Daily Digest – Sunday, Nov. 20 – Toward the Sky
Mayors Conspired to Close Occupy Wall Street Encampments * Today’s (Sunday’s) Events * Please Speak out Against Violence Against Dogs, Arrests and Other Inappropriate Actions in NY * Recap Links * Important Movement Needs Raised 11/15-11/17 * Possible Community Meetings with Police * Call for Help with Winter Occupation Quarters, Volunteers and Food * Call for Help to Stop Garbage Incinerator * Fresh Facilitators Wanted * Upcoming Events of Note * Meetings / WAGs * Current Haves and Needs * More Reading / Links * Call for Information
Weekend Schedule: Today’s Events; 3PM GA (General Assembly); 8-10 PM Entertainment; 10 PM-2 AM Night Shift #1; 2-6 AM Night Shift #2; Upcoming Events; Stuff happens continuously in the NW Quadrant of Public Square 24/7.
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NOTE to readers: I am posting this here today as the OccupyCleveland site is undergoing maintenance. – Lady
Mayors Conspired to Close Occupy Wall Street Encampments
From http://www.wsws.org/articles/2011/nov2011/occu-n17.shtml. Snippets from the article with embedded contact info throughout. Suggestion: call and politely ask that freedom of speech, assembly and the innate freedom to work together long term to solve problems (which means sleeping overnight in tents and communal situations sometimes) be respected by people who are mayors and people who are police.
In an interview with the BBC Tuesday, Oakland mayor Jean Quan said that she had coordinated her efforts to crack down on the occupation with the mayors of other major cities.
“I was recently on a conference call with 18 cities across the country who had the same situation where what had started as a political movement and a political encampment ended up being an encampment no longer in control by the people who started them,” said Ms. Quan.
. . .
Oakland contact info:
Mayor: (510) 444-2489
Police: (216) 625-5011
.. .
On Tuesday evening, police indiscriminately sprayed large bottles of pepper spray into a peaceful demonstration in downtown Seattle. The victims included an 84-year-old woman, a priest, and a pregnant woman who was sent to the hospital as a result. An Associated Press photo of 84-year-old Dorli Rainey with her face covered in pepper spray
. . .
Seattle contact info:
Call the Mayor’s reception desk at (206) 684-4000
Police: (206) 684-2489
. . .
The same night, five people were arrested in Pittsburgh and charged with defiant trespass, failure to disperse and obstruction of roadways.
. . .
Pittsburgh contact info:
Mayor: 412-255-2626
Police: (412) 323-7800
. . .
Police cleared out Occupy San Diego at 2 a.m. Wednesday morning, arresting 9 people.
. . .
San Diego contact info:
Mayor: (619) 236-6330
Police: (619) 531-2000
. . .
Police likewise raided a portion of the Occupy San Francisco encampment Wednesday morning, arresting seven people and dismantling 15 tents.
. . .
San Francisco contact info:
Mayor: (415) 554-6141
Police: 415-553-0123
. . .
Tuesday’s clearing of Zuccotti Park, in which 200 people were arrested, was only the most prominent in a string of crackdowns in dozens of cities.
. . .
NY contact info:
Mayor: 212-639-9675
Police: 212-334-0611
. . .
On Sunday, police cleared a camp in Portland, Oregon, arresting 50 people.
. . .
Portland contact info:
Mayor: (503) 823-4120
Police: 212-334-0611
Today’s (Sunday’s) Events
In addition to our regularly scheduled weekday events, here are some special events that are happening today! Lots to do! Unless otherwise noted, events are in NW Quadrant (Tom Johnson/Free Speech Quadrant) of Public Square or nearby in the white tent area. More upcoming events after today are here…
Sun., Nov. 20 @ 11 AM
Keeping Warm & Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia Workshop
For everyone who is interested, especially if you spend a lot of time outside, this Sunday, November 20th, at 11am, First Aid WG will be having a Workshop on the following topics: Keeping Warm & Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia and Frost Bite. Talking points will be on Clothing: What to wear, how often to change certain garments (ie socks, gloves), laundering the wet stuff; Hypothermia: how to avoid it, figure out if this is happening to any of our members, what to do in case it is. With winter virtually upon us, the wind picking up, and people who may plan to continue to occupy outdoors, please show up, and let anyone who is not in the online group know! http://www.facebook.com/events/216903115047801/
Community Outreach WAG
Next Mtg. Sun., Nov. 20 @ 1 PM * Alternating Saturdays and Sundays * PLEASE NOTE CHANGED MEETING VENUE
Coordination with groups to help grow the movement. We are meeting at the Root Cafe in Lakewood, 15118 Detroit Ave. 11/5 meeting notes. Outreach email: occupyclevelandoutreach (_at symbol_) gmail.com.
