The Official Site of the #OccupyCleveland Movement

Digest for Jan. 18 & 19 (Wed. & Thurs.)

Please sign incinerator petition * Keep on your radar: Cleveland Occupies the Courts this Friday * Food and other donated items and services needed at info tent * International, national, state news * Today & tomorrow’s events * Today’s poetry * GA recap links * City declined electrical and combustible heat permits * Weird WePay problem * Bank walk-away project * Upcoming events * Meetings / WAGs * More reading / links * Call for information for Occupy Plain Dealer and Info Tent * Call for information

Weekday Schedule: Today and Tomorrow’s Special Events;  6-7 PM GA M-W-F, OPEN FORUM T-Th; 7 PM Community Chat; 8-10 PM Entertainment; 10 PM-2 AM Night Shift #1; 2-6 AM Night Shift #2; Upcoming Events; We are continuously in the NW Quadrant of Public Square 24/7 at the Info Tent

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Please sign incinerator petition

Last week a proposal was made at the Jan 9 GA to fight the Cleveland Incinerator Issue. On Jan 16 the petition was dropped off at the tent. As soon as we can get several names on this petition, we will send it with the letter to the powers that be in the EPA. We need to send this letter-petition BEFORE JAN 23. The GA voted on sending a letter to the EPA with valid OC supporter names on it. This letter is in opposition to the proposed Cleveland Incinerator. This incinerator would further pollute our air, probably harming local area residents. Please invest a couple well spent, meaningful minutes to go to the tent and submit your name on this petition.

Keep on your radar: Cleveland Occupies the Courts This Friday Jan. 20

Fri., Jan 20 @ 11 AM -1 PM Occupy the Courts @ Metzembaum Federal Courthouse, 201 West Superior Avenue. Occupy the Courts will be a one day occupation of Federal courthouses in over 75 cities, including the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C..

We are occupying because of the issues of corporate personhood. JOIN US for a vigil at the Metzenbaum Federal Court on January 20 for a vigil and subsequent march through downtown Cleveland! Help us proclaim that CORPORATIONS ARE NOT PERSONS and MONEY IS NOT SPEECH!

Info

Food and other donated items and services needed at info tent

When visiting the info tent, please think of bringing down some healthy and delicious hot meals and/or some easily preparable food such as tuna, easy mac, ramen, healthy choice fresh mixers, soups–things that don’t have to be refrigerated but that can be microwaved… canned fruit. The food situation at the tent has been pretty sparse when it comes to healthy items so hot meals will be much appreciated. Also please consider bringing some dog food as there is at least one dog who stays at the tent much of the time.

Some occupiers have been doing this almost nonstop since the start of the movement here three months ago, and need help. Please consider asking people at the tent if you can take them to your home for a shower or if you can help do some laundry.

Other needed items: foot and hand warmers, warm socks especially! More people volunteering to stay at the tent for regular shifts will be much appreciated.

International, National, State News

International:

• 1-13 – Transnational Institute – Resistance and Hope at a Time of Climate Emergency – In 2011, people discovered in unprecedented numbers that it was possible to take back power, whether  from corrupt dictators or corporate-backed politicians, and in doing so transform the political landscape. The Arab Spring and Occupy movements made what seemed radical initially something that was embraced by almost everyone. It also showed that there could be a progressive response to an economic crisis based on solidarity and justice rather than fear.  As we face the gravest climate emergency, it is crucial that Durban marks an equally significant turning point – one in which we reject the delusions of corporate and political elites and embrace a liveable future based on values of justice, compassion, wellbeing, solidarity and harmony with our natural environment…
• 12-29 – Waging Nonviolence – 2012: The Year of Nonviolence

National:

• 1-14 – RT.com – Woman put in jail for being poor
• 1-12 – Common Dreams – Rising Awareness in Class Divide, Many Point to OWS: Report
• 1-12 – Common Dreams – Nearly 40 People Arrested Outside of Obama’s White House Protesting Guantanamo, Indefinite Detention
• The New Yorker on Occupy Wall Street Lengthy article on the origins and future of Occupy Wall Street.

