Post by markm on Oct 29, 2011 19:34:47 GMT -5
I wanted to create a thread to get people's impressions on what they thought of Occupy Albany, especially those who were there for the 1st time. I believe we could learn a lot from what they are doing.
Ok, here's a few quick impressions I had.
It looks like they are committed to staying. The GA approved spending about $200 of the approximately $2200 cash that has been donated so far for 3-4 tent heaters ( they already have some).
They are doing things. They are forming working groups and forums and taking action. Not all actions are protests. Today for example 1 working group announced they were having a voter education and registration seminar. Other working groups and forums are reaching and working in the local community. Specific issues are being studied and addressed. An anti fracking working group was recently formed.
I spent a lot of time talking to member of Occupy Poughkepsie. 30 of them met about 2 weeks ago and they started occupying THAT NIGHT and haven't left since! They had some great ideas and insights, they are spending a lot of time walking through the poorer neighborhoods of there community to show their support for their plight. They are definitely a committed and vocal bunch and I look forward to networking with them. THey have a facebook page and say a web site is almost up. I will post their contact info when I get it.
What I like best about Albany is all the ENERGY and excitement. It's palpable. I love attending a GA and then gravitating to any one of a number of working groups (formal and informal) that frequently meet after the GA's and joining the discussions. Today I attended the newly formed Revolutionary Action ? Forum. There was a very enlightening and informative discussion going on as to what revolutionary action actually entails. In other visits to Albany I've sat in on and participated in Facilitation, Outreach and Political and Electoral Reform work group meetings.
If you go to Albany you will realize that their are a lot of very dedicated people working very hard to keep it all going. There is an unbelievable amount of work needed to support an occupation like this especially through the winter. It's all very uplifting and inspiring. Spending time at Albany, and seeing what is going on EVERYWHERE, you really get the feeling that this movement will not be stopped until real chance takes place.
Ok, here's a few quick impressions I had.
It looks like they are committed to staying. The GA approved spending about $200 of the approximately $2200 cash that has been donated so far for 3-4 tent heaters ( they already have some).
They are doing things. They are forming working groups and forums and taking action. Not all actions are protests. Today for example 1 working group announced they were having a voter education and registration seminar. Other working groups and forums are reaching and working in the local community. Specific issues are being studied and addressed. An anti fracking working group was recently formed.
I spent a lot of time talking to member of Occupy Poughkepsie. 30 of them met about 2 weeks ago and they started occupying THAT NIGHT and haven't left since! They had some great ideas and insights, they are spending a lot of time walking through the poorer neighborhoods of there community to show their support for their plight. They are definitely a committed and vocal bunch and I look forward to networking with them. THey have a facebook page and say a web site is almost up. I will post their contact info when I get it.
What I like best about Albany is all the ENERGY and excitement. It's palpable. I love attending a GA and then gravitating to any one of a number of working groups (formal and informal) that frequently meet after the GA's and joining the discussions. Today I attended the newly formed Revolutionary Action ? Forum. There was a very enlightening and informative discussion going on as to what revolutionary action actually entails. In other visits to Albany I've sat in on and participated in Facilitation, Outreach and Political and Electoral Reform work group meetings.
If you go to Albany you will realize that their are a lot of very dedicated people working very hard to keep it all going. There is an unbelievable amount of work needed to support an occupation like this especially through the winter. It's all very uplifting and inspiring. Spending time at Albany, and seeing what is going on EVERYWHERE, you really get the feeling that this movement will not be stopped until real chance takes place.
