Occupy Salem Oregon

GA MINUTES (5/15/12)

bobbie — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:29:35 +0000

GA Minutes 5/15/12

IKE BOX 7 PM Outside

Facilitator: Laurie Stacker: Stan Scribe: Bobbie

In Attendance: Mary, Laurie, Bobbie, Stan, Linda, Peter, Stacey, Jennifer, John, Michele

Agenda:
A moment of silence: Laurie Non violence agreement: Laurie Hand Signals: Stacey Announcements:

1. Information 2. Calendar

Actions: None Proposals: Below Committee Reports: None

Announcements (Information):

Stan said that the Rural Organizing Project (ROP) in Woodburn last Sat, the 12^th did not have anyone from local towns, but it was a good meeting with many people attending.
Peter announced the meeting for the 24^th about single payer.
Stacey asked for Occupy’s blessing on the plan to create an initiative to label GMO products. He said that he has 57 signature gatherers for this GMO project. A discussion ensued; Occupy’s blessing was given.
Peter brought up the spokescouncil proposal; more discussion ensued with a clarification of how long a trial period should be and a proposal made.
Bobbie asked if Occupy should look into ordering more Occupy t-shirts and she will determine who to contact.
Michele knows we’d like to meet Friday at Friends Meeting House.
Stacey will bring a letter next week, addressed to the AG, asking for an investigation of mortgage fraud that he’d like everyone to sign.
Laurie said that the new Bicycle Affinity Group, which has no name yet, had their first meeting today. Long Range Planning did too, and it has no new name yet. Other groups were suggested.
Peter announced that Occupy has $1,354.
Stan suggested that reports be given on-line to save time at meetings.

Announcements: (CALENDAR)

Fri May 18^th 7pm – 9pm informal GA will meet at Friends’ Meeting House.
Mon May 21^st at 7:00pm at IKE Box, Move To Amend’s General Meeting will take place.
Tues May 22 6:30pm – 8:30 pm at IKE Box MTA Study Group 101 will meet.
Thurs May 24^th 6:30pm – 8:30 pm at OPW office, Occupy Education Committee will present a single payer program.
June 13^th 6:30pm – 8:30pm at IKE Box Occupy and Move To Amend will present a study on cooperatives, using the Mondragon model of Spain.

ACTIONS None

Proposals/Results (Passed, Rejected, Tabled)

There was a proposal that we meet in Willson Park next Tuesday if it’s not raining. It was accepted unanimously.

There was a proposal that the trial period for the Spokescouncil model go into July, with an evaluation on 7/17 about whether it’s working. It passed unanimously.

Committee Reports

None given

GA Minutes (5/8/12)

bobbie — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:48:27 +0000

GA Minutes 5/8/12

IKE BOX 7 PM

Facilitator: Greg/Peter Stacker: Scribe: Bobbie

In Attendance: Mary, Laurie, Bobbie, Stan, Linda, James C, Eli, Gary, Peter, Katharine, Ian, Greg, James, Stacey, Jennifer, Sean, Nancy, Anne

Agenda:
A moment of silence: Greg Non violence agreement: Greg Hand Signals: Not Given Announcements:

1. Information 2. Calendar

Actions: Reports below Proposals: Below Committee Reports: None

Announcements (Information):

We will meet Friday; Mark will be sent a reminder to open the Friends’ Meeting House.
Stan said that Michele Darr will have a report next week about the Boise ID Occupy group. R
Stan said that the Rural Organizing Project (ROP) will be in Woodburn this Sat, the 12^th bringing together rural Occupy groups and he and Michele will attend. Sean said that ROP was the group who brought the PO issue to the attention of other groups and was the only one to cover the PO event. Nancy said that Jessica Campbell will bring Palestinian children’s art to the meeting. Katharine said that streaming PBS.org to find a link to the ROP for those who cannot attend is one way to stay connected. Sean said that May 15^th is when PO will start to shut down and so to please write, tax, twitter our Representatives. He’d like to see a phone, fax, twitter tree created.
Peter announced two additional education committee events: One on the 24^th about single payer, and another on June 13^thabout cooperatives. This June date is a joint presentation with Move To Amend, based partially on the Mondragon cooperative model in Spain.
Peter announced that a Buy Local campaign is almost ready to be launched and distributed a poster of what local business owners will be shown when invited to join.
Bobbie asked that Occupy support her by asking the City of Salem to be fair when taking her property by eminent domain for the new bridges – either take the whole property as it will be not saleable, or change the zoning to commercial. The deadline to submit remarks at www.salemrivercrossing.org is June 18^th.
Sean said that now is the time to contact our US Representatives, such as Kurt Schrader, and ask them to support Rep Peter DeFazio’s bill: HR 3591. See action below.
Sean said that Michele Darr has a program for “We the People”, a program to speak the truths that Main Stream Media does not cover. They are looking for people who can present the opposing side of issues – such as having a counter to the Move To Amend focus proclaiming that corporations are not people and money is not speech.
Stacey said that he is connected with a statewide GMO group on Facebook, to get the word out that in June there is a petition initiative to have an action against Wal-Mart, because of deaths related to GMOs. Stacey said that cancer, obesity and diabetes are some of the diseases caused by GMOs; Sean said that Thom Hartmann speaks about the health risks of products passed as food such as high fructose corn syrup; Stan said that LifeSource may be a store that would allow petitions to be signed. Stacey said that he will bring a specific proposal next week.
Laurie said that PGE owns property near a terminal that would be used for coal and PGE protested against the use of the terminal for coal as the dust would have a negative impact on their property. She said that there are many groups who comprise the Power Past Coal Coalition. Stacey said that he and five others delivered 5000 signatures to Governor Kitzhaber regarding coal. Laurie said that Gov K wrote to both the Department of the Interior and the Army Corps of Engineers to request a review as the state review would not be thorough enough and she encouraged members to put pressure on the Governor with concerns. Sean said that coal fired plants emit mercury, an element that may be responsible for ADD, Autism and Alzheimers’. More on coal in the near future.
Stan missed the economic/environment presentation last night by Russ Beaton and he wonders if there is a video of it. Peter said that there is and he will determine how/where to access it.
Peter brought up his spokescouncil idea and a lengthy discussion followed. One concern was whether there were enough members to make it work. See Proposals.
Bobbie said that DVDs created by a local group are available through Move To Amend for $5 each about the Prosecution of Judge Waite.
Laurie posted the group photo from the “Connect the Dots” 350.org event Bike and Hike Tour De Flood on http://www.flickr.com/photos/350org/7147254111/in/set-72157629602895814