3 PM GA
Formal forum at NW corner of Public Square or in white info tent west of this area. At this assembly, proposals and announcements are made. This is where consensus items are decided.
Direct Action WAG * Every day after GA (7 PM Weekdays, 4 PM Weekends) * NOTE CHANGED TIME
Coordination of Direct Action communication and initiatives. Wed., Nov. 2 Mtg Notes.
10 PM – 2 AM and 2 AM – 6 AM Evening Shifts
Please sign up at the white tent for an evening shift so that we can maintain effective occupancy overnight and relieve people who are overburdened. Dress extremely warmly with lots of layers and bring appropriate gear to keep yourself warm.
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Toward The Sky
Tonight as I write I sing songs
Of soulful bliss extended into storm
The night where i was born
Again as I just became woman
I lived life like I knew you, and I knew
That all these little prayers were for each star handed to me as I spoke of you
Get this world in your hand
And take cover as they attempt to hold back tears
They know they are on the wrong side of justice
Hold on, hold on to your heart and let if fly
Toward the sky
Feel the depth of the planet in your stomach
And sincerely, eagerly participate
Let it all go, let the ‘I know I should’ be replaced
By ‘I can create a new day’.
We have a voice, we have our hand,
We can lift them up to say ‘no more’.
The life I lead can turn hate into pixie dust
Shaken from the palms of children
Onto the ground before you as you stand
With your weapons in hand
Ready to fight progress and truth
The restlessness is white noise silenced
life and faces of innocence triggered sadness
Cold nails drilled souls like yesterday
When the door we opened was abruptly
Shut in our face, our palms reached out to sky
Again to seek guidance
justice whispers her breathless allegiance
Intake coming from our soul, we will no longer
Bail out news, government thinned out like
Hair on a presidents brow, like those taken
From homes, foreclosed, we have foreclosed
Upon ourselves, our ability to speak has
ripped out like rugs under faceless dictators
Those that seek to destroy restoration, take notice.
We have come. We have arrived to ourselves
Like a new day has dawned its fresh face
On our existence. We say goodnight, we let
The moon rise and the light fall onto itself
We end this day with hope.
A new day will be born tomorrow
In the earths womb, she will carry our sorrow
Toward her core, embrace it and hold it close
To her heart. We will be carried by song birds
Facing new mornings, yes, new mornings they have come
To greet us with their hands held out.
– Shelly Gracon-Nagy
Please send poetry submissions to occupyclevelandpoetry (_at symbol_) gmail.com.
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Please Speak out Against Violence Against Dogs, Arrests and Other Inappropriate Actions in NY
Update: some are uncertain if the killings of the dogs actually occurred as it has not been widely reported. The NYPD killed 2 dogs, clubbed them in tents. Pepper sprayed another NY sanitation worker while sorting debris of camp. Poured “pee bottles” on the majority of library. They managed to save a few hundred (there were approx. 5,400), all tech found in camp was smashed, spent 6 hours prepping 300+ “post jail kits,” many beaten today… Over 30K on Brooklyn Bridge today. ~Reliable source in NYC~
Another source: over 300 people were arrested yesterday in NY.
Please call or email the mayor of New York at 212-639-9675, email: http://www.nyc.gov/html/ma il/html/mayor.html, and/or call the NYPD at 646-610-5000 and respectfully request that the Occupy Movement be tolerated and respected by the city and people who are police and for it to be allowed to persist easily. You can also go to http://faxzero.com/ and send a fax to the Mayor’s office! (212) 788-8123.