Ohio & Cleveland:

• 1-10 – Plain Dealer – Proposed Brooklyn area incinerator on Ridge Road meets opposition from area residents

Upcoming 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…

Special Events Through Sunday – Yowzers! Lots of stuff this week:

• Wed., Jan 18 @ 7 PM – Occupy folks touring from Detroit to Cleveland to Erie, etc., are visiting. Please feel free to join us at 7 in the conference room, office or break room (10th floor City Club Building)
• Wednesdays @ 8-10 PM – Drum circle at Info Tent
• Thurs., Jan 19 @ 6-8 PM – Meeting re foreclosure at conference room.
• Thurs., Jan 19 @ 6 PM - Second public hearing RE tentative CPP trash gasification plant – Estabrook Recreation Center – 4125 Fulton Road.
• Fri., Jan 20 @ 11 AM -1 PM Occupy the Courts @ Metzenbaum Federal Courthouse, 201 West Superior Avenue – Occupy the Courts will be a one day occupation of Federal courthouses in over 75 cities, including the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Friday January 20, 2012. Info 
• Fri., Jan 20 @ 3 PM – We invite occupiers to come to the Info Tent at Public Square for some video interviews.
• Saturdays @ 2 – 5 PM – Coffee, Tea, and Wh”y” we Occupy @ 850 Euclid Ave., 10th floor conference room - Recurring Weekly – http://www.facebook.com/events/192953880802535/ – The idea of this workshop is to bring us all together to discuss Why we joined the Occupy Movement, and came together in Occupy Cleveland. Everyone has a reason, and I would love for us all to be able to discuss them together.
• Sat., Jan 21 @ 10 AM through Sunday Jan. 22 @ 4 PM in Columbus – Ohio Youth Congress – The weekend will include training on grassroots organizing, and a youth congress that will help shape the Ohio Student Association agenda moving forward. Workshops will be put on by leading community organizers and student leaders in the state. Housing and most of the food will be provided for the retreat. http://www.facebook.com/events/240144556055545/
• Sun. Jan 22 @ 1-3 PM – Cleveland Heights Meet & Greet – Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights – Are you interested in getting involved in the Occupy movement? Do you have questions about how you can help? We want to hear what you have to say!  http://www.facebook.com/events/350706101624440/
• Sun., Jan. 22 @ 9:30-10:45 AM – The Occupy Movement: A Quiet Revolution? - First Unitarian Church, 21600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Heights, 44122. What effect is the Occupy Cleveland movement having in Northeast Ohio? Over 250 cities and 82 countries have participated worldwide. Income inequality, jobs and the growing influence of Wall street are major issues. Will this movement produce any lasting change? Moderator: Greg Coleridge, Director, Northeast Ohio American Friends Service Committee; Occupy Cleveland Panelists: Erin McCardle and Derek Dissell.
• Jan. 22 @ 2-4 PM – Trinity Meeting
• More Events

Upcoming GA Votes - see Proposals section

Regular Daily Events

• 6 PM GA on M-W-F, Open Foum T-Th- GAs are formal assemblies at the 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 GA. Recent GA recaps
• Community Chat Following GA Today & Tomorrow – Informal assembly
• Today & Tomorrow – 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.

Working Group Meetings

• Check for Meetings Here

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SUBTERRANEAN HOMESICK BLUES

Johnny’s in the basement

mixing up the medicine;

I’m on the pavement

thinkin’ about the government.

The man in the trench coat,

badge out, laid off,

says he’s got a bad cough;

wants to get it paid off.

Look out, kid,

it’s somethin’ you did;

God knows when

but you’re doin’ it again!

You better duck down the alleyway

lookin’ for a new friend;

the man in the coonskin cap

by the big pen

wants eleven dollar bills:

you only got ten.

Maggie comes fleet foot

Face full of black soot,

talkin’ at the heat put

Plants in the bed but

the phone’s tapped anyway

Maggie says that many say

They must bust in early May

Orders from the D.A.

Look out kid

Don’t matter what you did

Walk on your tiptoes

don’t try “No Doz”

better stay away from those

That carry ’round a fire hose

Keep a clean nose

Watch the plain clothes

You don’t need a weather man

to know which way the wind blows.

Get sick, get well

hand around a ink well

Ring bell, hard to tell

of anything is goin’ to sell

Try hard, get barred

Get back, write braille

Get jailed, jump bail

Join the army if you fail

Look out, kid, you’re gonna get hit

But users, cheaters

Six time losers

Hang around the theatres

Girl by the whirlpool

Lookin’ for a new fool

Don’t follow leaders

Watch the parkin’ meters

Ah, get born, keep warm

Short pants, romance, learn to dance

Get dressed, get blessed

Try to be a success

Please her, please him, buy gifts

Don’t steal, don’t lift

Twenty years of schoolin’

and they put you on the day shift

Look out kid, they keep it all hid

Better jump down a manhole

light yourself a candle, don’t wear sandals

Try to avoid the scandals

Don’t wanna be a bum

you better chew gum

The pump don’t work

’cause the vandals took the handles.

