wiki.occupyboston.org - User contributions [en]

Occupy MBTA

2012-02-08T17:24:52Z

Jfeathersmith: /* Pamphlets */ added links to new files

<blockquote>'''''For the third time in ten years, the MBTA is offering its riders a choice between draconian service cuts and draconian fare increases in an effort to close a budget gap caused by legacy debt...We will not let our government balance its books on the backs of working people any longer... Debt relief for the MBTA can close the budget gaps without asking the poorest among us to carry a heavier burden and is good for T riders, T workers, T management--good for the entire 99%!''''' - ''from a [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xssJ1y0Gedlt-gOGqSygGoFfld0oDOHcendgJaOor5U/edit?hl=en_US draft statement] we are working on''</blockquote>
= Fight fare hikes and service cuts =

== Actions ==
===February 13 - Somerville===
Occupy the T: Free Charlie [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/1/1d/Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page_Feb_13.pdf pdf], but including some info specific to the Feb. 13 action.
=== Canvassing ===

Here are dates for handing out fliers:

Sunday, January 29th (11am-1pm): Meet at Davis Square [near the Somerville Theater / Davis MBTA station] contact: Jamie Rinaldi (jamie.rinaldi@gmail.com)

Wednesday, February 1st (5pm-7pm): Meet at Davis Square [near the Somerville Theater / Davis MBTA station]. contact: Joe Ramsey (jgramsey@gmail.com) *This is a weekly action EVERY Wednesday from 5-7pm, starting in Davis Square*

== MBTA Public Hearings ==

{| cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''January 31''',''' '''Tuesday
| Boston (Mattapan) 
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM 
| Mildred Avenue Community Center 5 Mildred Avenue
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 1''',''' '''Wednesday
| Jamaica Plain
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM  
| Hennigan Community Center, Cafeteria 200 Heath Street 
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 2''', Thursday
| Boston (Dorchester)
| nowrap="true" | 1:00-3:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM
| Dorchester House Multi-Service Center, Multi-Purpose Room 1353 Dorchester Avenue
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 6''', Monday
| Lowell
| nowrap="true" | 5:00-7:00 PM
| City Hall Council Chambers 375 Merrimack Street
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 7''',''' '''Tuesday
| Lynn
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM  
| City Hall Auditorium, Main Floor 3 City Hall Square
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 8''',''' '''Wednesday
| Boston (West End)
| nowrap="true" | 4:30-6:30 PM
| Shriners Hospital Auditorium 51 Blossom Street
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 8''',''' '''Wednesday
| Hingham
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM  
| Town Hall Sanborn Auditorium 210 Central Street
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 13''',''' '''Monday
| Boston (South Station area)
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM 
| id="aeaoofnhgocdbnbeljkmbjdmhbcokfdb-mousedown" | Boston Public Library Boston Rabb Lecture Hall 700 Boylston Street 
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 14''', Tuesday 
| Framingham 
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM  
| Town Hall 150 Concord Street 
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 15''',''' '''Wednesday
| Quincy
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM
| Thomas Crane Public Library Community Room 40 Washington Street
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 16''', Thursday 
| Malden 
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM
| City Council Chambers 200 Pleasant Street 
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 28''',''' '''Tuesday
| Somerville 
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM
| High School Auditorium 81 Highland Avenue
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 29''',''' '''Wednesday 
| Cambridge 
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM 
| Citywide Senior Center 806 Massachusetts Avenue 
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''March 1''',''' '''Thursday  
| Waltham 
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM 
| Government Center Auditorium 119 School Street 
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''March 6''', Tuesday
| Brockton
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM
| Massasoit Community College, Liberal Arts Building, Lecture Hall LA 560 1 Massasoit Boulevard
|}

== Activities ==

=== Planning Meetings ===

* [[OccupyMBTA Planning, Jan 29th 2012]]

===remix===
A couple of people are playing with a remix of [[Charlie and the MTA]].

{{:Charlie and the MTA}}

=== Graphics ===

[[File:Affordability BUTTON.jpg|thumb|left|Affordability BUTTON.jpg]]

[[File:No hikes BUTTON.jpg|thumb|No hikes BUTTON.jpg]]

[[File:See something BUTTON.jpg|thumb|left|See something BUTTON.jpg]]

[[File:WTF red fare BUTTON.JPG|thumb|WTF red fare BUTTON.JPG]]

[[File:FreeCharlie.jpg|thumb|FreeCharlie.jpg]]

=== Petition ===

Link to document in process: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B0AfclbB9k7dgKLjqZP0rIZ5m2kN8wje1RJLIgmQZAs/edit?hl=en_US draft]

=== Pamphlets and More ===

[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/1/1d/Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page_Feb_13.pdf Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page_Feb_13.pdf]

[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/2/25/Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page.pdf Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page.pdf]

[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/1/18/OccupyT_Portuguese.pdf OccupyT_Portuguese.pdf]

[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/e/e0/OccupyTFlyer_Quarter_Sheet.pdf OccupyTFlyer_Quarter_Sheet.pdf]

[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/d/df/OccupyTFlyer1.pdf OccupyTFlyer1.pdf]

[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/6/6c/MBTA_rally_double-sided_quarters.pdf MBTA_rally_double-sided_quarters.pdf] - rally flyer with list of hearings on back

[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/2/24/MBTA_Passenger_Advisory.pdf MBTA_Passenger_Advisory.pdf] - MBTA-style poster with hearings listed

[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/c/c5/Charlie_mask.pdf Charlie_mask.pdf] - print out your own mask of MBTA's iconic humanoid!

=== For Designers ===

MBTA ad templates are Banner: 18" high by 28" wide Poster: 22" high by 15" wide Here are some [http://www.bostonveg.org/campaigns/index.html examples].
 

== Maillist ==

A lot of stuff gets emailed to this list. You can join [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/occupymbta here], or view the archives [https://lists.mayfirst.org/pipermail/occupymbta/ here].

==Links and Bibliography ==
* http://studentsagainsttcuts.org/
* [http://mbta.com/about_the_mbta/?id=23567 MBTA Page on Fare Changes]
* [http://mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/Fare_Proposals_2012/MC12149%20Fare%20Increase%20Booklet_v7.pdf MBTA Fare Change Information Booklet]
* [http://mbta.com/about_the_mbta/financials/?id=3482 MBTA Financials]
* [http://transitontheline.wordpress.com/ Transit on the Line]
* [http://www.ace-ej.org/tru T Riders Union]
====[http://www.mass.gov/sao/Press%20Releases/2008/mbtadebtpr08.pdf State Auditor on MBTA Losses via Credit Default Swaps (2008)]====
'State Auditor Joe DeNucci reported [in 2008] that an investment practice intended to help
save money actually resulted in a $55 million increase in borrowing interest costs to the
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)...During the five-year period reviewed by
DeNucci’s office, the MBTA entered into 12 interest rate swap agreements with various
investment banks totaling $1.632 billion. As a result of these swaps, the MBTA received nearly
$31.5 million in interest and premiums. However, the MBTA made payments totaling more than
$86.8 million for interest costs and termination fees during the same period, resulting in a net
loss to the T of $55.3 million.
“These rate swaps were highly speculative, risky and complex, and have proved costly to
the riders who are paying increased fares and the taxpayers who subsidize the MBTA,” said
DeNucci.' - from State Auditor [http://www.mass.gov/sao/Press%20Releases/2008/mbtadebtpr08.pdf press release] January 29, 2008

[[Category:Working groups|Occupy the T]]

File:MBTA rally double-sided quarters.pdf

2012-02-08T17:21:25Z

Jfeathersmith: Quarter-sheet flyers for the rally on Feb 13, with a list of other hearings on the reverse side.

Quarter-sheet flyers for the rally on Feb 13, with a list of other hearings on the reverse side.

File:MBTA Passenger Advisory.pdf

2012-02-08T17:20:27Z

Jfeathersmith: MBTA-style poster with brief summary of impact of T cuts and list of hearings.

MBTA-style poster with brief summary of impact of T cuts and list of hearings.

File:Charlie mask.pdf

2012-02-08T17:19:23Z

Jfeathersmith: Make your own MBTA Charlie mask!

Make your own MBTA Charlie mask!

Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice (CASEJ)

2012-01-10T16:33:52Z

Jfeathersmith:

This is the '''Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice''' wiki page.

'''Mailing List:''' [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/climate-action Click here for the signup page for our mailing list]

'''Meetings:''' Our meetings are currently held Mondays at 6 pm. We will usually meet in the Old West Church (131 Cambridge st., Boston, MA). Meetings will be announced over the mailing list in advance of each meeting. They will also be announced on the Wiki, and (hopefully) updated correctly on the Occupy Boston calendar. When in doubt, trust the mailing list. (There will be dates when we CANNOT meet at the Old West Church, so please watch the mailing list for those changes!)

<h2>Draft Mission Statement</h2>
The Occupy Boston Climate Action, Sustainability and Environmental Justice Working Group seeks to provide a space where members of the Occupy/99% Movement and their allies can come together to help create a more just and sustainable world, locally and globally. We will accomplish this goal by:

<ul><li> Educating ourselves and our communities about climate change and the environmental issues and solutions before us;
</li><li> Building Alliances within and beyond the Occupy/99% Movement, without regard for ideology or tactical preferences, to increase our collective power; and
</li><li> Taking Direct Action to confront the social, economic and political forces causing environmental injustice and highlight a new paradigm for life on earth, both human and non-human.
</li></ul>
<h2>Upcoming Events and Actions</h2>
Add details or links here.

<h2>Meeting Process</h2>
[This protocol can be revised by proposing an amendment for consensus at group meetings]
Propose Climate Action, Sustainability and Environmental Justice Protocol
This set of guidelines assumes that collectively demanding respect for each voice, and
therefore establishing a system through which any individual can bring their perspective
to the group as a whole, is critical in the building and growing of an effective movement.
It assumes that this is especially crucial to achieving the goals of the Climate Action,
Sustainability and Environmental Justice working group of Occupy Boston, as these
goals require the formation of coalitions capable of effecting change both across a
diverse political landscape as well as on a global scale.
Demanding this requires establishing a clear means through which diverse perspectives
can be voiced, that is agreed upon and modified by the groupʼs own participants. In
establishing this we are seeking to both effectively collaborate within and outside of
Occupy Boston, and to pursue the ideals, central to the Occupy movement, of horizontal
participatory democracy. However, these guidelines will only be effective if each one of
us takes responsibility for ensuring that everyoneʼs voice is present.
 
MEETING PROTOCOL

"Facilitation"
For each meeting designate...
1) Facilitator - At least one prepared, neutral, moderator for each meeting
Note: the Facilitator sacrifices their own voice for the sake of ensuring that others are
heard. This means that they withhold their own opinions when facilitating.
2) Stack Keeper - lists and keeps track of an agreed upon agenda
3) Note Taker
4) Time Keeper
These roles should rotate each meeting. Alternatively, one person can facilitate/ take
notes the first hour, and another person do this second hour.
At the end of each meeting we ask someone to volunteer to facilitate the next meeting
who has not done this in the past few weeks. They should have some experience, or be
willing to familiarize themselves with the process before the meeting.
 
Meetings
Facilitator:
1) Welcome to the meeting
2) Introduce individuals helping to facilitate
3) Explain the process
(hand signals ect.- mention that it is the responsibility of everyone to make sure
everyoneʼs voice is respected)
4) Individual introductions: say your name and (X)
5) Take stack (list items to add to agenda- to be discussed in greater length after stack is taken)
6) We will come in with an agenda planned out, which will have some time allocated for new items
added to stack (Decide weather group wants to modify order or time?)
7) Go through agenda in order agreed upon
8) If there is time: Additional things to add to the stack
9) Closing ceremony ;)
When Discussing Agenda
For all parts of the meeting excluding critical group proposals:
We discuss these points in the order decied, anyone can ask for a temp check,
(We can discuss using formal process: raising hands and using hand signals ect. or
informal process - informal group discussion. Anyone can propose we switch from one
to the other, at which point facilitator will get quick temp check and proceed accordingly
For all critical proposals made to the group
(GA proposals, group statements, mission statement, parts of Wiki ect., requests for
funds, making changes to agreed upon protocol (this document after implementation):
1) When possible share this proposal at least a day in advance
2) Bring to the group for discussion (preferably in small groups)
3) Facilitator asks for statements of support (just what it sounds like)
4) Facilitator asks for statements of concern
5) Facilitator asks for friendly amendments: friendly changes people suggest in
response to concerns and objections
6) The proposer(s) bringing this to the group may then choose to modify their proposal
(incorporating the friendly amendments if they so decided) and then present the
modified proposal to the group for steps 2-6. Otherwise, they may choose to table
their proposal for the time being, or ask to bring it, unmodified, to a vote.
Note: For the sake of expedience, if both proposers and group agree (meaning the
proposers all agree and there are lots of twinkle fingers AND no objections from
group), they can choose to skip a step and move directly to vote.
Voting: We do a formal vote, by show of hands. Proposal must have %75 support (might not be
perfect, but you are cool w/ it) to pass w/ no blocks (a strong principled opposition)
“Note: The amendments offered are the response to concerns and objections. That proposers
have the opportunity to consider amending their proposal is a way of addressing or resolving
concerns and objections. The goal is to keep it non-confrontational and to focus on building
solutions together by assuming that every input is a brick in a building and the next input is a
brick placed above the foundation all the other bricks already laid.”
 
Quorum
We will consider this on Jan. 9th and hold off on votes for proposals until that time
 
Committees
We will have a committee of three or more people manage each of these and
consider rotation every few months (these people must be in good working
communication with each other):
Mailing list: we have one list and anyone can be added, managed by a List Committee
Wiki: the Wiki Committee will watch over the CASEJ wiki, helping to ensure a clear layout and accurate updates
Funds: Our Funding Committee keeps track of funding plans and logistics (including
proposals for funds that may conflict in a given week). All funding proposals should be
brought to the group for a formal vote. In rare cases we may want to ask for
funds directly at the GA which exceed $100.00. If we are asking for such
money for the group, this should be through a proposal and formal vote within the group.
Note: We will not need a Funding Committee until we decide we need funding.
GA Proposals: the GA Proposal Committee composes and presents a proposal to bring
to the GA, and then brings this to the group for revision or formal vote
 
Hand Signs (borrowed from Facilitation)
I suggests we learn these (but skip the “move it along” when possible and leave this to
the time keeper)
a. I consent, I like, I feel good about this - hands up fingers wiggling upward
b. Iʼm neutral, I feel so-so - hands flat with fingers wigging forward
c. I donʼt consent, I donʼt like, I feel badly about this - hands down, fingers wigging downward
d. Move it along, we hear what youʼre saying - roll fists around one another
e. Speak louder - with index finger pointing up, move arm up and down
Note: Indicate clearly that the following signals will bring a Floor Manager over to
you in order to review your point and put it on a "mini-stack" for bringing to the
floor when the current speaker reaches a natural break
f. Clarifying Question - put index finger and thumb into ʻcʼ shape
Note: define that a CQ is not an opinion. It must be answerable by the
proposer(s)
g. Point of Information - point index finger up
Note: define that a POI is not an opinion. It is a fact relevant to the topic at hand.
h. Point of Process - place tips of index finger together in horizontal line
Note: define that a POP is not an opinion, it is a reminder to the Facilitators or
Speaker about a point of order
i. Friendly Amendment - “peace” sign
j. Block - crossed arms over head
NOTE: Blocks are generally considered to be an extreme measure, only used
when a member feels a proposal endangers the organization or its participants
and/or the person feels so strongly about her/his position, s/he will walk away
from OccupyBoston.”

<h2>Proposals</h2>
Passed proposals can be added here.

<h2>Meeting Minutes</h2>
<a _fcknotitle="true" href="CASEJ Minutes - Dec. 19, 2011">CASEJ Minutes - Dec. 19, 2011</a> blank right now, please click and add!

<h2>Resources</h2>
This section is suggested as a place to put links to other groups we might be interested in collaborating with, learning from, etc., as well as links to articles of interest.
 Speculations Actions 

[[Category:Working groups|Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice (CASEJ)]]

CASEJ

2012-01-10T16:31:36Z

Jfeathersmith: moved CASEJ to Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice (CASEJ): The way working groups are listed was changed, which made it impossible for people to figure out where to find the page. So the original nice short title is no ...

#REDIRECT [[Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice (CASEJ)]]

Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice (CASEJ)

2012-01-10T16:31:36Z

This is the Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice wiki page.
Mailing List: [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/climate-action Click here for the signup page for our mailing list]
Meetings: Our meetings are currently held Mondays at 6 pm. Our next meeting will be on Jan. 2nd at South Station in the second floor mezzanine. On Jan. 9th in we will meet in the Old West Church (131 Cambridge st., Boston, MA). Meetings will be announced over the mailing list in advance of each meeting. They will also be announced on the Wiki, and (hopefully) updated correctly on the Occupy Boston calendar. When in doubt, trust the mailing list.
 

<h2>Draft Mission Statement</h2>
The Occupy Boston Climate Action, Sustainability and Environmental Justice Working Group seeks to provide a space where members of the Occupy/99% Movement and their allies can come together to help create a more just and sustainable world, locally and globally. We will accomplish this goal by:

<ul><li> Educating ourselves and our communities about climate change and the environmental issues and solutions before us;
</li><li> Building Alliances within and beyond the Occupy/99% Movement, without regard for ideology or tactical preferences, to increase our collective power; and
</li><li> Taking Direct Action to confront the social, economic and political forces causing environmental injustice and highlight a new paradigm for life on earth, both human and non-human.
</li></ul>
<h2>Upcoming Events and Actions</h2>
Add details or links here.

<h2>Meeting Process</h2>
[This protocol can be revised by proposing an amendment for consensus at group meetings]
Propose Climate Action, Sustainability and Environmental Justice Protocol
This set of guidelines assumes that collectively demanding respect for each voice, and
therefore establishing a system through which any individual can bring their perspective
to the group as a whole, is critical in the building and growing of an effective movement.
It assumes that this is especially crucial to achieving the goals of the Climate Action,
Sustainability and Environmental Justice working group of Occupy Boston, as these
goals require the formation of coalitions capable of effecting change both across a
diverse political landscape as well as on a global scale.
Demanding this requires establishing a clear means through which diverse perspectives
can be voiced, that is agreed upon and modified by the groupʼs own participants. In
establishing this we are seeking to both effectively collaborate within and outside of
Occupy Boston, and to pursue the ideals, central to the Occupy movement, of horizontal
participatory democracy. However, these guidelines will only be effective if each one of
us takes responsibility for ensuring that everyoneʼs voice is present.
 
MEETING PROTOCOL

"Facilitation"
For each meeting designate...
1) Facilitator - At least one prepared, neutral, moderator for each meeting
Note: the Facilitator sacrifices their own voice for the sake of ensuring that others are
heard. This means that they withhold their own opinions when facilitating.
2) Stack Keeper - lists and keeps track of an agreed upon agenda
3) Note Taker
4) Time Keeper
These roles should rotate each meeting. Alternatively, one person can facilitate/ take
notes the first hour, and another person do this second hour.
At the end of each meeting we ask someone to volunteer to facilitate the next meeting
who has not done this in the past few weeks. They should have some experience, or be
willing to familiarize themselves with the process before the meeting.
 
Meetings
Facilitator:
1) Welcome to the meeting
2) Introduce individuals helping to facilitate
3) Explain the process
(hand signals ect.- mention that it is the responsibility of everyone to make sure
everyoneʼs voice is respected)
4) Individual introductions: say your name and (X)
5) Take stack (list items to add to agenda- to be discussed in greater length after stack is taken)
6) We will come in with an agenda planned out, which will have some time allocated for new items
added to stack (Decide weather group wants to modify order or time?)
7) Go through agenda in order agreed upon
8) If there is time: Additional things to add to the stack
9) Closing ceremony ;)
When Discussing Agenda
For all parts of the meeting excluding critical group proposals:
We discuss these points in the order decied, anyone can ask for a temp check,
(We can discuss using formal process: raising hands and using hand signals ect. or
informal process - informal group discussion. Anyone can propose we switch from one
to the other, at which point facilitator will get quick temp check and proceed accordingly
For all critical proposals made to the group
(GA proposals, group statements, mission statement, parts of Wiki ect., requests for
funds, making changes to agreed upon protocol (this document after implementation):
1) When possible share this proposal at least a day in advance
2) Bring to the group for discussion (preferably in small groups)
3) Facilitator asks for statements of support (just what it sounds like)
4) Facilitator asks for statements of concern
5) Facilitator asks for friendly amendments: friendly changes people suggest in
response to concerns and objections
6) The proposer(s) bringing this to the group may then choose to modify their proposal
(incorporating the friendly amendments if they so decided) and then present the
modified proposal to the group for steps 2-6. Otherwise, they may choose to table
their proposal for the time being, or ask to bring it, unmodified, to a vote.
Note: For the sake of expedience, if both proposers and group agree (meaning the
proposers all agree and there are lots of twinkle fingers AND no objections from
group), they can choose to skip a step and move directly to vote.
Voting: We do a formal vote, by show of hands. Proposal must have %75 support (might not be
perfect, but you are cool w/ it) to pass w/ no blocks (a strong principled opposition)
“Note: The amendments offered are the response to concerns and objections. That proposers
have the opportunity to consider amending their proposal is a way of addressing or resolving
concerns and objections. The goal is to keep it non-confrontational and to focus on building
solutions together by assuming that every input is a brick in a building and the next input is a
brick placed above the foundation all the other bricks already laid.”
 
Quorum
We will consider this on Jan. 9th and hold off on votes for proposals until that time
 
Committees
We will have a committee of three or more people manage each of these and
consider rotation every few months (these people must be in good working
communication with each other):
Mailing list: we have one list and anyone can be added, managed by a List Committee
Wiki: the Wiki Committee will watch over the CASEJ wiki, helping to ensure a clear layout and accurate updates
Funds: Our Funding Committee keeps track of funding plans and logistics (including
proposals for funds that may conflict in a given week). All funding proposals should be
brought to the group for a formal vote. In rare cases we may want to ask for
funds directly at the GA which exceed $100.00. If we are asking for such
money for the group, this should be through a proposal and formal vote within the group.
Note: We will not need a Funding Committee until we decide we need funding.
GA Proposals: the GA Proposal Committee composes and presents a proposal to bring
to the GA, and then brings this to the group for revision or formal vote
 
Hand Signs (borrowed from Facilitation)
I suggests we learn these (but skip the “move it along” when possible and leave this to
the time keeper)
a. I consent, I like, I feel good about this - hands up fingers wiggling upward
b. Iʼm neutral, I feel so-so - hands flat with fingers wigging forward
c. I donʼt consent, I donʼt like, I feel badly about this - hands down, fingers wigging downward
d. Move it along, we hear what youʼre saying - roll fists around one another
e. Speak louder - with index finger pointing up, move arm up and down
Note: Indicate clearly that the following signals will bring a Floor Manager over to
you in order to review your point and put it on a "mini-stack" for bringing to the
floor when the current speaker reaches a natural break
f. Clarifying Question - put index finger and thumb into ʻcʼ shape
Note: define that a CQ is not an opinion. It must be answerable by the
proposer(s)
g. Point of Information - point index finger up
Note: define that a POI is not an opinion. It is a fact relevant to the topic at hand.
h. Point of Process - place tips of index finger together in horizontal line
Note: define that a POP is not an opinion, it is a reminder to the Facilitators or
Speaker about a point of order
i. Friendly Amendment - “peace” sign
j. Block - crossed arms over head
NOTE: Blocks are generally considered to be an extreme measure, only used
when a member feels a proposal endangers the organization or its participants
and/or the person feels so strongly about her/his position, s/he will walk away
from OccupyBoston.”

<h2>Proposals</h2>
Passed proposals can be added here.

<h2>Meeting Minutes</h2>
<a _fcknotitle="true" href="CASEJ Minutes - Dec. 19, 2011">CASEJ Minutes - Dec. 19, 2011</a> blank right now, please click and add!

<h2>Resources</h2>
This section is suggested as a place to put links to other groups we might be interested in collaborating with, learning from, etc., as well as links to articles of interest.
 Speculations Actions 

[[Category:Working groups|Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice (CASEJ)]]

Creative Actions and Subversive Arts

2012-01-04T22:26:50Z

Jfeathersmith:

CASA is a working group for artists and non-artists alike who want to engage in creative projects within Occupy Boston.

'''Next meeting:''' Jan. 7 - please join the mailing list to get details.

'''Next event:''' CASA will host the OB Community Gathering on Jan. 30. Stay tuned for details.

'''Mailing list:''' [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/arts Click here for sign-up information.]

==Tiny Tent Task Force==

The Tiny Tent Task Force makes and distributes tiny tents.

*Check out the [http://tinytents.tumblr.com Tiny Tents Tumblr] for pictures - and submit your own tiny tent sightings!
*[http://tinytents.tumblr.com/build Download a PDF to make tiny paper or cardstock tents]
*Here is a [http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/22/1047798/-Tiny-Tent-Task-Force-Pictorial-Tutorial tutorial for making a tiny tent out of fabric].

==Other Projects==

This would be a good place to write about the graphic design project (projects?) for solidarity with Egypt.

==Other Occupy Boston Arts & Design Resources==

*[[Graphic Design]] projects, including button, sticker, and poster designs.
*[[Arts and Culture]]
*Occupy Boston Screen Printers Guild http://www.facebook.com/OBScreenPrint
*Occupy Boston Art Blog http://occupybostonart.wordpress.com/
"Look In the Sky..Its Occupy Boston"...to contact the folks who project things on buildings: mutationiscreation@gmail.com

==General Resources==

Here would be a good place to store useful information like which print shops have printers that will not scale your print jobs properly, links to articles and documents with interesting facts to share with the world, and so on.

=== Local Art Groups & Spaces ===

This could be a list of local art groups and resources that would be worth establishing relationships with.

[http://www.ikatun.org/institute/infinitelysmallthings/ The Institute for Infinitely Small Things] - A group that has been making art about political and social "tiny things" for more than a decade. Is involved with the tiny tents task force, and has done other projects about & with occupy.

[http://www.platform2.info/ Platform2] - "Platform2 is an experimental event series that sits somewhere between a classroom, community organizing, and 1960s happenings."

[http://thesprouts.org/ sprout & co.] - "is a community education and research organization devoted to creating and supporting the community-driven learning, teaching, and investigation of science. We're united by a passion to reclaim science as a richly personal and creative craft. Through our PROGRAMS & STUDIOS, we're working to make our vision real in Somerville."

[[Category:Working groups]]

Category talk:Working groups

2012-01-04T20:30:05Z

Jfeathersmith:

This: Category:Working groups|<name of group> does not work. I would like some working groups I work with to appear in the list of working groups with both their full name and the acronym that is often used, and that worked just fine, when it was manually entered, until this new "improvement" to list things based on this categorization code. I've edited the category code on one WG page to contain both the group's full name and the acronym, and it makes NO difference, which makes it harder for people to find our pages.

I have also been telling people they can find the list of working groups on the main wiki page, and now that's no longer there, either!

Category talk:Working groups

2012-01-04T20:29:36Z

Jfeathersmith: please stop fixing things that aren't broken by making things harder to understand

This: [[Category:Working groups|<name of group>]] does not work. I would like some working groups I work with to appear in the list of working groups with both their full name and the acronym that is often used, and that worked just fine, when it was manually entered, until this new "improvement" to list things based on this categorization code. I've edited the category code on one WG page to contain both the group's full name and the acronym, and it makes NO difference, which makes it harder for people to find our pages.

I have also been telling people they can find the list of working groups on the main wiki page, and now that's no longer there, either!

Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice (CASEJ)

2012-01-04T20:20:27Z

Jfeathersmith: fixed link broken when someone turned this into html. STOP IT.

Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice (CASEJ)

2012-01-04T20:16:58Z

Jfeathersmith: fixed the categorization. OneKarma, please keep fingers off unless you know what you're doing.

This is the Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice wiki page.
Mailing List: <a href="https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/climate-action">Click here for the signup page for our mailing list</a>
Meetings: Our meetings are currently held Mondays at 6 pm. Our next meeting will be on Jan. 2nd at South Station in the second floor mezzanine. On Jan. 9th in we will meet in the Old West Church (131 Cambridge st., Boston, MA). Meetings will be announced over the mailing list in advance of each meeting. They will also be announced on the Wiki, and (hopefully) updated correctly on the Occupy Boston calendar. When in doubt, trust the mailing list.
 

<h2>Draft Mission Statement</h2>
The Occupy Boston Climate Action, Sustainability and Environmental Justice Working Group seeks to provide a space where members of the Occupy/99% Movement and their allies can come together to help create a more just and sustainable world, locally and globally. We will accomplish this goal by:

<ul><li> Educating ourselves and our communities about climate change and the environmental issues and solutions before us;
</li><li> Building Alliances within and beyond the Occupy/99% Movement, without regard for ideology or tactical preferences, to increase our collective power; and
</li><li> Taking Direct Action to confront the social, economic and political forces causing environmental injustice and highlight a new paradigm for life on earth, both human and non-human.
</li></ul>
<h2>Upcoming Events and Actions</h2>
Add details or links here.

<h2>Meeting Process</h2>
[This protocol can be revised by proposing an amendment for consensus at group meetings]
Propose Climate Action, Sustainability and Environmental Justice Protocol
This set of guidelines assumes that collectively demanding respect for each voice, and
therefore establishing a system through which any individual can bring their perspective
to the group as a whole, is critical in the building and growing of an effective movement.
It assumes that this is especially crucial to achieving the goals of the Climate Action,
Sustainability and Environmental Justice working group of Occupy Boston, as these
goals require the formation of coalitions capable of effecting change both across a
diverse political landscape as well as on a global scale.
Demanding this requires establishing a clear means through which diverse perspectives
can be voiced, that is agreed upon and modified by the groupʼs own participants. In
establishing this we are seeking to both effectively collaborate within and outside of
Occupy Boston, and to pursue the ideals, central to the Occupy movement, of horizontal
participatory democracy. However, these guidelines will only be effective if each one of
us takes responsibility for ensuring that everyoneʼs voice is present.
 
MEETING PROTOCOL

"Facilitation"
For each meeting designate...
1) Facilitator - At least one prepared, neutral, moderator for each meeting
Note: the Facilitator sacrifices their own voice for the sake of ensuring that others are
heard. This means that they withhold their own opinions when facilitating.
2) Stack Keeper - lists and keeps track of an agreed upon agenda
3) Note Taker
4) Time Keeper
These roles should rotate each meeting. Alternatively, one person can facilitate/ take
notes the first hour, and another person do this second hour.
At the end of each meeting we ask someone to volunteer to facilitate the next meeting
who has not done this in the past few weeks. They should have some experience, or be
willing to familiarize themselves with the process before the meeting.
 