More #’s:
NY Governor Cuomo: 518-474-8390
NYPD 1st Precinct: 212-334-0611
NYPD 5th Precinct: 212-334-0711
NYPD 6th Precinct: 212-741-4811
NYPD 7th Precinct: 212-477-7311
NYPD 9th Precinct: 212-477-7811
Recap Links
Please post Saturday’s notes. Friday’s notes from memory, Wednesday livestream GA, Tuesday’s GA Notes – Thank you for posting! New notekeepers: please post GA notes in forum http://unju.st/forum/viewforum.php?f=3
Videos
11-17 march in support of Occupy Wall Street
11-17 rally in support of Occupy Wall Street
New! Media Wiki: http://wiki.occupycleveland.com/index.php/In_the_Media
Recent proposals – http://unju.st/forum/viewforum.php?f=32
11-16 forum proposal: consolidation of social media accounts
11-15 forum proposal/GA result: letters to mayor & council; modification of Good Neighbor Agreement; no secret meetings; proposal presented to yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) GA and looks like parts of proposal are going to be worked on some more.
11-14 GA raised proposal: “Occupy the Food Bank” day – sent tentatively to Outreach WAG for thought
11-14 GA raised proposal: Community meetings with police- sent to Gov/Legislative WAG for thought
11-14 GA raised proposal: Nov. 26th Holiday Ceremony signage/handouts – sent to Outreach, Media, Direct Action WAGs for thought
Interesting Threads
11-17 thread by Cummins asking for list of contact info on website
11-17 thread about Roadway permit signatories (need for) and heat.
11-15 thread about individual visions of Occupy
Discussions about winter occupation solutions in Occupy Cleveland Non-violently Facebook Group
Important Movement Needs Raised 11/15 – 11/17
- Help with laundry
- Boots (mens size 10 to 11), flashlights, long underwear, hats, gloves, socks, prepared foods, easy nonprepared foods, plastic dishware, rubber gloves, meat, coffee, walkie talkies
- Help with where we are going to be in two weeks – please review http://unju.st/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=960
- Help with Dec. 10 NO CUTS day (RE Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the Super Committee) – please review http://unju.st/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=972
Possible Community Meetings with Police
From Monday’s GA: “Kevin (the white one) happened to meet Police Commissioner McGrath, who suggested a more regular community liaison approach with Occupy Cleveland, which Kevin offered as a proposal. We discussed it a bit and agreed to refer that to the Government/Legislative Working Group that has been working informally.” – http://unju.st/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=969/
Call for Help with Winter Occupation Quarters, Volunteers and Food
Currently looking for space between E 30 and W 30 (marching distance to banks and fed are key here) that is accessible 24/7. (Also, should have heat that won’t cost us a fortune). For the most part this means storefronts or office space (maybe in one of than bank buildings so we can occupy the bank?) but if you’ve got another idea that doesn’t look like that don’t let that limit you.
If you know of a space, know someone who might help us out, or just drove by something with a sign outside and feel like calling and checking, we need your help and any information you find.
First Aid needs more volunteers, and Housekeeping and Sanitation need people to help with the tent. We are running out of food and we call for donations.
Call for Help to Stop Garbage Incinerator
We have an environmental justice issue going on here in Cleveland. We have to put the kabash on this insane deal! Some want to burn toxic garbage right near community gardens and tons of schools. Please help stop this whatever way you can!
http://heresanotherreason.tumblr.com/
Fresh Facilitators Wanted
The facilitation group has asked for fresh people to do the facilitation process. Here’s a training video put out by Occupy Wall Street: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfTf2db6YfI. Interested parties can get in touch with the Facilitation workgroup as well.
Upcoming Events
Events are in the NW Quadrant (Tom Johnson Quadrant) of Public Square unless otherwise noted.
