Spain's Young People Turn Indignant.

• Author: Carrion, Maria

Camp Sol represents the possibility of a new Spain. For twenty-five days in May and June, this peaceful protest occupied Madrid's main square, known as Puerta del Sol. The camp has been dismantled but the movement that created it, known as 15-M, has grown stronger and is crossing international borders, seeking social justice and true democracy.

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Spain's young people have managed to transfix society and confound an out-of-touch political elite. They do not speak the language of politicians and reject vertical models of organization. They are inclusive and democratic, reaching decisions through consensus. And what they seek is a profound transformation, one that transcends political parties and traditional methods of government. They envision a system that brings grassroots democracy rooted in the communities. Their weapons are their words and their social media networks.

Camp Sol, which began spontaneously on May 15 with a few pitched tents to protest against corruption and the lack of opportunities and to ask for democratic changes, quickly turned into a small city, a maze of plastic tarps held together with chicken wire and makeshift poles, complete with its own radio station, day-care center, dining areas, first-aid posts, legal-aid clinics, libraries (including one for children), and information centers, which conducted meetings and workshops on issues ranging from the environment to immigration rights. Walking through this "micropolis" one could encounter a live poetry reading, a political debate, a cello concert, a yoga class, a kids' theater performance, or a film screening on a king-sized bed sheet. Sandwiches and drinks were handed out for free all day; in return, many people visited the camp with armloads of food, building materials, and other donated supplies. Their experienced legal team and peaceful tactics managed to keep police at bay. Protesters kept the camp clean, recycled garbage, and maintained orderly corridors and a large perimeter for passersby. Tahrir Square was their model.

The camp was in the heart of Madrid's commercial and tourist district, a cross between Times Square and Piccadilly Circus. Known as Kilometer Zero because of its central location, the area receives thousands of visitors and shoppers on a daily basis. Thus Camp Sol also became a massive shop window into Spain's social movements, a chance for social justice groups and activists to converge and to get their message across to a...