12/2 2AM GA Minutes

Occupy Harrisburg

December 2, 2011 2AM
General Assembly Minutes

Moderator: Rich

Stacks Takers: Dylan

Note taker: Sarah

-----INTRODUCTIONS----

Thanks for being here right now and occupying this space with us. Thank you for keeping our space clean. Thank you for using the designated smoking areas. This is a nonviolent, nonpartisan, peaceful movement.

Hand signals review:

Consensus Review: Proposal methods – When a proposal is brought to the GA, it is open to discussion in the form of 1) clarifying questions, 2) concerns, and 3) addressing concerns. If this process continues too long, the proposal is suggested tabled to a working group for further discussion and review before returning to a subsequent GA.

Stacks Review: If you have something to say or announce related to the occupy movement please see the Stacks-taker.

Human Mic Review: A lo-fi way of amplifying a speakers voice. The speaker states thoughts in short phrases and the rest of the assembly repeats each phrase. This ensures that every voice is heard.

Note: No 7pm GA was held on 12/1/11.

----GENERAL STACKS----

(Carl) Carl was part of a group who just got back from the march in NYC. He suggests we think about implementing a hand signal for a proposal (a hand cupped like a “C”), which he says worked pretty well.

Point of Information (Sarah) Our GA process is still undergoing a revision process. Proposals will be made out and publicized prior to 7pm GA and we will be implementing dry erase boards to prominently display them, among other things. It's a work in progress and GA can be revised any time. For a true understanding of the consensus process, please check the Occupy Harrisburg Library in the metal cabinet on the steps. There are copies of the book On Conflict and Consensus by C.T. Butler which is useful in understanding the process, you may keep any copy you take. If anyone has opinions on the matter, Facilitation working group continues to meet, usually prior to GA. The next Facilitation open discussion will be at 6pm Wednesday 12/7/11.

(Rich) We are planning a community action for a trash pick-up, likely for 2 hours on 2nd Street, though expanding to area neighborhoods on other days will also happen. He advises participants to bring gloves, push brooms, etc. and trash bags will be supplied. See Rich for further details and planning.

We will also be doing a toy drive for the holiday season. Ideas were thrown around about sending the toys to Toys-for-Tots, but if so, the toys must be new (still in the packaging, sealed). Occupy Harrisburg will instead provide the toys directly to whomever needs them (used toys are acceptable). We will reuse materials such as newspaper comic strips, paper bags, etc. for wrapping (please save these items and bring them to the Steps!). See Rich for further information!

We are also planning an Occupy the Farm Show event, we are researching tabling there and we will work on a presence in terms of handing out fliers at entrances and in the food court. If interested, see Rich, Dylan or Carl.

(Frances) We need to have more tents at the Friends' Meeting House and we should use that space more to maintain a presence and keep the activity going.

(Sarah) We have an immediate need for clear tarps on the canopy on the Capitol steps – it can be clear heavy plastic or otherwise.

Point of Information: See Frances, Darryll or Brian for hardware store needs.

(Sarah continues) We have a very busy next two weeks with events and meetings.

Monday 12/5/11 @5pm at the Midtown Scholar, the Occupy Your Mind teach-in series begins with the Who is Occupy panel.

Thursday 12/8/11 @6pm at the Midtown Scholar Linda Thompson will be speaking at the Harrisburg Hope series. Occupy members will attend this meeting.

Saturday 12/10/11 @12pm at the Midtown Scholar, Occupy Your Mind teach-in series continues with Rita Shah (http://occupyharrisburg.org/the-problem-of-privatization-and-the-prison-industrial-complex-teach-in-by-rita-shah-121011-at-12pm/)

Monday 12/12/11 @5pm at the Midtown Scholar, Occupy Your Mind teach-in series continues with Consensus, A Workshop: How to Change the World Through Process

Saturday 12/17/11 from approximately 11am to 3pm at the Friends' Meeting House, Occupy Harrisburg, in solidarity with a Buy Nothing holiday season offers a Skill Sharing day. If you have a skill to share, please contact a member of Hospitality and Morale so acquiring of materials can occur, etc.

The Womens' Issue working group will meet on Tuesday 12/7/11 after 7pm GA.

(Dylan) Dylan and others just got back from the march in NYC for Jobs and Economic Fairness. He states there were thousands of people marching, the Occupy Harrisburg folks met up with the crowds around Union Square and marched down Broadway, which was closed at this area. There were 5 major unions present with tons of people, and OHBG members incidentally made their way to the head of the march and joined the OWS group. The march proceeded toward Zuccoti Park, and was met by another group of marchers with drums, etc. Upon reaching Zucotti, several marchers jumped the police partitions and soon the park was opened to those entering. The energy was great!

(Darryll) There is a great book that everyone should read called From Dictatorship to Democracy, available in free pdf form and posted to the Occupy Harrisburg General Discussion group. The end of the book lists over 100 direct action suggestions.

(Everyone) Welcome back Haffis!!!

---GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADJOURNS---

NEXT GENERAL ASSEMBLY DECEMBER 2 2011 @10AM (if you're into that) AND 7PM (for sure)