Occupy Edmonton

Agenda

1. Consulta

• 40 – 50 participants, discussed messaging, tactics
• tuition, faculty cuts, student debt
• broke out into working groups: logistics, arts, outreach, comms, media
• request for spokesperson training
• discussion around freeskool
• facebook event is up
• comms working group meeting Sunday 10:30 at transcend coffee (109st and 87 ave)

2. Feb 1st

• problems with getting gear – *can phil provide an update on the minutes?
• still some gear not claimd from police depot – may be supplies that could be used – *need someone to volunteer to figure this out.
• communications group developing media work- need update on this
• art build needed before! We only have until wednesday, so… art build monday evening, 6-10 at the GP warehouse, 64th ave and 104st. text 

3. Enbridge update

• rally on tuesday went well, great signs
• friday press conference went well also
• Sunday: film screening, pipe dreams – noon at the Garneau theatre. film runs 39 minutes and will be followed by a discussion after. Also if we could have handbills ready for our rally and occupation we could hand them out here.

4. International Week

• two things
• 1. we need volunteers to staff a table during i-week, feb 2nd, 10am – 2pm. Theres a $10 fee. but this would be great to table at the SUB building and promote the occupation. we’d need sign up sheets (email), handbills, and posters that we could give away. see details below.
• 2. OE will be putting on a workshop during i-week also feb 2nd, 9:30 – 10:50 at the international house on campus. Jenika and Chelsea will be talking about the GA process, and also use some basic hand signals and process points to steer the conversation to whatever the group wants to talk about.

This is an email to confirm that you have a table at the International Week NGO Fair, Thursday, February 2nd, 10am – 2pm. APIRG, and the I-Week team are very excited to host you, and provide a space on campus to engage with students and help foster active citizenship on, as well as, off campus.

Some fairly important info you will want to take note of:

1) Set up: Please be prepared to show up to the Student Union Building (8900 – 114 Street) at the University of Alberta campus on the morning of at 9:30am to set up your tables. The tables will be interspersed throughout the main floor, so when you arrive, just look for the table with your name on it. Myself, as well as International Week volunteers, will be there to lend a hand at that time, and throughout the day also.

2) Fee: Most folks have had the conversation with my colleagues here about the feel to table at the I-Week fair. It’s $10, and can be paid when you arrive that morning. If you require a receipt, we are happy to provide one.

3) The University has a policy of no soliciting. This just means that folks who are tabling can’t approach students to chat, but must wait for them to come to you. If anyone has any questions or concerns about this aspect of the tabling fair, please feel free to get in touch!

5. Debate – Student group

• a student group on campus is hosting a debate on feb 2nd at 5pm
• the question of the debate is: Be It Resolved That (BIRT) the Occupy Wall Street Movement would be better served by embracing a distinct set of policies.
• other debaters include
  Pro: Paula Simons (the Edm Journal), Greg Anderson (poli sci/econ prof)
  Opp: Michael Macdonald (music prof), ____
• Chelsea has been approached to represent the opposing side, but obviously this is a debate that has been going on within OE. I think that it would be good to represent that this has been a debate within OE, but that we embrace a diversity of tactics. if people want to develop policy proposals, that’s fine, that’s what we did around our demands. however, what we need to realize is that we did have demands and policy asks and the media didnt cover them. so im wondering who im debating and where they got their info/perceptions from. also wanted to question the “two four, two against” and a vote after method since this runs right up against our consensus based process. if you want to help shape this discussion, please get in touch at chelsea.eff@gmail.com

debate details:
For starters, the name of the event is “A Place for Pragmatic Policy or Peaceful Protest? The OWS debate”

We’re following the format that the Munk Debates use. Essentially, each speaker gets a 6 minute speaking turn to make his/her constructive speech, which will be followed by a question period in which all debaters will be challenged by the audience. After that, each speaker will have 3 minutes to make a closing statement. There will also be two rounds of voting, one before and one after the debate. However, Petros and I have to decide if we want to allow rebuttals, POI’s or whether a debater can ask another any questions.

Introductions;

  Name and what was your childhood dream?

