Last month, a broad alliance of organizations from across the progressive spectrum came together to train 100,000 people in non-violent direct action in the hopes of supporting a wave of action targeting corporations and the politicians that own them. It was called 99% Spring. Some also called it "co-optation." We call it "alliance building."

The conversation within the movement has been fascinating, and reveals some key pitfalls that the resurgent U.S. Left might fall into if we're not careful.

If Time magazine is permitted to be generic with "The Protester" as Person of the Year, I would award a Concept of the Year for 2011: "Love and courage."

This coming week marks one year since the death of Mohamed Bouazizi, a 27-year old Tunisian fruit vendor who lit himself on fire on the local government steps, after trying in vain to stop constant constant harassment by police. He died January 4, just over two weeks after his act of self-immolation.

This past few weeks' election surprise saw Occupy Vancouver -– now in its third week, with a growing tent village settling in for the wetter months –- coming to dominate the city's campaign trail.

Stuffed toy lobster and Guy Fawkes masks in hand.

If all the Occupy movement accomplishes is to remind a public that protests and activism aren't merely something that "fringe activists" do, and

If all the Occupy movement accomplishes is to politically re-energize a public that has largely grown too apathetic to vote, and

If all the Occupy movement accomplishes is to remind society that it has a responsibility to witness, voice and act on issues in our nation, and

If all the Occupy movement accomplishes is to teach people to ally, to build consensus, to act, and

If all the Occupy movement accomplishes is to make people feel empowered about participating, and make them feel able to have a say in the socio-economic issues that are important to them, and

Report from Zuccotti Park: Canadian company backs down from plans to "cleanse" Occupy Wall Street

This morning, thousands of people woke up very early to stand with Occupy Wall Street protesters faced with an eviction threat from Canadian-owned Brookfield Asset Management. I was honoured to stand in Zuccotti Park this morning, representing the 6,500 of Canadians who took action online yesterday to hold Brookfield accountable.

I arrived in New York City for the first time late last night. I always thought then when I finally went to the Big Apple, my big priority would be Broadway. Ever since my high school theatre days, I have dreamed about seeing the best theatre on the best stages in the world.