Sun., Nov. 20 @ 11 AM
Keeping Warm & Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia Workshop
For everyone who is interested, especially if you spend a lot of time outside, this Sunday, November 20th, at 11am, First Aid WG will be having a Workshop on the following topics: Keeping Warm & Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia and Frost Bite. Talking points will be on Clothing: What to wear, how often to change certain garments (ie socks, gloves), laundering the wet stuff; Hypothermia: how to avoid it, figure out if this is happening to any of our members, what to do in case it is. With winter virtually upon us, the wind picking up, and people who may plan to continue to occupy outdoors, please show up, and let anyone who is not in the online group know! http://www.facebook.com/events/216903115047801/
Mon., Nov. 21
Request from OccupyCincinnati that we Occupy Portman offices, phones, emails, faxes
Wed., November 23 @ 8 PM & recurring every Wednesday
Occupy Womens Group
We aim to create a safe space for woman-identified individuals to discuss ideas and goals on how Occupy Cleveland can incorporate events/direct actions to better demonstrate the movement’s solidarity with women in their struggles. Meeting place: Tower 230 Bar & Grill, 230 W. Huron, Cleveland. https://www.facebook.com/events/168133733282156/
Fri., November 25
Benefit concert for #OccupyCleveland at Phantasy Nightclub in Lakewood
Fri., Nov. 25
Buy Nothing Day
http://www.facebook.com/events/304240506270048/
Wed., November 30
Move to Amend Cleveland Meeting
Meeting including film and discussion of Jan. 20, 2012 Occupy the Courts action and campaign to pass resolution to abolish corporate constitutional rights & money as speech. Peace House, 10916 Magnolia Ave., Cleveland. http://www.facebook.com/events/259126194134066/
November Date-time Continuum Slot/Event Name TBD
Theater production(s) RE pertinent topics
Sat., Dec. 10 @ 12 NOON
International Human Rights Day No Cuts! Rally and March
A coalition of community members and organizations (including #OccupyCleveland) are banding together to organize this event to stop the proposed cuts by the Super Committee. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130719423702177; forum discussion: http://unju.st/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=972
Wednesdays @ 8 PM – 10 PM
Community Drum Circle
Bring your drum to the NW Quadrant (“Tom Johnson Quadrant”) of Public Square Wednesdays at 8.
July 4, 2012
New Continental Congress July 4 in Philadelphia
“WE, THE NINETY-NINE PERCENT OF THE PEOPLE of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in order to form a more perfect Union, by, for and of the PEOPLE, shall elect a NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY to convene on July 4, 2012, in the City Of Philadelphia.” – http://www.facebook.com/events/118304291615364/
Regular Meetings / WAGs*
WAGS are located in the northwest quadrant of Public Square by the Tom Johnson statue or in the white tent adjacent to the quadrant unless otherwise noted, and all are welcome to come and participate! Please send your meeting/WAG info to occupyclevelandstories (_at symbol_) gmail.com so that it can be listed here.
Community Outreach WAG
Next Mtg. Sun., Nov. 20 @ 1 PM * Alternating Saturdays and Sundays * PLEASE NOTE CHANGED MEETING VENUE
Coordination with groups to help grow the movement. We are meeting at the Root Cafe in Lakewood, 15118 Detroit Ave. 11/5 meeting notes. Outreach email: occupyclevelandoutreach (_at symbol_) gmail.com.
Occupation WAG * Tuesdays and Thursdays after 6 PM GA
Coordination and research of physical occupation
Tech WAG * Wednesdays 8 PM
OccupyCLE.tech (_at symbol_) gmail.com, 216 200 6278
Direct Action WAG * Every day after GA (7 PM Weekdays, 4 PM Weekends) * NOTE CHANGED TIME
Coordination of Direct Action communication and initiatives. Wed., Nov. 2 Mtg Notes.
Communication WAG * 1-3 PM Daily Check-ins
Facilitates communication with reps from each group–check in with John between 1-3 PM in Public Square–phone coming.