~ Bob Dylan

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

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GA recap links

Thanks to all who help with the movement, and thanks to notekeepers and videographers! Please post written GA minutes in the GA portion of forums in written format: http://unju.st/forum.

Monday 1-16 GA Minutes | Archived notes

Recent Concensus Items

• MISSED SOME CONSENSUS ITEMS FROM WEEK OF JAN 9 – NO TIME TO WATCH GA VIDEOS
• 1-9 CONCENSUS REACHED to letter to the EPA RE tentative Cleveland incinerator
• 1-6 CONCENSUS REACHED to modify 10% blocking to 5% blocking with granularity of 1 additional person supporting the person who is blocking for it to be a block per each 20 people in attendence at GA
• 1-6 CONCENSUS REACHED to do remembrance ceremonie for Nick Christie but might not happen on Valentine’s Day.
• 1-2 EMERGENCY INFORMAL CONCENSUS to help woman in Canal Fulton. She is facing and unfair eviction Jan. 13 and has late stage cancer.
• 12-29 CONSENSUS REACHED on proposed grant request details for OWS
• 12-29 CONSENSUS REACHED on solidarity with IWW
• 12-29 CONSENSUS REACHED on part one of 90% supermajority consensus–what part one means is unclear to me based on the notes. Part two, whatever that is, was tabled.
• 12-26 CONSENSUS REACHED – to also look into an alternative to CGP as a back up plan for donations and miscellaneous gear not needed at the public info tent and office.

Recent proposals

• 1-16 PROPOSAL tabled – Ohio Citizen Action proposal from 1-11 tabled for further discussion. Proposal contains petition to gov. entities to end coal fired plants.
• 1-13 PROPOSAL in forums – “Reform Suggestion” – This is from a student regarding the state of education. The student is looking for people to interact with him on the forum to come up with an idea for a proposal.
• 1-11 PROPOSAL in forums – Accounting Proposal – the vote on this did not happen Friday Jan. 13 so presumably will happen at a GA soon.
• 1-11 PROPOSAL for consideration Friday, Jan. 13 RE the Lake Shore Coal Power Plant
• 1-9 INFORMAL PROPOSAL announced to help the poor with programs
• 1-6 UPCOMING PROPOSAL re “Prommunity”
• 1-2 PROPOSAL for consideration Wednesday, Jan. 4 for event of remembrance of Nick Christie (Ohio man who was pepper-sprayed to death)
• 12-21 PROPOSAL – Ask Cleveland and County for foreclosure moratorium.

City declined electrical and combustible heat permits

Unfortunately the City of Cleveland did not grant the electrical or combustible permits for the info tent in Public Square. We had applied with the thought that this would enable us to put some kind of electric heater in the tent to help the long term volunteers and help us maintain our movement. Other options for warmth are being discussed, but primarily now it would be good to have regular new volunteers work some of the shifts at the tent. Please call  (216) 202-4999 and/or ask at the tent for info. Donations of chemical hand and foot warmers, warm socks, and warm, healthy dinners and lunches much appreciated. There are usually anywhere from two to four long term volunteers at the tent at any given time, supplemented by the occasional short timer. So plan for four people when you bring meals. We have access to a microwave away from the tent as well.

Weird WePay problem

Someone has set up a weird WePay link and has been posting it on the #OccupyCleveland cause page and twitter stream. Before making donations, please make sure that the link you are using to donate is: https://www.wepay.com/donate/occupycleveland.

Bank walk-away project

We’re considering working on a project involving 44 foreclosed properties from which banks have walked away. 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.”

More upcoming events

Events are in the NW Quadrant (Tom Johnson Quadrant) of Public Square unless otherwise noted.