Announcements: (CALENDAR)

Wed May 9^th at 10am – 2pm at the Capitol Steps the Children’s Mental Health Day will host a work day/rally with speakers at noon.
Fri May 11^th 7pm – 9pm informal GA will meet at Friends’ Meeting House.
Sat May 12^th at 8:30am – 5pm at 500 Young St in Woodburn, the ROP will meet.
Tues May 15^th 6:30pm – 8:30 pm at IKE Box MTA Study Group 101 will meet.
Thurs May 24^th 6:30pm – 8:30 pm at OPW office, Occupy Education Committee will present a single payer program.
June 13^th 6:30pm – 8:30pm at IKE Box Occupy and Move To Amend will present a study on cooperatives, using the Mondragon model of Spain.

ACTIONS The first closing of a Post Office is scheduled to take place on May 15^th and Sean would like a campaign that floods our Representative’s office, as well as the offices of House leaders such as John Boehner, with tweets, facebook ‘likes’/posts, with faxes, postcards and emails, letting them know that there are other fixes to resolve the PO problem. Let your Representative, probably Kurt Schrader if you are in the Salem area, know that it is important to support Rep Peter DeFazio’s bill HR 3591, get rid of the 75 year mandatory retirement saving plan for PO employees, and to make necessary changes that would open up types of businesses (ie: Acting as Notary) the PO could offer to offset PO loss due to modern technology such as the Internet. Let these representatives know that the PO is not in crisis – that you know it is a ruse to privatize the PO.

Proposals/Results (Passed, Rejected, Tabled)

There was a lengthy discussion on the Spokescouncil model that had been brought to members a couple of weeks ago. This included that some definitions are needed for better understanding, such as: Do we have committees at present, or do some of the groups getting together have a different function. By the end of the discussion, there was a proposal by Gary, with a friendly amendment added by Laurie, to alternate GA with the Spokescouncil model, starting in June with a plan to review how well it works at some time. June 5 will be a GA, followed by June 12 being a Spokescouncil meeting, etc. This passed. It will give members a chance to consider the positive and negative concerns/aspects. Examples: Laurie envisions a bike Affinity Group (AG); James a Friday Friends AG. Sean, Stan, Bobbie and hopefully Ian who had to leave before the discussion ended, will get together to consider structure.

Committee Reports

None given

GA Minutes (5/4/12)

bobbie — Sat, 05 May 2012 05:35:20 +0000

GA Minutes 5/4/12

IKE BOX 7 PM

Facilitator: Stacker: Scribe:

In Attendance: Mary, Laurie, Bobbie, Stan, Linda, James

Agenda:
A moment of silence: Non violence agreement: Hand Signals: Announcements:

1. Information 2. Calendar

Actions: Below Proposals: Committee Reports: None

Announcements (Information):

The Friends Meeting House was closed; we moved to the IKE Box.
Stan reminded us that the front page of the website would be a great place to have an invitation to those visiting the website to attend GA on Tuesdays at 7pm.
Stan said he handed out his ‘post card’ flyers at the Tuesday Rally on May Day, as well as the Unite Against the War on Women rally this past Saturday, and he has another made for this Saturday’s 350.org, Climate Change awareness event.
Following last Saturday’s Unite Against the War on Women rally, about a couple dozen Occupy members had a picnic in Willson Park. A handful of them were from Portland Occupy. A discussion of the Spokescouncil proposal ensued, with a Portland member providing valuable information on theirs.
Laurie created a flyer to distribute during ‘connect the dots’, a Climate Change awareness Bike n’ Hike she organized for the 350.org May 5 world-wide event. To join, go to www.350.org, click on the 5/5/12 event bubble, click on the “Tour de Flood” event at 97301.
The Putnam Center on the Willamette U Campus is the locale on Monday, May 7, for Russ Beaton on sustainability economics.
A brief discussion included that with so few attending GA, Peter’s proposal may not be necessary to implement right away – though is a good idea.
Stan hopes for discussion on problems, causes, and solutions of what is happening in this city, country, world at an upcoming event, such as a summer picnic.
James suggested that a good visual for a coal event – it was noted that Warren Buffet’s coal train would be stopped in British Columbia by Climate Change protesters – would be to have a bucket of coal for people to see, smell and touch to help them see how dirty it is. See story here: http://www.straight.com/article-674021/vancouver/bc-activists-warn-warren-buffett-oneday-bnsf-coal-train-blockade More discussion on this to come.

Announcements: (CALENDAR)

Sat May 5^th at 11am, meet at the Carousel in Riverfront Park on your bikes for the 350.org ‘connect the dots’ event.
Mon May 7^th, at 7 pm, Putnam Center on Willamette University Campus will host Russ Beaton on sustainability economics.
Wed May 9^th, at 10am, at the Capitol a rally and events will be held regarding Children’s Mental Health Day. Speakers will be on the steps at noon. See their Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/ChildrensMentalHealthDay

ACTIONS Climate Change awareness: “Connect the Dots” is the theme of the 350.org event Saturday, May 5^th.