Meetings
Facilitator:
1) Welcome to the meeting
2) Introduce individuals helping to facilitate
3) Explain the process
(hand signals ect.- mention that it is the responsibility of everyone to make sure
everyoneʼs voice is respected)
4) Individual introductions: say your name and (X)
5) Take stack (list items to add to agenda- to be discussed in greater length after stack is taken)
6) We will come in with an agenda planned out, which will have some time allocated for new items
added to stack (Decide weather group wants to modify order or time?)
7) Go through agenda in order agreed upon
8) If there is time: Additional things to add to the stack
9) Closing ceremony ;)
When Discussing Agenda
For all parts of the meeting excluding critical group proposals:
We discuss these points in the order decied, anyone can ask for a temp check,
(We can discuss using formal process: raising hands and using hand signals ect. or
informal process - informal group discussion. Anyone can propose we switch from one
to the other, at which point facilitator will get quick temp check and proceed accordingly
For all critical proposals made to the group
(GA proposals, group statements, mission statement, parts of Wiki ect., requests for
funds, making changes to agreed upon protocol (this document after implementation):
1) When possible share this proposal at least a day in advance
2) Bring to the group for discussion (preferably in small groups)
3) Facilitator asks for statements of support (just what it sounds like)
4) Facilitator asks for statements of concern
5) Facilitator asks for friendly amendments: friendly changes people suggest in
response to concerns and objections
6) The proposer(s) bringing this to the group may then choose to modify their proposal
(incorporating the friendly amendments if they so decided) and then present the
modified proposal to the group for steps 2-6. Otherwise, they may choose to table
their proposal for the time being, or ask to bring it, unmodified, to a vote.
Note: For the sake of expedience, if both proposers and group agree (meaning the
proposers all agree and there are lots of twinkle fingers AND no objections from
group), they can choose to skip a step and move directly to vote.
Voting: We do a formal vote, by show of hands. Proposal must have %75 support (might not be
perfect, but you are cool w/ it) to pass w/ no blocks (a strong principled opposition)
“Note: The amendments offered are the response to concerns and objections. That proposers
have the opportunity to consider amending their proposal is a way of addressing or resolving
concerns and objections. The goal is to keep it non-confrontational and to focus on building
solutions together by assuming that every input is a brick in a building and the next input is a
brick placed above the foundation all the other bricks already laid.”
 
Quorum
We will consider this on Jan. 9th and hold off on votes for proposals until that time
 
Committees
We will have a committee of three or more people manage each of these and
consider rotation every few months (these people must be in good working
communication with each other):
Mailing list: we have one list and anyone can be added, managed by a List Committee
Wiki: the Wiki Committee will watch over the CASEJ wiki, helping to ensure a clear layout and accurate updates
Funds: Our Funding Committee keeps track of funding plans and logistics (including
proposals for funds that may conflict in a given week). All funding proposals should be
brought to the group for a formal vote. In rare cases we may want to ask for
funds directly at the GA which exceed $100.00. If we are asking for such
money for the group, this should be through a proposal and formal vote within the group.
Note: We will not need a Funding Committee until we decide we need funding.
GA Proposals: the GA Proposal Committee composes and presents a proposal to bring
to the GA, and then brings this to the group for revision or formal vote
 
Hand Signs (borrowed from Facilitation)
I suggests we learn these (but skip the “move it along” when possible and leave this to
the time keeper)
a. I consent, I like, I feel good about this - hands up fingers wiggling upward
b. Iʼm neutral, I feel so-so - hands flat with fingers wigging forward
c. I donʼt consent, I donʼt like, I feel badly about this - hands down, fingers wigging downward
d. Move it along, we hear what youʼre saying - roll fists around one another
e. Speak louder - with index finger pointing up, move arm up and down
Note: Indicate clearly that the following signals will bring a Floor Manager over to
you in order to review your point and put it on a "mini-stack" for bringing to the
floor when the current speaker reaches a natural break
f. Clarifying Question - put index finger and thumb into ʻcʼ shape
Note: define that a CQ is not an opinion. It must be answerable by the
proposer(s)
g. Point of Information - point index finger up
Note: define that a POI is not an opinion. It is a fact relevant to the topic at hand.
h. Point of Process - place tips of index finger together in horizontal line
Note: define that a POP is not an opinion, it is a reminder to the Facilitators or
Speaker about a point of order
i. Friendly Amendment - “peace” sign
j. Block - crossed arms over head
NOTE: Blocks are generally considered to be an extreme measure, only used
when a member feels a proposal endangers the organization or its participants
and/or the person feels so strongly about her/his position, s/he will walk away
from OccupyBoston.”

<h2>Proposals</h2>
Passed proposals can be added here.

<h2>Meeting Minutes</h2>
<a _fcknotitle="true" href="CASEJ Minutes - Dec. 19, 2011">CASEJ Minutes - Dec. 19, 2011</a> blank right now, please click and add!

<h2>Resources</h2>
This section is suggested as a place to put links to other groups we might be interested in collaborating with, learning from, etc., as well as links to articles of interest.
 Speculations Actions 

[[Category:Working groups|Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice (CASEJ)]]

GA Notes Week 13 - Thurs Dec 29

2011-12-30T17:08:45Z

Jfeathersmith: /* Intro */

GA 29 Dec 2011

Facilitators meeting: 5pm weekdays, City Place Food court

Daniel, Allison facilitating

Review of process, hand signals

“Sparkle fingers” for positive. “Puppydog paws” for neutral. “Squids” for negative.

Encouragement to do “move it on” low and slow, not up and in someone's face

==ANNOUNCEMENTS==

===Working Group Announcements===

Create New Jobs: Justin Scott – new group. Mon 4-5:30 S Station mezzanine.

InterOccupy: Farhad – Help you talk to other occupies on person to person and WG to WG. E5, 7pm, Friday. Matt wants to talk to you if you're from another Occupy.

Signs & Screen-printing: Jay – Making banners for First Night, Friday. Passed proposal on Tuesday for supplies. E5, 1pm to 5 on Friday. Actions after in Dewey area. Also, if you're in WG and we have banners for you, come see me to coordinate getting them.

Screen-printing: Doing printing Friday 1-5 at e5. Looking for space to do printing on Sat. before First Night gets going. LET US KNOW OF LOCATIONS!! Contact info on wiki – Screen-print Guild. If you brought a shirt tonight, come see me tonight.

CASA: presenting from stage. Mallory – and Jennie and Tess – Event last night and open invite. 2Nd tiny tent making party at e5. Had people new to Occupy! Nice – welcoming and open. Then had new WG meeting to discuss resources, ideas, things to offer. Check out our wiki and listserv. Jennie – we're making tiny tents back here right now! If you want to take a moment to create something, we're right here. Take a template to occupy anywhere. This is a great way to decompress.

FAWG: Linda – Reminder to WGs – you can apply for $100/week. I have forms. If you have receipts come see me.

Media: Dan – New cellphone alert system. If you want more frequent updates. Used to have emergency system – don't anticipate using that. New system. Send text to 23559 – send @obupdates to 23559. What kind of updates? Not sure yet. Dependent on how many sign up. Eli knows more but he's not here.

DA: Does everyone know what tomorrow is? Our 3 month birthday! Tomorrow at 5:30, bring pillow to Fed! Rumors of march completely false, but if people all meander together . . . Not planning big action for First Night, want lots of people to do small things. Pick something fun that's family-friendly!

Info: We're doing something for First Night. Groups of people, 3-4 groups, red wagons with tents! Between 1 and 5 on Saturday. Interested? We're looking for more people. Have 2000 buttons to give out. Meeting tomorrow 6pm. Location TBD. Will update calendar. Email infotent@occupyboston.org. Community Church, Sat. 12pm is where/when we'll get going.

Inreach: Internal communication for us. Create communications hub. Collecting items of info for central database, help people get info they need when they need it. We'll be reaching out to every WG to get the info. Or take the initiative to talk to me or Farhad.

Film Screening: New WG! People talking about films related to Occupy they'd like to see. Documentary or fiction. No location yet. POI from Martin: there's already such a group! With listserv and everything. sdickers10@gmail [I think] if you want to learn more.

Ideas: Noah – meet Weds. 6pm 38 Ash St. City-wide topic based discussions on concerns that brought people to movement. Doing targeted outreach to make sure we have all voices.

Action for Peace: Remember Camp Alex tent? Doing First Night Against the Wars – gathering in Copley, giving out stickers, literature. Maybe food. Noon to 6. Need people to join us – sign up. Also a gathering with us in opposition to occupation of Palestine.

Facil: We have a printer/copier/scanner!

Decolonize Boston: Marty – solidarity and outreach continues. Fri 5pm Christ Church in Cambridge. Here to help shed European mind frame. Acknowledge we exist on stolen land. Draw connections between colonizing, intersecting systems of oppression. Our meetings cover things like planning speakers as well as education and discussion.

Facilitation: Greg – Community Gatherings are gathering steam, next opening is in Feb. Citizens United is hosting next Monday, Community Church on Boylston, 7:30pm. Then back to St. Paul's. See wiki page for schedule.

Winterization: Eric – Resolution passed a while ago for $2000 for winter things. Temp check on using that for displaced people? Temp check on closing it instead? [temp check indicates we should use it] [I failed to follow how that might affect the Mutual Aid proposal but there was some discussion]

Women's Caucus: First Night! We are not doing something small, we missed that memo, we are doing something big! In Copley Sq. 8pm! We’re being vague on purpose. NOT illegal, but we want it to be a surprise. OEB, Queer Trans, Occupy Moms, others, all working with us. Art event. From 8pm to whenever.

===Individual Announcements===

Facil reminder: Announcements are for things with date and time.

Occupy NH: Mark – Glad to be here, was here for dance party, you've changed my life, now organizing in NH. Planning really large event – occupy NH Primary. NH Primary – we're a small tiny, very white state, but all media and politicians pass through. Want as many people from Boston to join us as possible. Veteran's Park on Elm St. It's a 4 day event, 2 hr time slots for Occupy groups in region and community advocacy groups to do whatever they want. Lowell, Worcester, OWS, many others will be there. Time slots running out – Occupy Boston hasn't grabbed one yet. Come see me for more info.

Farhad: Talked with OWS today about an OWS Road trip. Getting big bus to visit other occupations to talk about actions and action planning. We're invited to join them in Wall St when they're done, in February. While it's winter we're trying to spend time to get to know each other to be better in touch when it gets time for more planning. They want team of 2-3 people here to help coordinate with them in terms of scheduling, spreading word, where to park/sleep. Want to see draft proposal they're working on? See me, Devin, Rene, Daniel, Martin for contact info and details.

Emma: Reminder: I can provide childcare – this space has extra rooms that are good for that. Hope to coordinate with others who want to help. Can be available at Tues GA for same.

Eleanor: Made Occupy Boston t-shirts. Not many, but please see me. Have kids size L, too!

Sarah: InterOccupy – going to Austin in January. Invited to do teach-in on Occ Boston, don't know where to start! Can bring tiny tents, our legal case – sure they have stuff to teach us as they've been a decamped movement. My email is on board.

Eric: Announcement about a type of oppression: use of word “crazy” in derogatory sense. Personally upset by it. Other people used to it, but please don't use it this way. Lots of people act 'crazy' when upset by other oppressive behaviors. Don't use it in a negative way.

Katie: Taking names for petition against Canadian mining company coming to tearing up medicinal plants in Mexico – affecting the last tribe that survived Conquistadors. Now facing destruction by mining. Lots of personal beefs, but if anyone else wants to write letter... see me, sign up.

Marty: Quick public health announcement: thought I had Dewey Lung, but it was pneumonia. There are bugs going around, don't ignore health problems. I had every single symptom of it. If you can, get to clinic. Get an x-ray.

David: City Life needs help on Jan 14. Have huge list of people being foreclosed on, can't reach every house. Need people to help. Talk to people, bring to City Life, help them with illegal foreclosures. Way for us to reach out to organizations. They have lots of experience. Maybe we can collaborate, occupy some homes, blockades? Meeting on Jan 4 East Boston, too – I go, but they're kinda iffy on us going in large group. POI (Katie?) - we did work with them and it was awesome. They have weekly meetings, only meeting w/people facing foreclosure, so don't want big groups. Anti-foreclosure work is something we can do more of. David: Let me know if you need more info.

Justin: In a couple minutes, we're going to be participating in true democracy. Revolution motivated by love. Remember that, will help process move along.

Ray (?) or Greg?: Visiting from Davis, CA, home of famous pepper spray incident. Here, tonight: you all must not talk over one another or have side conversations. If any person is presently speaking, you must wait until 3 seconds after they've stopped – if you fail to do that you're failing as discussants. If facils fail to enforce, they’re failing as facilitators.

Linda: I've been asked to tell you that we're taking a break between this part of this GA and the next part, proposals. Asking that you choose an ally to sit next to cause there may be difficult things coming next. Use this time of transition to move in silence. Consider past 90 days we've had together, bonds we've formed.

Facil: About to take break. 5 minutes. If you feel it would be helpful to find an ally, do that. We're going to try to take things slower. Allow things to settle before reacting. Whole FWG feels like encouraging idea that we're speaking from love, on similar mission, hope we can address the mission instead of taking everything said as personal. Reconcile things that are contentious.

Announcement that the Occupy Puppy is in the room – that means we're reconvening!

==PROPOSALS==
===Intro to process, voting on order===
Reminders of purpose and process: take proposals and make them work for group.

Reminder: concerns are about identifying something that needs to be improved on. Becomes a community concern that needs to be addressed.

Notes will be taken to try and list brief summaries of concerns. Address repetition. If someone has said what you would have said, we don't need to say it again. Notes being kept will help make sure concerns are addressed in amendments.

After concerns, then statements of support. Why keep as is, why spirit of it is good.

Then friendly amendments. Capture spirit, make proposal as good as can be – makes it OUR proposal.

Then check for consensus – will get to that process when we get there.

Now Jorge, stack monitor.

-5 rollover proposals from Tues. 2 people missing. 1 proposal tabled. New proposals added (2?).
Sarah: rolling over proposal on safety from sexual offenders.
Eric: rollover – amendments to resolution about mutual aid.
John Ford: not here
Martin: New - Propose GAs end at midnight unless physically willing/able to stick around.
Noah: New - Eliminate Saturday GA, replace Thurs with outreach super planning meeting.

Noah's proposal will be heard before Martin's

Rollovers first.

===Proposal re:sex offenders===
====Intro====
Sarah: I received amendments on steps, plus emails – thank you to everyone except one who was nasty, everyone else was constructive and helpful. Passing out copies, sorry about typos. Hoping with amendments, people feel like I kept spirit and listened to what group said. [http://i52.tinypic.com/3179vnn.jpg Here is a photo of the printed proposal, without the last-minute additions that were read]

Received letter from attorney about criminal actions that could be taken by NOT notifying people of presence of sex offender.

Email says: Occ Boston's civil liability is murky because of our legal status. A nonprofit could be sued for negligence. But we're not a nonprofit, so status to be sued undetermined. Corporations can sometimes be charged with crimes, fined, but whether Occ Bos can be held liable beside the point. Individuals can be held criminally and civilly liable for allowing children to be endangered. Whoever fails to take steps to reduce risks to children can be jailed. Reckless behavior that would allow sex abuse or harm of child. Crime is misdemeanor – could be jailed, not put in prison. [summarized as best I could; see Sarah for full email]

[http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section13L Here is the law about reckless endangerment.]

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/sorb/sor-regulations.pdf
803 CMR. Here is the law that is “guidelines pertaining to the registration and classification of sex offenders” Includes definitions for all levels of sex offender. PDF. Parts of this were read at various points of the discussion.

====Clarifying Questions and Points of Information====

CQ: Believe proposal you read is different than what's on paper. Didn't catch all changes. Do you have them, can you read the changes to us again? Yes, reread even the typos.

[Sarah reads differences between her marked up copy and the print-outs]

Does 1.a. Apply to anyone?

Ans: Yes.

CQ: You named 3 different groups as having quite a bit of work. Did you talk to these groups? Do they have the time to take on this responsibility?

Ans: Safety was in from start. Spoke to Safety members. They didn't express concern. Survivors' WG asked me to add them in. Women's Caucus – amendment, asked for. Didn't ask Wellness – that was an amendment from Tues. too.

CQ: Did the attorney say the “up to 2.5 years” if someone knows?

Ans: If someone has knowledge of level 3 at event and does not speak up.

CQ: Is that if something occurs, or just knows?

CQ: Could it be per an incident that you know is going on? That could turn into 15-20 years for allowing an offender to attend meetings? Could affect multiple people?

Ans: Yes.

POI: Occupy Boston is not a social services agency. Woefully and completely unequipped to deal with tricky matters.

CQ: In terms of criminal and civil liability, did we talk to attorney in terms of criminal and civil liability about other types of assault? If you know if you have a violent person here, does that change anything?

Ans: he only sent me info relevant to sexual nature.

CQ: I'd like to know – it should be “if you feel unsafe” period.

POP: that's an amendment

CQ: So can we find out if it's the same?

CQ: If there's anything – doesn't seem to be in proposal – anywhere – 1a – where accused provided opportunity to defend themselves?

Ans: Felt should be case by case scenario, that's why Mediation, WC, Survivors, a part of that. These groups deal with these issues, can deal with.

CQ: When you say “if a member find that another member is offender and poses a threat and is ENTITLED” do you mean they have option or are compelled to?

Ans: I feel should be compelled from moral stance. It's a legal issue to notify a community but I can't say they must. Last time – Tuesday – when that language was in there that caused conflict.

CQ: “Any Occupy Events” - you mean any Occupy or just Boston?

Ans: just Boston.

CQ: Don't have question, last GA, my amendment – if it's discovered ...documentation....

POP: Bring it up during amendments

CQ: Is Safety same as during encampment.

Ans: as far as I know.

CQ: We had level 3, was addressed, left on own. Was during encampment. We brought it to medical, police, verified online and with cops. So we got rid of em.

CQ: Are level 3 not allowed around people at all?

Ans: Not allowed around children. That's state law.

POI: Women's Caucus willing to take this on.

CQ: Unclear on what process will be. If I'm feeling unsafe, I talk to safety then what?

Ans: People from named groups get together to work with you, get story, then go to accused ask them to leave while case is presented to GA. Then do research based on your statements, other person's statements. They can get in touch with other people, other information.

CQ: What is the Mass. Law here?

Ans: MGL c.26513L re:reckless endangerment of child. [note that I have a bad cold and may have misheard or mistyped this]

CQ: If this not accepted, we'd all be criminally liable if child here and level 3 and none of us made rest of us aware of that.

Ans Don't know if they'd charge everyone...

CQ: Heard you read statute, heard it referred to “where there's a duty to act,” heard that with every section. Did you consult lawyer about that specifically? Studying law, difference between specific duty to act vs general duty to act. Did you discuss with attorney?

Ans: Did not, seems pretty clear to me, might be wrong.

CQ: Fact, I believe – situation is, if you're in place w/lvl 3 and also child, and you're aware of person's status as level 3, then you're liable. You have to be in know, right?

Ans: That's how I understand it.

CQ: Confused about legal requirement. Am social worker. 30 years I've been told legally mandated to notify [couldn't hear]. Certain people legally mandated to report – teachers, doctors, social workers. Feel this is murky area. Suspected abuse – never extended to known level 3? Confused, need experts on law.

Ans: Have full section of law here, can read it all.

Facil: let's bring that up again in concerns.

CQ: Are there requirements for reporting in terms of other levels of sex offense?

Ans: Section I got was specific w/level 3.

CQ: So we're only concerned with 3?

Ans: point 1a – if you feel uncomfortable – that could include someone who doesn't have level 3. If you were touched inappropriately, raped, that would encompass 1a. People have complained about inappropriate touching, wanted that added.

CQ: POI – regarding nature of level 3. Designation: given to sex offender when risk of re-offense is high and danger to public is substantial so public safety is served by public dissemination of information. Contrast to 1 and 2 where risk of re-offense is moderate to low.

CQ: Can you explain – what is rationale for – in large public place, because level 3 in room, is that a threat?

Ans: Putting child in environment around person.

CQ: Is it contagious?

Ans: If I’m up here, child is back there, person back there could lure my child outside. Or in next room with babysitter. “Hey your mom wants you.” In a march - things happen, people get separated. Sometimes I look away and kids get away. Parents aren't perfect, not their fault.

POI: that section of statute nothing to do with level 3 – risk to child of sex abuse by ANYONE. Know of level 3 may raise risk, but is ANYONE who might put child at risk. Knowingly putting child at risk is problem.

POI: Majority of rapes committed by people they know and trust. Allowing people in allows offenders to build trust.

POI: Sex offenders not even allowed to be in churches where GAs are. So they shouldn't be here anyway.

Ans: This has happened. Level 3 has come to Gas in church, post-Dewey.

CQ: Was something done?

[chatter]

CQ: So they're going to be here regardless.

Facil: That sounds like concern or amendment.

POI: Offer to explain concepts: “reckless endangerment” has a specific meaning in my profession. Someone knew or should have known of risk and had actions they COULD have taken and did not, that resulted in harm. Does not require actual knowledge of, goes by so-called 'reasonable man' standard. Which is “knew or should have known.”

POI: Does anyone know what “grooming” is? Offender will groom anyone to trust them. Will entrench themselves in your life, whether target is adult or child. Build trust in community so they can get close.

[some dude is downtwinkling this statement about grooming. WTF?!]

POI: Working group for people to join – I've been trying to get it going for months. This is beginning of long conversation, shouldn't end with this proposal, lots more for us to do than this. Regardless of passage, doesn't mean there aren't other people here who could be the same danger.

Facil: we're trying to control this process and prevent responses that upset people.

CQ: 1b – language provided by lawyer. May be concern or amend. “If member learns of level 3” - 'and FEELS that member is threat” does that read...?

Ans: Open to amendment to fix that wording.

Facil: Sounds like you're concerned that doesn't match legal requirement – we can tell people what legal requirement is but we can't tell people to follow it.

CQ: If there precedent in other Occupy?

Ans: heard that Philly working on similar, haven't passed yet. Know that DC has something similar to 'friendly neighbor' statement we had. Action from that is “shunning' process that people here are opposed to. That's why I left it open to GA to decide how to proceed if person doesn't voluntarily leave.

POI: Have been part of other radical collective groups, came to consensus around sex offenders – Lesbian Avengers – did ban level 3 as well as folks that committed domestic violence against other members. Similar process of people meeting with small group, esp around DV issue.

POI: Occupy Philly – they have at least asked one person to leave based on incidence of assault. Part of prop they're working on, not how to ask people to leave, but how to have transformative justice for person to become member again. Not sure how they're dealing with state classification.

CQ: If you go back to lawyer – ask if they have legal responsibility to self-report as offender to any group they'd join, similar to moving into neighborhood, if they have to advertise that

ans: Yes if moving into community near school. As far as Occupy Boston, because we're not nonprofit, non incorporated, really murky, untested.

CQ: Since no formal organization, no member list, requirements, etc., by saying “member” if I then vote for proposal, am I somehow join organization in some legal capacity? Is there legal implication to word “member?”

Ans: If there's amend to change “member, that's fine.

CQ: Want to be clear on legal issue that's all.

CQ: Emailed Google group of DC people and other Occupations. DC, LA, Minneapolis – no, nothing like this.

CQ: Back to 1b – think wording needs to be adjusted. Don't understand about the “feeling” that member poses threat? Either someone poses a threat or they don't.

Ans: Open to rewording in amendments

CQ: Is section 1 necessary? Anyone can report anything to Safety. Issue is what Safety will do about it.

Ans: Feel like if I skipped to 2, would be missing part of process.

POI: I participated in group elsewhere with similar process, adopted zero tolerance policy for any allegation of sex abuse. If you got called out, you were GONE. That was effective, it worked. People worried it wouldn't.

POI: If you or neighbor feel tense, we have tents! And a puppy.

POI: Back to removal agreement, even though our removal was about specific people, we had statements that any individual person removed had right to enter into program for reentry. Might want to add that in.

CQ: Says group will ask person to leave for 1 week, then go to GA to decide about permanent removal... does victim have to be present at GA?

Ans: In terms of research, need to get statements from both parties, then other research regarding crim record, police reports. Can also work with victim to find out best thing for them. Some might want to speak to GA about what happened, some may want anonymity.

POI: Chapt 6 section 178n Info in sex offender registry [I can't follow this, too fast, sorry, but it was a legal statement about how if you misuse information in the registry, you can be punished legally]

Ans: Spoke to lawyers. Any community group or gathering can make own rules, regs, not discriminatory to ask level 3 to not be present.

CQ: Will accused have chance to address GA before they make decision?|

Ans: Yes, or they can have someone from Safety, WC, others, to speak for them. Oh, misunderstood. Asked for them NOT to be here. Feel Safety, others, can speak for them. Feel wrong for both parties to speak publicly – not right to force victim to face abuser.

CQ: Does this mean if level 3 offender is not engaging in harmful behavior, they will not be asked to leave? Only if they engage in threatening behavior?

Ans: No, if anyone finds out someone is level 3, they go to Safety, groups go to GA, name person at GA, then GA votes on actions.

CQ: So if person hasn't done anything it doesn't matter.

Ans: Right.

CQ: Part c, vote is dismissed, what do you envision process will be in reintegrating person who was accused, safety concerns?

Ans: Safety and Mediation can deal with that, that is my sense they can work with this.

POI: You cannot tell whose a child legally by looking at someone. In the law about level 3 not allowed around children, by children is that persons under 18?

Ans: Believe its 13.

POI: If they're a minor you're supposed to be protected. It's statutory rape to have sex w/16 y.o you believe is 19.

CQ: If person accused feels they want someone to speak on behalf at GA, allowed?

Ans: Yes.

CQ: Just Mediation involved, haven't had lots of training, medical has training.

POP We're not in concerns yet.

CQ: Can accused ever come forward?

Ans: I don't feel that it's right to have someone who is a victim and their aggressor together and go back and forth. I thought Safety and others can get statement and read it to GA.

CQ: What if person voluntarily declines to attend meetings, wants to participate online or go to meetings where no children (bars)? You took out stuff about shunning, but what about specific other things?

Ans: I feel very strongly that any victim should not have to work anywhere, any time, with someone who attacked them.

CQ: In 1b, person who's reporting this potential threat, this person is not the victim.

Ans: As a mother, I don't want to work with someone who has hurt a child in a sexual manner.

CQ: But your explanation is that you don’t expect victim to appear with accused, but in this case, there’s no victim.

Ans: Can add amendment that if level 3 hasn't hurt anyone here, can speak for themselves.

Facil: Save for amendments.

POI: Not true that it's illegal for people to be in churches. Quakers have sex abuse prevention policy similar to this.

CQ: If level 3, was victim a child?

Ans: No, could have been adult.

CQ: Are there level 3s who never touched anyone?

Ans: Child porn.

[crosstalk, missed some stuff]

Ans; Everything I've read, has to do with extreme violence.

CQ: Way back in Somerville, NAMLBA, priest online, child porn online [can't hear everything], that's level 3, without touching or anything.

Ans: Have list, none of it mentioned pornography. Would it help if I read list out loud?

POI: Level 3 have their crimes listed on their information sheet.

Ans: It's not that level 3 banned immediately, info presented to GA, GA will vote on what to do.

POI: Child porn still indirectly abusing children!

POI: Rate of re-offending 5-6(something)

Ans: I don't have numbers, I see numbers as high as [something]

[TOO MUCH DAMN RUSTLING FROM PEOPLE WALKING and making tents; I am sitting too close to the stage]

Facil: Re-offense rate as high as 6%

CQ: How is it logical to allow such offender to allow offender around kids? Seems like stupid idea?

Facil: Let's take silent break for a bit.

CQ: Have you looked at registry?

Ans: Haven't looked specifically.

Facil: Some people have. Raise your hands if you have.

POI: About precedents. I'm on faculty at community college in the area. Bunker Hill has had to deal with this problem. Anyone can come in and become student. Anyone from community can come in and use facilities. We want people there to be safe. We have a lot of survivors of assault on our campus. We post, very publicly, info on level 3 and I believe level 2, on campus. We have 1 Strike policy. If person does anything inappropriate, any sex harassment, violence, they are out and no longer allowed on grounds. This info is relevant because it's how another open community has dealt with members who might be disruptive to safety. Also useful because one of level 3 offenders who's been present here has been student at Bunker Hill, was ejected from our campus due to our policy.

Facil: Only hearing from people we've already heard from.

PIO: There were rapes at Zuccotti. Policy was “you’re out.” pictures were posted. Had photog follow to get picture so they'd never come back. They did try to come back – there were swarms of people to run them out because of pictures.

CQ: Did Bunker Hill admit and then eject because of 1 strike?

Ans from previous: Yes. Admit. Then if any harassment, disruption, on campus or I think in community, then you're out.

Facil: Language clarification: may be better to say “crimes they've been convicted of”

POI: We had definition in of level 3 on Tuesday. Read again: indecent assault on child under 14. On retarded person. On person who is 14. Rape. Rape of child under 16 of force. Assault w/intent to commit rape. On child. Kidnapping of child under 16. Open gross lascivious behavior. [lots of details and more items on list I couldn't follow, sorry]

POI: Anything in proposal about people providing childcare would be informed?

Ans: Everyone would be informed at next GA after Safety informed.

POI: Definition for open and gross lewdness is just exposing yourself I think.

POI: Juts looked up – references. Ask me later. Recidivism rates: 2.5% of convicted of sex crimes. By far lowest rate of any type of crime. Highest 40% for drug offenders. Claims that illness cannot be cured – studies show evidence based programs can reduce recidivism, by 30% after prison intervention.

Ans: Recidivism rates includes all 3 levels? Includes drunk peeing on sidewalk?

POI: All 3 levels.

POI: Only includes reported data.

POI: Since we're applying statistics. Avg amount rapist rapes is 7 times. FBI information. [I think? Too much walking around and noise for me to hear clearly]

Facil: Break into small groups.

Facil: And we're back.

Facil: we have a little more than an hour left. How about we structure our remaining time? Half an hour for concerns, half for support? Gives proposers time to come back to next GA with stronger proposal. Temp check – looks like yes.

Facil: Will roll this to Tuesday, proposer okay with it. Instead of happening at a GA on holiday weekend.

====Concerns====

Facil: Obviously we all have strong feelings. We need to hear everyone. We only have an hour. Ask people to be mindful of hearing people.

Moving on to Concerns about proposal discussed tonight. List concerns, not debate them. Listen respectfully, that's what we do here, consider them as community's concerns, build consensus, move together.

Facil: There are people here who are incredibly sensitive to yelling, feel traumatized by it, have long recovery time from it. Try to state in regular tone without yelling, please.

Facil: feel free to write in this notebook about Occupy, being passed around.

Taking stack:

C: Would like chance to read Bunker Hill and Quaker policies before going further with amending this policy. Find it helpful to use examples of what others did, no need to reinvent wheel.

C: Think we have to acknowledged in step 4, setup similar to court except accused has no chance to speak, even our flawed system allows accused to speak for selves, feel this is medieval.

C: Concerned as member of Comm Wellness, talked with Safety, concerned w/o talking to WGs, extensively, immediately putting this in puts pressure on them. Way set up, someone could come to us right now and ask us to deal with it. I have no clue how to do that.

