Daily Digest – Friday Nov. 25 – Black Friday Fun

Black Friday Activism, Family Fun & Really Really Free Market * Permanent Occupiers Workgroup * Opinion Peaces Wanted * New Communication Improvements * International, National, State News * Today’s (Thursday’s) Events * Today’s Poetry: Metamorphosis by Steven B. Smith * GA ecap Links * Update on Electrical Hookup (For Heat) * Update on Possible Winter Home * Bank Walk-away Project * Next Generation Council in Cuyahoga County * This Changes Everything * Possible Community Meetings with Police * 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

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

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Black Friday Activism, Family Fun & Really Really Free Market

We have some great opportunities for activism today. There’s a Black Friday event in Boardman Park, a three mall activity from 8 AM to 6 PM and the Really Really Free Market. These events and activities are creative ways of dealing with the concept of consumerism. Please see today’s events for more details.

The “Really Really Free Market” event is from 11-2 PM today. You are welcome to bring some of your stuff downtown to be share with other people, for free! You might even find some things for yourself. Santa and the Grinch! Your help is requested especially to facilitate the children’s activity.

On Saturday during Winterfest we’re holding a family-friendly event, “Home for the Holidays: Family Fun for the 99%” in Public Square from 4-6 PM. Join Occupy Cleveland as we welcome the season! Sing along to some CRABBY CAROLING with THE GRINCH and everybody’s favority 1%-er, EBENEEZER SCROOGE! Plus music, crafts and SANTA CLAUSE! Candy, hot chocolate, THEATRE, and a surprise or two!

We are in need of carolers to sing alternative lyrics to some well-known carols. Most of all, we ask for bodies of all ages to show that #OccupyCleveland is a vibrant, active movement with a positive message for all Northeast Ohioans. This is a family-friendly activity and will not interfere with the Christmas tree lighting. There will also be drummers!

Please feel free to pass along our flyer.

Permanent Occupiers Representation

We are working on a solution to help the needs of people holding down the tent such that they can be represented well at the permanent occupation workgroup meetings (which are held in another location). The current solution is to call the tent phone at (216) 202-4999 and have each end (the separate meeting spot and the tent spot) put on speaker phone. The hurdle is how to handle stack. The reason for the separate indoor meeting is that some of us have gotten sick from stress and exposure to the elements, and so it is more comfortable to be indoors to handle these meetings; these meetings require a lot of diligent thinking. Ideas for facilitating this peacefully needed. There’s a thread on this in the Occupy Cleveland Non-violently Group and people are encouraged to help.

Opinion Peaces Wanted

I would like to feature articles, opinion pieces, interviews and more in this Digest. With the exception of the occasional poem provided by others, I am still the only person contributing content, and this takes me about fifteen-twenty hours a week. I am looking forward to featuring more diverse perspective on this Digest. It will save me time and it is more fair to our movement to have more than one person provide content.

Peace,

Lady

Please forward opinion pieces to occupyclevelandstories (_at symbol_) gmail.com.

International, National, State News

International:

• Call for student participation and international organization by Occupy Toronto. “We are currently hoping to establish a global network and have all universities and colleges join. If you are interest in helping, please e-mail us at occupytoronto99 (_at symbol_) gmail.com and/or “like” our Facebook page. We need to get organized ! Furthermore we are currently working on launching OCCUPY99.CA as a central informative hub, and are seeking individuals to assist with the websites development.”
• Call for participation in Occupy Radio.
  Call in and tell us about Occupy and what’s going on, issues and news. (760) 454-8841. 10 PM.
• Egypt: People in Egypt have been killed by people who are in the military. Please think about this situation and do what you can. Egyptian embassy phone number: (202) 895-5400.