Proposals/Results (Passed, Rejected, Tabled)

None

Committee Reports

None given

GA Minutes (4/28/12)

bobbie — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:15:32 +0000

GA Minutes 4/24/12

IKE BOX 7 PM

Facilitator: Peter Stacker: Stacey/Peter Scribe: Bobbie

In Attendance: Gary, Anne, Mary, Peter, Laurie, Evan, Bobbie, Stan, Stacey, Linda, Thomas, James, Michele

Agenda:
A moment of silence: Peter

Non violence agreement: Peter

Hand Signals: Not Given

Announcements:

1.Information 2. Calendar Actions: Below Proposals: See Below Committee Reports: None

Announcements (Information):

The Post Office Tax Day event last week went well; a couple days later Senator Merkley spoke on behalf of his constituents and his proposal that not all those PO’s scheduled to close should close, resulted in less drastic PO cuts at this time – there will be fewer layoffs. Both OR Senators presented ways to lessen the impact PO changes will have on communities. Linda liked the idea that Occupy’s victories be put on the front page of the website so new visitors to the site can see OSO’s accomplishments; others agreed.
Michele will be able to see that the Friends Meeting House is open this coming Friday.
Michele reports that she is working on CCTV shows which are dedicated to providing another media avenue to spotlight issues concerning the 99% particularly since the local media has been so lacking in accurate reporting on those issues.
Stan will create a ‘post card’ flyer to hand out at the ‘Unite Against the War on Women’ rally this Saturday, the 28^th, at the Capitol. Sign up here: http://actions.the99spring.com/actions/events/show/6655
Following the rally on the 28^th, there is a swap meet at the reunion picnic in Willson Park. In addition to the item(s) for the swap meet, bring blankets/chairs to sit on, games, including those for kids, music and a dish to share. Peter suggested the picnic would provide an opportunity to discuss his proposal, below. Stan hopes for discussion on problems, causes, and solutions. Thomas will pass out flyers about his concern about a school closure because of government’s use of eminent domain to take property. Bobbie will pick up people who need a ride.
Next Tuesday evening, May 1, is the May Day event at the Capitol, which OSO is supporting, so GA is postponed until Friday, 5/4/12, and will be at the Friends Meeting House at 7pm.
Laurie is organizing a Bike group to ‘connect the dots’ regarding Climate Change awareness for the 350.org May 5 world-wide event, by visiting recently flooded areas in Salem. Wallace Marine Park where homeless people were rescued by boat; Winter at Bellevue which remains closed; and the State St/21^st Street area are expected stops the bicyclists will make. The time is tentatively set for 11am; the meet-up place is to be determined. Go to www.350.org, click on the 5/5/12 event bubble, click on the “Tour de Flood” event at 97301.
Peter announced that on Monday, 5/7, the Putnam Center on the Willamette U Campus will host Russ Beaton on sustainability economics at 7pm. Beaton has co-authored books on this.
The Occupy the Highway phase two that was scheduled for 5/19 was postponed to give the video time to be finished so it can be distributed, inviting other Occupy groups to do an Occupy the Highway project at the same time. New date/time to be announced. Meanwhile, Stan and Stacey will work on getting the video finished.
Gary suggested that a get rid of invasive weeds project might be something Occupy members could do. Bobbie suggested this is similar to Katharine and others’ sandbagging efforts and could be one of the discussions that takes place at informal GA meetings and the 4/28 picnic.
Peter proposed a new model for GA which he wants OSO members to consider and provided his outline. He observed that several Occupy committees seem to need shoring up and perhaps this different format will help bring former and new members to Occupy to help these and/or create different ag/committees. A brief discussion indicated many, including some not in attendance, were interested. See Proposals below.

Announcements: (CALENDAR)

Sat Apr 28^th, 10am-1pm at the Capitol, is the ‘Unite Against War on Women’ rally. Sign up here: http://actions.the99spring.com/actions/events/show/6655
Sat Apr 28^th 1:30pm at Willson Park will be a reunion of Occupy Members. See #4 above.
Tues May 1^st at 6pm, at the Capitol, CAUSA will rally and march.
Sat May 5^th at 11am, the 350.org ‘connect the dots’ event in Salem will be a Bike event. See #6 above. Watch for meet-up place.
Mon May 7^th, at 7 pm, Putnam Center on Willamette University Campus will host Russ Beaton on sustainability economics.

ACTIONS

Occupy will have a reunion picnic on 4/28 in which discussion will be encouraged. See #4 in Announcements (Information).

Several other organizations have events coming up. Check above or go to the OSO Calendar at www.osoga.com and click on the calendar.

Proposals/Results (Passed, Rejected, Tabled) Peter proposed, and asked OSO members to discuss at the reunion and other venues before a discussion is held at a formal GA, that the format for GA follow the Clamshell Alliance model. Smaller groups with similar interests would make up Affinity Groups and Committees, where ideas would be explored and brought by a rotating spokesperson to a Spokescouncil. If adopted, overlapping ags/committees could contribute to it, and if not adopted, the presenting ag/committee could go forward on its own. It is thought that this method would allow more agenda items to be presented at GA, as the discussions and details would take place before being presented in a formal GA where discussions often bog down.