C: Factual information presented, maybe contradictory [can't hear everything], level 3 live in your neighborhoods right now. I like parts about process for when people feel threatened. But level 3 condemnation assume legitimacy of state's system. If you talk to lawyer about people who go before board, can tell you what actually happens. Have been exposes about process in Mass. These are things that should be looked into. Really significant groups we trust in other areas have problems with accuracy of sex offender registration. Research reveals registration, notification, residency restriction are ill considered and may cause more harm than good; over-broad in scope, over long in duration, requiring people to register who pose no risk; states should limit access to online registries (Human Rights Watch report). People moving more to evidence-based research rather than total condemnation of group of people.

C: Concerned about safety and security for women and kids, would like to see security team to be at GA and watch things [I think?]. We’re in here but things are going on outside.

C: Language used – accuser and accused. One is victim other is alleged perpetrator. This puts too much on victim.

Prop: What do you want?

C: Want victim and offender. 2Nd concern – do not think GA has authority to audit survivor experience. Do not trust Occupy Boston to respectfully deal with sexual assault. Occupy Boston has allowed threatening people to remain at Dewey. Has resisted efforts to make safe space. Heard people state that women should be more assertive and children should learn karate. Heard that rapists are part of 99%. Heard that parents need to take better care of kids. Then over an hour of concerns and not enough respect for survivors. Rape has defined my life – sexual assault lead to my activism. Most rape committed by person you know and trust. [something about false accusations being rare] What is bad for survivors is when community asks people to prove they've been raped, when community turns their back. 1 in 3 women will be raped; all will experience unwanted sexual contact/harassment. Men get mistreated too. Occupy Boston not trustworthy in how they deal with this. I have no patience with group that won't support survivors. Heard more concern about legal liability than rape.

C: Two concerns: Seem to have a lot of folks here who, while might be well intentioned, want to make Occupy Boston a place where everyone is welcome and will somehow find way for everyone to be here without bringing necessary resources and expertise here, may expose people to criminal negligence. Some of wording in first paragraph is very broad. Have been members who [something] weapon against occupy Boston. Charged statements “person is dangerous” - used as weapon against people.

Facil: please add this to amendments

C: [continuing] We are setting up a system that mirrors judiciary system in which everyone gets heard, but in ours, the accused gets short end of stick, and we're not organized. Giving a lot of power back but. Last, giving folks who want safe environment a lot of power.

C: Support, but have concerns. If someone approaches someone and sexual harasses or make advance – does not mean person is an offender. See that as a problem. Also, in wording, no mention of documentation being brought forth to prove person is an offender. Doesn't state you need documentation. Another part is that if there is documentation that is discovered that needs to be brought forward before anyone approaches anyone. Think it is essential that if you have documentation that needs to be part of process.

C: Main concern – it's clear that failure of Occupy to deal with these issues in our history adds to sense that something must be done. Intent of proposal to make people feel safer. Concern, don't think this makes people safer. Feeling safer without being safer is false confidence, means haven't really dealt with problem. I like the parts of proposal about dealing with people who have acted in dangerous ways. Relying on legal definitions is problem, too.

C: If we don't take a stance in some fashion we will not be seen as movement of change. We have to protect most vulnerable. The way registries are set up don't always protect people they're meant for.

Facil: Concern is supposed to be about what in proposal doesn't work, this is statement of support.

C: God forbid we end up w/tyrannical government. Don't think will happen, have been sexually coerced – it ruins people's lives. Worst thing he did was convince me I consented – concern is – most of us know the person this is in regard to. I looked them up and did not find name. Confronted person.

Facil: Proposal not about specific person.

C: Do not feel safe going through this process as someone who's been harassed would not feel safe [too much other noise] Don't feel it protects rights of either person. Doesn't protect person who brings claims right to privacy, doesn't protect right of accused to tell story. Trying to do something with proposal that we need to do with extended WG process that needs to come up with Occupy Boston justice system. We need experts, be state of the art.

POP: Sounds like amendment?

C: No, we need to take more time before we adopt this as a proposal. We need a justice system that lets people deal with offenses and reintegrate, can't have our own means by kicking people off the island. Shameful constriction of our imagination. Need to integrate people with checkered pasts.

C: In general I think society moving in different direction. Reform recently passed where people with records … direction is to reform and allow reintegration. Proposal reminds me of Minority Report. There's a separate system in place, saw people thrown out of camp rather quickly. This is entirely different, where person hasn't done anything. Issue of alleged offender getting to address GA I guess was clarified. Seems there's a group of people who can be legally scapegoated – used to be black people, now it's class 3 sex offender. I think this is a witch hunt against a group of people in society.

C: Want to emphasize survivor consent. Any incident should be handled as survivor wants. Worried about popularity contest.

Facil: Sounds like amendment.

C: We should get a lawyer to let us know what we can and can't do. If we do wrong thing, someone will pay price. Need legal advice. We're tried to throw 2 people out and at GA they were allowed to stay even though people knew they were violent and abusive. People in camp wanted them out, but people in GA who weren't staying in camp said they could stay. Need legal adviser to tell us what we can and can't do.

C: This harps on issue at Dewey: we don't have training for these types of issues all the time. Need more human service people who are sensitive to perpetrators and survivors.

C: 1a and 1b seem like they're very different. 1A – person feeling unsafe and raising concern. That's not super clear – could be anything from harassment to rape. Very different things. 1A and 1b very different. Seems like steps 2-5 are more applicable in many cases to 1b than 1a – have an amendment for later to clear this up.

C: Not a lot of accountability. People have harassed me and nothing was done when I pointed it out. Needs to be addressed. Have shown we can't handle it ourselves.

Facil: Moving on, time up.

====Support====

S: First, don't think that just because we're not at camp, assault can't happen. Reference to Catholic Church's record – abuse can happen in “professional” environment. Don't turn blind eye. I have seen assaults, sketchy stuff at Dewey. Man hit a woman 1/3 his size in a tent. Problem towards end with a guy zipped up with underage drunk girl whose parents were looking for her. We need rule to handle this. Can't pin it on Safety team. They didn't know what to do – everyone needs to be responsible. Everyone has power to shun people. Not give food, attention, money.

S: Fear is best weapon of police state. Presence of people – offenders – creates climate of fear – intentionally or not we're aiding and abetting the system. Provocateurs or accidental provocateurs, makes no difference to me. Might be able to empathize. But can't sympathize. Our job is not to deal with this issue – other agencies can who are experts. Our job is to reform system. Don't think proposal goes far enough. I think it makes us safer; I feel safer. Go on record for non-tolerance. Don't give damn about recidivism rate.

S: If you don't know, we couldn't keep Dewey safe. Do not feel this makes us safe. You can go to safety already. Anyone can speak at GA. I don't see anything new, don't see anything in this to be bothered by. So what are we going to do.

S: I support. We shouldn't hold off for perfect. Disagree about lack of expertise; we should all learn and know. Survivors have expertise. Other people here have expertise. Disrespectful to say no expertise. Organizations want to work with us. This is part of economic injustice, when rape, assault, predatory behavior happens to people with no power to speak up for themselves. Have to start somewhere. Hope we don’t' drag this on.

S: Something like this long overdue. We've passed statements of solidarity but none for solidarity with survivors. Support because this requires us act in solidarity with victims, parents who trust us to help them. Will help reduce risk that people who've never been abused will be abused while with us.

S: I support even though it needs more tweaking. We are going to do it, we're doing it now. We're not trying to set up whole justice system. Not just about survivors. If I were aware of someone posing threat, whether I was personally assaulted, this is about survivors. We're not trying to deal with every issue, just really obvious threats. Someone has to act to ask people to leave – that is this body. Last, but most importantly: we need to encourage children to be more involved, get their voices and wisdom. It's beyond anything like “crucial.” We're trying to change world for and with them. There are self-directed institutions where everyone has voice – children too. Have to actively encourage kids. Can work on as long as we need to, but need to do it.

S: Address concern that Safety and other WGs aren't yet adequate to deal. Is incumbent on us to build up organizational strength and although that WGs are not yet ready to do this we’ll we need to build skill set. Way to build is to demand it from community. Support despite sharing that concern and other. We should not be afraid of passing a good proposal just because this isn't all the way there. Build from something.

S: Hope we pass this tonight. It's not perfect, there will be amendments, look forward to them. We do have named WGs in place. But not the same for 1 person to hold someone accountable as an autonomous action. Important for us as community to adopt procedures. We do have skills, I’m lawyer and professional mediator. Have worked with domestic violence and assault on minors cases. We can do this.

S: Strongly support spirit and part is that if we don't pass a proposal like this, spaces we've created will for me, personally, be spaces that I am comfortable in that people who don’t share my privileges will not be comfortable in. Want other people without my privilege to feel safe, too.

S: If we want to have people on Safety and DA [wtf?] - this falls on everyone here. Rape is less forgivable than murder, should take every step to verify.

S: Temp check that we're all against sexual assault.

Looks like yes.

S: If we can get amendments by Tuesday, it's 90% to awesome.

S: I will support this because while registry not perfect crime has to be really grievous. Proposal is a start, shows people like me that my experience counts. First pass to building trust which has been broken.

S: Concerns about specifics and amendment, but what I deeply support is finding away to make this a SAFER space. Is there ever a safe space? No. Space we think is safest is often not. What I support is that we are trying. Take a step to make a space that is less oppressive and less dangerous. While there are problems with registry, proposal from 1b downward is pretty damn good, offers a way to institutionalize what we see in the system. Not just taking it as given, saying we need to confirm these things as a GA. Powerful political statement. 1A has issue, can be beginning of another proposal to make safer.

S: This conversation has been going on longer than any of us has been alive. Very important step. [could not hear rest]

S: In regards to statements that people who commit assault are part of 99% - using and violating another person just for pleasure and power is incongruous with who we are as movement, we don't need them.

S: Support because I was harassed on-site continually by one individual and when I talked about doing something like removing them, I was told to just ignore them.

S: Absolutely support this. Might have a few flaws,definitely much needed first step for developing policy. That we haven't had one yet is ridiculous, Federal government has better protection for women than we do.

S: I'm standing in solidarity with women, parents, others who feel threatened. If they feel threatened, movement about to crumble, I'm not ready to let it crumbles. Amendments can be brought later. We should all stand in solidarity with this. This should pass. Bring later amendments later.

Facil: Only have 15 min. left, need to leave sooner than that. Need to be out by 11. Only have 5 min. Reminded consensus means finding something everyone can live with. We can find way for amendments to be known if they are emailed in.

Facil: Can we take 5 to hear amendments now? If people help clear some stuff now get extra. Clear that we can't get through more tonight.

[We didn't hear amendments. Proposal will be brought back on Tuesday. Temp check to determine if people want to get to a vote on Tuesday – VERY STRONG SUPPORT for this. GA ended]

GA Notes Week 13 - Thurs Dec 29

2011-12-30T17:00:47Z

Jfeathersmith: /* Intro */

GA 29 Dec 2011

Facilitators meeting: 5pm weekdays, City Place Food court

Daniel, Allison facilitating

Review of process, hand signals

“Sparkle fingers” for positive. “Puppydog paws” for neutral. “Squids” for negative.

Encouragement to do “move it on” low and slow, not up and in someone's face

==ANNOUNCEMENTS==

===Working Group Announcements===

Create New Jobs: Justin Scott – new group. Mon 4-5:30 S Station mezzanine.

InterOccupy: Farhad – Help you talk to other occupies on person to person and WG to WG. E5, 7pm, Friday. Matt wants to talk to you if you're from another Occupy.

Signs & Screen-printing: Jay – Making banners for First Night, Friday. Passed proposal on Tuesday for supplies. E5, 1pm to 5 on Friday. Actions after in Dewey area. Also, if you're in WG and we have banners for you, come see me to coordinate getting them.

Screen-printing: Doing printing Friday 1-5 at e5. Looking for space to do printing on Sat. before First Night gets going. LET US KNOW OF LOCATIONS!! Contact info on wiki – Screen-print Guild. If you brought a shirt tonight, come see me tonight.

CASA: presenting from stage. Mallory – and Jennie and Tess – Event last night and open invite. 2Nd tiny tent making party at e5. Had people new to Occupy! Nice – welcoming and open. Then had new WG meeting to discuss resources, ideas, things to offer. Check out our wiki and listserv. Jennie – we're making tiny tents back here right now! If you want to take a moment to create something, we're right here. Take a template to occupy anywhere. This is a great way to decompress.

FAWG: Linda – Reminder to WGs – you can apply for $100/week. I have forms. If you have receipts come see me.

Media: Dan – New cellphone alert system. If you want more frequent updates. Used to have emergency system – don't anticipate using that. New system. Send text to 23559 – send @obupdates to 23559. What kind of updates? Not sure yet. Dependent on how many sign up. Eli knows more but he's not here.

DA: Does everyone know what tomorrow is? Our 3 month birthday! Tomorrow at 5:30, bring pillow to Fed! Rumors of march completely false, but if people all meander together . . . Not planning big action for First Night, want lots of people to do small things. Pick something fun that's family-friendly!

Info: We're doing something for First Night. Groups of people, 3-4 groups, red wagons with tents! Between 1 and 5 on Saturday. Interested? We're looking for more people. Have 2000 buttons to give out. Meeting tomorrow 6pm. Location TBD. Will update calendar. Email infotent@occupyboston.org. Community Church, Sat. 12pm is where/when we'll get going.

Inreach: Internal communication for us. Create communications hub. Collecting items of info for central database, help people get info they need when they need it. We'll be reaching out to every WG to get the info. Or take the initiative to talk to me or Farhad.

Film Screening: New WG! People talking about films related to Occupy they'd like to see. Documentary or fiction. No location yet. POI from Martin: there's already such a group! With listserv and everything. sdickers10@gmail [I think] if you want to learn more.

Ideas: Noah – meet Weds. 6pm 38 Ash St. City-wide topic based discussions on concerns that brought people to movement. Doing targeted outreach to make sure we have all voices.

Action for Peace: Remember Camp Alex tent? Doing First Night Against the Wars – gathering in Copley, giving out stickers, literature. Maybe food. Noon to 6. Need people to join us – sign up. Also a gathering with us in opposition to occupation of Palestine.

Facil: We have a printer/copier/scanner!

Decolonize Boston: Marty – solidarity and outreach continues. Fri 5pm Christ Church in Cambridge. Here to help shed European mind frame. Acknowledge we exist on stolen land. Draw connections between colonizing, intersecting systems of oppression. Our meetings cover things like planning speakers as well as education and discussion.

Facilitation: Greg – Community Gatherings are gathering steam, next opening is in Feb. Citizens United is hosting next Monday, Community Church on Boylston, 7:30pm. Then back to St. Paul's. See wiki page for schedule.

Winterization: Eric – Resolution passed a while ago for $2000 for winter things. Temp check on using that for displaced people? Temp check on closing it instead? [temp check indicates we should use it] [I failed to follow how that might affect the Mutual Aid proposal but there was some discussion]

Women's Caucus: First Night! We are not doing something small, we missed that memo, we are doing something big! In Copley Sq. 8pm! We’re being vague on purpose. NOT illegal, but we want it to be a surprise. OEB, Queer Trans, Occupy Moms, others, all working with us. Art event. From 8pm to whenever.

===Individual Announcements===

Facil reminder: Announcements are for things with date and time.

Occupy NH: Mark – Glad to be here, was here for dance party, you've changed my life, now organizing in NH. Planning really large event – occupy NH Primary. NH Primary – we're a small tiny, very white state, but all media and politicians pass through. Want as many people from Boston to join us as possible. Veteran's Park on Elm St. It's a 4 day event, 2 hr time slots for Occupy groups in region and community advocacy groups to do whatever they want. Lowell, Worcester, OWS, many others will be there. Time slots running out – Occupy Boston hasn't grabbed one yet. Come see me for more info.

Farhad: Talked with OWS today about an OWS Road trip. Getting big bus to visit other occupations to talk about actions and action planning. We're invited to join them in Wall St when they're done, in February. While it's winter we're trying to spend time to get to know each other to be better in touch when it gets time for more planning. They want team of 2-3 people here to help coordinate with them in terms of scheduling, spreading word, where to park/sleep. Want to see draft proposal they're working on? See me, Devin, Rene, Daniel, Martin for contact info and details.

Emma: Reminder: I can provide childcare – this space has extra rooms that are good for that. Hope to coordinate with others who want to help. Can be available at Tues GA for same.

Eleanor: Made Occupy Boston t-shirts. Not many, but please see me. Have kids size L, too!

Sarah: InterOccupy – going to Austin in January. Invited to do teach-in on Occ Boston, don't know where to start! Can bring tiny tents, our legal case – sure they have stuff to teach us as they've been a decamped movement. My email is on board.

Eric: Announcement about a type of oppression: use of word “crazy” in derogatory sense. Personally upset by it. Other people used to it, but please don't use it this way. Lots of people act 'crazy' when upset by other oppressive behaviors. Don't use it in a negative way.

Katie: Taking names for petition against Canadian mining company coming to tearing up medicinal plants in Mexico – affecting the last tribe that survived Conquistadors. Now facing destruction by mining. Lots of personal beefs, but if anyone else wants to write letter... see me, sign up.

Marty: Quick public health announcement: thought I had Dewey Lung, but it was pneumonia. There are bugs going around, don't ignore health problems. I had every single symptom of it. If you can, get to clinic. Get an x-ray.

David: City Life needs help on Jan 14. Have huge list of people being foreclosed on, can't reach every house. Need people to help. Talk to people, bring to City Life, help them with illegal foreclosures. Way for us to reach out to organizations. They have lots of experience. Maybe we can collaborate, occupy some homes, blockades? Meeting on Jan 4 East Boston, too – I go, but they're kinda iffy on us going in large group. POI (Katie?) - we did work with them and it was awesome. They have weekly meetings, only meeting w/people facing foreclosure, so don't want big groups. Anti-foreclosure work is something we can do more of. David: Let me know if you need more info.

Justin: In a couple minutes, we're going to be participating in true democracy. Revolution motivated by love. Remember that, will help process move along.

Ray (?) or Greg?: Visiting from Davis, CA, home of famous pepper spray incident. Here, tonight: you all must not talk over one another or have side conversations. If any person is presently speaking, you must wait until 3 seconds after they've stopped – if you fail to do that you're failing as discussants. If facils fail to enforce, they’re failing as facilitators.

Linda: I've been asked to tell you that we're taking a break between this part of this GA and the next part, proposals. Asking that you choose an ally to sit next to cause there may be difficult things coming next. Use this time of transition to move in silence. Consider past 90 days we've had together, bonds we've formed.

Facil: About to take break. 5 minutes. If you feel it would be helpful to find an ally, do that. We're going to try to take things slower. Allow things to settle before reacting. Whole FWG feels like encouraging idea that we're speaking from love, on similar mission, hope we can address the mission instead of taking everything said as personal. Reconcile things that are contentious.

Announcement that the Occupy Puppy is in the room – that means we're reconvening!

==PROPOSALS==
===Intro to process, voting on order===
Reminders of purpose and process: take proposals and make them work for group.

Reminder: concerns are about identifying something that needs to be improved on. Becomes a community concern that needs to be addressed.

Notes will be taken to try and list brief summaries of concerns. Address repetition. If someone has said what you would have said, we don't need to say it again. Notes being kept will help make sure concerns are addressed in amendments.

After concerns, then statements of support. Why keep as is, why spirit of it is good.

Then friendly amendments. Capture spirit, make proposal as good as can be – makes it OUR proposal.

Then check for consensus – will get to that process when we get there.

Now Jorge, stack monitor.

-5 rollover proposals from Tues. 2 people missing. 1 proposal tabled. New proposals added (2?).
Sarah: rolling over proposal on safety from sexual offenders.
Eric: rollover – amendments to resolution about mutual aid.
John Ford: not here
Martin: New - Propose GAs end at midnight unless physically willing/able to stick around.
Noah: New - Eliminate Saturday GA, replace Thurs with outreach super planning meeting.

Noah's proposal will be heard before Martin's

Rollovers first.

===Proposal re:sex offenders===
====Intro====
Sarah: I received amendments on steps, plus emails – thank you to everyone except one who was nasty, everyone else was constructive and helpful. Passing out copies, sorry about typos. Hoping with amendments, people feel like I kept spirit and listened to what group said. [http://i52.tinypic.com/3179vnn.jpg Here is a photo of the printed proposal, without the last-minute additions that were read]

Received letter from attorney about criminal actions that could be taken by NOT notifying people of presence of sex offender.

Email says: Occ Boston's civil liability is murky because of our legal status. A nonprofit could be sued for negligence. But we're not a nonprofit, so status to be sued undetermined. Corporations can sometimes be charged with crimes, fined, but whether Occ Bos can be held liable beside the point. Individuals can be held criminally and civilly liable for allowing children to be endangered. Whoever fails to take steps to reduce risks to children can be jailed. Reckless behavior that would allow sex abuse or harm of child. Crime is misdemeanor – could be jailed, not put in prison. [summarized as best I could; see Sarah for full email]

[http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section13L Here is the law about reckless endangerment.]

====Clarifying Questions and Points of Information====

CQ: Believe proposal you read is different than what's on paper. Didn't catch all changes. Do you have them, can you read the changes to us again? Yes, reread even the typos.

[Sarah reads differences between her marked up copy and the print-outs]

Does 1.a. Apply to anyone?

Ans: Yes.

CQ: You named 3 different groups as having quite a bit of work. Did you talk to these groups? Do they have the time to take on this responsibility?

Ans: Safety was in from start. Spoke to Safety members. They didn't express concern. Survivors' WG asked me to add them in. Women's Caucus – amendment, asked for. Didn't ask Wellness – that was an amendment from Tues. too.

CQ: Did the attorney say the “up to 2.5 years” if someone knows?

Ans: If someone has knowledge of level 3 at event and does not speak up.

CQ: Is that if something occurs, or just knows?

CQ: Could it be per an incident that you know is going on? That could turn into 15-20 years for allowing an offender to attend meetings? Could affect multiple people?

Ans: Yes.

POI: Occupy Boston is not a social services agency. Woefully and completely unequipped to deal with tricky matters.

CQ: In terms of criminal and civil liability, did we talk to attorney in terms of criminal and civil liability about other types of assault? If you know if you have a violent person here, does that change anything?

Ans: he only sent me info relevant to sexual nature.

CQ: I'd like to know – it should be “if you feel unsafe” period.

POP: that's an amendment

CQ: So can we find out if it's the same?

CQ: If there's anything – doesn't seem to be in proposal – anywhere – 1a – where accused provided opportunity to defend themselves?

Ans: Felt should be case by case scenario, that's why Mediation, WC, Survivors, a part of that. These groups deal with these issues, can deal with.

CQ: When you say “if a member find that another member is offender and poses a threat and is ENTITLED” do you mean they have option or are compelled to?

Ans: I feel should be compelled from moral stance. It's a legal issue to notify a community but I can't say they must. Last time – Tuesday – when that language was in there that caused conflict.

CQ: “Any Occupy Events” - you mean any Occupy or just Boston?

Ans: just Boston.

CQ: Don't have question, last GA, my amendment – if it's discovered ...documentation....

POP: Bring it up during amendments

CQ: Is Safety same as during encampment.

Ans: as far as I know.

CQ: We had level 3, was addressed, left on own. Was during encampment. We brought it to medical, police, verified online and with cops. So we got rid of em.

CQ: Are level 3 not allowed around people at all?

Ans: Not allowed around children. That's state law.

POI: Women's Caucus willing to take this on.

CQ: Unclear on what process will be. If I'm feeling unsafe, I talk to safety then what?

Ans: People from named groups get together to work with you, get story, then go to accused ask them to leave while case is presented to GA. Then do research based on your statements, other person's statements. They can get in touch with other people, other information.

CQ: What is the Mass. Law here?

Ans: MGL c.26513L re:reckless endangerment of child. [note that I have a bad cold and may have misheard or mistyped this]

CQ: If this not accepted, we'd all be criminally liable if child here and level 3 and none of us made rest of us aware of that.

Ans Don't know if they'd charge everyone...

CQ: Heard you read statute, heard it referred to “where there's a duty to act,” heard that with every section. Did you consult lawyer about that specifically? Studying law, difference between specific duty to act vs general duty to act. Did you discuss with attorney?

Ans: Did not, seems pretty clear to me, might be wrong.

CQ: Fact, I believe – situation is, if you're in place w/lvl 3 and also child, and you're aware of person's status as level 3, then you're liable. You have to be in know, right?

Ans: That's how I understand it.

CQ: Confused about legal requirement. Am social worker. 30 years I've been told legally mandated to notify [couldn't hear]. Certain people legally mandated to report – teachers, doctors, social workers. Feel this is murky area. Suspected abuse – never extended to known level 3? Confused, need experts on law.

Ans: Have full section of law here, can read it all.

Facil: let's bring that up again in concerns.

CQ: Are there requirements for reporting in terms of other levels of sex offense?

Ans: Section I got was specific w/level 3.

CQ: So we're only concerned with 3?

Ans: point 1a – if you feel uncomfortable – that could include someone who doesn't have level 3. If you were touched inappropriately, raped, that would encompass 1a. People have complained about inappropriate touching, wanted that added.

CQ: POI – regarding nature of level 3. Designation: given to sex offender when risk of re-offense is high and danger to public is substantial so public safety is served by public dissemination of information. Contrast to 1 and 2 where risk of re-offense is moderate to low.

CQ: Can you explain – what is rationale for – in large public place, because level 3 in room, is that a threat?

Ans: Putting child in environment around person.

CQ: Is it contagious?

Ans: If I’m up here, child is back there, person back there could lure my child outside. Or in next room with babysitter. “Hey your mom wants you.” In a march - things happen, people get separated. Sometimes I look away and kids get away. Parents aren't perfect, not their fault.

POI: that section of statute nothing to do with level 3 – risk to child of sex abuse by ANYONE. Know of level 3 may raise risk, but is ANYONE who might put child at risk. Knowingly putting child at risk is problem.

POI: Majority of rapes committed by people they know and trust. Allowing people in allows offenders to build trust.

POI: Sex offenders not even allowed to be in churches where GAs are. So they shouldn't be here anyway.

Ans: This has happened. Level 3 has come to Gas in church, post-Dewey.

CQ: Was something done?

[chatter]

CQ: So they're going to be here regardless.

Facil: That sounds like concern or amendment.

POI: Offer to explain concepts: “reckless endangerment” has a specific meaning in my profession. Someone knew or should have known of risk and had actions they COULD have taken and did not, that resulted in harm. Does not require actual knowledge of, goes by so-called 'reasonable man' standard. Which is “knew or should have known.”

POI: Does anyone know what “grooming” is? Offender will groom anyone to trust them. Will entrench themselves in your life, whether target is adult or child. Build trust in community so they can get close.

[some dude is downtwinkling this statement about grooming. WTF?!]

POI: Working group for people to join – I've been trying to get it going for months. This is beginning of long conversation, shouldn't end with this proposal, lots more for us to do than this. Regardless of passage, doesn't mean there aren't other people here who could be the same danger.

Facil: we're trying to control this process and prevent responses that upset people.

CQ: 1b – language provided by lawyer. May be concern or amend. “If member learns of level 3” - 'and FEELS that member is threat” does that read...?

Ans: Open to amendment to fix that wording.

Facil: Sounds like you're concerned that doesn't match legal requirement – we can tell people what legal requirement is but we can't tell people to follow it.

CQ: If there precedent in other Occupy?

Ans: heard that Philly working on similar, haven't passed yet. Know that DC has something similar to 'friendly neighbor' statement we had. Action from that is “shunning' process that people here are opposed to. That's why I left it open to GA to decide how to proceed if person doesn't voluntarily leave.

POI: Have been part of other radical collective groups, came to consensus around sex offenders – Lesbian Avengers – did ban level 3 as well as folks that committed domestic violence against other members. Similar process of people meeting with small group, esp around DV issue.

POI: Occupy Philly – they have at least asked one person to leave based on incidence of assault. Part of prop they're working on, not how to ask people to leave, but how to have transformative justice for person to become member again. Not sure how they're dealing with state classification.

CQ: If you go back to lawyer – ask if they have legal responsibility to self-report as offender to any group they'd join, similar to moving into neighborhood, if they have to advertise that

ans: Yes if moving into community near school. As far as Occupy Boston, because we're not nonprofit, non incorporated, really murky, untested.

CQ: Since no formal organization, no member list, requirements, etc., by saying “member” if I then vote for proposal, am I somehow join organization in some legal capacity? Is there legal implication to word “member?”

Ans: If there's amend to change “member, that's fine.

CQ: Want to be clear on legal issue that's all.

CQ: Emailed Google group of DC people and other Occupations. DC, LA, Minneapolis – no, nothing like this.

CQ: Back to 1b – think wording needs to be adjusted. Don't understand about the “feeling” that member poses threat? Either someone poses a threat or they don't.

Ans: Open to rewording in amendments

CQ: Is section 1 necessary? Anyone can report anything to Safety. Issue is what Safety will do about it.

Ans: Feel like if I skipped to 2, would be missing part of process.

POI: I participated in group elsewhere with similar process, adopted zero tolerance policy for any allegation of sex abuse. If you got called out, you were GONE. That was effective, it worked. People worried it wouldn't.

POI: If you or neighbor feel tense, we have tents! And a puppy.

POI: Back to removal agreement, even though our removal was about specific people, we had statements that any individual person removed had right to enter into program for reentry. Might want to add that in.

CQ: Says group will ask person to leave for 1 week, then go to GA to decide about permanent removal... does victim have to be present at GA?

Ans: In terms of research, need to get statements from both parties, then other research regarding crim record, police reports. Can also work with victim to find out best thing for them. Some might want to speak to GA about what happened, some may want anonymity.

POI: Chapt 6 section 178n Info in sex offender registry [I can't follow this, too fast, sorry, but it was a legal statement about how if you misuse information in the registry, you can be punished legally]

Ans: Spoke to lawyers. Any community group or gathering can make own rules, regs, not discriminatory to ask level 3 to not be present.

CQ: Will accused have chance to address GA before they make decision?|

Ans: Yes, or they can have someone from Safety, WC, others, to speak for them. Oh, misunderstood. Asked for them NOT to be here. Feel Safety, others, can speak for them. Feel wrong for both parties to speak publicly – not right to force victim to face abuser.

CQ: Does this mean if level 3 offender is not engaging in harmful behavior, they will not be asked to leave? Only if they engage in threatening behavior?

Ans: No, if anyone finds out someone is level 3, they go to Safety, groups go to GA, name person at GA, then GA votes on actions.

CQ: So if person hasn't done anything it doesn't matter.

Ans: Right.

CQ: Part c, vote is dismissed, what do you envision process will be in reintegrating person who was accused, safety concerns?

Ans: Safety and Mediation can deal with that, that is my sense they can work with this.

POI: You cannot tell whose a child legally by looking at someone. In the law about level 3 not allowed around children, by children is that persons under 18?

Ans: Believe its 13.

POI: If they're a minor you're supposed to be protected. It's statutory rape to have sex w/16 y.o you believe is 19.

CQ: If person accused feels they want someone to speak on behalf at GA, allowed?

Ans: Yes.

CQ: Just Mediation involved, haven't had lots of training, medical has training.

