Mic Check The Subway

For those parents who cannot make it to a march or participate in the other family-friendly actions today, here's one anyone can do anywhere in the city. You just need to take a little time to write out your reasons for supporting the movement and grab a handful of friends. Even if you aren't confident enough to write and speak your own words, you can just show up to be a part of the... [read more]

For those parents who cannot make it to a march or participate in the other family-friendly actions today, here's one anyone can do anywhere in the city. You just need to take a little time to write out your reasons for supporting the movement and grab a handful of friends. Even if you aren't confident enough to write and speak your own words, you can just show up to be a part of the human mic and make a huge impact.

The purpose of this action is to put a broader face on the movement than is seen down at the park. Many of us, especially those with families, cannot physically occupy, but identify with and wish to sustain this political action. We can tell our stories to the people of NYC directly in order to offer them another perspective that they might not have been exposed to otherwise.

This was a last minute idea prompted by the raid on Zuccotti, so there will be no pre-determined locations. Here's how to pull this off:

1. Gather a group of at least 6 people.

2. Write your stories. Having some experience writing for the human mic, I think it's best compared to poetry. Pay attention to your cadence and rhythm, and break up each phrase into 3-5 words. Here's my subway story you can use as a template (it clocks in at about 2 1/2 minutes):

My name is Brian Douglas.
I am with Parents for Occupy Wall St.
I am here to share with you
why I am supporting this movement.
I have worked in corporate advertising
for 13 years
on brands such as
HSBC, Citibank, Merck and Pfizer
I know this beast from the inside
and it is not human.
I wish to see corporate personhood abolished,
public financing of elections,
and the formation of an independent
subpoena-powered truth commission
to investigate the crimes committed by Wall st.
I believe this movement
can achieve that goals
but only if enough people
make their voices heard
Thank you for your time

Rehearse it a few times out loud, doing the echoes yourself to see how long your speech is. Ideally, you'd wanna get out your message in under two stops if possible (3 minutes tops).

3. Hit the trains. The most effective method for getting attention is for everyone in your group to enter the car and scatter around the designated speaker as though you don't know each other. Be sure to sit close enough to hear, though. Then just call out "Mic Check" and begin.

4. I would recommend one speech per car as you don't wanna burn out any of the less receptive commuters.

Really, that's it. All it requires are a few committed people, some writing, and the courage to address strangers. If folks are going to participate, please click attending and let everyone know on the wall where and when your group will be mic checking.

In Solidarity,
Brian

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