Tapestry of the Commons talking points, worksheet, re-framing issues worksheet

A project of the Alliance for Democracy created by Jan Edwards of the California Center for Community Democracy

Tapestry of the Commons - What Can We Do To Reclaim the Commons?

(talking points)

Recognize the Commons as a Real Thing.

Have a World Discussion about the Commons.

Legal Status for the Commons.

Rethink Concepts of Property and Common Wealth.

Learn from other World Views on the Commons.

Learn from the Past for Ideas for Today.

Re-frame our Actions to include the Commons.

Begin a New Movement to Protect the Commons.

A New Movement to Reclaim the Commons! Worksheet

Name of Movement__________________________________________________________________

Nickname__________________________________________________________________________

Purpose/ Goal______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Organizing Strategy____________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

Tactics_____________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

Organizational Form_______________________________________________________________________________

Philosophy___________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Demands_____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Actions______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Results______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Re-Framing Issue Organizing to include the Commons

We wont get it if we dont ask for it!

Issue Single Issue Complaint Expected Result Framed with Commons Demand Expected Result

GMOs

[example]
Pollen is spread to native species and organic farms. Regulatory agency created to monitor contamination. We all have a stake in the environmental commons, and deserve a say in issues concerning it. Corporations have no right to privately make decisions that can alter all life on the planet. Plant genes are not private property.
Laws passed banning GMOs

Protections for all species from corporate genetic alteration.

Endangered Species Habitat destruction is driving animals extinct.
Regulatory agency to protect animals.

[EPA]

Energy Enron swindled CA energy customers. Scandal proved in court. A few managers go to jail. No money recovered. Sarbanes-Oxley.

Water There is not enough clean water for the worlds population. Market-based solution: higher prices and privatization.

Election Reform Touch-screen election machines were rigged. Paper trail required for voting machines.

Chart by Jan Edwards 2005. A project of the Alliance for Democracy

Issue	Single Issue Complaint	Expected Result	Framed with Commons Demand	Expected Result
GMOs [example]	Pollen is spread to native species and organic farms.	Regulatory agency created to monitor contamination.	We all have a stake in the environmental commons, and deserve a say in issues concerning it. Corporations have no right to privately make decisions that can alter all life on the planet. Plant genes are not private property.	Laws passed banning GMOs Protections for all species from corporate genetic alteration.
Endangered Species	Habitat destruction is driving animals extinct.	Regulatory agency to protect animals. [EPA]
Energy	Enron swindled CA energy customers. Scandal proved in court.	A few managers go to jail. No money recovered. Sarbanes-Oxley.
Water	There is not enough clean water for the worlds population.	Market-based solution: higher prices and privatization.
Election Reform	Touch-screen election machines were rigged.	Paper trail required for voting machines.