Committee Reports None given

GA Minutes (4/10/12)

bobbie — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 05:29:28 +0000

GA Minutes 4/10/12

IKE BOX 7 PM

Facilitator: Peter Stacker: Scribe: Nancy

In Attendance: Gary, Anne, Nancy, Jennifer, Mary, Peter, Laurie, Evan, Bobbie, Stan, Keith, Stacey

Agenda:
A moment of silence: Non violence agreement: Hand Signals: Announcements:

1. Information 2. Calendar

Actions: Below Proposals: See Below Committee Reports: None

Announcements (Information):

The sign making party for the PO event is 4/14 so please bring poster board, permanent markers and other material sign making material. Bobbie will have drop cloths, paint, brushes, markers and stencils. Peter said that the rhyme for the large signs is: Post Office Threatened!; But We’re Fightin’; Protect Mail Service; Call Merkley & Wyden; 1 202 224-3121. As this could take all day, please bring a lunch dish to pass.
David Cobb, a founder of Move To Amend (MTA), will speak on Tuesday, 4/17 at Smith Auditorium at Willamette University about the movement for a constitutional amendment because of the Citizen’s United ruling of the Supreme Court giving corporations the rights of people. At 5:30pm, there will be a reception and silent auction; Cobb will speak at 7pm. Hosted by Marion Polk Move To Amend (MPMTA); everyone is invited.
The Post Office (PO) event on 4/17 is to show support for PO workers who are facing an increased work load, as well as to inform drivers coming to drop off IRS forms of the closing of the Salem Distribution Center (SDC), several rural Post Offices and the end to Saturday service. One message: Tell Senators Merkley and Wyden to vote no on Senate Bill 1789 UNLESS the amendments are added. Michele emailed a communication about the event, giving some history and encouragement (A hard copy is in the notebook.)
Stan is making a recruitment flyer to hand out at the PO event, as well as at CAUSA and other events.
Bobbie is driving to Richland WA for the rally near the Hanford nuclear site; there is one definite passenger, with two other maybes; please contact Bobbie at bobbie2233@yahoo.com if you want to ride along. If you want to take a bus, Katharine provided a link about the buses leaving Portland at 6:30pm at http://hanfordrally.wordpress.com/transportation-2/ returning about 9:30pm; a donation of $20 per person is requested.
Move To Amend has determined that the peacekeeping training for CAUSA’s May 1 rally is on 4/26 at 6 pm at the OSEA office at 4735 Liberty Rd S.
The Occupy the Highway phase two will take place on 5/19 and sign making will happen on 5/11 and 12. Stacey sent an invitation to Occupy Oregon letting them know what we are doing and asking them to do the same. It is understood that Greg is completing the youtube video so that it can be used by the other Occupy groups as a guide to the highway project. Twelve more 1×1’s are needed to complete the signs, and the $50 approved when this project started will be used to obtain them. To sign up, contact Laurie Dougherty at lauriedougherty@gmail.com.
A discussion resulted in everyone wanting to get together in Willson Park on Apr 28^th for a reunion picnic. Members expressed they want to see all those who have been part of Occupy. Anne, Laurie and Stan agreed to help plan and will invite Kenneth to join them in the plan.
Another discussion was agreement to have a gathering on Jun 2 with all Occupy and other organizations and individuals to be included.
Peter suggested that Katharine’s idea of caucuses might fit well with the affinity group chart he showed at the Non-violence training on Apr7th. A discussion resulted in Peter offering to come up with a proposal in the near future which might help bring former and new members to Occupy.
Some members want to meet at the Friends Meeting House on Friday; Michele will be notified.
Much work has been done on the OSO calendar. Other organization events have been posted too. Check it out.

Announcements: (CALENDAR)

Sat Apr 14^th at 10am – 4pm will have a sign making for the 4/17 Post Office Event, at the Friends Meeting House.
Sun Apr 15^th in Richland, WA, at noon, rally in Richland regarding the Hanford nuclear site, with speakers such as Dr Helen Caldicott, Peter Bergel of Oregon PeaceWorks and others, as well as music. Car pool.
Tues Apr 17^th at 5pm – 7pm, Occupy, with members of SEIU and other unions, will hold an information picket at and near the 25^th Street SE PO Distribution Center near Mission St SE.
Tues Apr 17^th at 5:30 – 9pm, MPMTA will hold a reception, silent auction and speaker event. (David Cobb, attorney and former presidential candidate, will speak about Citizen’s United.)
Thurs Apr 19^th at 6:30pm, at the Marion County Democratic Party headquarters at 250 Liberty St SE, Jeannette, the head of the PO Union, will speak.
Sat Apr 28^th, will be a reunion of Occupy Members. Details to come.
Tues May 1^st at noon, at the Capitol, CAUSA will rally and march.
Sat May 19^th, the second phase of Occupy the Highway will take place. Watch for details.
Sat Jun 2, a gathering with Occupy and other groups such as MPMTA.

ACTIONS

On 4/17, Occupy will have an information rally and ‘flyer’ drivers about the planned closing of the Salem Distribution Center, several rural Post Offices, and ending Saturday Service.

Proposals/Results (Passed, Rejected, Tabled) None.