National:

• Ideas for how to shop, Occupy Wall Street style
• The New Yorker on Occupy Wall Street Lengthy article on the origins and future of Occupy Wall Street.
• Smithsonian Collects Occupy Wall Street Ephemera Each day, Occupy Wall Street grows larger and the question persists: will this movement change history? The Smithsonian thinks it might.
• Faith Groups lay out Thanksgiving feast for Occupiers Protesters from Washington’s two Occupy Wall Street offshoots flocked Wednesday to a church where Abraham Lincoln once worshipped for a Thanksgiving buffet and some robust words of support.
• Occupiers complete NY to DC march! Ranging in age from 18 to over 50-plus, the protesters set out on the hike to spread the word about the movement, meet with members of other “Occupy” desmontrations in Baltimore and Philadelphia and to send a message to Congress that it can’t put off dealing with the nation’s fiscal problems, Glazer said as they marched the last remaining miles to their final stop of McPherson Square – home of the Occupy D.C. encampment.
• Michael Moore on Making Demands
• Katehi speaks to UC Davis Students, Doesn’t Resign
• Pregnant woman in Seattle sprayed by pepper spray and miscarried Please contact Seattle Mayor (206) 684-4000 and Police (206) 684-2489 and ask for this violence to stop. Video.

Ohio:

• Protest Nov. 30 against Fracking in Youngstown 4000 horizontal fracked wells are expected by some in Ohio in the next four years. In PA, the results of 3000 wells have been: drinking water polluted with toxic fluids and radioactivity; roads ruins; explosions and fires and uncontrolled releases of frack fluid.

Today’s (Thursday’s) Events and WAGs

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…

• Last night until Friday at 3 PM – Occupy Black Friday – Gather at Boardman Park, 417 Boardman Poland Road to march down 224 to the Shops at Boardman Park. Standing in solidarity with those forced to work at midnight on Thanksgiving
  and to encourage consumers to think about the implications of shopping “Big-Box” stores over locally owned and independent businesses. http://www.facebook.com/events/176255145801810/
• Fri., Nov. 25 @ 8 AM – 6 PM – Black Friday Activity – We will be meeting at Southpark Mall (directions: http://www.westfield.com/southpark/directions ) at 8am. We will march/protest/leaflet cars until 11am. We will get in cars and move to Great Northern (directions:  http://www.westfield.com/greatnorthern/directions ). We will stay at Great Northern (Target/Wal*Mart) until 2:30. Then we will move to Severance Town Center (3640 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44118) until 6 pm. We are contacting IWW, SIEU and Working America and asking them to join us. Please bring “buy locally” signs, with great slogans on them. http://www.facebook.com/events/178491238910805/
• Fri., Nov. 25 @ 11 AM -2 PM – Really Really Free Market – “On Black Friday there will be a Really Really Free Market around Public Square. We would like you to bring all your old stuff downtown to be shared with everyone else! You might even find some gifts for yourself! The point is to cut down on consumption and waste, and to help all those struggling to get gifts for their loved ones this year!” http://www.facebook.com/events/314803311863431/
• Fri., Nov. 25 – Buy Nothing Day – http://www.facebook.com/events/304240506270048/
• 6 PM GA – Formal assembly 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. Please review stances/thoughts at viewtopic.php?f=32&t=1003 for discussion in today’s (Tuesday’s) GA
• 7 PM Community Chat – Informal assembly
• 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.

Today’s WAGs

• 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.
• 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.

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“Genuine happiness requires peace of mind or a degree of mental composure. When this is present, hardship counts for nothing. With inner strength or mental stability, we can endure all kinds of adversity.” — His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Note: “His Holiness” is the Dalai Lama’s self-accepted title and the title bestowed upon him by the people of Tibet. This honors the cultural tradition of some of people of Tibet. One might note that the Dalai Lama tends to respect the beliefs and truths of atheists as well as those of Christians and Buddhists and many other belief frameworks. I mention this because someone had asked why I had posted his title in a previous quotation. One might also think of this in terms of the right of people to call themselves whatever they want, à la “Native Americans” rather than “Indians.”

Please send poetry submissions to occupyclevelandpoetry (_at symbol_) gmail.com.

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GA Recap Links

Please post Thursday’s GA notes in the GA portion of this forum in written, not video format: http://unju.st/forum. Otherwise, I cannot easily update this section.