Announcement;

  -Communications need to make an update on website, social networks, etc. about consulta (date,time,location)

Updates:
  -CONSULTA; Planning for a consulta at the UofA a room is being booked for Thursday Jan. 26 @ 5pm.
Postering for the event on Monday from 2-3pm. Will be very ‘open’ with discussion of issues and students’ feedback on re-occupation. (chelsea taylor)

-ENBRIDGE; Rally at Wingate Inn (18220 100 Ave) on Jan. 24 @ 8:30am w/greenpeace, sierraclub, aboriginal groups
Planning for an occupy action on a day that industry presents.  (anna sparkle)

-COMMUNITY GARDEN; Rachel Notley expressed huge support for the idea. Funding for these types of projects in Edmonton is being cut.
          Still looking for solid funding and maybe a greenhouse space. ( David laing)

-CAMP; We need money to pick up cheque from fed ex. We should be able to cash cheques when they are received which are being sent out today.
Camp working group and committed campers need to have a serious sit down to review and discuss what camp logistics look like. (phil shaw and kirk hansen)

-OCCUPY SQUAD; WCB. The occupy squad is not ‘allowed’ to set up tents we need people willing to help out and participate, without numbers camping
           may not be possible. (phil shaw)

Proposals/Important Main topic discussion thing

  -Changing the Date; We will bring our planned date to consulta and try to find something on which we can ALL decide. Date decision will be finalized
  after the consulta.

ps. for more infos and to be more directly involved talk to ppl in parentheses.
pss. first time with minutes, sometimes i have ADD. sorry.  Please join the next GA on tuesday

OE General Assembly Minutes
January 18

Agenda

1. Introductions and Updates
2. Re-Occupation
3. Enbridge

1.
Camping gear/tent: name has 8-man tent. We were unable to get funds
from the cashiers cheques. Trying to get that in a different “format.”
Also exploring options of retail outlets to purchase gear from.

Solidarity Square update. Went to MLA office of Don…., non
committal. WCB: Injured workers are interested in participating.
Should contact Occupy Calgary. Dates– see flyer. Question: What’s
going on with WCB rally. Answer: End of February. names went to
WCB to ask if they can occupy it. Find out soon. Statement: a member
is not sure if he’s been compensated for a 132 dollar charge for
posters. Comment: We should be getting pre-approval for funds. Need to
be transparent regarding process for getting approval for funds.
Question: can we split costs with our partners? Answer: “They” have
been spending money already. Statement: Injured workers are organizing
buses to bring people in for rally, so they are spending money.

Communications update: have been having Coms meetings over skype. Have
been talking about messaging for re-occupation. Still need to do some
consulting on that. Talked about Enbridge rally. We were thinking of
putting together an economic message to complement Sierra/Greenpeace
envirnomental.

Art Build for Enbridge: A lot of sign already for rally on the 24th of
January (Tuesday). At the Wingate Inn. At 8:30 am. Cause a media
scene. Still a possibility for Action to plan something for later in
the week. Can’t really change plans for the rally, but OE could plan
for something later in the week, and we need to organize an artbuild
for that soonish if we’re doing something. Could be at the Sierra/
GreenPeace wharehouse.

Finance: Think name has lockbox (confirmed). We think we have 1400
in there. Question: why can’t we use PayPal? — not sure. Could use
more help with Finance. Would be great to have some female
representation on that committee.

Campus discussion:

community gardening update: Need to order seeds, and need greenhouse
space. Do the university’s have greenhouses? Response: yes, UofA does.
We’ll try to track a contact down for you. ..  Need some other
supplies to (soil, etc.) and some funding. Still need to a location
for the garden, ideally downtown. Statement: community garden on 101st/
99 ave-ish on the hill, maybe there is space there? …

Enbridge Action meeting at 7 at name’s house tomorrow (Thursday night)

Chelsea on Enbridge
people in BC taking on risk for the pipeline are not the ones who
stand to profit. That needs to be apart of the messaging.

ReOccupation:
overview of existing plans: feb 4th, secret location.
Potential Changes: organize in open might make it more successful.
Logistically its hard to gain support and momentum keeping things in
secret. Makes it harder for university, potentially, if students are
informed and involved in the action.

should we make it seem like it was leaked?

we need to come to a decision very soon.

Change of date: Maybe the 1st is a better idea. Its mid-week—more
attention– and that day is a national day of action against tuition
increases.

- moving the date shouldn’t be decided now, because key people aren’t
here tonight.
- can we just leak it to UofA people?
- logistically, moving things ahead of schedule might be a problem in
terms of getting camp stuff ready.
changing date and such: outreach to university seems like it is an
important part of this action. Tapping into concerns and struggles on
campus like Arts Faculty cuts makes sense. We’ve been building the
idea of a Free-School associated with UofA, and we wanted to launch it
around that time. The idea of the free school is to challenge the
corporate model of the University and build support and community
outreach into educational networks and activities.

changing date should happen soon, tonight if possible, so comms and
action can make plans.
Muslim students group/ palestinian sol. Group expressed interest. We
should get back to them.
Enbridge ends like the day before the new date. We will be burnt out.
Contact at CJSR needs to know whats going on to, is willing to arrange
coverage.
Hold a consulting event at the UofA. Big meeting, trying to bring
people in. (

support of people present to change the date and go to an open
messaging strategy. Clarification needed.

could keep the saturday rally. Needs to be decided. 75 people signed
up on facebook.
Vote to change date: inconclusive. Others need to be consulted?
The 4th was arbitrary anyway.
We could get more support by moving it to the first.

camp working group seems to be for the change.
Actually will vote on proposal for date change next GA, but go ahead
with preliminary planning.