POP We're not in concerns yet.

CQ: Can accused ever come forward?

Ans: I don't feel that it's right to have someone who is a victim and their aggressor together and go back and forth. I thought Safety and others can get statement and read it to GA.

CQ: What if person voluntarily declines to attend meetings, wants to participate online or go to meetings where no children (bars)? You took out stuff about shunning, but what about specific other things?

Ans: I feel very strongly that any victim should not have to work anywhere, any time, with someone who attacked them.

CQ: In 1b, person who's reporting this potential threat, this person is not the victim.

Ans: As a mother, I don't want to work with someone who has hurt a child in a sexual manner.

CQ: But your explanation is that you don’t expect victim to appear with accused, but in this case, there’s no victim.

Ans: Can add amendment that if level 3 hasn't hurt anyone here, can speak for themselves.

Facil: Save for amendments.

POI: Not true that it's illegal for people to be in churches. Quakers have sex abuse prevention policy similar to this.

CQ: If level 3, was victim a child?

Ans: No, could have been adult.

CQ: Are there level 3s who never touched anyone?

Ans: Child porn.

[crosstalk, missed some stuff]

Ans; Everything I've read, has to do with extreme violence.

CQ: Way back in Somerville, NAMLBA, priest online, child porn online [can't hear everything], that's level 3, without touching or anything.

Ans: Have list, none of it mentioned pornography. Would it help if I read list out loud?

POI: Level 3 have their crimes listed on their information sheet.

Ans: It's not that level 3 banned immediately, info presented to GA, GA will vote on what to do.

POI: Child porn still indirectly abusing children!

POI: Rate of re-offending 5-6(something)

Ans: I don't have numbers, I see numbers as high as [something]

[TOO MUCH DAMN RUSTLING FROM PEOPLE WALKING and making tents; I am sitting too close to the stage]

Facil: Re-offense rate as high as 6%

CQ: How is it logical to allow such offender to allow offender around kids? Seems like stupid idea?

Facil: Let's take silent break for a bit.

CQ: Have you looked at registry?

Ans: Haven't looked specifically.

Facil: Some people have. Raise your hands if you have.

POI: About precedents. I'm on faculty at community college in the area. Bunker Hill has had to deal with this problem. Anyone can come in and become student. Anyone from community can come in and use facilities. We want people there to be safe. We have a lot of survivors of assault on our campus. We post, very publicly, info on level 3 and I believe level 2, on campus. We have 1 Strike policy. If person does anything inappropriate, any sex harassment, violence, they are out and no longer allowed on grounds. This info is relevant because it's how another open community has dealt with members who might be disruptive to safety. Also useful because one of level 3 offenders who's been present here has been student at Bunker Hill, was ejected from our campus due to our policy.

Facil: Only hearing from people we've already heard from.

PIO: There were rapes at Zuccotti. Policy was “you’re out.” pictures were posted. Had photog follow to get picture so they'd never come back. They did try to come back – there were swarms of people to run them out because of pictures.

CQ: Did Bunker Hill admit and then eject because of 1 strike?

Ans from previous: Yes. Admit. Then if any harassment, disruption, on campus or I think in community, then you're out.

Facil: Language clarification: may be better to say “crimes they've been convicted of”

POI: We had definition in of level 3 on Tuesday. Read again: indecent assault on child under 14. On retarded person. On person who is 14. Rape. Rape of child under 16 of force. Assault w/intent to commit rape. On child. Kidnapping of child under 16. Open gross lascivious behavior. [lots of details and more items on list I couldn't follow, sorry]

POI: Anything in proposal about people providing childcare would be informed?

Ans: Everyone would be informed at next GA after Safety informed.

POI: Definition for open and gross lewdness is just exposing yourself I think.

POI: Juts looked up – references. Ask me later. Recidivism rates: 2.5% of convicted of sex crimes. By far lowest rate of any type of crime. Highest 40% for drug offenders. Claims that illness cannot be cured – studies show evidence based programs can reduce recidivism, by 30% after prison intervention.

Ans: Recidivism rates includes all 3 levels? Includes drunk peeing on sidewalk?

POI: All 3 levels.

POI: Only includes reported data.

POI: Since we're applying statistics. Avg amount rapist rapes is 7 times. FBI information. [I think? Too much walking around and noise for me to hear clearly]

Facil: Break into small groups.

Facil: And we're back.

Facil: we have a little more than an hour left. How about we structure our remaining time? Half an hour for concerns, half for support? Gives proposers time to come back to next GA with stronger proposal. Temp check – looks like yes.

Facil: Will roll this to Tuesday, proposer okay with it. Instead of happening at a GA on holiday weekend.

====Concerns====

Facil: Obviously we all have strong feelings. We need to hear everyone. We only have an hour. Ask people to be mindful of hearing people.

Moving on to Concerns about proposal discussed tonight. List concerns, not debate them. Listen respectfully, that's what we do here, consider them as community's concerns, build consensus, move together.

Facil: There are people here who are incredibly sensitive to yelling, feel traumatized by it, have long recovery time from it. Try to state in regular tone without yelling, please.

Facil: feel free to write in this notebook about Occupy, being passed around.

Taking stack:

C: Would like chance to read Bunker Hill and Quaker policies before going further with amending this policy. Find it helpful to use examples of what others did, no need to reinvent wheel.

C: Think we have to acknowledged in step 4, setup similar to court except accused has no chance to speak, even our flawed system allows accused to speak for selves, feel this is medieval.

C: Concerned as member of Comm Wellness, talked with Safety, concerned w/o talking to WGs, extensively, immediately putting this in puts pressure on them. Way set up, someone could come to us right now and ask us to deal with it. I have no clue how to do that.

C: Factual information presented, maybe contradictory [can't hear everything], level 3 live in your neighborhoods right now. I like parts about process for when people feel threatened. But level 3 condemnation assume legitimacy of state's system. If you talk to lawyer about people who go before board, can tell you what actually happens. Have been exposes about process in Mass. These are things that should be looked into. Really significant groups we trust in other areas have problems with accuracy of sex offender registration. Research reveals registration, notification, residency restriction are ill considered and may cause more harm than good; over-broad in scope, over long in duration, requiring people to register who pose no risk; states should limit access to online registries (Human Rights Watch report). People moving more to evidence-based research rather than total condemnation of group of people.

C: Concerned about safety and security for women and kids, would like to see security team to be at GA and watch things [I think?]. We’re in here but things are going on outside.

C: Language used – accuser and accused. One is victim other is alleged perpetrator. This puts too much on victim.

Prop: What do you want?

C: Want victim and offender. 2Nd concern – do not think GA has authority to audit survivor experience. Do not trust Occupy Boston to respectfully deal with sexual assault. Occupy Boston has allowed threatening people to remain at Dewey. Has resisted efforts to make safe space. Heard people state that women should be more assertive and children should learn karate. Heard that rapists are part of 99%. Heard that parents need to take better care of kids. Then over an hour of concerns and not enough respect for survivors. Rape has defined my life – sexual assault lead to my activism. Most rape committed by person you know and trust. [something about false accusations being rare] What is bad for survivors is when community asks people to prove they've been raped, when community turns their back. 1 in 3 women will be raped; all will experience unwanted sexual contact/harassment. Men get mistreated too. Occupy Boston not trustworthy in how they deal with this. I have no patience with group that won't support survivors. Heard more concern about legal liability than rape.

C: Two concerns: Seem to have a lot of folks here who, while might be well intentioned, want to make Occupy Boston a place where everyone is welcome and will somehow find way for everyone to be here without bringing necessary resources and expertise here, may expose people to criminal negligence. Some of wording in first paragraph is very broad. Have been members who [something] weapon against occupy Boston. Charged statements “person is dangerous” - used as weapon against people.

Facil: please add this to amendments

C: [continuing] We are setting up a system that mirrors judiciary system in which everyone gets heard, but in ours, the accused gets short end of stick, and we're not organized. Giving a lot of power back but. Last, giving folks who want safe environment a lot of power.

C: Support, but have concerns. If someone approaches someone and sexual harasses or make advance – does not mean person is an offender. See that as a problem. Also, in wording, no mention of documentation being brought forth to prove person is an offender. Doesn't state you need documentation. Another part is that if there is documentation that is discovered that needs to be brought forward before anyone approaches anyone. Think it is essential that if you have documentation that needs to be part of process.

C: Main concern – it's clear that failure of Occupy to deal with these issues in our history adds to sense that something must be done. Intent of proposal to make people feel safer. Concern, don't think this makes people safer. Feeling safer without being safer is false confidence, means haven't really dealt with problem. I like the parts of proposal about dealing with people who have acted in dangerous ways. Relying on legal definitions is problem, too.

C: If we don't take a stance in some fashion we will not be seen as movement of change. We have to protect most vulnerable. The way registries are set up don't always protect people they're meant for.

Facil: Concern is supposed to be about what in proposal doesn't work, this is statement of support.

C: God forbid we end up w/tyrannical government. Don't think will happen, have been sexually coerced – it ruins people's lives. Worst thing he did was convince me I consented – concern is – most of us know the person this is in regard to. I looked them up and did not find name. Confronted person.

Facil: Proposal not about specific person.

C: Do not feel safe going through this process as someone who's been harassed would not feel safe [too much other noise] Don't feel it protects rights of either person. Doesn't protect person who brings claims right to privacy, doesn't protect right of accused to tell story. Trying to do something with proposal that we need to do with extended WG process that needs to come up with Occupy Boston justice system. We need experts, be state of the art.

POP: Sounds like amendment?

C: No, we need to take more time before we adopt this as a proposal. We need a justice system that lets people deal with offenses and reintegrate, can't have our own means by kicking people off the island. Shameful constriction of our imagination. Need to integrate people with checkered pasts.

C: In general I think society moving in different direction. Reform recently passed where people with records … direction is to reform and allow reintegration. Proposal reminds me of Minority Report. There's a separate system in place, saw people thrown out of camp rather quickly. This is entirely different, where person hasn't done anything. Issue of alleged offender getting to address GA I guess was clarified. Seems there's a group of people who can be legally scapegoated – used to be black people, now it's class 3 sex offender. I think this is a witch hunt against a group of people in society.

C: Want to emphasize survivor consent. Any incident should be handled as survivor wants. Worried about popularity contest.

Facil: Sounds like amendment.

C: We should get a lawyer to let us know what we can and can't do. If we do wrong thing, someone will pay price. Need legal advice. We're tried to throw 2 people out and at GA they were allowed to stay even though people knew they were violent and abusive. People in camp wanted them out, but people in GA who weren't staying in camp said they could stay. Need legal adviser to tell us what we can and can't do.

C: This harps on issue at Dewey: we don't have training for these types of issues all the time. Need more human service people who are sensitive to perpetrators and survivors.

C: 1a and 1b seem like they're very different. 1A – person feeling unsafe and raising concern. That's not super clear – could be anything from harassment to rape. Very different things. 1A and 1b very different. Seems like steps 2-5 are more applicable in many cases to 1b than 1a – have an amendment for later to clear this up.

C: Not a lot of accountability. People have harassed me and nothing was done when I pointed it out. Needs to be addressed. Have shown we can't handle it ourselves.

Facil: Moving on, time up.

====Support====

S: First, don't think that just because we're not at camp, assault can't happen. Reference to Catholic Church's record – abuse can happen in “professional” environment. Don't turn blind eye. I have seen assaults, sketchy stuff at Dewey. Man hit a woman 1/3 his size in a tent. Problem towards end with a guy zipped up with underage drunk girl whose parents were looking for her. We need rule to handle this. Can't pin it on Safety team. They didn't know what to do – everyone needs to be responsible. Everyone has power to shun people. Not give food, attention, money.

S: Fear is best weapon of police state. Presence of people – offenders – creates climate of fear – intentionally or not we're aiding and abetting the system. Provocateurs or accidental provocateurs, makes no difference to me. Might be able to empathize. But can't sympathize. Our job is not to deal with this issue – other agencies can who are experts. Our job is to reform system. Don't think proposal goes far enough. I think it makes us safer; I feel safer. Go on record for non-tolerance. Don't give damn about recidivism rate.

S: If you don't know, we couldn't keep Dewey safe. Do not feel this makes us safe. You can go to safety already. Anyone can speak at GA. I don't see anything new, don't see anything in this to be bothered by. So what are we going to do.

S: I support. We shouldn't hold off for perfect. Disagree about lack of expertise; we should all learn and know. Survivors have expertise. Other people here have expertise. Disrespectful to say no expertise. Organizations want to work with us. This is part of economic injustice, when rape, assault, predatory behavior happens to people with no power to speak up for themselves. Have to start somewhere. Hope we don’t' drag this on.

S: Something like this long overdue. We've passed statements of solidarity but none for solidarity with survivors. Support because this requires us act in solidarity with victims, parents who trust us to help them. Will help reduce risk that people who've never been abused will be abused while with us.

S: I support even though it needs more tweaking. We are going to do it, we're doing it now. We're not trying to set up whole justice system. Not just about survivors. If I were aware of someone posing threat, whether I was personally assaulted, this is about survivors. We're not trying to deal with every issue, just really obvious threats. Someone has to act to ask people to leave – that is this body. Last, but most importantly: we need to encourage children to be more involved, get their voices and wisdom. It's beyond anything like “crucial.” We're trying to change world for and with them. There are self-directed institutions where everyone has voice – children too. Have to actively encourage kids. Can work on as long as we need to, but need to do it.

S: Address concern that Safety and other WGs aren't yet adequate to deal. Is incumbent on us to build up organizational strength and although that WGs are not yet ready to do this we’ll we need to build skill set. Way to build is to demand it from community. Support despite sharing that concern and other. We should not be afraid of passing a good proposal just because this isn't all the way there. Build from something.

S: Hope we pass this tonight. It's not perfect, there will be amendments, look forward to them. We do have named WGs in place. But not the same for 1 person to hold someone accountable as an autonomous action. Important for us as community to adopt procedures. We do have skills, I’m lawyer and professional mediator. Have worked with domestic violence and assault on minors cases. We can do this.

S: Strongly support spirit and part is that if we don't pass a proposal like this, spaces we've created will for me, personally, be spaces that I am comfortable in that people who don’t share my privileges will not be comfortable in. Want other people without my privilege to feel safe, too.

S: If we want to have people on Safety and DA [wtf?] - this falls on everyone here. Rape is less forgivable than murder, should take every step to verify.

S: Temp check that we're all against sexual assault.

Looks like yes.

S: If we can get amendments by Tuesday, it's 90% to awesome.

S: I will support this because while registry not perfect crime has to be really grievous. Proposal is a start, shows people like me that my experience counts. First pass to building trust which has been broken.

S: Concerns about specifics and amendment, but what I deeply support is finding away to make this a SAFER space. Is there ever a safe space? No. Space we think is safest is often not. What I support is that we are trying. Take a step to make a space that is less oppressive and less dangerous. While there are problems with registry, proposal from 1b downward is pretty damn good, offers a way to institutionalize what we see in the system. Not just taking it as given, saying we need to confirm these things as a GA. Powerful political statement. 1A has issue, can be beginning of another proposal to make safer.

S: This conversation has been going on longer than any of us has been alive. Very important step. [could not hear rest]

S: In regards to statements that people who commit assault are part of 99% - using and violating another person just for pleasure and power is incongruous with who we are as movement, we don't need them.

S: Support because I was harassed on-site continually by one individual and when I talked about doing something like removing them, I was told to just ignore them.

S: Absolutely support this. Might have a few flaws,definitely much needed first step for developing policy. That we haven't had one yet is ridiculous, Federal government has better protection for women than we do.

S: I'm standing in solidarity with women, parents, others who feel threatened. If they feel threatened, movement about to crumble, I'm not ready to let it crumbles. Amendments can be brought later. We should all stand in solidarity with this. This should pass. Bring later amendments later.

Facil: Only have 15 min. left, need to leave sooner than that. Need to be out by 11. Only have 5 min. Reminded consensus means finding something everyone can live with. We can find way for amendments to be known if they are emailed in.

Facil: Can we take 5 to hear amendments now? If people help clear some stuff now get extra. Clear that we can't get through more tonight.

[We didn't hear amendments. Proposal will be brought back on Tuesday. Temp check to determine if people want to get to a vote on Tuesday – VERY STRONG SUPPORT for this. GA ended]

GA Notes Week 13 - Thurs Dec 29

2011-12-30T16:45:06Z

Jfeathersmith: /* Intro */

GA 29 Dec 2011

Facilitators meeting: 5pm weekdays, City Place Food court

Daniel, Allison facilitating

Review of process, hand signals

“Sparkle fingers” for positive. “Puppydog paws” for neutral. “Squids” for negative.

Encouragement to do “move it on” low and slow, not up and in someone's face

==ANNOUNCEMENTS==

===Working Group Announcements===

Create New Jobs: Justin Scott – new group. Mon 4-5:30 S Station mezzanine.

InterOccupy: Farhad – Help you talk to other occupies on person to person and WG to WG. E5, 7pm, Friday. Matt wants to talk to you if you're from another Occupy.

Signs & Screen-printing: Jay – Making banners for First Night, Friday. Passed proposal on Tuesday for supplies. E5, 1pm to 5 on Friday. Actions after in Dewey area. Also, if you're in WG and we have banners for you, come see me to coordinate getting them.

Screen-printing: Doing printing Friday 1-5 at e5. Looking for space to do printing on Sat. before First Night gets going. LET US KNOW OF LOCATIONS!! Contact info on wiki – Screen-print Guild. If you brought a shirt tonight, come see me tonight.

CASA: presenting from stage. Mallory – and Jennie and Tess – Event last night and open invite. 2Nd tiny tent making party at e5. Had people new to Occupy! Nice – welcoming and open. Then had new WG meeting to discuss resources, ideas, things to offer. Check out our wiki and listserv. Jennie – we're making tiny tents back here right now! If you want to take a moment to create something, we're right here. Take a template to occupy anywhere. This is a great way to decompress.

FAWG: Linda – Reminder to WGs – you can apply for $100/week. I have forms. If you have receipts come see me.

Media: Dan – New cellphone alert system. If you want more frequent updates. Used to have emergency system – don't anticipate using that. New system. Send text to 23559 – send @obupdates to 23559. What kind of updates? Not sure yet. Dependent on how many sign up. Eli knows more but he's not here.

DA: Does everyone know what tomorrow is? Our 3 month birthday! Tomorrow at 5:30, bring pillow to Fed! Rumors of march completely false, but if people all meander together . . . Not planning big action for First Night, want lots of people to do small things. Pick something fun that's family-friendly!

Info: We're doing something for First Night. Groups of people, 3-4 groups, red wagons with tents! Between 1 and 5 on Saturday. Interested? We're looking for more people. Have 2000 buttons to give out. Meeting tomorrow 6pm. Location TBD. Will update calendar. Email infotent@occupyboston.org. Community Church, Sat. 12pm is where/when we'll get going.

Inreach: Internal communication for us. Create communications hub. Collecting items of info for central database, help people get info they need when they need it. We'll be reaching out to every WG to get the info. Or take the initiative to talk to me or Farhad.

Film Screening: New WG! People talking about films related to Occupy they'd like to see. Documentary or fiction. No location yet. POI from Martin: there's already such a group! With listserv and everything. sdickers10@gmail [I think] if you want to learn more.

Ideas: Noah – meet Weds. 6pm 38 Ash St. City-wide topic based discussions on concerns that brought people to movement. Doing targeted outreach to make sure we have all voices.

Action for Peace: Remember Camp Alex tent? Doing First Night Against the Wars – gathering in Copley, giving out stickers, literature. Maybe food. Noon to 6. Need people to join us – sign up. Also a gathering with us in opposition to occupation of Palestine.

Facil: We have a printer/copier/scanner!

Decolonize Boston: Marty – solidarity and outreach continues. Fri 5pm Christ Church in Cambridge. Here to help shed European mind frame. Acknowledge we exist on stolen land. Draw connections between colonizing, intersecting systems of oppression. Our meetings cover things like planning speakers as well as education and discussion.

Facilitation: Greg – Community Gatherings are gathering steam, next opening is in Feb. Citizens United is hosting next Monday, Community Church on Boylston, 7:30pm. Then back to St. Paul's. See wiki page for schedule.

Winterization: Eric – Resolution passed a while ago for $2000 for winter things. Temp check on using that for displaced people? Temp check on closing it instead? [temp check indicates we should use it] [I failed to follow how that might affect the Mutual Aid proposal but there was some discussion]

Women's Caucus: First Night! We are not doing something small, we missed that memo, we are doing something big! In Copley Sq. 8pm! We’re being vague on purpose. NOT illegal, but we want it to be a surprise. OEB, Queer Trans, Occupy Moms, others, all working with us. Art event. From 8pm to whenever.

===Individual Announcements===

Facil reminder: Announcements are for things with date and time.

Occupy NH: Mark – Glad to be here, was here for dance party, you've changed my life, now organizing in NH. Planning really large event – occupy NH Primary. NH Primary – we're a small tiny, very white state, but all media and politicians pass through. Want as many people from Boston to join us as possible. Veteran's Park on Elm St. It's a 4 day event, 2 hr time slots for Occupy groups in region and community advocacy groups to do whatever they want. Lowell, Worcester, OWS, many others will be there. Time slots running out – Occupy Boston hasn't grabbed one yet. Come see me for more info.

Farhad: Talked with OWS today about an OWS Road trip. Getting big bus to visit other occupations to talk about actions and action planning. We're invited to join them in Wall St when they're done, in February. While it's winter we're trying to spend time to get to know each other to be better in touch when it gets time for more planning. They want team of 2-3 people here to help coordinate with them in terms of scheduling, spreading word, where to park/sleep. Want to see draft proposal they're working on? See me, Devin, Rene, Daniel, Martin for contact info and details.

Emma: Reminder: I can provide childcare – this space has extra rooms that are good for that. Hope to coordinate with others who want to help. Can be available at Tues GA for same.

Eleanor: Made Occupy Boston t-shirts. Not many, but please see me. Have kids size L, too!

Sarah: InterOccupy – going to Austin in January. Invited to do teach-in on Occ Boston, don't know where to start! Can bring tiny tents, our legal case – sure they have stuff to teach us as they've been a decamped movement. My email is on board.

Eric: Announcement about a type of oppression: use of word “crazy” in derogatory sense. Personally upset by it. Other people used to it, but please don't use it this way. Lots of people act 'crazy' when upset by other oppressive behaviors. Don't use it in a negative way.

Katie: Taking names for petition against Canadian mining company coming to tearing up medicinal plants in Mexico – affecting the last tribe that survived Conquistadors. Now facing destruction by mining. Lots of personal beefs, but if anyone else wants to write letter... see me, sign up.

Marty: Quick public health announcement: thought I had Dewey Lung, but it was pneumonia. There are bugs going around, don't ignore health problems. I had every single symptom of it. If you can, get to clinic. Get an x-ray.

David: City Life needs help on Jan 14. Have huge list of people being foreclosed on, can't reach every house. Need people to help. Talk to people, bring to City Life, help them with illegal foreclosures. Way for us to reach out to organizations. They have lots of experience. Maybe we can collaborate, occupy some homes, blockades? Meeting on Jan 4 East Boston, too – I go, but they're kinda iffy on us going in large group. POI (Katie?) - we did work with them and it was awesome. They have weekly meetings, only meeting w/people facing foreclosure, so don't want big groups. Anti-foreclosure work is something we can do more of. David: Let me know if you need more info.

Justin: In a couple minutes, we're going to be participating in true democracy. Revolution motivated by love. Remember that, will help process move along.

Ray (?) or Greg?: Visiting from Davis, CA, home of famous pepper spray incident. Here, tonight: you all must not talk over one another or have side conversations. If any person is presently speaking, you must wait until 3 seconds after they've stopped – if you fail to do that you're failing as discussants. If facils fail to enforce, they’re failing as facilitators.

Linda: I've been asked to tell you that we're taking a break between this part of this GA and the next part, proposals. Asking that you choose an ally to sit next to cause there may be difficult things coming next. Use this time of transition to move in silence. Consider past 90 days we've had together, bonds we've formed.

Facil: About to take break. 5 minutes. If you feel it would be helpful to find an ally, do that. We're going to try to take things slower. Allow things to settle before reacting. Whole FWG feels like encouraging idea that we're speaking from love, on similar mission, hope we can address the mission instead of taking everything said as personal. Reconcile things that are contentious.

Announcement that the Occupy Puppy is in the room – that means we're reconvening!

==PROPOSALS==
===Intro to process, voting on order===
Reminders of purpose and process: take proposals and make them work for group.

Reminder: concerns are about identifying something that needs to be improved on. Becomes a community concern that needs to be addressed.

Notes will be taken to try and list brief summaries of concerns. Address repetition. If someone has said what you would have said, we don't need to say it again. Notes being kept will help make sure concerns are addressed in amendments.

After concerns, then statements of support. Why keep as is, why spirit of it is good.

Then friendly amendments. Capture spirit, make proposal as good as can be – makes it OUR proposal.

Then check for consensus – will get to that process when we get there.

Now Jorge, stack monitor.

-5 rollover proposals from Tues. 2 people missing. 1 proposal tabled. New proposals added (2?).
Sarah: rolling over proposal on safety from sexual offenders.
Eric: rollover – amendments to resolution about mutual aid.
John Ford: not here
Martin: New - Propose GAs end at midnight unless physically willing/able to stick around.
Noah: New - Eliminate Saturday GA, replace Thurs with outreach super planning meeting.

Noah's proposal will be heard before Martin's

Rollovers first.

===Proposal re:sex offenders===
====Intro====
Sarah: I received amendments on steps, plus emails – thank you to everyone except one who was nasty, everyone else was constructive and helpful. Passing out copies, sorry about typos. Hoping with amendments, people feel like I kept spirit and listened to what group said. [http://i52.tinypic.com/3179vnn.jpg Here is a photo of the printed proposal, without the last-minute additions that were read]

Received letter from attorney about criminal actions that could be taken by NOT notifying people of presence of sex offender.

Email says: Occ Boston's civil liability is murky because of our legal status. A nonprofit could be sued for negligence. But we're not a nonprofit, so status to be sued undetermined. Corporations can sometimes be charged with crimes, fined, but whether Occ Bos can be held liable beside the point. Individuals can be held criminally and civilly liable for allowing children to be endangered. Whoever fails to take steps to reduce risks to children can be jailed. Reckless behavior that would allow sex abuse or harm of child. Crime is misdemeanor – could be jailed, not put in prison. [summarized as best I could; see Sarah for full email]

====Clarifying Questions and Points of Information====

CQ: Believe proposal you read is different than what's on paper. Didn't catch all changes. Do you have them, can you read the changes to us again? Yes, reread even the typos.

[Sarah reads differences between her marked up copy and the print-outs]

Does 1.a. Apply to anyone?

Ans: Yes.

CQ: You named 3 different groups as having quite a bit of work. Did you talk to these groups? Do they have the time to take on this responsibility?

Ans: Safety was in from start. Spoke to Safety members. They didn't express concern. Survivors' WG asked me to add them in. Women's Caucus – amendment, asked for. Didn't ask Wellness – that was an amendment from Tues. too.

CQ: Did the attorney say the “up to 2.5 years” if someone knows?

Ans: If someone has knowledge of level 3 at event and does not speak up.

CQ: Is that if something occurs, or just knows?

CQ: Could it be per an incident that you know is going on? That could turn into 15-20 years for allowing an offender to attend meetings? Could affect multiple people?

Ans: Yes.

POI: Occupy Boston is not a social services agency. Woefully and completely unequipped to deal with tricky matters.

CQ: In terms of criminal and civil liability, did we talk to attorney in terms of criminal and civil liability about other types of assault? If you know if you have a violent person here, does that change anything?

Ans: he only sent me info relevant to sexual nature.

CQ: I'd like to know – it should be “if you feel unsafe” period.

POP: that's an amendment

CQ: So can we find out if it's the same?

CQ: If there's anything – doesn't seem to be in proposal – anywhere – 1a – where accused provided opportunity to defend themselves?

Ans: Felt should be case by case scenario, that's why Mediation, WC, Survivors, a part of that. These groups deal with these issues, can deal with.

CQ: When you say “if a member find that another member is offender and poses a threat and is ENTITLED” do you mean they have option or are compelled to?

Ans: I feel should be compelled from moral stance. It's a legal issue to notify a community but I can't say they must. Last time – Tuesday – when that language was in there that caused conflict.

CQ: “Any Occupy Events” - you mean any Occupy or just Boston?

Ans: just Boston.

CQ: Don't have question, last GA, my amendment – if it's discovered ...documentation....

POP: Bring it up during amendments

CQ: Is Safety same as during encampment.

Ans: as far as I know.

CQ: We had level 3, was addressed, left on own. Was during encampment. We brought it to medical, police, verified online and with cops. So we got rid of em.

CQ: Are level 3 not allowed around people at all?

Ans: Not allowed around children. That's state law.

POI: Women's Caucus willing to take this on.

CQ: Unclear on what process will be. If I'm feeling unsafe, I talk to safety then what?

Ans: People from named groups get together to work with you, get story, then go to accused ask them to leave while case is presented to GA. Then do research based on your statements, other person's statements. They can get in touch with other people, other information.

CQ: What is the Mass. Law here?

Ans: MGL c.26513L re:reckless endangerment of child. [note that I have a bad cold and may have misheard or mistyped this]

CQ: If this not accepted, we'd all be criminally liable if child here and level 3 and none of us made rest of us aware of that.

Ans Don't know if they'd charge everyone...

CQ: Heard you read statute, heard it referred to “where there's a duty to act,” heard that with every section. Did you consult lawyer about that specifically? Studying law, difference between specific duty to act vs general duty to act. Did you discuss with attorney?

Ans: Did not, seems pretty clear to me, might be wrong.

CQ: Fact, I believe – situation is, if you're in place w/lvl 3 and also child, and you're aware of person's status as level 3, then you're liable. You have to be in know, right?

Ans: That's how I understand it.

CQ: Confused about legal requirement. Am social worker. 30 years I've been told legally mandated to notify [couldn't hear]. Certain people legally mandated to report – teachers, doctors, social workers. Feel this is murky area. Suspected abuse – never extended to known level 3? Confused, need experts on law.

Ans: Have full section of law here, can read it all.

Facil: let's bring that up again in concerns.

CQ: Are there requirements for reporting in terms of other levels of sex offense?

Ans: Section I got was specific w/level 3.

CQ: So we're only concerned with 3?

Ans: point 1a – if you feel uncomfortable – that could include someone who doesn't have level 3. If you were touched inappropriately, raped, that would encompass 1a. People have complained about inappropriate touching, wanted that added.

CQ: POI – regarding nature of level 3. Designation: given to sex offender when risk of re-offense is high and danger to public is substantial so public safety is served by public dissemination of information. Contrast to 1 and 2 where risk of re-offense is moderate to low.

CQ: Can you explain – what is rationale for – in large public place, because level 3 in room, is that a threat?

Ans: Putting child in environment around person.

CQ: Is it contagious?