Wednesday’s GA on video | Archived notes

Wednesday’s GA – http://unju.st/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1066

• CONCENSUS REACHED that Education does not have to pass teach-ins by GA, but can just go ahead and schedule them. Education group encouraged to post events as Facebook Events
• CONSENSUS NOT REACHED for authorizing funds of Santa suit. (But must have been reached later somehow because later, on Thursday, we created a flier saying Santa will appear on Saturday).
• PROPOSAL & DISCUSSION of challenges with permanent occupation participants being represented fairly in permanent occupation workgroup (which is held elsewhere). Please refer to this article for current status.

Recent proposals

• 11-21 forum proposal: Two letters to mayor & council, Good Neighbor Agreement modification. Letters were discussed at 11/22 GA and the letter to City Council requesting ability of public to speak passed with various caveats
• 11-20 GA raised propals: Proposals for Gift Tree for children and unconventional holiday carols discussed.
• 11-18 forum proposal: “Our proposed stance/demands/etc.” This proposal was discussed in the 11/22 GA but no decisions were made.
• 11-16 forum proposal: consolidation of social media accounts
• 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

Other Recent Concensus Items

• 11-22 CONSENSUS for letter to City Council requesting the ability for the public to speak at City Council meetings with various conditions and amendments.
• 11-21 1) for people to please review stances/thoughts at viewtopic.php?f=32&t=1003 for discussion in today’s (Tuesday’s) GA; 2) we agreed that a giant People’s Mic around a campus or comparable area down the line (perhaps saturday actually). What can we do to make this awesome? (Probably will happen in January.) More complete proposal in the works. 3) Proposal that we do an action on Black Friday, involving flyers and interacting with people to support buying local. The final proposal was a set of three-hour actions at each of three suburban shopping centers.

Interesting Threads

• 11-19 thread “What Are We All Fighting For?”
• 11-18 thread “Our proposed stance/demands/etc”
• 11-17 thread about Roadway permit signatories (need for) and heat.

New Communication Improvements

We now have a Google Group for better communication between working groups. Please participate and help make this a success: http://groups.google.com/group/occupy-cleveland-wags?hl=en.

Our main website’s (occupycleveland.com) Events and Needs pages are now being updated on a daily basis as I run across items in compiling today’s Daily Digest.

Update on Electrical Hookup (For Heat)

Word that an electric hook-up for service is likely possible (to produce heat in info tent). As of 11/22 more word was received that the Mayor’s office is a bit stalled on this decision. The # for the Mayor’s office is 216-664-3990. Please call and ask for heat to be allowed as this is humane for people who are staying outdoors for lengths of time, and there is not really a safety issue with electrically-provided heat.

Update on Possible Winter Home

11-22 The Brotherhood of Local Engineers and Train Men Union own a third floor room for about twenty people on Public Square. There’s a guard who works there 24/7. Some people will join the occupier who mentioned this to talk to them about possibly using the space. http://unju.st/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1066

We’ve been 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).
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. 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.

Here’s a recent thread about the ideal criteria we are looking for in a space: http://unju.st/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=1068 and here’s a recent thread about the current search: http://unju.st/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=764

Bank Walk-away Project

We’re considering working on a project involving 44 foreclosed properties. Any addresses / ideas for properties can still be emailed to occupyclevelandpermanentbasecamp (_at symbol_) gmail.com

According to the article Northeast Ohio Plagued by 30,000 vacant homes awaiting demolition, “Former Cuyahoga County Treasurer Jim Rokakis said he believes the number of condemned homes and buildings in northeast Ohio has ballooned to 30,000. Rokakis blamed foreclosures and irresponsible banks, investment firms and individuals who have walked away or ignored their distressed properties.”

Next Generation Council in Cuyahoga County

Note from Editor: Let’s get some representation into this council

Adults 20-34: The NGC will be dedicated to meet the concerns and needs of the regions young adults and young professionals. The vision of the Council is to encourage greater participation in government, to identify or create programmatic or policy opportunities in issues affecting young adults and young professionals in Cuyahoga County, and to inform various elected and appointed officials representing young people about issues specific to them. As a whole, the NGC will work to give young adults and young professionals in Northeast Ohio a major role in working with local government to move the region forward.

http://executive.cuyahogacounty.us/en-us/next-generation-council.aspx

This Changes Everything

New! Book by the Occupy Movement – This Changes Everything by Sara van Gelder, through BK publishers; ISBN 987-1-60994-587-9. You can order locally through Mac’s Backs: http://www.macsbacks.com/book/9781609945879

This book features contributions from Naomi Klein, David Korten, Rebecca Solnit, Ralph Nader, and others, as well as Occupy activists who were there from the beginning, such as David Graeber, Marina Sitrin and Hena Ashraf. It offers insights for those actively protesting or expressing support for the movement—and for the millions more who sympathize with the goal of a more equitable and democratic future.

