. The People’s Assembly is an open democratic platform for people to discuss about any issues, propose collective solutions and make decisions together. It is where common people share their views, learn to listen and try to understand people with different views. It promotes deliberation (carefully considerating a matter) towards finding a common solution for everyone rather than arguing to win debates. Decisions are made using the consensus model, where proposals can only be passed if everyone in the Assembly gives consent (permission). Typically, the KL People’s Assembly runs from 8pm to 11pm, every Saturday night at Dataran Merdeka.
RAISE YOUR VOLUME
BLOCK
ABSTAIN