Committee Reports None given

GA Minutes (4/3/12)

bobbie — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 06:35:37 +0000

GA Minutes 4/3/12

IKE BOX 7 PM

Facilitator: Stan Stacker: Stan Scribe: Bobbie In Attendance: Gary, Anne, Nancy, Jennifer, Mary, Kenneth, Gordy, Linda, Katharine, Rich, Sarah, Michael, Tom, Kelly, Peter, Laurie, Evan, Bobbie, Stan

Announcements: 1. Information 2. Calendar

Actions: Below

Proposals: None

Committee Reports: None

Announcements (Information):

Rich: David Cobb, a founder of Move To Amend (MTA), will speak on Tuesday, 4/17 at Smith Auditorium at Willamette University about the movement for a constitutional amendment because of the Citizen’s United ruling of the Supreme Court giving corporations the rights of people. Before he speaks, there will be a reception and auction. Everyone is invited. Bobbie said that MTA would appreciate it if people leave the Post Office Event 5 minutes early in order to attend the David Cobb speech at 7pm.
Nancy: The Post Office (PO) event on 4/17 is to show support for PO workers who are facing an increased work load, as well as to inform drivers coming to drop off IRS forms of the closing of the Salem Distribution Center (SDC), several rural Post Offices and the end to Saturday service. The plan to close the SDC is a concern to PO workers who claim that already they cannot keep up with the work. A vote on Senate Bill 1789 is coming up; Senator Sanders is a champion of saving rural post offices from closure. (See #4 under Calendar.)
Nancy: On Thursday, 4/19, Jeannette, the head of the local PO Union will speak at the Marion County Democratic Party (MCDP) meeting; Carl Wolfson of 620 KPOJ had a webcast today, so check it out; Lindsay of MCDP will create a Facebook page. (See #5 under Calendar.)
Bobbie: The sign making party for the PO event is 4/14 so please bring poster board, permanent markers and other material sign making material. Bobbie will have drop cloths and stencils. Peter said that the rhyme for the large signs is: Post Office Threatened!; But We’re Fightin’; Protect Mail Service; call Merkley & Wyden; 1 202 224-3121. As this could take all day, please bring a pot luck lunch dish to pass. (See #2 under Calendar.)
Bobbie: If anyone is interested in car pooling on 4/15 to either Portland to catch a bus, or to Richland itself, for the rally regarding the Hanford nuclear site, please let me know at bobbie2233@yahoo.com. Katharine believes that the buses will leave Portland around 6:30am, returning about 9:30pm and a donation of $20 per person is requested. See #3 under Calendar.
Peter: He will arrive at the Friends Meeting House at 8:30am on 4/7 to set up the non-violence training and will start at 9am sharp as there is a lot to cover. As it is all day, a pot luck lunch is planned; please bring a dish to pass. Kelly suggested that the Oregon Humanities Trust may be a good resource for this type of event if another is done. Laurie provided her email for sign up: lauriedougherty@gmail.com. There was a lengthy discussion about MoveOn’s role in the 99% Spring non-violence training happening around the country 4/9-15 which has the support of dozens of other organizations – Occupy is not supporting this nationwide action. Occupy members were reminded that MoveOn is non-partisan; the WI occupation of their Capitol pre-dated the Occupy movement; and that union, and many social and environmental groups all support the non-violence training that week, which is intended to prepare people for expected actions with the better spring weather.
Nancy: There is an article in today’s paper about the person in Portland who was sprayed during a peaceful event. The woman is upset that the legal process is being stalled in her case. Katharine said that the courts have lumped about 70 Occupy people together and there are pro bono attorneys helping them, though the people want their individual day in court, so there is a constitutionality hearing later in the month. Tara has no attorney and would like one; see her Forum post.
Bobbie: AARP needs to be contacted at 1 888 687-2277 to be told to stop the back-room strategy sessions to cut Social Security benefits.
Bobbie: Oregon has a ballot initiative regarding legalizing marijuana and hemp, and a petition can be downloaded at http://cannabistaxact.org/downloads/octa2012, signed and mailed in.
Peter: The Occupy the Highway phase two will take place on 5/19 and sign making will happen on 5/11 and 12. More information will come at a later date.
Katharine: PDX Occupy will caravan to Chicago around 5/18 for the NATO conference in Chicago on the 20^th and 21^st. The cost is expected to be about $150.
Tom: He is concerned about the 1992 Congressional law which allows government to grab land without paying and he will bring that information to GA next week. He says that this land grabbing will continue if we do not do something. More discussion on this is planned.
Katharine: She is concerned about the inner personal conflicts of Occupy members and the lack of support for some of the members. A lengthy discussion brought several questions and suggestions. One was that different caucuses might be one way to resolve some of the differences, and might allow everyone to be heard. Some want to work within the system; others do not want to. Peter suggested that a strategy is needed. Laurie said that she is torn at times. Linda mentioned that she is reading “Common Ground” and it speaks to the different groups which have evolved over the years, and how similar some of them seem to this experience of Occupy members – that these movements breathe in and out – taking two steps forward, one back. Peter spoke about Bill Moyers’ “Movement Action Plan (MAP)” and the eight stages a group will go through to be successful.

Announcements: (CALENDAR)

Sat Apr 7^th at 9am sharp, Peter Bergel will present a non-violent training at Friends Meeting House. (See #6 above.)
Sat Apr 14^th at 10am – 4pm will have a sign making for the 4/17 Post Office Event, at the Friends Meeting House. (See #4 above.)
Sun Apr 15^th in Richland, WA, at noon, rally in Richland regarding the Hanford nuclear site, with speakers such as Dr Helen Caldicott, Peter Bergel of Oregon PeaceWorks and others, as well as music. Car pool? (See #5 above.)
Tues Apr 17^th at 5pm – 7pm, Occupy, and members of SEIU and other unions will hold an information rally at and near the 25^th Street SE PO Distribution Center near Mission St SE. (See #2 above.)
Thurs Apr 19^th at 6:30pm, at the MCDP headquarters at 250 Liberty St SE, Jeannette, the head of the PO Union, will speak.
Tues May 1^st at noon, in Salem, CAUSA will rally and march.
Sat May 19^th, the second phase of Occupy the Highway will take place. Watch for details.

ACTIONS

Occupy will have an information rally and ‘flyering’ of drivers event on 4/17 about the planned closing of the Salem Post Office Distribution Center, several rural Post Offices, and ending Saturday Service.