Ans: If I’m up here, child is back there, person back there could lure my child outside. Or in next room with babysitter. “Hey your mom wants you.” In a march - things happen, people get separated. Sometimes I look away and kids get away. Parents aren't perfect, not their fault.

POI: that section of statute nothing to do with level 3 – risk to child of sex abuse by ANYONE. Know of level 3 may raise risk, but is ANYONE who might put child at risk. Knowingly putting child at risk is problem.

POI: Majority of rapes committed by people they know and trust. Allowing people in allows offenders to build trust.

POI: Sex offenders not even allowed to be in churches where GAs are. So they shouldn't be here anyway.

Ans: This has happened. Level 3 has come to Gas in church, post-Dewey.

CQ: Was something done?

[chatter]

CQ: So they're going to be here regardless.

Facil: That sounds like concern or amendment.

POI: Offer to explain concepts: “reckless endangerment” has a specific meaning in my profession. Someone knew or should have known of risk and had actions they COULD have taken and did not, that resulted in harm. Does not require actual knowledge of, goes by so-called 'reasonable man' standard. Which is “knew or should have known.”

POI: Does anyone know what “grooming” is? Offender will groom anyone to trust them. Will entrench themselves in your life, whether target is adult or child. Build trust in community so they can get close.

[some dude is downtwinkling this statement about grooming. WTF?!]

POI: Working group for people to join – I've been trying to get it going for months. This is beginning of long conversation, shouldn't end with this proposal, lots more for us to do than this. Regardless of passage, doesn't mean there aren't other people here who could be the same danger.

Facil: we're trying to control this process and prevent responses that upset people.

CQ: 1b – language provided by lawyer. May be concern or amend. “If member learns of level 3” - 'and FEELS that member is threat” does that read...?

Ans: Open to amendment to fix that wording.

Facil: Sounds like you're concerned that doesn't match legal requirement – we can tell people what legal requirement is but we can't tell people to follow it.

CQ: If there precedent in other Occupy?

Ans: heard that Philly working on similar, haven't passed yet. Know that DC has something similar to 'friendly neighbor' statement we had. Action from that is “shunning' process that people here are opposed to. That's why I left it open to GA to decide how to proceed if person doesn't voluntarily leave.

POI: Have been part of other radical collective groups, came to consensus around sex offenders – Lesbian Avengers – did ban level 3 as well as folks that committed domestic violence against other members. Similar process of people meeting with small group, esp around DV issue.

POI: Occupy Philly – they have at least asked one person to leave based on incidence of assault. Part of prop they're working on, not how to ask people to leave, but how to have transformative justice for person to become member again. Not sure how they're dealing with state classification.

CQ: If you go back to lawyer – ask if they have legal responsibility to self-report as offender to any group they'd join, similar to moving into neighborhood, if they have to advertise that

ans: Yes if moving into community near school. As far as Occupy Boston, because we're not nonprofit, non incorporated, really murky, untested.

CQ: Since no formal organization, no member list, requirements, etc., by saying “member” if I then vote for proposal, am I somehow join organization in some legal capacity? Is there legal implication to word “member?”

Ans: If there's amend to change “member, that's fine.

CQ: Want to be clear on legal issue that's all.

CQ: Emailed Google group of DC people and other Occupations. DC, LA, Minneapolis – no, nothing like this.

CQ: Back to 1b – think wording needs to be adjusted. Don't understand about the “feeling” that member poses threat? Either someone poses a threat or they don't.

Ans: Open to rewording in amendments

CQ: Is section 1 necessary? Anyone can report anything to Safety. Issue is what Safety will do about it.

Ans: Feel like if I skipped to 2, would be missing part of process.

POI: I participated in group elsewhere with similar process, adopted zero tolerance policy for any allegation of sex abuse. If you got called out, you were GONE. That was effective, it worked. People worried it wouldn't.

POI: If you or neighbor feel tense, we have tents! And a puppy.

POI: Back to removal agreement, even though our removal was about specific people, we had statements that any individual person removed had right to enter into program for reentry. Might want to add that in.

CQ: Says group will ask person to leave for 1 week, then go to GA to decide about permanent removal... does victim have to be present at GA?

Ans: In terms of research, need to get statements from both parties, then other research regarding crim record, police reports. Can also work with victim to find out best thing for them. Some might want to speak to GA about what happened, some may want anonymity.

POI: Chapt 6 section 178n Info in sex offender registry [I can't follow this, too fast, sorry, but it was a legal statement about how if you misuse information in the registry, you can be punished legally]

Ans: Spoke to lawyers. Any community group or gathering can make own rules, regs, not discriminatory to ask level 3 to not be present.

CQ: Will accused have chance to address GA before they make decision?|

Ans: Yes, or they can have someone from Safety, WC, others, to speak for them. Oh, misunderstood. Asked for them NOT to be here. Feel Safety, others, can speak for them. Feel wrong for both parties to speak publicly – not right to force victim to face abuser.

CQ: Does this mean if level 3 offender is not engaging in harmful behavior, they will not be asked to leave? Only if they engage in threatening behavior?

Ans: No, if anyone finds out someone is level 3, they go to Safety, groups go to GA, name person at GA, then GA votes on actions.

CQ: So if person hasn't done anything it doesn't matter.

Ans: Right.

CQ: Part c, vote is dismissed, what do you envision process will be in reintegrating person who was accused, safety concerns?

Ans: Safety and Mediation can deal with that, that is my sense they can work with this.

POI: You cannot tell whose a child legally by looking at someone. In the law about level 3 not allowed around children, by children is that persons under 18?

Ans: Believe its 13.

POI: If they're a minor you're supposed to be protected. It's statutory rape to have sex w/16 y.o you believe is 19.

CQ: If person accused feels they want someone to speak on behalf at GA, allowed?

Ans: Yes.

CQ: Just Mediation involved, haven't had lots of training, medical has training.

POP We're not in concerns yet.

CQ: Can accused ever come forward?

Ans: I don't feel that it's right to have someone who is a victim and their aggressor together and go back and forth. I thought Safety and others can get statement and read it to GA.

CQ: What if person voluntarily declines to attend meetings, wants to participate online or go to meetings where no children (bars)? You took out stuff about shunning, but what about specific other things?

Ans: I feel very strongly that any victim should not have to work anywhere, any time, with someone who attacked them.

CQ: In 1b, person who's reporting this potential threat, this person is not the victim.

Ans: As a mother, I don't want to work with someone who has hurt a child in a sexual manner.

CQ: But your explanation is that you don’t expect victim to appear with accused, but in this case, there’s no victim.

Ans: Can add amendment that if level 3 hasn't hurt anyone here, can speak for themselves.

Facil: Save for amendments.

POI: Not true that it's illegal for people to be in churches. Quakers have sex abuse prevention policy similar to this.

CQ: If level 3, was victim a child?

Ans: No, could have been adult.

CQ: Are there level 3s who never touched anyone?

Ans: Child porn.

[crosstalk, missed some stuff]

Ans; Everything I've read, has to do with extreme violence.

CQ: Way back in Somerville, NAMLBA, priest online, child porn online [can't hear everything], that's level 3, without touching or anything.

Ans: Have list, none of it mentioned pornography. Would it help if I read list out loud?

POI: Level 3 have their crimes listed on their information sheet.

Ans: It's not that level 3 banned immediately, info presented to GA, GA will vote on what to do.

POI: Child porn still indirectly abusing children!

POI: Rate of re-offending 5-6(something)

Ans: I don't have numbers, I see numbers as high as [something]

[TOO MUCH DAMN RUSTLING FROM PEOPLE WALKING and making tents; I am sitting too close to the stage]

Facil: Re-offense rate as high as 6%

CQ: How is it logical to allow such offender to allow offender around kids? Seems like stupid idea?

Facil: Let's take silent break for a bit.

CQ: Have you looked at registry?

Ans: Haven't looked specifically.

Facil: Some people have. Raise your hands if you have.

POI: About precedents. I'm on faculty at community college in the area. Bunker Hill has had to deal with this problem. Anyone can come in and become student. Anyone from community can come in and use facilities. We want people there to be safe. We have a lot of survivors of assault on our campus. We post, very publicly, info on level 3 and I believe level 2, on campus. We have 1 Strike policy. If person does anything inappropriate, any sex harassment, violence, they are out and no longer allowed on grounds. This info is relevant because it's how another open community has dealt with members who might be disruptive to safety. Also useful because one of level 3 offenders who's been present here has been student at Bunker Hill, was ejected from our campus due to our policy.

Facil: Only hearing from people we've already heard from.

PIO: There were rapes at Zuccotti. Policy was “you’re out.” pictures were posted. Had photog follow to get picture so they'd never come back. They did try to come back – there were swarms of people to run them out because of pictures.

CQ: Did Bunker Hill admit and then eject because of 1 strike?

Ans from previous: Yes. Admit. Then if any harassment, disruption, on campus or I think in community, then you're out.

Facil: Language clarification: may be better to say “crimes they've been convicted of”

POI: We had definition in of level 3 on Tuesday. Read again: indecent assault on child under 14. On retarded person. On person who is 14. Rape. Rape of child under 16 of force. Assault w/intent to commit rape. On child. Kidnapping of child under 16. Open gross lascivious behavior. [lots of details and more items on list I couldn't follow, sorry]

POI: Anything in proposal about people providing childcare would be informed?

Ans: Everyone would be informed at next GA after Safety informed.

POI: Definition for open and gross lewdness is just exposing yourself I think.

POI: Juts looked up – references. Ask me later. Recidivism rates: 2.5% of convicted of sex crimes. By far lowest rate of any type of crime. Highest 40% for drug offenders. Claims that illness cannot be cured – studies show evidence based programs can reduce recidivism, by 30% after prison intervention.

Ans: Recidivism rates includes all 3 levels? Includes drunk peeing on sidewalk?

POI: All 3 levels.

POI: Only includes reported data.

POI: Since we're applying statistics. Avg amount rapist rapes is 7 times. FBI information. [I think? Too much walking around and noise for me to hear clearly]

Facil: Break into small groups.

Facil: And we're back.

Facil: we have a little more than an hour left. How about we structure our remaining time? Half an hour for concerns, half for support? Gives proposers time to come back to next GA with stronger proposal. Temp check – looks like yes.

Facil: Will roll this to Tuesday, proposer okay with it. Instead of happening at a GA on holiday weekend.

====Concerns====

Facil: Obviously we all have strong feelings. We need to hear everyone. We only have an hour. Ask people to be mindful of hearing people.

Moving on to Concerns about proposal discussed tonight. List concerns, not debate them. Listen respectfully, that's what we do here, consider them as community's concerns, build consensus, move together.

Facil: There are people here who are incredibly sensitive to yelling, feel traumatized by it, have long recovery time from it. Try to state in regular tone without yelling, please.

Facil: feel free to write in this notebook about Occupy, being passed around.

Taking stack:

C: Would like chance to read Bunker Hill and Quaker policies before going further with amending this policy. Find it helpful to use examples of what others did, no need to reinvent wheel.

C: Think we have to acknowledged in step 4, setup similar to court except accused has no chance to speak, even our flawed system allows accused to speak for selves, feel this is medieval.

C: Concerned as member of Comm Wellness, talked with Safety, concerned w/o talking to WGs, extensively, immediately putting this in puts pressure on them. Way set up, someone could come to us right now and ask us to deal with it. I have no clue how to do that.

C: Factual information presented, maybe contradictory [can't hear everything], level 3 live in your neighborhoods right now. I like parts about process for when people feel threatened. But level 3 condemnation assume legitimacy of state's system. If you talk to lawyer about people who go before board, can tell you what actually happens. Have been exposes about process in Mass. These are things that should be looked into. Really significant groups we trust in other areas have problems with accuracy of sex offender registration. Research reveals registration, notification, residency restriction are ill considered and may cause more harm than good; over-broad in scope, over long in duration, requiring people to register who pose no risk; states should limit access to online registries (Human Rights Watch report). People moving more to evidence-based research rather than total condemnation of group of people.

C: Concerned about safety and security for women and kids, would like to see security team to be at GA and watch things [I think?]. We’re in here but things are going on outside.

C: Language used – accuser and accused. One is victim other is alleged perpetrator. This puts too much on victim.

Prop: What do you want?

C: Want victim and offender. 2Nd concern – do not think GA has authority to audit survivor experience. Do not trust Occupy Boston to respectfully deal with sexual assault. Occupy Boston has allowed threatening people to remain at Dewey. Has resisted efforts to make safe space. Heard people state that women should be more assertive and children should learn karate. Heard that rapists are part of 99%. Heard that parents need to take better care of kids. Then over an hour of concerns and not enough respect for survivors. Rape has defined my life – sexual assault lead to my activism. Most rape committed by person you know and trust. [something about false accusations being rare] What is bad for survivors is when community asks people to prove they've been raped, when community turns their back. 1 in 3 women will be raped; all will experience unwanted sexual contact/harassment. Men get mistreated too. Occupy Boston not trustworthy in how they deal with this. I have no patience with group that won't support survivors. Heard more concern about legal liability than rape.

C: Two concerns: Seem to have a lot of folks here who, while might be well intentioned, want to make Occupy Boston a place where everyone is welcome and will somehow find way for everyone to be here without bringing necessary resources and expertise here, may expose people to criminal negligence. Some of wording in first paragraph is very broad. Have been members who [something] weapon against occupy Boston. Charged statements “person is dangerous” - used as weapon against people.

Facil: please add this to amendments

C: [continuing] We are setting up a system that mirrors judiciary system in which everyone gets heard, but in ours, the accused gets short end of stick, and we're not organized. Giving a lot of power back but. Last, giving folks who want safe environment a lot of power.

C: Support, but have concerns. If someone approaches someone and sexual harasses or make advance – does not mean person is an offender. See that as a problem. Also, in wording, no mention of documentation being brought forth to prove person is an offender. Doesn't state you need documentation. Another part is that if there is documentation that is discovered that needs to be brought forward before anyone approaches anyone. Think it is essential that if you have documentation that needs to be part of process.

C: Main concern – it's clear that failure of Occupy to deal with these issues in our history adds to sense that something must be done. Intent of proposal to make people feel safer. Concern, don't think this makes people safer. Feeling safer without being safer is false confidence, means haven't really dealt with problem. I like the parts of proposal about dealing with people who have acted in dangerous ways. Relying on legal definitions is problem, too.

C: If we don't take a stance in some fashion we will not be seen as movement of change. We have to protect most vulnerable. The way registries are set up don't always protect people they're meant for.

Facil: Concern is supposed to be about what in proposal doesn't work, this is statement of support.

C: God forbid we end up w/tyrannical government. Don't think will happen, have been sexually coerced – it ruins people's lives. Worst thing he did was convince me I consented – concern is – most of us know the person this is in regard to. I looked them up and did not find name. Confronted person.

Facil: Proposal not about specific person.

C: Do not feel safe going through this process as someone who's been harassed would not feel safe [too much other noise] Don't feel it protects rights of either person. Doesn't protect person who brings claims right to privacy, doesn't protect right of accused to tell story. Trying to do something with proposal that we need to do with extended WG process that needs to come up with Occupy Boston justice system. We need experts, be state of the art.

POP: Sounds like amendment?

C: No, we need to take more time before we adopt this as a proposal. We need a justice system that lets people deal with offenses and reintegrate, can't have our own means by kicking people off the island. Shameful constriction of our imagination. Need to integrate people with checkered pasts.

C: In general I think society moving in different direction. Reform recently passed where people with records … direction is to reform and allow reintegration. Proposal reminds me of Minority Report. There's a separate system in place, saw people thrown out of camp rather quickly. This is entirely different, where person hasn't done anything. Issue of alleged offender getting to address GA I guess was clarified. Seems there's a group of people who can be legally scapegoated – used to be black people, now it's class 3 sex offender. I think this is a witch hunt against a group of people in society.

C: Want to emphasize survivor consent. Any incident should be handled as survivor wants. Worried about popularity contest.

Facil: Sounds like amendment.

C: We should get a lawyer to let us know what we can and can't do. If we do wrong thing, someone will pay price. Need legal advice. We're tried to throw 2 people out and at GA they were allowed to stay even though people knew they were violent and abusive. People in camp wanted them out, but people in GA who weren't staying in camp said they could stay. Need legal adviser to tell us what we can and can't do.

C: This harps on issue at Dewey: we don't have training for these types of issues all the time. Need more human service people who are sensitive to perpetrators and survivors.

C: 1a and 1b seem like they're very different. 1A – person feeling unsafe and raising concern. That's not super clear – could be anything from harassment to rape. Very different things. 1A and 1b very different. Seems like steps 2-5 are more applicable in many cases to 1b than 1a – have an amendment for later to clear this up.

C: Not a lot of accountability. People have harassed me and nothing was done when I pointed it out. Needs to be addressed. Have shown we can't handle it ourselves.

Facil: Moving on, time up.

====Support====

S: First, don't think that just because we're not at camp, assault can't happen. Reference to Catholic Church's record – abuse can happen in “professional” environment. Don't turn blind eye. I have seen assaults, sketchy stuff at Dewey. Man hit a woman 1/3 his size in a tent. Problem towards end with a guy zipped up with underage drunk girl whose parents were looking for her. We need rule to handle this. Can't pin it on Safety team. They didn't know what to do – everyone needs to be responsible. Everyone has power to shun people. Not give food, attention, money.

S: Fear is best weapon of police state. Presence of people – offenders – creates climate of fear – intentionally or not we're aiding and abetting the system. Provocateurs or accidental provocateurs, makes no difference to me. Might be able to empathize. But can't sympathize. Our job is not to deal with this issue – other agencies can who are experts. Our job is to reform system. Don't think proposal goes far enough. I think it makes us safer; I feel safer. Go on record for non-tolerance. Don't give damn about recidivism rate.

S: If you don't know, we couldn't keep Dewey safe. Do not feel this makes us safe. You can go to safety already. Anyone can speak at GA. I don't see anything new, don't see anything in this to be bothered by. So what are we going to do.

S: I support. We shouldn't hold off for perfect. Disagree about lack of expertise; we should all learn and know. Survivors have expertise. Other people here have expertise. Disrespectful to say no expertise. Organizations want to work with us. This is part of economic injustice, when rape, assault, predatory behavior happens to people with no power to speak up for themselves. Have to start somewhere. Hope we don’t' drag this on.

S: Something like this long overdue. We've passed statements of solidarity but none for solidarity with survivors. Support because this requires us act in solidarity with victims, parents who trust us to help them. Will help reduce risk that people who've never been abused will be abused while with us.

S: I support even though it needs more tweaking. We are going to do it, we're doing it now. We're not trying to set up whole justice system. Not just about survivors. If I were aware of someone posing threat, whether I was personally assaulted, this is about survivors. We're not trying to deal with every issue, just really obvious threats. Someone has to act to ask people to leave – that is this body. Last, but most importantly: we need to encourage children to be more involved, get their voices and wisdom. It's beyond anything like “crucial.” We're trying to change world for and with them. There are self-directed institutions where everyone has voice – children too. Have to actively encourage kids. Can work on as long as we need to, but need to do it.

S: Address concern that Safety and other WGs aren't yet adequate to deal. Is incumbent on us to build up organizational strength and although that WGs are not yet ready to do this we’ll we need to build skill set. Way to build is to demand it from community. Support despite sharing that concern and other. We should not be afraid of passing a good proposal just because this isn't all the way there. Build from something.

S: Hope we pass this tonight. It's not perfect, there will be amendments, look forward to them. We do have named WGs in place. But not the same for 1 person to hold someone accountable as an autonomous action. Important for us as community to adopt procedures. We do have skills, I’m lawyer and professional mediator. Have worked with domestic violence and assault on minors cases. We can do this.

S: Strongly support spirit and part is that if we don't pass a proposal like this, spaces we've created will for me, personally, be spaces that I am comfortable in that people who don’t share my privileges will not be comfortable in. Want other people without my privilege to feel safe, too.

S: If we want to have people on Safety and DA [wtf?] - this falls on everyone here. Rape is less forgivable than murder, should take every step to verify.

S: Temp check that we're all against sexual assault.

Looks like yes.

S: If we can get amendments by Tuesday, it's 90% to awesome.

S: I will support this because while registry not perfect crime has to be really grievous. Proposal is a start, shows people like me that my experience counts. First pass to building trust which has been broken.

S: Concerns about specifics and amendment, but what I deeply support is finding away to make this a SAFER space. Is there ever a safe space? No. Space we think is safest is often not. What I support is that we are trying. Take a step to make a space that is less oppressive and less dangerous. While there are problems with registry, proposal from 1b downward is pretty damn good, offers a way to institutionalize what we see in the system. Not just taking it as given, saying we need to confirm these things as a GA. Powerful political statement. 1A has issue, can be beginning of another proposal to make safer.

S: This conversation has been going on longer than any of us has been alive. Very important step. [could not hear rest]

S: In regards to statements that people who commit assault are part of 99% - using and violating another person just for pleasure and power is incongruous with who we are as movement, we don't need them.

S: Support because I was harassed on-site continually by one individual and when I talked about doing something like removing them, I was told to just ignore them.

S: Absolutely support this. Might have a few flaws,definitely much needed first step for developing policy. That we haven't had one yet is ridiculous, Federal government has better protection for women than we do.

S: I'm standing in solidarity with women, parents, others who feel threatened. If they feel threatened, movement about to crumble, I'm not ready to let it crumbles. Amendments can be brought later. We should all stand in solidarity with this. This should pass. Bring later amendments later.

Facil: Only have 15 min. left, need to leave sooner than that. Need to be out by 11. Only have 5 min. Reminded consensus means finding something everyone can live with. We can find way for amendments to be known if they are emailed in.

Facil: Can we take 5 to hear amendments now? If people help clear some stuff now get extra. Clear that we can't get through more tonight.

[We didn't hear amendments. Proposal will be brought back on Tuesday. Temp check to determine if people want to get to a vote on Tuesday – VERY STRONG SUPPORT for this. GA ended]

GA Notes Week 13 - Thurs Dec 29

2011-12-30T16:40:56Z

Jfeathersmith: Created page with "GA 29 Dec 2011 Facilitators meeting: 5pm weekdays, City Place Food court Daniel, Allison facilitating Review of process, hand signals “Sparkle fingers” for positive. “P..."

GA 29 Dec 2011

Facilitators meeting: 5pm weekdays, City Place Food court

Daniel, Allison facilitating

Review of process, hand signals

“Sparkle fingers” for positive. “Puppydog paws” for neutral. “Squids” for negative.

Encouragement to do “move it on” low and slow, not up and in someone's face

==ANNOUNCEMENTS==

===Working Group Announcements===

Create New Jobs: Justin Scott – new group. Mon 4-5:30 S Station mezzanine.

InterOccupy: Farhad – Help you talk to other occupies on person to person and WG to WG. E5, 7pm, Friday. Matt wants to talk to you if you're from another Occupy.

Signs & Screen-printing: Jay – Making banners for First Night, Friday. Passed proposal on Tuesday for supplies. E5, 1pm to 5 on Friday. Actions after in Dewey area. Also, if you're in WG and we have banners for you, come see me to coordinate getting them.

Screen-printing: Doing printing Friday 1-5 at e5. Looking for space to do printing on Sat. before First Night gets going. LET US KNOW OF LOCATIONS!! Contact info on wiki – Screen-print Guild. If you brought a shirt tonight, come see me tonight.

CASA: presenting from stage. Mallory – and Jennie and Tess – Event last night and open invite. 2Nd tiny tent making party at e5. Had people new to Occupy! Nice – welcoming and open. Then had new WG meeting to discuss resources, ideas, things to offer. Check out our wiki and listserv. Jennie – we're making tiny tents back here right now! If you want to take a moment to create something, we're right here. Take a template to occupy anywhere. This is a great way to decompress.

FAWG: Linda – Reminder to WGs – you can apply for $100/week. I have forms. If you have receipts come see me.

Media: Dan – New cellphone alert system. If you want more frequent updates. Used to have emergency system – don't anticipate using that. New system. Send text to 23559 – send @obupdates to 23559. What kind of updates? Not sure yet. Dependent on how many sign up. Eli knows more but he's not here.

DA: Does everyone know what tomorrow is? Our 3 month birthday! Tomorrow at 5:30, bring pillow to Fed! Rumors of march completely false, but if people all meander together . . . Not planning big action for First Night, want lots of people to do small things. Pick something fun that's family-friendly!

Info: We're doing something for First Night. Groups of people, 3-4 groups, red wagons with tents! Between 1 and 5 on Saturday. Interested? We're looking for more people. Have 2000 buttons to give out. Meeting tomorrow 6pm. Location TBD. Will update calendar. Email infotent@occupyboston.org. Community Church, Sat. 12pm is where/when we'll get going.

Inreach: Internal communication for us. Create communications hub. Collecting items of info for central database, help people get info they need when they need it. We'll be reaching out to every WG to get the info. Or take the initiative to talk to me or Farhad.

Film Screening: New WG! People talking about films related to Occupy they'd like to see. Documentary or fiction. No location yet. POI from Martin: there's already such a group! With listserv and everything. sdickers10@gmail [I think] if you want to learn more.

Ideas: Noah – meet Weds. 6pm 38 Ash St. City-wide topic based discussions on concerns that brought people to movement. Doing targeted outreach to make sure we have all voices.

Action for Peace: Remember Camp Alex tent? Doing First Night Against the Wars – gathering in Copley, giving out stickers, literature. Maybe food. Noon to 6. Need people to join us – sign up. Also a gathering with us in opposition to occupation of Palestine.

Facil: We have a printer/copier/scanner!

Decolonize Boston: Marty – solidarity and outreach continues. Fri 5pm Christ Church in Cambridge. Here to help shed European mind frame. Acknowledge we exist on stolen land. Draw connections between colonizing, intersecting systems of oppression. Our meetings cover things like planning speakers as well as education and discussion.

Facilitation: Greg – Community Gatherings are gathering steam, next opening is in Feb. Citizens United is hosting next Monday, Community Church on Boylston, 7:30pm. Then back to St. Paul's. See wiki page for schedule.

Winterization: Eric – Resolution passed a while ago for $2000 for winter things. Temp check on using that for displaced people? Temp check on closing it instead? [temp check indicates we should use it] [I failed to follow how that might affect the Mutual Aid proposal but there was some discussion]

Women's Caucus: First Night! We are not doing something small, we missed that memo, we are doing something big! In Copley Sq. 8pm! We’re being vague on purpose. NOT illegal, but we want it to be a surprise. OEB, Queer Trans, Occupy Moms, others, all working with us. Art event. From 8pm to whenever.

===Individual Announcements===

Facil reminder: Announcements are for things with date and time.

Occupy NH: Mark – Glad to be here, was here for dance party, you've changed my life, now organizing in NH. Planning really large event – occupy NH Primary. NH Primary – we're a small tiny, very white state, but all media and politicians pass through. Want as many people from Boston to join us as possible. Veteran's Park on Elm St. It's a 4 day event, 2 hr time slots for Occupy groups in region and community advocacy groups to do whatever they want. Lowell, Worcester, OWS, many others will be there. Time slots running out – Occupy Boston hasn't grabbed one yet. Come see me for more info.

Farhad: Talked with OWS today about an OWS Road trip. Getting big bus to visit other occupations to talk about actions and action planning. We're invited to join them in Wall St when they're done, in February. While it's winter we're trying to spend time to get to know each other to be better in touch when it gets time for more planning. They want team of 2-3 people here to help coordinate with them in terms of scheduling, spreading word, where to park/sleep. Want to see draft proposal they're working on? See me, Devin, Rene, Daniel, Martin for contact info and details.

Emma: Reminder: I can provide childcare – this space has extra rooms that are good for that. Hope to coordinate with others who want to help. Can be available at Tues GA for same.

Eleanor: Made Occupy Boston t-shirts. Not many, but please see me. Have kids size L, too!

Sarah: InterOccupy – going to Austin in January. Invited to do teach-in on Occ Boston, don't know where to start! Can bring tiny tents, our legal case – sure they have stuff to teach us as they've been a decamped movement. My email is on board.

Eric: Announcement about a type of oppression: use of word “crazy” in derogatory sense. Personally upset by it. Other people used to it, but please don't use it this way. Lots of people act 'crazy' when upset by other oppressive behaviors. Don't use it in a negative way.

Katie: Taking names for petition against Canadian mining company coming to tearing up medicinal plants in Mexico – affecting the last tribe that survived Conquistadors. Now facing destruction by mining. Lots of personal beefs, but if anyone else wants to write letter... see me, sign up.

Marty: Quick public health announcement: thought I had Dewey Lung, but it was pneumonia. There are bugs going around, don't ignore health problems. I had every single symptom of it. If you can, get to clinic. Get an x-ray.

David: City Life needs help on Jan 14. Have huge list of people being foreclosed on, can't reach every house. Need people to help. Talk to people, bring to City Life, help them with illegal foreclosures. Way for us to reach out to organizations. They have lots of experience. Maybe we can collaborate, occupy some homes, blockades? Meeting on Jan 4 East Boston, too – I go, but they're kinda iffy on us going in large group. POI (Katie?) - we did work with them and it was awesome. They have weekly meetings, only meeting w/people facing foreclosure, so don't want big groups. Anti-foreclosure work is something we can do more of. David: Let me know if you need more info.

Justin: In a couple minutes, we're going to be participating in true democracy. Revolution motivated by love. Remember that, will help process move along.

Ray (?) or Greg?: Visiting from Davis, CA, home of famous pepper spray incident. Here, tonight: you all must not talk over one another or have side conversations. If any person is presently speaking, you must wait until 3 seconds after they've stopped – if you fail to do that you're failing as discussants. If facils fail to enforce, they’re failing as facilitators.

Linda: I've been asked to tell you that we're taking a break between this part of this GA and the next part, proposals. Asking that you choose an ally to sit next to cause there may be difficult things coming next. Use this time of transition to move in silence. Consider past 90 days we've had together, bonds we've formed.

Facil: About to take break. 5 minutes. If you feel it would be helpful to find an ally, do that. We're going to try to take things slower. Allow things to settle before reacting. Whole FWG feels like encouraging idea that we're speaking from love, on similar mission, hope we can address the mission instead of taking everything said as personal. Reconcile things that are contentious.

Announcement that the Occupy Puppy is in the room – that means we're reconvening!

==PROPOSALS==
===Intro to process, voting on order===
Reminders of purpose and process: take proposals and make them work for group.

Reminder: concerns are about identifying something that needs to be improved on. Becomes a community concern that needs to be addressed.

Notes will be taken to try and list brief summaries of concerns. Address repetition. If someone has said what you would have said, we don't need to say it again. Notes being kept will help make sure concerns are addressed in amendments.

After concerns, then statements of support. Why keep as is, why spirit of it is good.

Then friendly amendments. Capture spirit, make proposal as good as can be – makes it OUR proposal.

Then check for consensus – will get to that process when we get there.

Now Jorge, stack monitor.

-5 rollover proposals from Tues. 2 people missing. 1 proposal tabled. New proposals added (2?).
Sarah: rolling over proposal on safety from sexual offenders.
Eric: rollover – amendments to resolution about mutual aid.
John Ford: not here
Martin: New - Propose GAs end at midnight unless physically willing/able to stick around.
Noah: New - Eliminate Saturday GA, replace Thurs with outreach super planning meeting.