• Wednesdays @ 8-10 PM – Drum circle at Info Tent
• Thurs., Jan 19 @ 6-8 PM – Meeting re foreclosure at conference room.
• Thurs., Jan 19 @ 6 PM - Second public hearing RE tentative CPP trash gasification plant – Estabrook Recreation Center – 4125 Fulton Road.
• Fri., Jan 20 @ 11 AM -1 PM Occupy the Courts @ Metzenbaum Federal Courthouse, 201 West Superior Avenue – Occupy the Courts will be a one day occupation of Federal courthouses in over 75 cities, including the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Friday January 20, 2012. Info 
• Fri., Jan 20 @ 3 PM – We invite occupiers to come to the Info Tent at Public Square for some video interviews.
• Saturdays @ 2 – 5 PM – Coffee, Tea, and Wh”y” we Occupy @ 850 Euclid Ave., 10th floor conference room - Recurring Weekly – http://www.facebook.com/events/192953880802535/ – The idea of this workshop is to bring us all together to discuss Why we joined the Occupy Movement, and came together in Occupy Cleveland. Everyone has a reason, and I would love for us all to be able to discuss them together.
• Sat., Jan 21 @ 10 AM through Sunday Jan. 22 @ 4 PM in Columbus – Ohio Youth Congress – The weekend will include training on grassroots organizing, and a youth congress that will help shape the Ohio Student Association agenda moving forward. Workshops will be put on by leading community organizers and student leaders in the state. Housing and most of the food will be provided for the retreat. http://www.facebook.com/events/240144556055545/
• Sun. Jan 22 @ 1-3 PM – Cleveland Heights Meet & Greet – Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights – http://www.facebook.com/events/350706101624440/
• Sun., Jan. 22 @ 9:30-10:45 AM – The Occupy Movement: A Quiet Revolution? - First Unitarian Church, 21600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Heights, 44122. What effect is the Occupy Cleveland movement having in Northeast Ohio? Over 250 cities and 82 countries have participated worldwide. Income inequality, jobs and the growing influence of Wall street are major issues. Will this movement produce any lasting change? Moderator: Greg Coleridge, Director, Northeast Ohio American Friends Service Committee; Occupy Cleveland Panelists: Erin McCardle and Derek Dissell.
• Jan. 22 @ 2-4 PM – Trinity Meeting
• Mon. Jan 23 @ 3-5 PM Invitation for activists and concerned people to attend protest/Picket in front of the Justice Center for “JUSTICE FOR DAN FICKER.” Daniel Ficker was shot by two Cleveland police officers. This is being coordinated by a someone other than Occupy Cleveland but we are welcome to attend. http://www.facebook.com/events/170782929696234/
• Jan 29 – Occupy the Rust Belt Regional Assembly – Save the date – we’ll most likely have people participating in a regional assembly in Portage County Jan. 29 – http://www.facebook.com/groups/306042076105493/
• Sat., Feb. 4 @ 7 PM – Kalamazoo, Michigan – Invitation to attend 7th Inter-Occupational Sumit to celebrate the birthday of civil rights leader Rosa Parks. http://www.facebook.com/events/306523609384414/
• Wed., Feb. 14 @ Noon to 2 PM – City Club Cleveland Debate – County Prosecutors. 850 Euclid Ave., City Club Building, 2nd floor.
• April 14 & 17 – Possible Street Theatre for Save the Communities

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).

Workgroup/Affinity Group 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.

Working Groups and Contact Information Wiki

• New! Public Square WAG – occupycle.baseoperations (at symbol) gmail.com.
• Grievance Declaration WAG * Every Day at Info Tent, 4 PM
• Community Outreach WAG *
  Next TBA * Alternating Saturdays and Sundays * PLEASE NOTE CHANGED MEETING VENUE Coordination with groups to help grow the movement. Meeting 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) 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
• 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. 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

• Still need consistent food donations of prepared meals at the tent along with healthy nibbles for energy throughout the cold days
• Current physical needs are now posted on the Needs page as I now have access to this page
• Donations
• Respect, 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

• OCCUPY CLEVELAND T-shirts

Recurring info

Weekday Schedule: Today and Tomorrow’s Special Events;  6-7 PM GA M-W-F, OPEN FORUM T-Th; 7 PM Community Chat; 8-10 PM Entertainment; 10 PM-2 AM Night Shift #1; 2-6 AM Night Shift #2; Upcoming Events; We are continuously in the NW Quadrant of Public Square 24/7 at the Info Tent

Weekend Schedule: Today and Tomorrow’s Special Events;  10 PM-2 AM Night Shift #1; 2-6 AM Night Shift #2; Upcoming Events; We are continuously in the NW Quadrant of Public Square 24/7 at the Info Tent

Info Tent #: (216) 202-4999 | Phone Rules

Wiki: http://wiki.occupycleveland.com

Call for information for Occupy Plain Dealer and Info Tent

The Base Operations WAG is asking for more diverse flyers to be available at the tent, and asking for other WAGs to create materials. Not just about “We are Occupy Cleveland” and our methodology, but flyers about positions, information, etc. Especially of interest would be material about our activities pertaining to helping people who have suffered from foreclosures.

Occupy Plain Dealer is asking for contributions! Contact the Tent/Base Operations workgroup for more info: [email protected] or [email protected].

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.

For posting to event calender on occupycleveland.com, please email [email protected].

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!

Read more at Occupy Cleveland