Enbridge>>

Jan 24th to 31st….Friday media conference…broader coalition
organizing this and Occupy invited

Raging grannies, oily people climbing and putting up a banner, native
drummers for rally day if possible then grannies fit in there, banner
drop….native rights plus green jobs = justice for all

OCCUPY EDMONTON: Saturday, January 14, 2012.

Introductions:

Announcements:

• Occupy Parliament

o   March 13-16^th. Shuttle will go to Ottawa and then will come back.

o   Occupy Sudbury is trying to pull it together.

o   There is another mobilization being planned for Ottawa in the fall.

Will get more information about this as there were a lot of questions raised about it.

• Working Group Sign-Up List:

o   Please sign up for the working groups. Only bottomliner emails will be put on the website.

• Water:

o   Phil knows a guy that sells fresh water filtration systems. Could be used to melt snow and filter it to provide water for the camp group.

• IWW training:

o   Organizer training.

o   January 27^th.

Updates:

• Action.

o   Enbridge Jan. 24^th – rally need to figure out what to do. Jan 24 – 31^st are Enbridge hearings.

o   Feb 4^th – reoccupation actions.

o   Feb. 7^th – provincial legislature opening.

o   Feb. 29- Mar. 2 – Workers compensation board protest.

o   March 13-16^th – Occupy Parliament.

o   May 1^st general strike has been called by several US working groups.

o   May 19^th-20^th – GA in Chicago.

o   July 14^th – Wallmart action being planned.

• Communications.

o   Communications is trying to provide a central hub for people to get updates.

o   Calendar is being more regularly updated so please check there for details.

o   Communications is also trying to clarify working group mandates and membership.

o   Tuesday at 8:00 pm – skype meeting – contact grimacetv@gmail.com for more information.

• Camp.

o   Trying to take an inventory of gear so we know what we have.

o   Have a lot of gear at Kirk’s house that needs to be washed and dealt with.

o   8-person mec tent is currently MIA.

o   Small set-up and can be maintained by a very few people.

o   Gear needs to be picked-up from police station as well.

o   Need to ensure that next occupation clearly articulates the reason for the choice in location.

o   Would like to have a clear plan presented about how needs will be addressed: ie. medical, sanitation, warmth supplies.

o   Would like set meeting date to discuss about camp.

o   Would like to set up a healing circle to address concerns and feelings.

o   If you would like to make communications materials to help support camp please contact Rob Butz.

• Finance.

o   We have $1,400 in the budget.

o   WePay money was returned as we couldn’t access it. We are trying to find an alternative system that will meet our needs.

o   If we reoccupy we will need more people on the finance working group.

o   Would also like to start calculating what Occupy Edmonton provides in terms of services.

• Non-violent Communication:

o   There is an on-going communication line that is very helpful to talk about issues, to talk about personal issues.

o   Line is available from 2:00 – 4:00 every weekday.

o   Everyone should try it at least once.

o   780-666-3830 is the number.

Proposals:

• GA schedule.

Proposal for set OE schedule:

                    TUESDAY: General Assembly 7:00 pm

o   THURSDAY: training workshops.
7:00 pm

o   SATURDAY: General Assembly. – 2:00 pm

o   SUNDAY: Social (or last Sunday of the month group talking healing sharing listening circle.) Try to have someone from NVC at those meetings.

• PROPOSAL WAS PASSED – on January 14th. This schedule will start on the January 19^th.

• GA structure.

o   Consense on facilitator.

o   Appoint roles: stack taker, minute taker, time keeper, vibes watcher and meeting greeter (someone who welcomes new people and helps bring latecomers up to speed on where the meeting is at.

o   Welcome/Introductions – (dependent on numbers).

o   Announcements. (1-2 minutes max for announcements)

o   Working group updates. (5 minutes for a WG update).

o   Proposals. (5 minutes to outline a proposal, 10-15 minutes for proposal discussion.

o   Ideas – short 1 min ideas are brought forward for upcoming proposals.

o   Next meeting date – who is bottom lining next GA.

o   Adjourn.