Noah's proposal will be heard before Martin's

Rollovers first.

===Proposal re:sex offenders===
====Intro====
Sarah: I received amendments on steps, plus emails – thank you to everyone except one who was nasty, everyone else was constructive and helpful. Passing out copies, sorry about typos. Hoping with amendments, people feel like I kept spirit and listened to what group said.

Received letter from attorney about criminal actions that could be taken by NOT notifying people of presence of sex offender.

Email says: Occ Boston's civil liability is murky because of our legal status. A nonprofit could be sued for negligence. But we're not a nonprofit, so status to be sued undetermined. Corporations can sometimes be charged with crimes, fined, but whether Occ Bos can be held liable beside the point. Individuals can be held criminally and civilly liable for allowing children to be endangered. Whoever fails to take steps to reduce risks to children can be jailed. Reckless behavior that would allow sex abuse or harm of child. Crime is misdemeanor – could be jailed, not put in prison. [summarized as best I could; see Sarah for full email]

====Clarifying Questions and Points of Information====

CQ: Believe proposal you read is different than what's on paper. Didn't catch all changes. Do you have them, can you read the changes to us again? Yes, reread even the typos.

[Sarah reads differences between her marked up copy and the print-outs]

Does 1.a. Apply to anyone?

Ans: Yes.

CQ: You named 3 different groups as having quite a bit of work. Did you talk to these groups? Do they have the time to take on this responsibility?

Ans: Safety was in from start. Spoke to Safety members. They didn't express concern. Survivors' WG asked me to add them in. Women's Caucus – amendment, asked for. Didn't ask Wellness – that was an amendment from Tues. too.

CQ: Did the attorney say the “up to 2.5 years” if someone knows?

Ans: If someone has knowledge of level 3 at event and does not speak up.

CQ: Is that if something occurs, or just knows?

CQ: Could it be per an incident that you know is going on? That could turn into 15-20 years for allowing an offender to attend meetings? Could affect multiple people?

Ans: Yes.

POI: Occupy Boston is not a social services agency. Woefully and completely unequipped to deal with tricky matters.

CQ: In terms of criminal and civil liability, did we talk to attorney in terms of criminal and civil liability about other types of assault? If you know if you have a violent person here, does that change anything?

Ans: he only sent me info relevant to sexual nature.

CQ: I'd like to know – it should be “if you feel unsafe” period.

POP: that's an amendment

CQ: So can we find out if it's the same?

CQ: If there's anything – doesn't seem to be in proposal – anywhere – 1a – where accused provided opportunity to defend themselves?

Ans: Felt should be case by case scenario, that's why Mediation, WC, Survivors, a part of that. These groups deal with these issues, can deal with.

CQ: When you say “if a member find that another member is offender and poses a threat and is ENTITLED” do you mean they have option or are compelled to?

Ans: I feel should be compelled from moral stance. It's a legal issue to notify a community but I can't say they must. Last time – Tuesday – when that language was in there that caused conflict.

CQ: “Any Occupy Events” - you mean any Occupy or just Boston?

Ans: just Boston.

CQ: Don't have question, last GA, my amendment – if it's discovered ...documentation....

POP: Bring it up during amendments

CQ: Is Safety same as during encampment.

Ans: as far as I know.

CQ: We had level 3, was addressed, left on own. Was during encampment. We brought it to medical, police, verified online and with cops. So we got rid of em.

CQ: Are level 3 not allowed around people at all?

Ans: Not allowed around children. That's state law.

POI: Women's Caucus willing to take this on.

CQ: Unclear on what process will be. If I'm feeling unsafe, I talk to safety then what?

Ans: People from named groups get together to work with you, get story, then go to accused ask them to leave while case is presented to GA. Then do research based on your statements, other person's statements. They can get in touch with other people, other information.

CQ: What is the Mass. Law here?

Ans: MGL c.26513L re:reckless endangerment of child. [note that I have a bad cold and may have misheard or mistyped this]

CQ: If this not accepted, we'd all be criminally liable if child here and level 3 and none of us made rest of us aware of that.

Ans Don't know if they'd charge everyone...

CQ: Heard you read statute, heard it referred to “where there's a duty to act,” heard that with every section. Did you consult lawyer about that specifically? Studying law, difference between specific duty to act vs general duty to act. Did you discuss with attorney?

Ans: Did not, seems pretty clear to me, might be wrong.

CQ: Fact, I believe – situation is, if you're in place w/lvl 3 and also child, and you're aware of person's status as level 3, then you're liable. You have to be in know, right?

Ans: That's how I understand it.

CQ: Confused about legal requirement. Am social worker. 30 years I've been told legally mandated to notify [couldn't hear]. Certain people legally mandated to report – teachers, doctors, social workers. Feel this is murky area. Suspected abuse – never extended to known level 3? Confused, need experts on law.

Ans: Have full section of law here, can read it all.

Facil: let's bring that up again in concerns.

CQ: Are there requirements for reporting in terms of other levels of sex offense?

Ans: Section I got was specific w/level 3.

CQ: So we're only concerned with 3?

Ans: point 1a – if you feel uncomfortable – that could include someone who doesn't have level 3. If you were touched inappropriately, raped, that would encompass 1a. People have complained about inappropriate touching, wanted that added.

CQ: POI – regarding nature of level 3. Designation: given to sex offender when risk of re-offense is high and danger to public is substantial so public safety is served by public dissemination of information. Contrast to 1 and 2 where risk of re-offense is moderate to low.

CQ: Can you explain – what is rationale for – in large public place, because level 3 in room, is that a threat?

Ans: Putting child in environment around person.

CQ: Is it contagious?

Ans: If I’m up here, child is back there, person back there could lure my child outside. Or in next room with babysitter. “Hey your mom wants you.” In a march - things happen, people get separated. Sometimes I look away and kids get away. Parents aren't perfect, not their fault.

POI: that section of statute nothing to do with level 3 – risk to child of sex abuse by ANYONE. Know of level 3 may raise risk, but is ANYONE who might put child at risk. Knowingly putting child at risk is problem.

POI: Majority of rapes committed by people they know and trust. Allowing people in allows offenders to build trust.

POI: Sex offenders not even allowed to be in churches where GAs are. So they shouldn't be here anyway.

Ans: This has happened. Level 3 has come to Gas in church, post-Dewey.

CQ: Was something done?

[chatter]

CQ: So they're going to be here regardless.

Facil: That sounds like concern or amendment.

POI: Offer to explain concepts: “reckless endangerment” has a specific meaning in my profession. Someone knew or should have known of risk and had actions they COULD have taken and did not, that resulted in harm. Does not require actual knowledge of, goes by so-called 'reasonable man' standard. Which is “knew or should have known.”

POI: Does anyone know what “grooming” is? Offender will groom anyone to trust them. Will entrench themselves in your life, whether target is adult or child. Build trust in community so they can get close.

[some dude is downtwinkling this statement about grooming. WTF?!]

POI: Working group for people to join – I've been trying to get it going for months. This is beginning of long conversation, shouldn't end with this proposal, lots more for us to do than this. Regardless of passage, doesn't mean there aren't other people here who could be the same danger.

Facil: we're trying to control this process and prevent responses that upset people.

CQ: 1b – language provided by lawyer. May be concern or amend. “If member learns of level 3” - 'and FEELS that member is threat” does that read...?

Ans: Open to amendment to fix that wording.

Facil: Sounds like you're concerned that doesn't match legal requirement – we can tell people what legal requirement is but we can't tell people to follow it.

CQ: If there precedent in other Occupy?

Ans: heard that Philly working on similar, haven't passed yet. Know that DC has something similar to 'friendly neighbor' statement we had. Action from that is “shunning' process that people here are opposed to. That's why I left it open to GA to decide how to proceed if person doesn't voluntarily leave.

POI: Have been part of other radical collective groups, came to consensus around sex offenders – Lesbian Avengers – did ban level 3 as well as folks that committed domestic violence against other members. Similar process of people meeting with small group, esp around DV issue.

POI: Occupy Philly – they have at least asked one person to leave based on incidence of assault. Part of prop they're working on, not how to ask people to leave, but how to have transformative justice for person to become member again. Not sure how they're dealing with state classification.

CQ: If you go back to lawyer – ask if they have legal responsibility to self-report as offender to any group they'd join, similar to moving into neighborhood, if they have to advertise that

ans: Yes if moving into community near school. As far as Occupy Boston, because we're not nonprofit, non incorporated, really murky, untested.

CQ: Since no formal organization, no member list, requirements, etc., by saying “member” if I then vote for proposal, am I somehow join organization in some legal capacity? Is there legal implication to word “member?”

Ans: If there's amend to change “member, that's fine.

CQ: Want to be clear on legal issue that's all.

CQ: Emailed Google group of DC people and other Occupations. DC, LA, Minneapolis – no, nothing like this.

CQ: Back to 1b – think wording needs to be adjusted. Don't understand about the “feeling” that member poses threat? Either someone poses a threat or they don't.

Ans: Open to rewording in amendments

CQ: Is section 1 necessary? Anyone can report anything to Safety. Issue is what Safety will do about it.

Ans: Feel like if I skipped to 2, would be missing part of process.

POI: I participated in group elsewhere with similar process, adopted zero tolerance policy for any allegation of sex abuse. If you got called out, you were GONE. That was effective, it worked. People worried it wouldn't.

POI: If you or neighbor feel tense, we have tents! And a puppy.

POI: Back to removal agreement, even though our removal was about specific people, we had statements that any individual person removed had right to enter into program for reentry. Might want to add that in.

CQ: Says group will ask person to leave for 1 week, then go to GA to decide about permanent removal... does victim have to be present at GA?

Ans: In terms of research, need to get statements from both parties, then other research regarding crim record, police reports. Can also work with victim to find out best thing for them. Some might want to speak to GA about what happened, some may want anonymity.

POI: Chapt 6 section 178n Info in sex offender registry [I can't follow this, too fast, sorry, but it was a legal statement about how if you misuse information in the registry, you can be punished legally]

Ans: Spoke to lawyers. Any community group or gathering can make own rules, regs, not discriminatory to ask level 3 to not be present.

CQ: Will accused have chance to address GA before they make decision?|

Ans: Yes, or they can have someone from Safety, WC, others, to speak for them. Oh, misunderstood. Asked for them NOT to be here. Feel Safety, others, can speak for them. Feel wrong for both parties to speak publicly – not right to force victim to face abuser.

CQ: Does this mean if level 3 offender is not engaging in harmful behavior, they will not be asked to leave? Only if they engage in threatening behavior?

Ans: No, if anyone finds out someone is level 3, they go to Safety, groups go to GA, name person at GA, then GA votes on actions.

CQ: So if person hasn't done anything it doesn't matter.

Ans: Right.

CQ: Part c, vote is dismissed, what do you envision process will be in reintegrating person who was accused, safety concerns?

Ans: Safety and Mediation can deal with that, that is my sense they can work with this.

POI: You cannot tell whose a child legally by looking at someone. In the law about level 3 not allowed around children, by children is that persons under 18?

Ans: Believe its 13.

POI: If they're a minor you're supposed to be protected. It's statutory rape to have sex w/16 y.o you believe is 19.

CQ: If person accused feels they want someone to speak on behalf at GA, allowed?

Ans: Yes.

CQ: Just Mediation involved, haven't had lots of training, medical has training.

POP We're not in concerns yet.

CQ: Can accused ever come forward?

Ans: I don't feel that it's right to have someone who is a victim and their aggressor together and go back and forth. I thought Safety and others can get statement and read it to GA.

CQ: What if person voluntarily declines to attend meetings, wants to participate online or go to meetings where no children (bars)? You took out stuff about shunning, but what about specific other things?

Ans: I feel very strongly that any victim should not have to work anywhere, any time, with someone who attacked them.

CQ: In 1b, person who's reporting this potential threat, this person is not the victim.

Ans: As a mother, I don't want to work with someone who has hurt a child in a sexual manner.

CQ: But your explanation is that you don’t expect victim to appear with accused, but in this case, there’s no victim.

Ans: Can add amendment that if level 3 hasn't hurt anyone here, can speak for themselves.

Facil: Save for amendments.

POI: Not true that it's illegal for people to be in churches. Quakers have sex abuse prevention policy similar to this.

CQ: If level 3, was victim a child?

Ans: No, could have been adult.

CQ: Are there level 3s who never touched anyone?

Ans: Child porn.

[crosstalk, missed some stuff]

Ans; Everything I've read, has to do with extreme violence.

CQ: Way back in Somerville, NAMLBA, priest online, child porn online [can't hear everything], that's level 3, without touching or anything.

Ans: Have list, none of it mentioned pornography. Would it help if I read list out loud?

POI: Level 3 have their crimes listed on their information sheet.

Ans: It's not that level 3 banned immediately, info presented to GA, GA will vote on what to do.

POI: Child porn still indirectly abusing children!

POI: Rate of re-offending 5-6(something)

Ans: I don't have numbers, I see numbers as high as [something]

[TOO MUCH DAMN RUSTLING FROM PEOPLE WALKING and making tents; I am sitting too close to the stage]

Facil: Re-offense rate as high as 6%

CQ: How is it logical to allow such offender to allow offender around kids? Seems like stupid idea?

Facil: Let's take silent break for a bit.

CQ: Have you looked at registry?

Ans: Haven't looked specifically.

Facil: Some people have. Raise your hands if you have.

POI: About precedents. I'm on faculty at community college in the area. Bunker Hill has had to deal with this problem. Anyone can come in and become student. Anyone from community can come in and use facilities. We want people there to be safe. We have a lot of survivors of assault on our campus. We post, very publicly, info on level 3 and I believe level 2, on campus. We have 1 Strike policy. If person does anything inappropriate, any sex harassment, violence, they are out and no longer allowed on grounds. This info is relevant because it's how another open community has dealt with members who might be disruptive to safety. Also useful because one of level 3 offenders who's been present here has been student at Bunker Hill, was ejected from our campus due to our policy.

Facil: Only hearing from people we've already heard from.

PIO: There were rapes at Zuccotti. Policy was “you’re out.” pictures were posted. Had photog follow to get picture so they'd never come back. They did try to come back – there were swarms of people to run them out because of pictures.

CQ: Did Bunker Hill admit and then eject because of 1 strike?

Ans from previous: Yes. Admit. Then if any harassment, disruption, on campus or I think in community, then you're out.

Facil: Language clarification: may be better to say “crimes they've been convicted of”

POI: We had definition in of level 3 on Tuesday. Read again: indecent assault on child under 14. On retarded person. On person who is 14. Rape. Rape of child under 16 of force. Assault w/intent to commit rape. On child. Kidnapping of child under 16. Open gross lascivious behavior. [lots of details and more items on list I couldn't follow, sorry]

POI: Anything in proposal about people providing childcare would be informed?

Ans: Everyone would be informed at next GA after Safety informed.

POI: Definition for open and gross lewdness is just exposing yourself I think.

POI: Juts looked up – references. Ask me later. Recidivism rates: 2.5% of convicted of sex crimes. By far lowest rate of any type of crime. Highest 40% for drug offenders. Claims that illness cannot be cured – studies show evidence based programs can reduce recidivism, by 30% after prison intervention.

Ans: Recidivism rates includes all 3 levels? Includes drunk peeing on sidewalk?

POI: All 3 levels.

POI: Only includes reported data.

POI: Since we're applying statistics. Avg amount rapist rapes is 7 times. FBI information. [I think? Too much walking around and noise for me to hear clearly]

Facil: Break into small groups.

Facil: And we're back.

Facil: we have a little more than an hour left. How about we structure our remaining time? Half an hour for concerns, half for support? Gives proposers time to come back to next GA with stronger proposal. Temp check – looks like yes.

Facil: Will roll this to Tuesday, proposer okay with it. Instead of happening at a GA on holiday weekend.

====Concerns====

Facil: Obviously we all have strong feelings. We need to hear everyone. We only have an hour. Ask people to be mindful of hearing people.

Moving on to Concerns about proposal discussed tonight. List concerns, not debate them. Listen respectfully, that's what we do here, consider them as community's concerns, build consensus, move together.

Facil: There are people here who are incredibly sensitive to yelling, feel traumatized by it, have long recovery time from it. Try to state in regular tone without yelling, please.

Facil: feel free to write in this notebook about Occupy, being passed around.

Taking stack:

C: Would like chance to read Bunker Hill and Quaker policies before going further with amending this policy. Find it helpful to use examples of what others did, no need to reinvent wheel.

C: Think we have to acknowledged in step 4, setup similar to court except accused has no chance to speak, even our flawed system allows accused to speak for selves, feel this is medieval.

C: Concerned as member of Comm Wellness, talked with Safety, concerned w/o talking to WGs, extensively, immediately putting this in puts pressure on them. Way set up, someone could come to us right now and ask us to deal with it. I have no clue how to do that.

C: Factual information presented, maybe contradictory [can't hear everything], level 3 live in your neighborhoods right now. I like parts about process for when people feel threatened. But level 3 condemnation assume legitimacy of state's system. If you talk to lawyer about people who go before board, can tell you what actually happens. Have been exposes about process in Mass. These are things that should be looked into. Really significant groups we trust in other areas have problems with accuracy of sex offender registration. Research reveals registration, notification, residency restriction are ill considered and may cause more harm than good; over-broad in scope, over long in duration, requiring people to register who pose no risk; states should limit access to online registries (Human Rights Watch report). People moving more to evidence-based research rather than total condemnation of group of people.

C: Concerned about safety and security for women and kids, would like to see security team to be at GA and watch things [I think?]. We’re in here but things are going on outside.

C: Language used – accuser and accused. One is victim other is alleged perpetrator. This puts too much on victim.

Prop: What do you want?

C: Want victim and offender. 2Nd concern – do not think GA has authority to audit survivor experience. Do not trust Occupy Boston to respectfully deal with sexual assault. Occupy Boston has allowed threatening people to remain at Dewey. Has resisted efforts to make safe space. Heard people state that women should be more assertive and children should learn karate. Heard that rapists are part of 99%. Heard that parents need to take better care of kids. Then over an hour of concerns and not enough respect for survivors. Rape has defined my life – sexual assault lead to my activism. Most rape committed by person you know and trust. [something about false accusations being rare] What is bad for survivors is when community asks people to prove they've been raped, when community turns their back. 1 in 3 women will be raped; all will experience unwanted sexual contact/harassment. Men get mistreated too. Occupy Boston not trustworthy in how they deal with this. I have no patience with group that won't support survivors. Heard more concern about legal liability than rape.

C: Two concerns: Seem to have a lot of folks here who, while might be well intentioned, want to make Occupy Boston a place where everyone is welcome and will somehow find way for everyone to be here without bringing necessary resources and expertise here, may expose people to criminal negligence. Some of wording in first paragraph is very broad. Have been members who [something] weapon against occupy Boston. Charged statements “person is dangerous” - used as weapon against people.

Facil: please add this to amendments

C: [continuing] We are setting up a system that mirrors judiciary system in which everyone gets heard, but in ours, the accused gets short end of stick, and we're not organized. Giving a lot of power back but. Last, giving folks who want safe environment a lot of power.

C: Support, but have concerns. If someone approaches someone and sexual harasses or make advance – does not mean person is an offender. See that as a problem. Also, in wording, no mention of documentation being brought forth to prove person is an offender. Doesn't state you need documentation. Another part is that if there is documentation that is discovered that needs to be brought forward before anyone approaches anyone. Think it is essential that if you have documentation that needs to be part of process.

C: Main concern – it's clear that failure of Occupy to deal with these issues in our history adds to sense that something must be done. Intent of proposal to make people feel safer. Concern, don't think this makes people safer. Feeling safer without being safer is false confidence, means haven't really dealt with problem. I like the parts of proposal about dealing with people who have acted in dangerous ways. Relying on legal definitions is problem, too.

C: If we don't take a stance in some fashion we will not be seen as movement of change. We have to protect most vulnerable. The way registries are set up don't always protect people they're meant for.

Facil: Concern is supposed to be about what in proposal doesn't work, this is statement of support.

C: God forbid we end up w/tyrannical government. Don't think will happen, have been sexually coerced – it ruins people's lives. Worst thing he did was convince me I consented – concern is – most of us know the person this is in regard to. I looked them up and did not find name. Confronted person.

Facil: Proposal not about specific person.

C: Do not feel safe going through this process as someone who's been harassed would not feel safe [too much other noise] Don't feel it protects rights of either person. Doesn't protect person who brings claims right to privacy, doesn't protect right of accused to tell story. Trying to do something with proposal that we need to do with extended WG process that needs to come up with Occupy Boston justice system. We need experts, be state of the art.

POP: Sounds like amendment?

C: No, we need to take more time before we adopt this as a proposal. We need a justice system that lets people deal with offenses and reintegrate, can't have our own means by kicking people off the island. Shameful constriction of our imagination. Need to integrate people with checkered pasts.

C: In general I think society moving in different direction. Reform recently passed where people with records … direction is to reform and allow reintegration. Proposal reminds me of Minority Report. There's a separate system in place, saw people thrown out of camp rather quickly. This is entirely different, where person hasn't done anything. Issue of alleged offender getting to address GA I guess was clarified. Seems there's a group of people who can be legally scapegoated – used to be black people, now it's class 3 sex offender. I think this is a witch hunt against a group of people in society.

C: Want to emphasize survivor consent. Any incident should be handled as survivor wants. Worried about popularity contest.

Facil: Sounds like amendment.

C: We should get a lawyer to let us know what we can and can't do. If we do wrong thing, someone will pay price. Need legal advice. We're tried to throw 2 people out and at GA they were allowed to stay even though people knew they were violent and abusive. People in camp wanted them out, but people in GA who weren't staying in camp said they could stay. Need legal adviser to tell us what we can and can't do.

C: This harps on issue at Dewey: we don't have training for these types of issues all the time. Need more human service people who are sensitive to perpetrators and survivors.

C: 1a and 1b seem like they're very different. 1A – person feeling unsafe and raising concern. That's not super clear – could be anything from harassment to rape. Very different things. 1A and 1b very different. Seems like steps 2-5 are more applicable in many cases to 1b than 1a – have an amendment for later to clear this up.

C: Not a lot of accountability. People have harassed me and nothing was done when I pointed it out. Needs to be addressed. Have shown we can't handle it ourselves.

Facil: Moving on, time up.

====Support====

S: First, don't think that just because we're not at camp, assault can't happen. Reference to Catholic Church's record – abuse can happen in “professional” environment. Don't turn blind eye. I have seen assaults, sketchy stuff at Dewey. Man hit a woman 1/3 his size in a tent. Problem towards end with a guy zipped up with underage drunk girl whose parents were looking for her. We need rule to handle this. Can't pin it on Safety team. They didn't know what to do – everyone needs to be responsible. Everyone has power to shun people. Not give food, attention, money.

S: Fear is best weapon of police state. Presence of people – offenders – creates climate of fear – intentionally or not we're aiding and abetting the system. Provocateurs or accidental provocateurs, makes no difference to me. Might be able to empathize. But can't sympathize. Our job is not to deal with this issue – other agencies can who are experts. Our job is to reform system. Don't think proposal goes far enough. I think it makes us safer; I feel safer. Go on record for non-tolerance. Don't give damn about recidivism rate.

S: If you don't know, we couldn't keep Dewey safe. Do not feel this makes us safe. You can go to safety already. Anyone can speak at GA. I don't see anything new, don't see anything in this to be bothered by. So what are we going to do.

S: I support. We shouldn't hold off for perfect. Disagree about lack of expertise; we should all learn and know. Survivors have expertise. Other people here have expertise. Disrespectful to say no expertise. Organizations want to work with us. This is part of economic injustice, when rape, assault, predatory behavior happens to people with no power to speak up for themselves. Have to start somewhere. Hope we don’t' drag this on.

S: Something like this long overdue. We've passed statements of solidarity but none for solidarity with survivors. Support because this requires us act in solidarity with victims, parents who trust us to help them. Will help reduce risk that people who've never been abused will be abused while with us.

S: I support even though it needs more tweaking. We are going to do it, we're doing it now. We're not trying to set up whole justice system. Not just about survivors. If I were aware of someone posing threat, whether I was personally assaulted, this is about survivors. We're not trying to deal with every issue, just really obvious threats. Someone has to act to ask people to leave – that is this body. Last, but most importantly: we need to encourage children to be more involved, get their voices and wisdom. It's beyond anything like “crucial.” We're trying to change world for and with them. There are self-directed institutions where everyone has voice – children too. Have to actively encourage kids. Can work on as long as we need to, but need to do it.

S: Address concern that Safety and other WGs aren't yet adequate to deal. Is incumbent on us to build up organizational strength and although that WGs are not yet ready to do this we’ll we need to build skill set. Way to build is to demand it from community. Support despite sharing that concern and other. We should not be afraid of passing a good proposal just because this isn't all the way there. Build from something.

S: Hope we pass this tonight. It's not perfect, there will be amendments, look forward to them. We do have named WGs in place. But not the same for 1 person to hold someone accountable as an autonomous action. Important for us as community to adopt procedures. We do have skills, I’m lawyer and professional mediator. Have worked with domestic violence and assault on minors cases. We can do this.

S: Strongly support spirit and part is that if we don't pass a proposal like this, spaces we've created will for me, personally, be spaces that I am comfortable in that people who don’t share my privileges will not be comfortable in. Want other people without my privilege to feel safe, too.

S: If we want to have people on Safety and DA [wtf?] - this falls on everyone here. Rape is less forgivable than murder, should take every step to verify.

S: Temp check that we're all against sexual assault.

Looks like yes.

S: If we can get amendments by Tuesday, it's 90% to awesome.

S: I will support this because while registry not perfect crime has to be really grievous. Proposal is a start, shows people like me that my experience counts. First pass to building trust which has been broken.

S: Concerns about specifics and amendment, but what I deeply support is finding away to make this a SAFER space. Is there ever a safe space? No. Space we think is safest is often not. What I support is that we are trying. Take a step to make a space that is less oppressive and less dangerous. While there are problems with registry, proposal from 1b downward is pretty damn good, offers a way to institutionalize what we see in the system. Not just taking it as given, saying we need to confirm these things as a GA. Powerful political statement. 1A has issue, can be beginning of another proposal to make safer.

S: This conversation has been going on longer than any of us has been alive. Very important step. [could not hear rest]

S: In regards to statements that people who commit assault are part of 99% - using and violating another person just for pleasure and power is incongruous with who we are as movement, we don't need them.

S: Support because I was harassed on-site continually by one individual and when I talked about doing something like removing them, I was told to just ignore them.

S: Absolutely support this. Might have a few flaws,definitely much needed first step for developing policy. That we haven't had one yet is ridiculous, Federal government has better protection for women than we do.

S: I'm standing in solidarity with women, parents, others who feel threatened. If they feel threatened, movement about to crumble, I'm not ready to let it crumbles. Amendments can be brought later. We should all stand in solidarity with this. This should pass. Bring later amendments later.

Facil: Only have 15 min. left, need to leave sooner than that. Need to be out by 11. Only have 5 min. Reminded consensus means finding something everyone can live with. We can find way for amendments to be known if they are emailed in.

Facil: Can we take 5 to hear amendments now? If people help clear some stuff now get extra. Clear that we can't get through more tonight.

[We didn't hear amendments. Proposal will be brought back on Tuesday. Temp check to determine if people want to get to a vote on Tuesday – VERY STRONG SUPPORT for this. GA ended]

GA Notes Week 13 - Tues Dec 27

2011-12-28T15:59:50Z

Jfeathersmith: created page

GA Minutes 27 December 2011

Welcome, thanks to Arlington St. Church. Reminder to clean up.

Admin notes: Cat is taking notes; someone will live-stream, we have livetweeters, too.

Jorge wrote up schedule for future Gas:

Thursday 7pm Emmanual Church, 15 Newbury St
Saturday NO GA, but Firedoglake will be doing dinner for us 5-8:30 Community Church next to Copley T
Sunday 5-8:30 GA Community Church -
Monday 7:30 Community gathering, sponsored by Citizens united WG. Learn more about Citizens United! At community Church
Tuesday next, GA at Arlington ST Church, 7pm

Facil WG Announce: Facil wiki page has list of spaces, we're keeping track for meetings like GA. If you have a lead, add it to the wiki page. Check out our contacts, and notes. Facil WG does these meetings; we always want volunteers!! Come to our meetings, have a say in the process. Meet from 5-7 City Place Food Court, Tues-Fri - in Transp Building - weekends 3-5 same place. Get free food sometimes, great conversation! Near Boylston T stop.

If you are going to smoke here at Arlington church, keep 25 feet from doors – request from church. Put cigarettes in dumpster or trash container.

Church is welcoming, so we need to be respectful in return.

Also, we have a box for collecting donations to continue to use these spaces – they ask for nominal fee. Please contribute.

Last; sound in this room travels, so keep side convos to a minimum – please take it outside if you have to have one. Hard to hear if people having side convos.

Signs about meeting: we have a nice Occupy Boston banner. Church requests nonpartisan signs/banners! As nonprofit, church does not want to inure wrath of IRS.

(Patty taking stack) Facilitators please raise hands! People, ask these folks questions. Justin keep us on task.

Reminder: GA is nonviolent horizontally democratic process. Announcements not for Q and A, but you can always do this [demonstration of hand twinkles, POI, CQ]

Patty: We have forms for proposals! We need proposals in writing on these forms.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOOD: Yay food! We have a lot of food prepped by a lot of people. Thank you to anyone who helped!! Soups, wraps, soup, etc. Thanks Arlington ST church for allowing use of kitchen today!!More we keep it clean, more we can use it.

Homeless Oppressed and Excluded WG: Carlos speaking - ??? [I could not hear what he was saying, was maybe just a “hey we exist” announcement?]

Medical: We want to do outreach at first Night. Lost handwarmers during raid!!! If you have any, please donate! Email cdbadler@gmail.com

Signs: Jay from Signs – we're doing stuff for First Night. If you want mobile signs unit on Saturday, email occupybostonsigns@gmail – coordinate – we'll be at lots of places. Making banners and banner drop. Thursday. Send email.

General Strike: Nicki Jay – First mtg for WG is this Thursday – organize and mobilize for May 1 2012 worldwide General Strike 5:15-6:45 City Place Food Court. See wiki page – General Strike – email 617strike@gmail

Occupy the Farms: Elizabeth - (has a puppy with her). OWS? [could not hear] has bunch of farms they are occupying, throwing out conventional systems, working on sustainable solutions. Boston should do this, too. Starting to reach out to farms, sent people out. See me or Martin after GA. Puppy going to farms [UH OH].

Screenprinting: Jay again. Doing screenprinting for First Night. Meeting Thursday before GA at Emmanuel Church at 6pm. OBScreenprint on Twitter. FB page Occupy Boston Screenprint Guild. Know artists or designers? See me or Anthony or Sarah, etc.