Proposals/Results (Passed, Rejected, Tabled) None.

Committee Reports None.

GA Mins 3/27/12

jpeery — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:38:51 +0000

OSO 3/27/12

Facilitator: Peter

Silence

Non-violence agreement

Present:

Jennifer P, Laurie D, Ken H, Mary M, Barry H, Sean G, Greg F, Peter B, Linda C, Gerry P, James C, Anne G, Tara C, Michele D, Ian B

Agenda:

Announcements

Training 4/7/12
Hwy Berma Shave project
Coal
Mortage action
Newsletter

Tara

On-line Newsletter, Salem Occupier, needs submissions to; info@OccupySalem.org “Words of local Occupiers”

MPMTA/OSO joint educational offering tomorrow, 3/28, 6:30pm, @ IkeBox, on Military Spending, presented by Peter Bergel & livestreamed by Katherine

Ken

Homeless Connect Day @ 1^st Baptist Church. “Words of Wisdom for the Day: We need a KOA in Salem”. Also, positive comments re: sighting of the Berma Shave sign action.

Greg

Memorial Day (wkend?) encampment suggested. Coordinate with other Occupy groups?

Laurie

Coal demand is down so they are going to sell to Asia with transport through the Columbia River. Reference to NPR program re: Effects of Coal & http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-anne-hitt/new-plans-for-coal-export_b_1348654.html Please comment & Sign petition @ http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/port_of_morrow_exports/?rc=fb_share1 *note comments are public.

Laurie

Occupy Bike Brigade 5/5/12 http://350.org A global movement to solve the climate crisis. Interested? Contact Laurie.

Greg

Executive Appointments. Apply/Volunteer (?)

Peter

Non-Violent Civil Resistance Training 4/7/12 @ Friends Meeting House 9:00a-5:00p *Pot-Luck* sign-up with Laurie

3/31/12: Dr Laurie Caldecott.

4/4/12 10:00a-4:00p: Sign Making for Post Office Support action @ Friends Meeting House. *Pot Luck*

Sean

Tax Day Action: 4/17/12 Tuesday. To protest Distribution Ctr closures in support of postal employees. Informational picketing with leafleting, & Burma Shave type signs. Mission & 25^th St. SEIU supports this action. Peter & Sean to work on Press Release.

**Proposal with unanimous Consensus obtained for Endorsement & Support for the Non-Violence resistance Training on 4/7/12.

**Proposal & unanimous consensus to move forward with a 2nd Burma Shave Sign action possibly in conjunction with Occupy PDX (Greg will contact) & with OccupyEugene & Corvallis (Tara will contact). Tentative (?) Date: May 19^th

Tara’s court date is 4/2/12. Invitation extended to attend, witness, & network with OccupyPDX who will also be there. She will be taking the bus to Portland.

Tentative Plans for Burma Shave sign making on May 11^th & 12^th.

The Oregon Progressive Network web-site was promoted: http://oregonprogressivenetwork.org/

Respectfully submitted by Jennifer P

GA Minutes (3/20/12)

bobbie — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 05:02:16 +0000

GA Minutes 3/20/12

IKE BOX 7 PM

Facilitator: Stan Stacker: Stacey Scribe: Bobbie

In Attendance: Bobbie, Stan, Gary, Anne, Jennifer, Mary, Kenneth, Gordy, Barry, Jason, James, Ian, Kenneth, Colin, Guest: Robin

Agenda:
A moment of silence: Stan Non violence agreement: Stan Hand Signals: Stacey Announcements:

1.Information 2.Calendar

Actions: Below Proposals: Below Committee Reports: None

Announcements (Information):

Gordy: He has no specific information yet regarding the idea he and Ariel spoke about but members can meet with him after GA if they have questions. James may meet with him tonight. He was assured that members understand it may take him time to be ready to present his proposal.
Bobbie: Peter will give a talk a week from tomorrow on Military Spending. Flyers were passed out. See Calendar.
Bobbie: Marion Polk Move To Amend (MPMTA) study groups continue to meet. See Calendar.
Bobbie: Next week Laurie will present a proposal regarding a stop coal action.
Bobbie: Proposals for events will be presented tonight. It is thought that participants of these actions would benefit if they had a non-violent peacekeeping training, so a training is planned with a tentative date being 4/7. This training would include general crowd control training for an event that is expected to be peaceful, as well as for the type of information needed for an event which may result in civil disobedience.
Ian: He and Greg believe they will be ready by next week’s GA to show the Occupy the Highway video which is intended to be used for distribution before the second phase of Occupy the Highway. See Proposal.
Stacey: He attended a statewide Occupy meeting in Roseburg this past weekend. He reminded members that the next gathering is intended to be larger.
Barry: He has two books (The title: This Changes Everything – Occupy Wall Street and the 99% Movement, by Sarah van Gelder.) to offer to the first two Occupy members who want them. He suggests a $5 donation. Jennifer donated $6; Mary will donate $5.
Kenneth: He has checked with State Park officials to determine the possibility, and cost, of a two-three day reenactment (Pow Wow) of Occupy in one of the parks in the area. He expects to have more information at a later meeting.

Announcements: (CALENDAR)

Fri Mar 23 at 7pm at Friends Meeting House discussions will be encouraged regarding upcoming events. See Proposals.
Tues Mar 27^th at 6:30pm at IKE Box, Marion Polk Move To Amend study group 101 will meet.
Wed Mar 28^th at 6:30 pm, at IKE BOX, MPMTA study group 201 will hear Peter Bergel of Oregon PeaceWorks speak on Military Spending.
Sat Apr 14^th at about 10am at Friends Meeting House will be a sign making party for the Mon Apr 16^th event. More details to be announced at a later date.
Sun Apr 15^th in Richland, WA, at noon, is a rally regarding the Hanford nuclear site, with speakers such as Dr Helen Caldicott, Peter Bergel of Oregon PeaceWorks and others, as well as music.
Mon Apr 16^th at 5pm, Occupy, MPMTA and hopefully others including union members will gather near the 25^th Street SE PO Distribution Center to show support for PO workers and provide information flyers to drivers coming in to mail tax returns.
Tues May 1^st at noon, in Salem, CAUSA will rally. Many organizations will support it.

