Post by kgb on Nov 8, 2011 20:24:55 GMT -5
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 8, 2011
Press Release from: PR Working Group/Occupy Saratoga
Contact: 518-222-5625 to reach the current pr representative*
PR Working Group email address: PRoccupysaratoga@gmail.com
Occupy Saratoga stands by local businesses
Saratoga Springs, NY--Occupy Saratoga Springs NY, at its November 5 outdoor meeting, voted by consensus to support local businesses as opposed to mega-corporations. A well-attended and lively protest prior to the meeting encouraged patronage of local banks and credit unions. There was also support for approaching the local Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce regarding the “buy local” ideal, as the chamber is composed of many small businesses in several counties.
A name change was on the agenda to the more inclusive name “Occupy Saratoga” as a way to encourage more people to feel a part of the group, as members drive from as far away as Galway, Clifton Park and Washington County to participate. The name change was approved.
The group also said they are currently seeking an indoor meeting place to try to encourage more of the public to attend and participate, and are contacting area churches and other sites. Outdoor meetings are more common, as a way to act in solidarity with actual “occupations” across the country. The “occupations” are tent-based communities, intended to persevere throughout winter. This group has not approved an “occupation” of its own, but rather uses protest events and flyers to reach the public. Occupy Saratoga also works to assist and support the Occupy Albany encampment.
Donations for Occupy Albany are being accepted weekly and delivered the same day or very soon thereafter. This week’s donations included warm clothing, foodstuff and cash. The group states anyone wishing to contribute may stop by at the Saratoga Peace Vigil held every Saturday from noon - 1 p.m. at the corner of Church St. and Broadway, in front of the post office. Occupy Saratoga is joining the Saratoga Peace Alliance at these weekly vigils. On-going donations to assist Occupy Albany members to stay warm and healthy are appreciated and winter clothing and gear of all sorts is in need, as is food. Those interested in donating items to Occupy Albany and Occupy groups around the country can also go online to occupywishlist.org .
Seeking no hierarchy and no leader, as is the model for other Occupy groups across the country, the local group voted during the General Assembly meeting by consensus-- using hand signals derived from sign language. Weekly facilitators call on whoever is next “on stack”, which is simply a list of names in order of requests to speak. Everyone is heard using this method, and two minutes per person is encouraged to keep the meeting moving at a reasonable pace. The meetings proceed in an orderly and friendly fashion and are open to the public, so long as codes of non-violence and civility are followed.
Media please note:
• Being a people’s movement that acts by consensus, we do not have one spokesperson or leader but this phone number is available for convenience, and a person has volunteered to be available at that number and/or through the email address provided.
• Occupy Saratoga uses the examples set by Occupy Wall Street and the Occupy Together movement. A main focus is the economy and the corporate corruption of our political system. We are committed to non-violent action.
Date: November 8, 2011
Press Release from: PR Working Group/Occupy Saratoga
Contact: 518-222-5625 to reach the current pr representative*
PR Working Group email address: PRoccupysaratoga@gmail.com
Occupy Saratoga stands by local businesses
Saratoga Springs, NY--Occupy Saratoga Springs NY, at its November 5 outdoor meeting, voted by consensus to support local businesses as opposed to mega-corporations. A well-attended and lively protest prior to the meeting encouraged patronage of local banks and credit unions. There was also support for approaching the local Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce regarding the “buy local” ideal, as the chamber is composed of many small businesses in several counties.
A name change was on the agenda to the more inclusive name “Occupy Saratoga” as a way to encourage more people to feel a part of the group, as members drive from as far away as Galway, Clifton Park and Washington County to participate. The name change was approved.
The group also said they are currently seeking an indoor meeting place to try to encourage more of the public to attend and participate, and are contacting area churches and other sites. Outdoor meetings are more common, as a way to act in solidarity with actual “occupations” across the country. The “occupations” are tent-based communities, intended to persevere throughout winter. This group has not approved an “occupation” of its own, but rather uses protest events and flyers to reach the public. Occupy Saratoga also works to assist and support the Occupy Albany encampment.
Donations for Occupy Albany are being accepted weekly and delivered the same day or very soon thereafter. This week’s donations included warm clothing, foodstuff and cash. The group states anyone wishing to contribute may stop by at the Saratoga Peace Vigil held every Saturday from noon - 1 p.m. at the corner of Church St. and Broadway, in front of the post office. Occupy Saratoga is joining the Saratoga Peace Alliance at these weekly vigils. On-going donations to assist Occupy Albany members to stay warm and healthy are appreciated and winter clothing and gear of all sorts is in need, as is food. Those interested in donating items to Occupy Albany and Occupy groups around the country can also go online to occupywishlist.org .
Seeking no hierarchy and no leader, as is the model for other Occupy groups across the country, the local group voted during the General Assembly meeting by consensus-- using hand signals derived from sign language. Weekly facilitators call on whoever is next “on stack”, which is simply a list of names in order of requests to speak. Everyone is heard using this method, and two minutes per person is encouraged to keep the meeting moving at a reasonable pace. The meetings proceed in an orderly and friendly fashion and are open to the public, so long as codes of non-violence and civility are followed.
Media please note:
• Being a people’s movement that acts by consensus, we do not have one spokesperson or leader but this phone number is available for convenience, and a person has volunteered to be available at that number and/or through the email address provided.
• Occupy Saratoga uses the examples set by Occupy Wall Street and the Occupy Together movement. A main focus is the economy and the corporate corruption of our political system. We are committed to non-violent action.