Info Tent: We are organized for First Night! We need lots of help. Going to be wearing tents, welcoming people who show up, pass out info and buttons. Go out in groups of 5 all over city. Be very festive and friendly. Community Church, Friday night to get together, decorate hats. Practice some Occupy Xmas Carols. Email infotents, get on list

CASA – Creative Actions and Subversive Art: Mallory: WG meeting is Weds 8pm at E5 after Tiny Tent construction party, which is 5:30-8. We had a lot of fun last time. We had lots of people including people w/kids. It's really great! Monica: has stickers made by Lydia for Time magazine. Stickers can go anywhere, though! Please take them! Can post these flyers, too. (flyers were printouts showing altered Time cover.)

Radio: Sarah – WWW.obr.fm – listen to us! We have lots of people interested in getting on air – WE NEED MORE PRODUCERS! Please come talk to me. I have a sign-in sheet. A producer is someone who helps get shows on radio – guide people who haven't done radio before. Press a button. Not technically difficult, mainly guidance.

DA: Thursday is our birthday! We need pillowfight flash mob, 5:30 Thursday, in front of Fed. [This was corrected later on – the pillowfight flashmob is FRIDAY] Meet at Fed, so people who can't enter a certain area nearby [Dewey Sq] can join. On Xmas Eve, we brought tiny tents to BoA HQ, police called in, evicted us! Video is online. Sounded just like real raid! We should do a ton more!!! And go back to BoA.

Logistics: Eric – we still have blankets and warm clothing. Bringing in more tonight. Trying to bring stuff every GA. Let us know what you need, we'll bring it.

Street: David & Ben – having meeting on Thursday 5pm Prudential Food Court. Talking about First Night. Occupy the Primary in NH. Long-term goals. RNC??? DNC? G8? Don't want to step on TTTF – City Life getting together 6pm 28 Harris St – East Boston? Occupy homes being illegally foreclosed, really want to work w/us. If we can have a presence, that would be great. Have in mind some blockades, occupations at homes. Right off Maverick Station, block away, little church. [Later on David announced that City Life would prefer our support on January 14; see later notes for details]

Inreach: Ben – Tomorrow we have meting at 5 at E5. We're working on improving internal communications in Occupy Boston. Computers, phone, texting. Dedicated phone line: 617-329-5129. Central comms hub for Occupy Boston WGs – working on this. Want to be point of contact? Talk to Ben occupyprospecthill@gmail.com

Facilitator: Stack is still open. Raise your hand if this is yer first GA. Second GA. Thanks for being here!

Facilitator: Cough drops are here to be had!

InterOccupy: Farhad – we talk to other occupys, help you talk to them. We have meetings on Friday at 7 at e5. Passed mission statement, now on wiki page! If you're from another occupy, find Matt. He'd love to talk to you! Occupy NH trying to do stuff for primaries – talk to InterOccupy or …

Women's Caucus: Leah – lots of people planning fun stuff. We're planning very visible, exciting celebration event. Copley Square, 8pm! We meet twice a week – Tues at 5:30 and Sat 3pm, check calendar/wiki. Location posted online.

Reminder from facilitator: livetweeters, livestreamers, get images of noteboards! Upcoming schedule of stuff is written on them.

DA correction: Pillowfight is FRIDAY, not Thursday

Ideas: Meeting tomorrow at e5 at 5:30, build tiny tents. 7:30 heading to Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, 35 Ash St, discuss concerns we've collected and targeted outreach letter. Feel we're still missing concerns. Check out our wiki page!

Citizens United: Thurs 6pm rm 920A BU something Building on Comm Ave. Jan 2 – hosting Community Night. Professor from Suffolk to give overview of Citizens United. Q&A, open discussion. There's a Jan 20-21 event. Event is part of nationwide occupations going on at Fed Courthouses. An important chance to get in front of people – get money out of politics.

Occupy NH: little group. Republicans coming to town Jan 7. Will be lots of media there in Manchester. Just 1 hour north of us. Debate. Midday is gay pride march. Before debate, street theatre, planning to blanket street w/signs, get people out and visible in media area. NH is small group, has come to Dewey, would mean a lot if we can go up in force. They have a site: occupynh.org – page on our wiki, too, Occupy NH Primary. We'll arrange carpooling, bus sharing. Time on following Sunday the 8th, M-Tues, primary is on 10th. If people want to go up and speak – housing available for overnight visits.

POI: If you've never had chance to be part of NH Primary – you can get into almost any event – it is amazing.

Ocupemos el Barrios: David – Jan 6 meeting. YMCA East Boston, off Airport Station. Look around, not too many people of color here. Sign we're not doing much outreach in those communities – we need to talk about this. Jan 6, 6pm! City Life: Prefer to have our presence on 14th of January, Everett. Have huge list of people being foreclosed on. We go talk to them, knock on doors, ask if they want help. Can't make it to every house, because too many people on list.

FAWG: Greg - Looking for WG authorization forms. We have 12 or 15 now. But over 50 WGs! By mid-Jan, need them. Come get the forms! In Jan, going to start cutting groups off if you haven't turned in form. Not sure if you filled out form? Come see us! This is basedo n proposal from GA a month+ ago.

CQ: Tent census? WG census? What is this?

Facilitator: This is not in purview of announcements

Re:Facil: No calendar yet for Monday gatherings – see link on Facilitation wiki page for list of dates, name of WG, topic. Filled through Jan – next opening is Jan 30, if you/your WG wants to make presentation. Fill it out yourself, don't need to go through anyone. Link to wiki of spaces available – contact info if your WG needs meeting space.

Environment: Ellen(?) - Whole lot of issues being discussed, including Land Care, working on revisioning space at Dewey – come find me if you're interesetd so we can create something great together. WG wrote op-ed to Globe about Durban. Meets Mondays at 6pm, moving to church. Look online for name of church, address. Land Care meets after main WG at cafe nearby. Will be working with Occupy the Farm.

Media: Farhad – WG meeting 7pm e5. New Twitter: Occupybosmedia. Recruiting people – covering of First Night actions! Film, write, etc. New Occupy the Issues – investigative journalism – Greenway, Boston, national. Do some research and publish indie essays? Talk to us!

Writers Caucus: Stories – Why I Occupy. Putting together team. If you want to contribute, 750 words or less. Speak from your heart. Writers@occupyboston.org by Jan 1.

INDIVIDUAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Eric: This is based on email conversations I've seen – all email lists are open to anyone who wants to join, be aware. If you have a personal dispute, reminder they may be on the list, email might be forwarded to them...might be elevating tension. Think productively.

Stanley: Visiting from Connecticut. Last occupation – New Haven – 30 tents. Last big event, march – filled up City Hall – Occupy New Haven, labor council, anti-violence group – marched thru city for hour and a half w/1000 people! Main activism – TV show. Cambridge and Boston stations included. Million+ people viewing YouTube. TheStruggle.org.

Addendum from Rachel: New Haven welcomes anyone who wants to set up a tent! Talk to me.

Bobbi: Have forms for free food, community services, clothing. Resources. Copies of Homeless Bill of Rights for states that have them. Working on getting one for Mass.

Emma: Childcare provider/nanny – wish more kids here! Means more mothers and families...will be at GA Thursday for childcare! If you know parent who needs childcare – tell them to come! We have separate room for childcare. Anyone else want to help, come find me!

Stephanie: There are 4 autonomous actions at First Night – “that is the shit” - shows we have good ideas. Guerilla projection, sound, spread the good word! Offering the ability to come up w/own slides. Have 500 watt projector, overhead w/acetates – doing video and projections. Got images, videos, poems, want to make own acetate – send us raw pdf, we'll take it. mutationiscreation@gmail.com Or talk to me. Mallory, Alex, Noah. Start of mobile projection WG perhaps. Travel around Mass, elsewhere. Our own drive-in theatre!

Ellen: Remember Gandhi statue? Came from Peace Abbey. I go there regularly. Great place to meditate, they offer a lot of things. Sad time for Peace Abbey – probably going to be, not foreclosed upon, but may have to sell. What might happen? Starting WG to come up w/ideas. Wrote quick thing for Sunday blog. Peace Abbey has supported this sort of stuff like we're doing for 40 years – love to see us Occupy them! Lots of potential. Concerned, care, want to do something... Occupy is not Gandhi's first experience at protest – went to Goldman Sachs a year ago! Have info from Peace Abbey. Anything we can do would help. Come find me, need creative ideas!

Alex: This is a printer! About a week ago, we made a proposal about printed proposals. This came with a totebag!! It is awesome! Have your stuff written down! I did not get paper, unfortunately . . . If anyone is interested in how to connect wirelessly, I will tell you!

Mallory: Laura and I are training for Boston Marathon – Occupy the Marathon! Want to join?? Running as Black Bloc would be awesome... Join us or just come cheer us on. Only 1% of population has run a marathon. A way for us to become the 1% for a day! Email me: or just start training and show up. Monday in April – Patriots Day.

Elizabeth: Did some traveling recently. Anyone going to OWS, talk to me before you go so I can tell you where to eat, sleep, etc. sherlock@mit.edu

Charlotte: Who are the WGs going to First Night? Could one person from each WG meet w/me right now so we can try to collaborate/coordinate?

POI: Announcements also on boards, will be posted.

Greg: Didn't bring enough money and there are groups looking for money. Going out to get money, will be back soon.

PROPOSALS

Patty: There are 5, written – any more, give them here now!

Process: GA will determine order of proposals. Have one that rolled over, so number 1 is set, Economic Equality. 4 other proposals. Wait, 5 other proposals. Order must be determined. Proposers will give 1 minute or 2 sentence summary. Hear all 5, then straw poll to determine order.

If you gave a proposal to Patty, she can read your summary or you can provide other summary.

5 proposals in addition to roll-over. Vote as many times as you want.

1- From Eric re: Mutual Aid WG: amendments to 5k proposal passed last week.
2- Economic Equality WG: only the interest earned on Occupy Boston cash assets can be used for real estate acquisition and meeting space.
3- Safety proposal – issue w/certain individuals. Process, how to deal with level 3 sex offenders, safety of children, women, men, to ask them to leave.
4- Signs – money for banner materials for First night
5- Alex – want to go to NYC Jan 6 on behalf Occupy Boston to bring certain individuals back from NYC and DC
6- John Ford – A tool for group to table proposal after 15 minute discussion

Think about whether time sensitive, is it a quick proposal or long one?

When I say it, if you want to hear it, put your hand up!

The order: first the prior proposal from Sunday, Econ Equality.

2: Level 3 sex offenders
3: Signs, money for First Night
4: John, tabling proposals
5: Amendments to Mutual Aid proposal
6: Alex, people coming back from NY, DC

Reminder of process. Consensus-based, hear all voices. Point is for the group to come to decision we can all live with. State proposal. Then CQ, POI. Point here is to clarify info in proposal. Then 5 minute small group discussion. Then hear concerns, support. Then friendly amendments. Proposers get chance to restate. Redo. Then either move to consensing OR table.

First proposal- Economic Equality
Carlos/David: (started to read) PoP – this is not the same as the proposal from Sunday night. [sorting out confusion]

Facil/Patty: thought Carlos' proposal was same as from Sunday night when we lost quorum, but this is completely different/rewritten. Did not read correctly. Now need to vote on this one to sort out order.

Proposal: only the interest from our cash assets should be used for real estate, ownership, lease, etc., by Occupy Boston.

Now we're going to vote on interest in hearing it.

Results of vote - will be after Amendments to Mutual Aid, and before bringing back people from NYC.

Proposal – Sarah, re:how deal with level 3 sex offenders. Passing out paper copies.

Sarah: Before I start, this was extremely difficult for me to do.

[reading out proposal]

Sarah: Have spoken to people in Legal, no clear answer, but there are penalties for misuse of sex offender registration list. I feel it is right to keep level 3 sex offender away because of children being around.

CQs and POI:

POI: Said individual is not registered. Is in violation of court mandate.

Proposer: Don't want to discuss one particular person, but a process.

CQ: Is there an offender here?

POP: Not about individuals, about process.

POI: I believe this process – bothered by shunning – POP this is not a POI.

CQ: [can't hear but might be concern or amendment]

Proposer: [explanation of level 1, 2, as not really dangerous]

POI: Other Occupations – Philly asked someone to leave for similar reason

POI/CQ: [could not hear]

Level 3s not supposed to be around children.

POI? CQ: If you know more details about 1 and 2, want to know. Why focus on level 3 being around children? Rather than in general?

Proposer: Because I'm a mother. Level 3 includes people who have not hurt children, but if you have hurt child, are level 3.

POI: level 1 – prostitute. Broken sex law. Public urination. No rapists. Level 2? not sure about. Level 3 – rapists. All child rapists.

POI: any sex offender registry will tell you what info is. Sex offenders usually never get better.

CQ: Is there existing law preventing level 3s from being in presence of children? How is this needed if there's already a law?

Proposer: did research, is not clear on whether there is such a law. Cannot be in certain distance of school, but we're not a school. As a group who meets in public spaces, don't know?

CQ: Is there law that already covers?

Answer: Has to do with our resources, how we make them available.

CQ: [could not hear]

Prop: group of people make decision – psychiatrists. Independent, not state-paid. Has to do with original crime, tried by jury. Decision by 1 person. Level 3 difficult to get unless crime pretty violent [could not hear]

CQ: [could not hear]

POI: As an adult woman – laws don't help you in prosecuting a rapist as much as laws help children. Level 3 bad. Want to shun them.

POI: this proposal includes refusing funding, clothing, food, and other needs. Being level 3 limits one's access to things like shelters. My ability to source this is limited by not speaking of specific people. My understanding – this population is limited in accessing basic needs.

POI: issue of protecting our status. Policy like this protects organization in case something happens. Important to realize that policy and law enforcement different things.

POI: Lvl 2 or 3 – Some housing places in Boston do not allow them. At camp for over 2 months, end of that, visited police station, saw photos. Individual was serving food, offense was against teens, had teens present...

POP – sounds like this is a concern now.

POI: Do not have to commit a crime to be convicted.

Proposer: If people have concerns, go to Safety team. Did not mention background check.

POI: Safety has a process. Open to amending if concerns about lvl 2 come up in future?

Answer: anyone can bring amendments later.

POI: Limits on resources – resources paid by tax dollars. Doesn't apply to nonprofits, other charities, private funds. There are funds that specifically help those individuals.

CQ: What policies already in place to deal with sex offenders? Is there a direct response to sexual assaults occurring in this space? Or is this the first?

Proposer: We have general good neighbor policy. That is all.

FWG: No specific policy re:sex offenders. Had safety team, community wellness, medical – dealt on case to case basis in Dewey.

POI: Researched w/Sarah – level 1 low risk to reoffend. Level 2, moderate reoffend risk. If in sentencing guidelines, it would require disclosure. Level 3 requires disclosure to all sorts of services that serve children, women, vulnerable adults. In guidelines, individual can be required to stay away. Must stay away from elderly. Federal law about registry – see Gunner for more info.

POI: Emotional issue for people...let's take a breath.

POI: If you are registered level 3 that is public info, online, in books in police stations. Have requirement to report that to certain people if asked. We don't need to do background checks.

CQ: If levels determined by potential for repeat, not nature of crime (consensual vs not), then person who has been hooking knows no other way of making money... are they level 3?

Proposer: No

CQ: Any level 3 shunned, period? March, meeting, anything?

Proposer: anything in public space with us. So yes.

CQ: Proposal states “high risk level 3”? Is there a “low risk” level 3”

Prop: No

POI: Livestream says: reckless endangerment of child is felony.

CQ: Is it legal to ostracize?

CQ: Have we thought about engaging community in ways to protect ourselves to be more aware? Think about ways women can be more assertive – have had harassment. Might be other way to go about this. Have you thought about ways to be more proactive?

Prop: What is question?

CQ: [sounds like should be amendments]

POI: Info is online. We would be held responsible if let person be around, according to what livestream lawyer says, right?

POI/CQ: Is it possible for any of us who have not committed offense, could we be felons for NOT instituting policy?

CQ: Legal – sent email responding, to this issue.

Prop: Had conversation w/legal – it was not same as email response. Felt did not get clear, legal, clarifying answers.

Facil: Murky legalities dealing w/Occupy Boston. We do not have a legal opinion at present.

Facil: Any more?

CQ: Sign security guarantee?

POP that's amendment

CQ: Do we have data on percentage of level 1 move to level 2, 2 to 3?

Prop: Don't unless reconvicted of another. Can go down if no repeats. Every 6 mo, can appeal level, try to get moved down. Have to commit new crime to move up.

POI: We are the 99%. Have concern

POP THAT IS A CONCERN.

5 minutes small group discussion.

Now on Concerns.

C: There are states [can't hear] no matter how well-intentioned, gives me great pause. Need policy on safety, but policy on shunning entire classification of people is very extreme

C: Think we can have other way to deal with violent people. Proposal is how to deal with people who The System has classified, not people we have seen as dangerous due to specific behavior we've seen. System makes mistakes. Legal system gets rid of Occupy by charging us ways that are unfair – this unfairness is throughout legal system. Most offenses not committed in large groups – if we need system to manage people, lets do that.

C: Torn on this. Sympathetic with idea. Want Occupy Boston to be more family friendly, more friendly for everyone. Practice of shunning – originated with Menonite, other religious communities. Makes them very exclusive, harshly so. Concern: don't want us to be like Amish. Concerned about practice of shunning.

C: Share concerns. Secondary concern – past life worked at homeless shelter. Known social workers with lots of experience...when you deal w/complicated issues, deal with them as community – of people trained – people who are correctly classified by system . . . Concerned that 1 single mishap ruins entire person's life, other people's lives.

C: All about shunning assholes. Concerned about deferring to sex offender registry. Don't listen to judges.

C: Concern that something happened, what we're proposing is way to get to solution. That's okay. We don't call prisons prisons, call them rehabilitation. . . emphasis on why we don't have rehab – it's expensive. In wider context, putting concern towards recognizing bad shit happens, how we can address that.

C: Safety issue as well. There are other people who come from other areas. Look at other areas not just Boston.

C: Looking at these 3 points (legal points). It's not necessarily that offender abused a child. Have a duty to protect children. But first 2 points – rape is act of violence. Making mark of demarcation, but not differentiation between rape and other acts of violence. Concerned about slippery slope. In system we have, people do not always get punished, we're only selecting some of them. Occupy judging people in front of them.

C: A lot of men making excuses. Lived in neighborhood where everyone knew father raping son, but no one did anything. Movement is about dealing directly with issues. Knew shelter worker at level 3 who raped someone. Easy for people to get jobs –

POP this is statement of support.

C: Going to lose women if this goes on.

C: I'm a woman and I'm opposed, I will block. It's shocking we're considering. We're here because we feel the process of US Govt is corrupted. Now how come when we get to the offender registry do we trust it? Legal is stacked against people on trial – can't afford lawyer, cost of trial. Punished by long trial. No trust in any convictions. Even w/in system, usually flawed process. Supposed to serve time and then be out. Sex offenders – people are punished far beyond sentence. For us to leap on top of this civil rights problem is corrupt, disappointing, sickening, unacceptable. In favor of children learning karate.

C: Missing point about discrimination – college students getting away with things others aren't. [this was in response to someone being misheard earlier when stating that young men in college get away with sexual assault when others do not]

C: Don't want to see witch hunt. This repeats old fucking system. I'm here to break old systems down. We're proliferating system that is broken, broken, broken. This did need to be brought up, but there are flaws. There are serious safety concerns. But this is repeating old system. Not going along with movement – 99%.

Prop: why didn't anyone email this to me when I asked for feedback?

C: This relies on systems outside of Occupy, system we know is faulty. Does not provide for any verification of any incidences that happened within Occupy. No way to turn this into a restorative justice process. We all know this is important issue. Not best way to go about it.

C: Wanted to start this conversation a while ago. Group here is like “Why can't we agree rape is wrong?” The 'sex offender' is really tricky – could have an amendment – think we should have case by case.

C: If we don't pass something like this – we have a very flawed legal system. Someone who is level 3 sex offender, is deeply in disease.

POP this is not a concern.

C: How are you going to look at yourself if you let something happen? Issue takes years of counseling to deal with.

Facilitator: If your concern has been stated, please don't speak up and repeat same thing.

C: What does this say about prisoner reformation in general? Not just sex offenses. Are we as community educated enough about levels of offense and justice system to make proposal like this. Web search indicated age levels – under age 12 – but have also seen under 16. Does this mean 17 y.o dating 16 y.o. Is problem? I don't feel I have enough knowledge to make blanket proposal. Deeply understand need for safety. Will bring amendments.

C: We have no right to ban anyone from public spaces. By banning individuals from GA, the hub of our new government, hypocritical to our process, what we're trying to do. Saw a person, known offender, on street, in cold. How can you reform if you only show asshole of society? Only going to make it worse by being cruel to them. If people want to make positive change, their past not important to me. Don't want to see people pushed aside to margins. System can't be trusted. Can't ban from public. Would support 'no sleep overs.' Need new policy to deal w/people w/criminal backgrounds. If we're going to be justice system, then we need our own court. I'll block this.

C: This is a nonviolent movement, in course of this discussion, have heard a lot of violent statements about killing/castrating offenders. Please reconsidering how you're discussing this. Some of language of proposal doesn't match goals. Agree we need safety, but shunning doesn't provide this. Crossing from safety to retribution – hearing retribution – is not “we need to be protected.” Slippery slope – drawing line around some group 'these are undesirables” - what could that lead to down the road.

POP? Heard same voices multiple times, this is amplifying concerns.

C: Safety important. But lots of things get passed “for the children.” Leads to lack of rational thought. [having hard time understanding]

C: This not only affirms existing power structure, extends scope of it. Not allow people in children's events, elderly – this goes beyond the court order. Shields us from problem rather than dealing w/problem on one on one. I’ve approached one of these people. Suggest you talk to people you’ve developed relationships with. Need policy to try to shape what we have going forward in exemplar society we want. If this passes, will we be closer to exemplar society?

C: This issue has been a vulnerability from early on. Not a distinct event, whole stream of events, concerned that we don't know if agents of government have been exacerbating these problems to tear us apart. If we accept as a standard for disciplining someone something that is administered by government, agents of government could use that against us.

C: We don't know all facts. Acting like we do know. Viral process, undermines reason. Be really careful about what we know/don't know, what knowledge is suspect. Re:legal details, people are ill cannot be cured. People were put into category that they were not aware of how they'd become member of that, limited ability to change. We're being irresponsible with letting emotions undermine basic faculty of reason. We assume this would protect people but I don't think that's clear. But it is clear it would stigmatize and humiliate people, would bring hostile atmosphere to community.

C: Some people are referencing a specific person; I don't know anything about this specific person. This is about sexual assault in general, right?

C: We don't have a justice system yet. Big gaping hole in movement. We need it because we need to protect ourselves and community. Only option we have is referring to existing system. Need to immediately develop alternative or people will be hurt. We need to protect people now, not wait until to late. Maybe until we have alternative... but concerned that reference to registry makes people feel unhappy because of existing system. Concerned we don't have our own process.

C: Proposal that excludes everyone – will fill people w/fear, prejudice against people. Movement not about excluding people. Don't know if offense happened when person was teenager. More appropriate rather than exclude people from public, make people aware of past. Exclude from all public – nothing's going to happen in public like a GA.

C: This is really divisive issue. People are shocked that people here would condone rape or include rape, I don't think that – just because we don't support this proposal doesn't mean we condone rape or sexual violence.

C: We are doing what we do often, looking at things at either or, not at possibilities – both/and. Need to consider both/and solution.

C: This might take some time. This concerns present moment, Occupy movement. This is difficult for me. I don't know much about this topic. I've been attacked, I'm aware of people making passes. Whether that qualifies me to speak I don't know. There are people here who have been targeted. Prejudices can infiltrate movement.

C: GAs are all public, everything we do is public. Anyone could show up. We can't prevent a sex offender showing up cause we don't know everyone.

Statements of support

Facilitator: It's getting late, people have strong feelings, please assemble your thoughts.

POP: Wait, NOW you're telling people to keep it short?

Facilitator: No.

S: Proposal isn't perfect, but it is well meaning and important in one sense: I would rather inadvertently exclude someone who might be salvageable but is dangerous than raise level of fear of people here who might be vulnerable. Want inclusiveness, but important that people feel safe. Lot of problems with proposal, but in favor because of people who might be hurt if we don't exclude people. Has to be a way for GA to make assessments of this nature in less than a century.

S: Address concern of shunning. If you're not shunning sex offenders, you are shunning women and children even if you don't acknowledge it. Would love there to be a away to have everyone, but we don't have resources.

S: Support this. Keep hearing concerns about broken system - yes, system that allows offenders to walk away. Rape kits in storage cause no one wants to spend money on it. Offenders manipulate situation, become friend so they can get close to your or your child. Get OFF the stranger thing. White man attacked me. White men get away with crap. Lets not forget Catholic church – shuffled pedophiles around. Don't want to harbor people who could harm adults or children. Can't sit here and make excuses about the system. Case where woman reverses statement because men who went to prison were innocent [unclear if this is accurate; did not follow entire statement]. Law passed where can't ask 'what were you wearing?' Costs $500 to run DNA. Only reason cases become circumstantial is money, that's why cases get thrown out. System broken because of money. Favors men. If they are the aggressor. Lots of men and boys abused, too, but macho shame prevents them coming forward. We need to distance ourselves from people who are offenders. Level 3 has high chance of reoffending, but we're looking for place for us to live? Do we want people like that living with us? So much crap going on. If you're apathetic, movement not for you.

S: Mic-check: 1 in 3 women will raped in lifetime. 60% will never report. 1% of rapists will ever spend day in jail. [mic-check ends] Spent Xmas alone because family wanted to spend day with man who raped me as a child. I've been raped more than I've had consensual sex. Talk flawed system? Consider women who are raped, children. Police asked me what I was wearing, almost charged me with assault cause I hit him. Had to sit here and listen to people talk about 'the system' and not ME. Am I your value? If we allow level 3s, we will leave. Can't believe I have to say this. Want to fix system, talk to judges about low cut shirts, put sex workers in jail. Rape is not accidental. Kids can't fight against adults even w/karate. I fought back once – broken ribs, concussion. This is my life, this is our life, this is our movement. My exemplar society does not include rapists. This is one crime that is mostly done by men. If this does not pass – this is not a society I want to be a part of.

S: Do not let perfect be enemy of good. I let my child come here than found out people here know about lvl 3 and didn't tell me after my child had interacted with known offender. I've been threatened with violence at GA while facilitating and we wouldn't even shun that person. We're talking about categorizing things exactly properly, oh my god we don't want to deny people? This first step in proposal is to talk to person. Every time we go through this process you're telling me you don't really care about people. I will go public if this doesn't pass. How many social workers therapists, etc. are here? In therapy I went through I learned that you don't cure sex offenders and narcissism. Those usually come together, don't have capacity for empathy. Don't tell me you're going to develop a system to fix that.

Someone leaves after statement: Been working 30 years, offended by statements that cure not possible.

S, continuing after person left: important to pass some version of this proposal. But make a statement that you care, please.

S: Support this. So many incredible points made. If we pass this and inadvertently exclude the wrongly convicted, better than letting person be hurt.

S: Level 3 only a rapist. Murder is more forgivable. Cannot excuse rape. In prison, cut your fucking balls off. Legislation [somewhere, could not hear] against pedophiles - castration. Understand that conspiratorial people - counterintelligence - conspire to jail people on fallacious charges. Know person being talked about - person we're discussing...

S: Reiterate what others have said. We have shunned people here for theft, have crossed that bridge. We are fighting system of abuse of power, strong against weak. Sex offense is about powerful abusing weaker. Recognize compassion for people in flawed justice system. Welcome amendments and changes to proposal. Don't let perfect be enemy of good. Every proposal is living, can be adjusted, amended. Support this as is.

S: May need amendments but. We spent a lot of time not talking about victims. Current system not perfect. What we have is not perfect. Have struggled to find restorative justice - not much out there for sex offense. If we're going to encourage children, families, need accountability. There are names attached to movement, so some of us individually have accountability, could be held accountable since we'd don't have insurance as a board or anything. We're acting as legal entity even if we aren't one. Need to protect people.

S: I've been raped as kid. Over and over - it doesn't stop unless you do something about it. We have public bathrooms here - [implying that bad things can happen 'in public'] Need to protect people.

S: At GA, heard comments from women there. One a victim who was approached at encampment. If this goes through, needs adjustment. Woman being approached by people who weren't level 3. People need to have more respect for each other. If we're in encampment, level of safety needs to be addressed. Can't expel people, thieves, violent people.

S: Went to all women's college. Can't tell you how many times I heard about rape, women I knew were raped, men I knew raped people, kids I work with. Issue is prevalent. I support purpose, entirely support reasoning of proposal. Not sure this is direction I'm comfortable with. Referencing one specific person- remember there are people out there who have not been charged, who we don't have system in place for. Systems for everyone are broken.

S: Is actually doing something to address problem. Otherwise all the time "how do we deal with this?" If not exactly right, will bring us something. More rape victims in world than rapists. Affirming victims' rights. Would be vicious and rude to not have some policy in place for dealing with this. As a movement we've done nothing but affirm what rights we DO have - if asserting rights some DON'T have, this is good place to start.

S: Support. Also support restorative justice. I'm a practical idealist, believe we can have both. Offer amendments. Support having safeguards, as many as possible, to protect most vulnerable. Every time seen people step up and speak from experience - all these philosophical statements are telling other side with direct experience "we don't care."

S: Support in spirit. Not sure of wording. Was harassed at camp for long time. Spoke up, told others it was okay to speak up. Was not informed of anything.

S: Maybe shunning is only way, maybe.

S: My sisters are crying out for us to support this. If we don't, I'm probably going to leave. I'm sorry we're getting sidetracked, as community we don't have skills to deal. I assume Allison just found about our child - tell me why you didn't tell me? I'd like to understand what the fuck is going on.

S: We know system is broken, no need bring it up. General public, media, pretend world is perfect. We have nothing. If we're going to have women and family and husbands live in this movement, we should support this, if you don't, amend it. If it does pass, bring up more amendments. Should pass as is.

S: It is general knowledge that average rapist will rape 7 times. Will help prevent repeats in our community.

S: Important for morale. Defend most vulnerable. Need to pass ASAP. From there, seriously discuss how to deal with large range of unacceptable behavior we're going to experience. I believe this is an inclusive comm, but don't have to accept dangerous behavior. Pass, continue to amend going forward.

S: Have been struggling with this. Worked in system for 7 years - lost faith in it after "resisting" charges against occupiers. If we don't deal with this, society won't either. Society has let us down. Locks people away or claims "cured." If we know there are those among us who are level 3 - system is broken, but it's what we have. Step 1 is to talk to people and ask them to leave. If they say no, ask why. If people want to stay, means have identified victims. This is as good as it gets right now. Can amend. Respect vulnerable people. Give some level of protection.

S: Might not be perfect thing. From my own experience - you should fucking do everything you can to protect a child. So many of us wish someone had this conversation when we were kids. This is important for Occupy Boston to discuss. Discussing is part of the healing. Important to read about it... books not written by system. Contentious issue. False accusation horrible thing. People who have committed crime deserve food and help, but we're not the agency to do it. Hope and pray they get it, but spending our time safeguarding constantly at Occupy...knowing some of these folks were approaching children.