ACTIONS

See Calendar/Proposals.

Proposals/Results (Passed, Rejected, Tabled)

1. Long Range Planning proposes that the second phase of the Occupy the Highway Project be either 5/12 or 5/19 on I-5. Ideally there will be a sufficient number of members available to occupy both sides of the Highway; the message needs to be considered; outreach details will be provided in the near future. The footage that is being processed by Ian and Greg from the 3/10 occupy event will be distributed, and press releases written and submitted, so that the information/plan goes forward nationally. Passed with 90% approval.

Discussion: Stan suggested that Occupy Salem connect with other Oregon Occupy groups who may want to be involved soon so they can provide feedback which could affect OSO’s plans.

2. A group of four who met at the Friends Meeting House proposed a ‘Support PO Workers’ event on or around the tax filing deadline. Sean believes that either Sunday Apr 15^that noon when people are leaving churches, or Monday the 16^th at 5pm when people will take advantage of the extended tax filing deadline for mailing their tax papers at the last minute – knowing that there is a national tax day event on Tuesday the 17^th – would be best. The signs and flyers are intended to be educational and would inform drivers of the disparity between the .1% and the 99%; protest the planned closure of 20 rural PO and the stoppage of Saturday delivery; enlighten average tax payers of the many PO workers who will lose their jobs with the changes expected to take place in May. The PO requirement to fund 75% of PO worker’s retirement in order to eventually privatize the PO seems ridiculous to many. The four who suggest this action plan to do so individually if Occupy does not support the proposal. Sean’s proposal is included in the Scribe’s notebook and will be sent to Ian to post. Passed with one abstaining.

Discussion: Monday was chosen as the optimal day. Stacey has a neighbor who works at the PO and Stacey will connect with him to let him know about the planned PO event. Stan would like to work with Sean to help write the flyer for this project. Bobbie is expecting to obtain sign material tomorrow; on Sat 4/14 there will be a sign making party for the PO action (and if time allows and enough sign material is available, the second phase of the Occupy Highway project). She suggested a pot luck lunch for that day.

3. Bobbie asked if Occupy Salem Oregon wanted to support the CAUSA May Day event, reminding members that MPMTA and other organizations were supporting it. It passed as a friendly amendment.

Discussion: This is a yearly event attended by hundreds and sometimes thousands of people, many with Latino/Hispanic heritage. It is expected that Occupy will not compete; Stan would like to be able to have flyers to pass that day to invite attendees to an Occupy meeting. Bobbie will inquire of CAUSA if that would be all right.

4. Jason proposed an April Fool’s fund raising event at the Capitol Plaza in which a masquerade theme using Cling-On would be the theme. He provided several examples of ‘items’ to sell for the fund-raising. This proposal failed with only one supporting it.

Committee Reports

None given

GA Minutes (3/13/12)

bobbie — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 06:54:50 +0000

GA Minutes 3/13/12

IKE BOX 7 PM

Facilitator: Peter Stacker: Peter Scribe: Bobbie Recorder: Katharine

In Attendance: Greg, Bobbie, Stan, Gary, Ann, Linda, Evan, Nancy, Dean, Nancy, Jennifer, Mary, Joan, Anne, Katharine, Karla, Kenneth, Laurie, Gordy,

Agenda:
A moment of silence: Peter Non violence agreement: Peter Hand Signals: Not given Announcements: 1. Information 2. Calendar

Actions: Below Proposals: Below Committee Reports: Below

Announcements (Information):

Gordy: He has no specific information yet regarding the idea he and Ariel spoke about but members can meet with him after GA if they have questions. He anticipates it will be another 2-3 weeks before he can report anything.
Ann: Good Samaritan in Albany, Corvallis and Newport will have pickets because the CEO makes one million a year but attacks workers by wanting to cut benefits. This is a Private Health Insurance issue.
Karla: SEIU’s Social Security Retirement event on the 15^th includes giving free bus passes. See Calendar #2. Gordy wonders if the SS issue includes SSD and it does. Bobbie said that people protesting foreclosures will participate at the same time.
Joan: If the cap was raised there’d be more money in the Social Security fund and it would be solvent. Peter reminded that SS is solvent though was borrowed for war.
Dean: He’d like to see links to the issues brought up in GA, such as to the Social Security event.
Bobbie: She wants to know if others are going to the 4/15 Hanford event and if others want to car-pool. Katharine said that buses will leave Portland for that event. Some are interested.
Dean: He suggested that it would be good to have a way to coordinate information on actions.
Nancy: She wants to know if PAT will start to meet again on Tuesdays at 3pm. No one responded.
Stan: He has information on local advertisers on Rush Limbaugh’s radio show and will share it.
Katharine. Saturday the 17^th is OSW’s 6 month anniversary.
Greg: Occupy across the nations is calling for a General Strike on May Day, the 1^st. Peter said that he does not think this country is ready for a general strike. Katharine said that she’d think that unions would be involved for something like a nationwide strike.
Bobbie: May Day has other events planned – in Salem CAUSA is going to have a large rally with other organizations supporting it. Stan suggested that if Occupy supports CAUSA, ¼ page sheets inviting people to attend an Occupy meeting on Tuesdays at 7pm might bring more people in. Dean said that there are plenty of issues – such as bill of rights issues and NDAA to emphasize. Laurie wants to make certain that Occupy does not compete with CAUSA. Peter can contact CAUSA to determine involvement.
Bobbie: Late summer is Occupy’s year anniversary. Consider having a celebration by networking, picnicking and holding education forums for all Occupys.
Nancy: She wants to know if there is a statewide meeting. Katharine said it needs more support to go forward. She said to check the PDXGA.org website.
Peter: He wants to know what worked and did not work re Occupy the Highway. See Long Range Planning Report below.
Dean: He suggested that InterOccupy be used as a way to coordinate flow throughout the state as common concerns such as foreclosures and rights. Katharine asked for clarification – was Dean suggesting endorsement? Dean said he’d like a discussion; Bobbie suggested the Friends Meeting House on Friday. Evan suggested it be tabled until more is known. Dean withdrew his suggestion; Peter suggested Dean come back with a proposal.
Nancy: What happened at the trial regarding Jim King? Peter said that Judge Bennett denied both parties – there was no reimbursement of court costs; the judge said that King sued the wrong people; it was dismissed with prejudice. Nancy suggested King should have known it was a non-profit.
Linda: Should something – 50 cents; a dollar - be donated every week to create slush fund?
Greg: Do members know who owns the Central Banking/Federal Reserve? It is House of Rothchild.