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 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.

• Sat., Nov. 26 @ 4-6 PM – Special Event for Winterfest – We have planned informational activities for children and adult visitors, crafts, fun, ornaments, Santa and the Grinch! Your help is requested especially to facilitate the children’s activity. We are in need of carolers to sing alternative lyrics to some well-known carols. Most of all, we ask for bodies of all ages to show that #OccupyCleveland is a vibrant, active movement with a positive message for all Northeast Ohioans. This is a family-friendly activity and will not interfere with the Christmas tree lighting. There will also be drummers!
• Sat., Nov 26 Event – Occupy the Hood – Occupy the Hood is having an event on Saturday before the tree lighting on Public Square.
• Mon., Nov. 28 8:15 AM – Mic Check Action About Foreclosures – Join us at 8:15am Monday Nov. 28th (Yes, it is early, but it will be worth it!) at the corner of W. 3rd and Ontario (The Justice Center) for a Mic Check action about foreclosures! See you there!
• Mon., Nov. 28 12 NOON – 3 PM – Case Western General Student Strike – General Student Strike in support of student protesters everywhere who has experienced police violence. Meet at the main quad at noon for a rally to make our voices heard. Bring signs if you like, or just bodies and voices! http://www.facebook.com/events/246136542114980/
• Tues., Nov. 29 @ 7-8:30 – Conflict mediation teach-in led by Peter Wolmak with Heights Interfaith Council – This teach-in will be indoors, location TBA. It is focused on development needs of the #OccupyCleveland movement but is also open to the general public.
• Thurs., Nov. 29 @ 7-8:30 – Another conflictmediation teach-in led by Peter Wolmak with Heights Interfaith Council – This teach-in will be indoors, location TBA. It is focused on development needs of the #OccupyCleveland movement but is also open to the general public.
• 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/
• Wednesdays @ 8 PM – 10 PM – Community Drum Circle – Bring your drum to the NW Quadrant (“Tom Johnson Quadrant”) of Public Square Wednesdays at 8.

Events for next month and the future can now be found on the Events page of the Occupy Site (I now have the ability to update this page).

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.

Occupy Cleveland WAG Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/occupy-cleveland-wags?hl=en

For communication between WAGs.

Community Outreach WAG *
Next Mtg. Sun., Nov. 27 @ 1 PM * Alternating Saturdays and Sundays * PLEASE NOTE CHANGED MEETING VENUECoordination with groups to help grow the movement. We have tentatively scheduled a meeting for next Sunday (11-27) at 1pm, tentatively at Gypsy Bean and Baking Co. (6425 Detroit Avenue) to see about using their extra room for the meeting. Will update everyone as soon as I know.  11/20 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 TIMECoordination 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

Silent Demonstration and Public Art Affinity Group * 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

• Current physical needs are now posted on the Needs page as I now have access to this page
• Yesterday (11-23) people are asking for more food for the tent and for $60 for a Santa suit for this weekend’s festivities.
• Donations
• Representation, tolerance, kindness, listening, family, friends, seriousness, joy, work, kindness, self-critique, community, patience, persistence, dialogue, peace, rationality, health, equality, empathy, civic support, solidarity, idealism, courage, dialogue, mentoring, participation, calmness, respect, compassion for one another, outreach, ethical banks, small business loans from banks, energy, focus, kindness, wholeness,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.

Other Links of Note

• OCCUPY CLEVELAND T-shirts

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

Wiki: http://wiki.occupycleveland.com

YouTube list of OccupyCleveland tagged videos: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=videos&search_query=occupy+cleveland&search_sort=video_date_uploaded

Marches, interviews and more!

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!