Fifteen years ago, people camped in a park because the system had stopped listening. Today, some of those same people run charities that have forgiven $40 billion in medical debt for 26 million Americans, built newsrooms, changed law, and changed their own lives. On September 17, 2026, we’re going back to Zuccotti Park — not to camp, but to show what came out of it, and to hand the next generation of organizers what we learned.

DRAWING ON THE SUCCESS OF OWS

On this very day, September 17, people throughout the world gathered fifteen years ago in public places to show solidarity concerning the breakdown of the international system of economics. Our most cunning financial minds had cooked up a scheme to process as many mortgage-backed securities as they could without concerning themselves with the mortgagors ability to pay. The originators had crunched the numbers and had arrived at a means of enriching themselves to the detriment of the entire economic order- profiting from the processing of mortgages and foisting the actual payments of the mortgages on the backs of the entire international economic order. The ratings agencies were more than happy to comply and to rate these securities as being A plus. All those involved knew that individuals had been encouraged to lie on their applications specifically pertaining to their incomes. As we chanted at the original OWS marches, “they got bailed out…and we got sold out!” When the roosters came home to roost, the institutions were bailed out and the people were stuck with the bill. Income inequality was exacerbated and anger was fueled. Occupy met the moment in solidarity across the world. It caused a shift from a language of “debt” to a language of “inequality.” That shift took hold and has never given way. Although inequality has worsened since the days of OWS, everyone is now aware of the vast imbalances in our society.

The Immediacy of THIS Moment

We are currently at a tipping point where there is a lot of talk about a potential civil war in the USA.  At the same juncture, record numbers of people are refusing to pay their bills and the most rapid form of education is homeschooling.  People are seeking off-ramps of many varieties.  Meanwhile, there are those who have been tirelessly working to address the myriad amount of issues which stem from the record inequality of wealth we are witnessing as well as all of the other issues and problems.  Many of these individuals, and groups, are in need of a more structured system of collaboration and mutual aid.  These organizations are similarly in need of a mechanism of supporting the application of best practices.  These individuals, and organizations, called on to maintain cohesion amongst a society that is showing significant signs of collapse, deserve support. 

Occupy 2026 draws upon the experiences and skills of those who have been leading the way towards building systems that are based in compassion for decades. We aim to provide a hub for projects and programs that are at the center of the work of its members, that will meet the immediacy of this moment. Occupy 2026 foresees the near future in which diverse agendas and initiatives will be supported by existing organizations and not pitted against one another. Dark forces are aligned with one another for profit and we must align with one another as well for the best interests of humanity.

We call upon all those who have already answered the Call and those who are Ready Now: Make your Cause be known, Your Voice be heard! Your Presence is requested in person this September 17th, 2026 for the causative creation of a new community of practice in your neighborhood. Let us know your livestreams so we can host all participating events and site locations.