Announcements: (CALENDAR)

Wed Mar 14^th at 6:30 pm, at IKE BOX, Move To Amend 201 study group will address the importance of voting.
Thurs Mar 15^th from 4pm- 5pm at the Bus Mall at Court St NE and High St NE SEIU’s Retirement Security Team will meet to bring attention to the 1% who will no longer have to pay into social security.
Mon Mar 26^th in Eugene is a concert, hosted by Greg.
Sun Apr 15^th in Richland, WA, at noon, is a rally regarding the Hanford nuclear site, with speakers such as Dr Helen Caldicott, Peter Bergel and others, as well as music.
Tues May 1^st at noon, in Salem, CAUSA will rally. Many organizations will support it.

ACTIONS

Specific plans for Occupy the Highway phase 2 are not available as of this meeting.

Proposals / Results (Passed, Rejected, Tabled)

Suggestions were made and tabled.

Committee Reports

Long Range Planning: Peter lead a discussion about the Occupy the Highway project. Greg thought that Occupy being visible was good and estimated 6000-8000 vehicles passed. He’d like to see it again on both sides of the highway. Jennifer thought it was “fabulous”. Katharine thought it was “really, really super cool”; she was concerned about the highway sign drivers being on the shoulder of the highway creating a problem. At least three people mentioned that the first sign was placed too close to the on ramp, creating a safety issue. Bobbie said that communications between sign holders and drivers was not adequate, and perhaps radios with a wider range would be needed. Linda reminded that people were asked to bring their own hot beverage and warm clothing. Gary appreciated Don and Linda’s vehicles use. Stan suggested that there are probably places on the highway with back street access. Greg suggested that other organizations join for the next phase of Occupy the Highway. Peter suggested that once Greg has the video prepared it be shown at Occupy; he asked if there should be a second phase and if so, when – suggesting it be a nationwide event two months out so it is well prepared. Many suggestions for the video were suggested, as were places for practice displays. It was suggested that people go to the forum with ideas of where practice displays could take place. Dean suggested that InterOccupy could help network, and that an interim OR person is needed for that position. Greg said that if the event is going to be national it may be best to purchase a domain name for all Occupy groups to use. Stan wondered if it should be coordinated with other events. Linda suggested May Day; Katharine reminded that there were already large events scheduled for that day.

Budget: Nancy said that the committee has not met – two members have not been involved, and she’d like two others appointed. It was tabled for now.

The meeting was adjourned by Peter and seconded by Stan.

Occupy the Highway

ian — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 21:01:18 +0000

UPDATE:
http://yfrog.com/o0hbvqmj Photos of Occupy the Highway
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDEooyJpp4g Video of setup and drive-by

UPDATE:
It took less than an hour for OSP to show up and inform our sign holders that they had received complaints that we were running into the interstate and obstructing traffic. I suspect the complaint is real, but we certainly weren’t jumping into traffic. Our safety expert helped us make sure we complied with all ODOT rules while keeping everyone a safe distance from traffic while setting up. Eventually, OSP asked us to stop around noon, an hour before our planned finish time.

Leave a comment for Occupy the Highway in our forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Peter Bergel 503-428-4280
Occupy Salem will greet spring on Saturday, March 10 by “Occupying the Freeway.” Taking a page from the old “Burma Shave” advertising campaign of the 1920s-50s, Occupy Salem has constructed large (6’x6’) signs to hold along I-5. The signs will say:

OUR COUNTRY
IS OFF TRACK
TIME TO TAKE
OUR POWER BACK
OCCUPY occupysalemoregon.com

A team of volunteers, working in pairs, will hold the five large signs well to the right of vehicular traffic along the freeway on the northbound side between Market Street and Portland Road beginning at 10 am. [PHOTO OP]

The Burma Shave campaign was one of the most popular advertising campaigns of all time, known to practically everyone who was alive in the U.S. at that time. Occupy Salem is using the concept to remind the public that the issues which brought out demonstrators across the nation (and the world) last fall still need to be dealt with and that it will take a massive public effort to do so. Far too many crucial decisions affecting all of us are being made by a tiny elite motivated mostly by greed rather than concern for the welfare of the public or the planet. The result has been job loss, unfair trade agreements, home foreclosures, the energy crisis, unnecessary wars, crumbling infrastructure, and loss of control over our government.