Foreclosure and Bank Action WAG – Video/Phone Conf * 8 PM Mondays
Concerns ways to brainstorm to change the situation with banks such that banks are held accountable for foreclosure impact on community
Education WAG * Next Mtg. TBA
Coordination of Education / Teach-ins / Scheduling. occupyclevelanded (_at symbol) gmail.com. Meeting Notes from 10/30 on Ed Forum (unju.st/forum)
Theater Subgroup of Arts and Culture WAG * Next Mtg. TBA
Collaborative Theater Meeting
This particular meeting pertains to theater event(s) and other creative actions. We are planning a major creative event in November and we invite poets, artists, singers, musicians, dancers, theater people and anyone interested in participating to come to this planning event Wednesday, which will also be a group collaborative event that will be fun. More details below. occupyclevelandtheater (_at symbol) gmail.com
First Aid/Housekeeping/Sanitation WAG * Next Mtg. TBA
* WAG: Working/Affinity Group
Check the forums for more info on working groups. There are probably working group meetings that are happening that are not on the above list. Here are some known working groups: Outreach * Phone & Q&A * Arts & Culture * Spirituality * Food * Mission/Vision * Legal * Peacekeeping * Entertainment * First Aid * Sanitation * Nightwatch * Direct Action * Facilitators * Finance * Tech * Logistics * Transportation * Permanent Occupation Base
Current haves and needs
Work, kindness, self-critique, community, patience, persistence, dialogue, peace, rationality, health, equality, empathy, civic support, solidarity, idealism, courage, listening, dialogue, mentoring, participation, calmness, respect, compassion for one another, outreach, ethical banks, small business loans from banks, energy, focus, kindness, wholeness, tolerance, listening, global tribal ethic, fostering leadership in young adults, restoring reverence to older adults, community, focus, patience, lots of love, pride, humility, moving forward, reaching out.
Practically speaking: Boots (mens size 10 to 11), flashlights, long underwear, hats, gloves, socks, prepared foods, easy nonprepared foods, plastic dishware, rubber gloves, meat, coffee, walkie talkies, people to help wash clothes and to help drive people to wash clothes, overnight occupiers to work in shifts in our overnight area–sign up at the tent, particularly the 2 AM – 6 AM shift, water (particularly hot water), very large thermos for hot water, more computer equipment and luxurious hot food made as ethically as you can conveniently or inconveniently muster–especially in the morning when people are cold–and donations.
Other Reading Items/Links of Note
Huffington Post: Occupy Wall Street Groups Protest Foreclosure, Try To Halt Evictions
Mentions Cleveland action mucho!
11-14 Ohio Woman Credits Occupy Cleveland For Saving Her Home
Letter of Support from Dennis Kucinich (10/28)
Recurring Info
Weekday Schedule: Today’s Special Events; 6-7 PM GA; 7 PM Community Chat; 8-10 PM Entertainment; 10 PM-2 AM Night Shift #1; 2-6 AM Night Shift #2; Upcoming Events; Stuff happens continuously in the NW Quadrant of Public Square 24/7
Weekend Schedule: 3PM GA (General Assembly); 8-10 PM Entertainment; 10 PM-2 AM Night Shift #1; 2-6 AM Night Shift #2; Today’s Events; Upcoming Events; Stuff happens continuously in the NW Quadrant of Public Square 24/7.
Info Tent #: (216) 202-4999 | Phone Rules
New Media Wiki: http://wiki.occupycleveland.com/index.php/In_the_Media
Call for Information
Dear Readers/Occupiers:
People who are planning events and work groups–please email these events to occupyclevelandstories (_at symbol_) gmail.com so I can post them rather than having dig and dig every morning through the forums and multiple facebook pages to find these items. It is taking between one to three hours to do this Digest every morning, so emailing info to me will help me get this out more quickly.
Please continue to post GA notes daily in the forum “General Assembly” here: http://unju.st/forum/. It is vital to post these notes for the larger Occupy community so that we know what items are being consented to and what events are consensus events. Thank you to those who have been posting notes!
Peace,
The Temporary Editor
What Would You Like to See?
Please mail letters to the editor, story ideas, meeting times, articles, etc. to occupyclevelandstories (_at symbol_) gmail.com. Also, the Daily Digest is having a working group meeting Sunday, 10/30 at noon in the Tom Johnson (NW) quadrant of Public Square. If not right in the quadrant, please check the white tent west of the square.
Call for Poetry/Creative Writing/Art Submissions – we’re looking for poetry seeds from the larger poetry community, again, a great outreach action. We’re putting together an Occupy Cleveland poetry zine and I’d like to feature some creative items in the Daily Digest as well. Please send submissions to occupyclevelandpoetry (_at symbol_) gmail.com.
Thank you to all people who are making information available!