• Concern: greeter should be well versed on hand signals.
• Concern: potentially bring sheet about hand signals to give out to new people.
• Concern: ideas section maybe should not be formally part of agenda.
• Concern: is 1 min for idea proposals too short?
• Friendly amendment: clarification ideas section is for people to bring forward ideas. They have one minute to pitch idea – GA will then either direct them to working group, they can have a discussion about the idea after the GA, or GA can decide to allocate more time.
• PROPOSAL WAS PASSED – on January 14th.

• GA proposal format.

o   Proposals should follow the same written format and should be posted on the main listserve, and sent to facebook and a website administrator for posting at least 24hrs in advance of when they are seeking GA approval (email should be marked PROPOSAL). A specific section of the website will be constructed so that proposals are clearly visible.

o   Proposals should follow the format below when they are being discussed by the GA:
Proposal is read out.
-Clarifying questions are taken.
-Concerns are raised.
-Friendly amendments given (small changes to strengthen the proposal. Proposer will have the ability to accept or reject friendly amendment suggestions.
-Test for Consensus.

• Concerns:

o   Concerns raised about people who may not be comfortable writing out proposals.

o   Concerns about fact that anyone should be able to bring a proposal at general assembly without notice.

o   Concerns about during camp its difficult to get online access.

o   Concerns raised about whether we were moving from away from direct democracy by this proposal.

• Friendly amendments:

o   Should add implementation bottom liner to proposal form.

o   During camp this proposal is postponed.

o   Should also have an ideas section at the GA’s so that people can raise new ideas that could then be translated into more formal proposals for the next GA.

o   Oral proposals amendment – not accepted.

o   Hard copy blank forms should be available at GA’s.

o   Disclaimer – not accepted can do this anyway.

o   Should also include on form that online discussion will need to be received one hour prior to GA discussion.

o   Proposal is passed.

• PROPOSAL WAS PASSED – on January 14th.

• Occupy Edmonton working groups.

o   Action:

§  Raising awareness

§  Direct action

§  Street actions.

§  Marches and rallies.

§  Flyering.

§  Sit-ins.

§  Logistics for actions.

§  Action point of contact: Katie, Anna.

o   Communication:

§  Maintaining social networks

§  Media/press releases

§  Design unified message.

§  Internal communication.

§  Facebook, twitter, listserve, website communications.

§  Graphic design.

§  Talking points.

§  Media spokespeople training.

§  Educational materials.

§  Communication point of contact: Steven, Mike.

o   Camp:

§  Camping.

§  Camp Logistics.

§  Camp Supplies.

§  Camp recruitment.

§  Sustaining/maintaining.

§  Camp security.

§  Police liason.

§  Camp point of contact: Kirk,

o   Facilitiation:

§  Maintain discussion

§  Key organizational tools regarding discussion.

§  Training of facilitators.

§  Facilitation process.

§  Facilitation for troubled areas.

§  Facilitation point of contact: Bridget? Jenika?

GA – January 11, 2012

Announcements and updates

Solidarity Squad
proposal
MLA office action on Friday with injured workers from WCB
Communications
Updates of working groups
members and contact information
will be bringing back Live stream to GA’s

Arts
We received Stencils

Actions
Occupy Parliament coming up
Wholesale sports/Canadian Tire
$7500 will be going in to card form
New York Update
OWS having many of the same issuies
organizing meetings, camp etc.
Monthly sharing circles
Why are people here,
why do people Occupy
Chance to express whats on your mind
Studio
hold general assembly at studio – would cost money

Proposals

WCB injured Workers
February 29 March 1st and March 2nd WCB injured workers to protest out
side WCB main building 99street and 102 ave
set up tents with banner
everyday at 12pm Microphone speaking
Projector of stories from injured workers who could not make it’
Occupy would have to maintain camp over night
could interfere with camp at Secret location
Support for proposal to support WCB injured workers. We will give what
we can with no guarantee

Community Gardens
Are people willing to help make a community garden
possible talks with bissle Centre
funding from provincial government to community gardens to be cut
Community Garden project approved
announce on Facebook

Solidarity Action Group
to show solidarity with different events that are going on around the
world.
Example 200 women killed in Egypt
Proposal withdrawn

Central Message
What is our central message?
Corporate government/Greed
we are the 99%
Mic Check
University
talk to people more
humor
insight
3PM 12th University Train platform

Enbridge proposal
Northern Gateway
January 24th Hearings
Update to come Saturday

New Camp Group?

Art Build
Thursday 6Pm at green peace warehouse
$240 fo reimbursable to Phil for products that he built

July 14th Action at Walmart
To present wal-mart with a petition to close its door
hunger strike if they don’t close doors
to be brought to action working group

Bill C-309
bill to change rallies
no face coverings

Working Groups contacts and definitions