S: I support this because people who've been hurt support it.

S: Part of us occupying is us bringing change to world. Sex offense is part of world being fucked up. Going to lose people if we don't support. Can't afford to lose people, need to gain. Strongly support.

S: Agree with previous reasons. Re:concerns about relying on registry. Yes it's flawed, but we're trying to create new society inside old. Two ways to do: separate from existing systems completely or sometimes work w/what we've got. Think this is the latter. Don't have better option than registry. Let's get beyond unrealistic ideals for this issue.

S: Had issues as kid. Am convicted felon. Been around a lot of sex offenders. They don't get better. Very slim percentage get better. Fact that people even in something like this turns my stomach.

S: When my laptop was stolen, cops trying to bargain with me by providing name of offender. Will provide info to manipulate us.

S: May not be entirely new statement. If we insist on creating exemplar society - run a risk. Takes time. Time in which someone could be hurt. Get good amendments. Get something.

[around this time we moved outside and I stopped taking live notes. What follows are my summaries of what happened. I can't remember if we did more statements of support outside]

There were amendments read. Proposer took notes as best as possible in the rain. After some process discussion, we decided to have this proposal roll over to Thursday. Proposer will take amendments over email.

Next proposal [I think]: Up to $300 for Signs to make banners for First Night. Will include banner drop at church at Copley Square. Need to buy paint, canvas, balloons.

Some concerns that I can remember:

Balloons – environmental problem.

Spending money when we're no longer getting many donations (very little since eviction), not really being financially responsible.

Can't this be done cheaper with donated materials or thrift store acquisitions?

Support and additional stuff:

Someone on livestream has theatre backdrops and acrylic paint to donate.

Someone at GA has large vinyl banners from South Station ads. Please take them out of my apartment!

We need our banners at First Night to look good – the church is really really visible, will be a million people in Boston for First Night. Need to put on good show, have good looking banners. Need visibility now that encampment gone.

Where can donations go? Answer: E5, Jay has to be there to accept, cannot store much – costs money.

Support because Jay has experience with Signs, knows what he's doing, trust him to not overspend.

There was an interruption following one statement of support because of Point of Process: This statement came from a co-proposer – we're not supposed to permit statements of support from proposers! Facilitator asks if we want to have a long conversation about process right now.

Eventually the proposal passes – amended to remove balloons, lower max amount spent because will not be buying balloons.

John's proposal about tabling proposals is not heard because he has left.

Next up: Eric with amendments to Mutual Aid Working Group proposal to buy people T passes, warm clothing, food, stipend for people housing people.

Will have working groups buy T passes, inexpensive phones, for members who need them. Proposal includes budget for $1000 for clothing (later in process, explains we buy from thrift stores as much as possible, and are getting good discount from local store for certain other items). Phones are necessary for safety – if you don't have permanent place to sleep, how do you contact someone if you're locked out from place you plan to stay? Also allows people to be more productive activists, if they have communication. Census was done to determine what people need – T passes biggest issue. About 20 people turned in census. About 90% need T pass.

Explains later that part of reason for having working groups get budget for T passes and phones is so WG can verify the person with needs is active in community.

Concerns that this proposal might lead to $5000 being spent all in one month, rather than over 3 months as in original. Concerns that this method of distribution doesn't seem to add up to $5000, might exceed.

Eric unaware of discussion happening via Google docs – concerns that without knowing what other people have been working on, this amendments proposal will have to go through another round, because issues raised in the Gdocs not addressed.

A 2nd call for quorum came up – we do not have quorum (first one came during discussion of sex offender proposal- we did have quorum then). Eric stays to continue discussing.

GA/Minutes/Dec2011

2011-12-28T15:59:05Z

Jfeathersmith: /* GA Notes Week 13 - Tues Dec 27 */

===[[GA Notes Week 13 - Tues Dec 27|Week 13 - Tues Dec 27]]===
Note: Held at Arlington Street Church

=== [https://docs.google.com/document/d/13MUnBL11sR58mJJUVaZgp-8dpzciRVQHZcWeDL4t4vo/edit Week 13 - Sun Dec 25] ===

===Week 12 - Thur Dec 22===
Note: Held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church

===Week 12 - Tues Dec 20===
Note: Held at Arlington Street Church

=== [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/GA/Minutes/Dec182011 Week 12 - Sun Dec 18] ===

===Week 12 - Sat Dec 17===
Note: Held at Parkman Bandstand in Boston Common

===Week 11 - Thur Dec 15===
Note: Held in sanctuary of Emmanuel Episcopal Church

===Week 11 - Tues Dec 13===
Note: Held at Cathedral Church of St. Paul and Parkman Bandstand in Boston Common

=== [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/8/8d/GA_Dec_11_2011_PM.txt Week 11 - Sun Dec 11] ===

=== [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/a/ac/GA_Dec_10_2011_BostonCommon.txt Week 11 - Sat Dec 10] ===

Note: Occupy Boston was evicted from its camp at Dewey Square at 5:00 AM on 12/10/11.

===Week 11 - Fri Dec 9, Evening===

===Week 10 - Thur Dec 8, Evening===

===Week 10 - Tues Dec 6, Evening===

=== [[GA Minutes Sun Dec 4, 2011|Week 10 - Sun Dec 4, Evening]] ===

=== [[Media:GA_Dec_03_2011_PM.txt|Week 10 - Sat Dec 3, Evening]] ===

Note: Held at Copley Square

===Week 10 - Thur Dec 1, Evening===

GA/Minutes/Dec2011

2011-12-28T15:58:36Z

Jfeathersmith: /* [GA Minutes Week 13 - Tues Dec 27] */

===[[GA Notes Week 13 - Tues Dec 27]]===
Note: Held at Arlington Street Church

=== [https://docs.google.com/document/d/13MUnBL11sR58mJJUVaZgp-8dpzciRVQHZcWeDL4t4vo/edit Week 13 - Sun Dec 25] ===

===Week 12 - Thur Dec 22===
Note: Held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church

===Week 12 - Tues Dec 20===
Note: Held at Arlington Street Church

=== [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/GA/Minutes/Dec182011 Week 12 - Sun Dec 18] ===

===Week 12 - Sat Dec 17===
Note: Held at Parkman Bandstand in Boston Common

===Week 11 - Thur Dec 15===
Note: Held in sanctuary of Emmanuel Episcopal Church

===Week 11 - Tues Dec 13===
Note: Held at Cathedral Church of St. Paul and Parkman Bandstand in Boston Common

=== [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/8/8d/GA_Dec_11_2011_PM.txt Week 11 - Sun Dec 11] ===

=== [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/a/ac/GA_Dec_10_2011_BostonCommon.txt Week 11 - Sat Dec 10] ===

Note: Occupy Boston was evicted from its camp at Dewey Square at 5:00 AM on 12/10/11.

===Week 11 - Fri Dec 9, Evening===

===Week 10 - Thur Dec 8, Evening===

===Week 10 - Tues Dec 6, Evening===

=== [[GA Minutes Sun Dec 4, 2011|Week 10 - Sun Dec 4, Evening]] ===

=== [[Media:GA_Dec_03_2011_PM.txt|Week 10 - Sat Dec 3, Evening]] ===

Note: Held at Copley Square

===Week 10 - Thur Dec 1, Evening===

GA/Minutes/Dec2011

2011-12-28T15:57:57Z

Jfeathersmith: created page for minutes for dec 27

===[GA Minutes Week 13 - Tues Dec 27]===
Note: Held at Arlington Street Church

=== [https://docs.google.com/document/d/13MUnBL11sR58mJJUVaZgp-8dpzciRVQHZcWeDL4t4vo/edit Week 13 - Sun Dec 25] ===

===Week 12 - Thur Dec 22===
Note: Held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church

===Week 12 - Tues Dec 20===
Note: Held at Arlington Street Church

=== [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/GA/Minutes/Dec182011 Week 12 - Sun Dec 18] ===

===Week 12 - Sat Dec 17===
Note: Held at Parkman Bandstand in Boston Common

===Week 11 - Thur Dec 15===
Note: Held in sanctuary of Emmanuel Episcopal Church

===Week 11 - Tues Dec 13===
Note: Held at Cathedral Church of St. Paul and Parkman Bandstand in Boston Common

=== [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/8/8d/GA_Dec_11_2011_PM.txt Week 11 - Sun Dec 11] ===

=== [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/a/ac/GA_Dec_10_2011_BostonCommon.txt Week 11 - Sat Dec 10] ===

Note: Occupy Boston was evicted from its camp at Dewey Square at 5:00 AM on 12/10/11.

===Week 11 - Fri Dec 9, Evening===

===Week 10 - Thur Dec 8, Evening===

===Week 10 - Tues Dec 6, Evening===

=== [[GA Minutes Sun Dec 4, 2011|Week 10 - Sun Dec 4, Evening]] ===

=== [[Media:GA_Dec_03_2011_PM.txt|Week 10 - Sat Dec 3, Evening]] ===

Note: Held at Copley Square

===Week 10 - Thur Dec 1, Evening===

Creative Actions and Subversive Arts

2011-12-24T19:36:31Z

Jfeathersmith: /* Tiny Tent Task Force */ link to pdf for tents

CASA is a working group for artists and non-artists alike who want to engage in creative projects within Occupy Boston.

'''Next meeting:''' at E5, Wednesday, December 28, at 8pm

'''Next event:''' Tiny Tent making, at E5, Wednesday, December 28, from 5-8pm

'''Mailing list:''' [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/arts Click here for sign-up information.]

==Tiny Tent Task Force==

The Tiny Tent Task Force makes and distributes tiny tents.

*Check out the [http://tinytents.tumblr.com Tiny Tents Tumblr] for pictures - and submit your own tiny tent sightings!
*[http://tinytents.tumblr.com/build Download a PDF to make tiny paper or cardstock tents]
*Here is a [http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/22/1047798/-Tiny-Tent-Task-Force-Pictorial-Tutorial tutorial for making a tiny tent out of fabric].

==Other Projects==

This would be a good place to write about the graphic design project (projects?) for solidarity with Egypt.

==Other Occupy Boston Arts & Design Resources==

*[[Graphic Design]] projects, including button, sticker, and poster designs.
*[[Arts and Culture]]

==General Resources==

Here would be a good place to store useful information like which print shops have printers that will not scale your print jobs properly, links to articles and documents with interesting facts to share with the world, and so on.

Creative Actions and Subversive Arts

2011-12-24T19:33:37Z

Jfeathersmith: created page

CASA is a working group for artists and non-artists alike who want to engage in creative projects within Occupy Boston.

'''Next meeting:''' at E5, Wednesday, December 28, at 8pm

'''Next event:''' Tiny Tent making, at E5, Wednesday, December 28, from 5-8pm

'''Mailing list:''' [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/arts Click here for sign-up information.]

==Tiny Tent Task Force==

The Tiny Tent Task Force makes and distributes tiny tents.

*Check out the [http://tinytents.tumblr.com Tiny Tents Tumblr] for pictures - and submit your own tiny tent sightings!
*Here is a [http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/22/1047798/-Tiny-Tent-Task-Force-Pictorial-Tutorial tutorial for making a tiny tent out of fabric].
*We are working on putting up a PDF with the paper pattern on it.

==Other Projects==

This would be a good place to write about the graphic design project (projects?) for solidarity with Egypt.

==Other Occupy Boston Arts & Design Resources==

*[[Graphic Design]] projects, including button, sticker, and poster designs.
*[[Arts and Culture]]

==General Resources==

Here would be a good place to store useful information like which print shops have printers that will not scale your print jobs properly, links to articles and documents with interesting facts to share with the world, and so on.

Working Groups

2011-12-24T19:19:13Z

Jfeathersmith: /* C */ added CASA

'''Working groups''' are teams of people within the Occupation, each focused on a particular area or task. These groups are the organs supporting the body of the Occupation. Within them you will find resources, discussions, and courses of action in every field. __NOTOC__

Working groups are '''open''', which means anyone can help out, including you! Like the Occupation as a whole, working groups are run as horizontal democracies, using consensus decision-making and holding publically accessible meetings. To join or volunteer with a working group, see its wiki page for contact information and meeting times.

To join the email list for any of these groups, to get announcements and/or participate in discussion, please go to the [[http://groups.occupyboston.org/ workgroup signup page]].

[[Instructions for Starting a Work Group]]

===A===
(4)
*[[Allies Against Racism]] (AAR)
*[[Animal Safety]]
*[[WG/Anti-Oppression|Anti-Oppression]]
*[[Arts and Culture|Arts and Culture]]
===B===
(1)
*[[Boston Occupier]]
===C===
(8)
*[[Camper Caucus|Camper Caucus]]
*[[CASEJ|Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice (CASEJ)]]
*[[Citizens United to End Political Bribery|Citizens United to End Political Bribery]] For ending corporate money in politics
*[[Commons]] Defining what is "Common Property"
*[[CommunityCuppa|Community Cuppa]]
*[[Community Organizations / Movement Building]]
*[[Community Reinvestment|Community Reinvestment]]
*[[Tent City/Safety/Community Wellness|Community Wellness]]
*[[Creative Actions and Subversive Arts|CASA - Creative Actions and Subversive Arts]]

===D===
(2)
*[[Decolonize Boston - People of Color]]
*[[Direct Action|Direct Action]]
===E===
(3)
*[[Energy|Energy]]
*[[Environmental]]
*[[External Technology Support]] (to work on this wiki and other sites, not necessarily at Dewey Square)
===F===
(6)
*[[WG/Facilitation|Facilitation]]
*[[Faith and Spirituality|Faith and Spirituality]]
*[[Food|Food]]
*[[Food - Post Dewey]]
*[[Finance Working Group|Financial Accountability]]
*[[Free School University (FSU)]]
===G===
(1)
*[[General Strike and Convergence Working Group]]
===H===
(2)
*[[Health Justice|Health Justice]]
*[[Houseless And Allies Community Working Group]]
===I===
(6)
*[[Ideas]]
*[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Indigenous_Solidarity_and_Outreach Indigenous Solidarity and Outreach (Decolonize Boston)]
*[[Individual Action]] What each of us can do on our own
*[[Info Tent]]
*[[InterOccupy Communications]]
*[[Immigration Working Group|Immigration]]

===J===
(1)
*[[Jail Support]]
===K===
===L===
(4)
*[[Legal|Legal]]
*[[Livestream|Livestream]]
*[[Tent City/Library|Library, A-Z Library]]
*[[Logistics|Logistics]]
===M===
(4)
*[[Media|Media]]
*[[Media Strategy|Media Strategy]]
*[[Medical|Medical]]
*[[Music and Events]]
===N===
(1)
*[[Nonviolence and Civil Disobedience (Working Group)|Nonviolence and Civil Disobedience]]
===O===
(5)
*[[WG/OBIT|Occupy Boston Information Technology]]
*[[Occupy Boston Globe]]
*[[Occupy Everywhere|Occupy Everywhere]]
*[[Occupy News Network]]
*[[Occupy NH Primary, OB]]
*[[Outreach|Outreach]]

===P===
(2)
*[[WG/Peace Action|Peace Action]]
*[[Pedal Power|Pedal Power (Documentation)]]
===Q===
(1)
*[[Queer and Trans Caucus|Queer and Trans Caucus]]
===R===
(3)
*[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/OBradio Radio]
*[[Random Acts of Kindness|Random Acts of Kindness]]
*[[Road Map Planning Working Group|Road Map Planning Working Group]]
===S===
(10)
*[[Safety|Safety]]
*[[Signs|Signs]]
*[[Solidarity]]
*[[Strategies, Proposals, Positions|Strategies, Proposals, Positions]]
*[[Strategic Planning]]
*[[Street Team]]
*[[Street Theater]]
*[[Students Occupy]]
*[[Survivor Advocacy]]
*[[Sustainable Economy]]
===T===
(2)
*[[Thankfulness]]
*[[Transparency|Transparency]]
===U===
(1)
*[[Unitarian Universalists]]
===V===
(1)
*[[Volunteer Coordination|Volunteer Coordination]]
===W===
(4)
*[[Winterization and Fire Safety]]
*[[Womens Caucus]]
*[[Workers]]
*[[Arts/Media/Writers' Caucus|Writers' Caucus]]
===X===
===Y===
===Z===
(total: 72)

Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice (CASEJ)

2011-12-20T02:58:57Z

Jfeathersmith: created page

Working Groups

2011-12-20T02:49:16Z

Jfeathersmith: added climate action, sustainability and environmental justice

'''''ATTN Working Groups: Please update your pages with mailing list and other contact info.'''''

----

'''Working groups''' are teams of people within the Occupation, each focused on a particular area or task. These groups are the organs supporting the body of the Occupation. Within them you will find resources, discussions, and courses of action in every field.

Working groups are '''open''', which means anyone can help out, including you! Like the Occupation as a whole, working groups are run as horizontal democracies, using consensus decision-making and holding publically accessible meetings. To join or volunteer with a working group, see its wiki page for contact information and meeting times.

To join the email list for any of these groups, to get announcements and/or participate in discussion, please go to the [[http://groups.occupyboston.org/ workgroup signup page]].

[[Instructions for Starting a Work Group]]

:''An alphabetized list of working groups:''

*[[Allies Against Racism]] (AAR)
*[[Animal Safety]]
*[[WG/Anti-Oppression|Anti-Oppression]]
*[[Arts and Culture|Arts and Culture]]
*[[Boston Occupier]]
*[[Camper Caucus|Camper Caucus]]
*[[CASEJ|Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice]]
*[[Citizens United to End Political Bribery|Citizens United to End Political Bribery]] For ending corporate money in politics
*[[Commons]] Defining what is "Common Property"
*[[CommunityCuppa|Community Cuppa]]
*[[Community Organizations / Movement Building]]
*[[Community Reinvestment|Community Reinvestment]]
*[[Tent City/Safety/Community Wellness|Community Wellness]]
*[[Decolonize Boston - People of Color]]
*[[Direct Action|Direct Action]]
*[[Energy|Energy]]
*[[Environmental]]
*[[External Technology Support]] (to work on this wiki and other sites, not necessarily at Dewey Square)
*[[WG/Facilitation|Facilitation]]
*[[Faith and Spirituality|Faith and Spirituality]]
*[[Food|Food]]
*[[Food - Post Dewey]]
*[[Finance Working Group|Financial Accountability]]
*[[Free School University (FSU)]]
*[[Health Justice|Health Justice]]
*[[Houseless And Allies Community Working Group]]
*[[Ideas]]
*[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Indigenous_Solidarity_and_Outreach Indigenous Solidarity and Outreach (Decolonize Boston)]
*[[Individual Action]] What each of us can do on our own
*[[Info Tent]]
*[[InterOccupation Communications/Connections]]
*[[Immigration Working Group|Immigration]]
*[[Jail Support]]
*[[Legal|Legal]]
*[[Livestream|Livestream]]
*[[Tent City/Library|Library, A-Z Library]]
*[[Logistics|Logistics]]
*[[Media|Media]]
*[[Media Strategy|Media Strategy]]
*[[Medical|Medical]]
*[[Music and Events]]
*[[Nonviolence and Civil Disobedience (Working Group)|Nonviolence and Civil Disobedience]]
*[[WG/OBIT|Occupy Boston Information Technology]]
*[[Occupy Boston Globe]]
*[[Occupy Everywhere|Occupy Everywhere]]
*[[Occupy News Network]]
*[[Outreach|Outreach]]
*[[WG/Peace Action|Peace Action]]
*[[Pedal Power|Pedal Power (Documentation)]]
*[[Queer and Trans Caucus|Queer and Trans Caucus]]
*[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/OBradio Radio]
*[[Random Acts of Kindness|Random Acts of Kindness]]
*[[Road Map Planning Working Group|Road Map Planning Working Group]]
*[[Safety|Safety]]
*[[Signs|Signs]]
*[[Solidarity]]
*[[Strategies, Proposals, Positions|Strategies, Proposals, Positions]]
*[[Strategic Planning]]
*[[Street Team]]
*[[Street Theater]]
*[[Students Occupy]]
*[[Survivor Advocacy]]
*[[Sustainable Economy]]
*[[Thankfulness]]
*[[Transparency|Transparency]]
*[[Unitarian Universalists]]
*[[Volunteer Coordination|Volunteer Coordination]]
*[[Winterization and Fire Safety]]
*[[Womens Caucus]]
*[[Workers]]
*[[Arts/Media/Writers' Caucus|Writers' Caucus]]

Arts/Signs/Graphic Design

2011-12-14T02:56:53Z

Jfeathersmith: updated printing info/status of blank stickers

This page is for instructions and files for printing graphics like stickers, posters, t-shirts, and more.

==Buttons==

Here are files developed for creating buttons:
* [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/file/view/ButtonTog99Red2.jpg ButtonTog99Red2.jpg]
* [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/file/view/buttonboston99white.jpg buttonboston99white.jpg]
* [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/file/view/buttonbostonpeoplebanksblack.jpg buttonbostonpeoplebanksblack.jpg]
* [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/file/view/buttonbostonpeopleblue.jpg buttonbostonpeopleblue.jpg]
* [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/file/view/buttonbostonpeoplecorpblack.jpg buttonbostonpeoplecorpblack.jpg]
* [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/file/view/buttonbostonwethe.jpg buttonbostonwethe.jpg]

1000 buttons (1 1/4" diameter) were ordered with a mix of these designs on them and delivered to Logistics on October 18. The buttons were ordered from [http://cheapbuttons.com cheapbuttons.com] (located in Quincy, MA!). Cost for 1000 buttons, plus priority shipping, was $275 ($10 for shipping), meaning 27.5 cents per button. Order was placed on weekend of October 8, proofs reviewed on Oct 12, and order received on Oct. 17.

==Posters==

1000Community Generated Posters:
* [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/file/view/riot_police_oct_11.png riot_police_oct_11.png]
* [https://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/file/view/occupy%20boston-night%20collage.pdf occupy boston-night collage.pdf]
* [http://southendtextiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/occupy_poster.pdf]]

==Stickers==

How To Print Your Own Stickers

# Download this PDF file to get the template: [[http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/file/view/stickersboston.pdf stickersboston.pdf]
# Buy 2 1/2" diameter round labels. The ID number for the stickers is: Avery #5294 or Maco ML-1225. Uline makes labels that are the same format and so does The Paper Source.
# Go to FedEx/Kinkos and have the staff print it for you. Ask for a test print first, and make sure you tell them to NOT scale the image. If you have to leave the job there, make sure they put the instructions about scale into their system! If the person who takes your order is not the person who prints it, they may not handle the scaling properly. If, when you pick up the final job, it has NOT been scaled properly, point this out. They should not charge you for a misprinted job.
## DO NOT use the self-service machines. These machines automatically scale the document and you cannot stop it. This is bad! 
## The ink on Staple's self-service machines does not adhere properly, either. Their color copier did not properly align the results.

NOTE: You can try printing them on your own printer, but I've had mediocre to terrible results with the ink not sticking well, and then smearing ALL OVER later sheets and the insides of the printer. So, do a test print or two first before printing dozens.

Printing in the past being coordinated by me, [[User:Jfeathersmith|Jfeathersmith]] 21:56, 13 December 2011 (EST). If you have questions, you can contact me through the wiki or on Twitter. (I have 2 boxes of blank stickers - that's 2400 more stickers! - that I can print as they are needed. Or they can be used for other designs appropriate for round stickers.)
-------
''Based on: [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/Graphic+Design Graphic Design at wikispaces]''

Winterization and Fire Safety

2011-11-15T01:32:56Z

Jfeathersmith: added some info re:tents and tarps - and other misc. things, rearranged some other things

'''This is the main page for Winterization and Fire Safety issues.'''

'''Announcements'''

[[Urgently-needed Items, approved for Emergency Funding by GA 10/27|Emergency Items 10/28]]

We have an email list: [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/winter Signup Form]

'''There are 3 primary concerns for winter:'''

*People - keeping us warm (clothing, etc.)
*Shelter - needs to be warm and sturdy (resist snow load, wind, etc.)
*Safety - fire and carbon monoxide, snow removal, preventing slipping on ice, etc.

== People==

Please read [[Winter Health and Safety for Protestors]], which covers personal dress and behavior. More concise, printed versions are available in the Library and the Info tent.

Keeping warm while sitting or lying down:

*Layers of corrugated cardboard, or even newspapers. Wrap in plastic to keep it from getting wet and then frozen.
*Foil bubble home insulation. Regular bubblewrap, even.
*Air mattress
*[[#Foam sheets|Foam sheets or blocks (styrofoam).]]
*Cots or Hammocks - prevent direct ground contact, but don't insulate from cold air. Allows adding insulation below the cot or hammock; insulation here doesn't get compressed by body weight. Could be as simple as blankets or bags of styrofoam peanuts.

Clothing Solutions:

*Polypropylene layers under regular clothing. Look for items with a NSN number (military issue). Look for wool and thermals underwear too.
*Waterproof shoes/boots. Wear boots LARGER than your normal size - more room for extra socks, extra space = insulation, ability to move toes and improve circulation.
*Space blankets hooded and regular all weather blankets NASA TECH wind H2O reflect 90%of body heat, 5x7 hooded: [http://warmers.com/ItemDetails.aspx?itemid=MPISB&pkey=Products%7cOutdoor+Gear%7cSPACE+Brand+Hooded+All-Weather+Blanket&pval=0%7c77%7cMPISB&pIds=Showcase%7cCategoryID%7citemid Examples here; also emergency blankets and bags]

Additional solutions:

*Hot beverages
*Hot food
*Warming stations .. possibly use the hot manhole covers for a "sauna" room.
*We can also use solar heat gain for daytime comfort. Clear plastic roofs with windbreaking sides make for good comfort on sunny days.
*Personal heating solutions
** Hot water bottles
** Heated bricks
** Instant heat packs
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGyyTPBZMh4 DIY heat pack] using water, sodium acetate, a hair clip, and boilable plastic bags.

== Shelter ==

Current solutions we are working to implement:

*A proposal was passed to buy several large military-grade tents for a number of functions, including the Kitchen, Medical, and Logistics. We are in the process of acquiring them..
*Funds have been donated to build several tiny rolling sleeping shelters - small, insulated "houses" that do a great job of keeping the occupant warm and elevated above the cold, wet ground.
*Other ideas are being worked out and developed as prototypes.
*A group of architects, city planners, and engineers from MIT and other area schools is working to come up with solutions for personal heating, shelter, and other winter-related problems.
*Methods of proper placement of tarps under and over tents, to prevent water pooling underneath, and to create insulating layers of air over top, are being taught to campers.
**If two tents are placed so their entrances face each other, with 4-5 feet between them, one large tarp can cover some or all of both tents to create a covered entryway.
**A gap between this tarp and the tents beneath it creates a layer of air that will help insulate the tent, and prevent water from moving from the tarp and the tent.
**The "door" into this entryway must be low - if it is tall enough to just walk through, it is too high - so that warm air stays in.
**It is '''very important''' to NOT block the ventilation in the tents! You need air flow both to avoid suffocation and to avoid condensation inside the tent. Without enough airflow, the moisture from your breath will make the inside of the tent wet, and being wet when it is cold is one of the major things to avoid.

Concerns:

*Will it hold up in strong winds?
*Will it keep water out, both on top/sides and floor?
*How do we hold tents down - can't drive stakes very deeply in the ground here; can't drive stakes through the paved areas at all.
*City may not allow tents larger than 10x10 without a permit; Greenway now says a large tent for gatherings may be okay, yet some police are telling people no tents can be brought in at all.
*Can we provide any kind of safe heat source (don't want open flame)?
*Fire Department does not want open flame - risk of fire, and is concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning as well.

Structure Solutions:

*Floors made with plywood or tarps, with insulation and then tents over it. This will allow water to flow under the floor and provide an insulating layer between the very cold ground and the people inside.
*Could put small tents inside larger tents. Look for NSN number for good, 4-season tents
*Shelters can be weighted down with sandbags, buckets filled with concrete, containers filled with water.
*Little well insulated sleeping pods, with wheels, like a tiny house on wheels. Not a "structure" but a sleeping-barrow. example: [[http://karmacarpentry.com/WoodsyWagon.png]] There is one in camp now that holds 1 person that is working well.
*Inflatable structures. Custom made or purchased; dead air space can provide insulation. Flexible, not rigid structures, may avoid troubles with authorities, can be combined with other ideas, such as wheeled platforms. Potential problem: may need constant inflation or frequent reinflation, which requires electricity.

Solutions we probably can't use:

*Floors made with pallets, with plywood over top.
**Greenway does not want any pallets used, because they may provide enticing habitat for rodents.
**Do NOT stuff with straw; this is a fire hazard and the Fire Department will be sad! Sealing the ends of the pallets, to stop cold air constantly flowing through, needs to be done.

Information we may need:

*How many people intend to camp through the winter?
*What ordinances do we need to keep in mind?
*What are the costs to build or buy shelters?
*If we are building, do we have enough people to do that?
*What is the process for shelters needing construction?

Heat and Fire Solutions

*'''NO SMOKING NEAR COMBUSTIBLES.''' That especially means in or near tents.
*DO NOT let trash build up! Especially paper, cardboard (i.e. signs), fabric.
*Heat '''people''' not air
**Hot water bottles. The bags from inside the "box of joe" you get at coffee shops makes a great hot water bottle. They can be refilled with water and heated by laying them over the hot (REALLY HOT, BE CAREFUL) manhole cover.
**Heated bricks
**Single-use handwarmers and similar items
*Heat: "catalytic propane heaters" do NOT have open flames and provide heat. I think the fire department warned against open flames. Well catalytic may be our answer.
*Carbon monoxide detectors are cheap and will protect against CO poisoning. This will satisfy the fire department, and will prevent any of us from dying, both of which are good.

== Pathway Safety ==

*Where will all the snow go?
**It can be moved to one side of camp and formed into a wall to act as a windbreak.
*Removing snow from gravel path could be special challenge; not so easy to shovel.
*Paths made of pallets and plywood will probably be slippery. What can we use instead of wooden surfaces?

== Resources ==

'''Please update this with URLs as appropriate'''

*[http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Important cold weather practices] - used to create our own [[Winter Health and Safety for Protestors]] guide.
*A updatable table showing [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtaucN1L0GNgdHk1V3U3YVNxOTNjWngxeWVsSUdYTFE strategies, action items, and donations needed] for winterizing the encampment, based on Pan Golin's research
*Government surplus - auction sites. Use our funds to acquire lots of tents this way. [http://www.govliquidation.com/ http://www.govliquidation.com/]
*Donations - ask for items with NSN numbers
*Hilton's Tent City. Visit in person to see what they have:[http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm]
*Here is some winter advice from Vinay Gupta who designed the hexayurts, which is not bad until he suggests abandoning people who have no homes to go to. [http://vinay.howtolivewiki.com/blog/other/advice-for-occupy-avoid-winter-war-2881]

*F.M. 31-70 In PDF form [http://www.mantecausd.net/LHS/JROTC/fm31_70_coldwxman.pdf http://www.mantecausd.net/LHS/JROTC/fm31_70_coldwxman.pdf]

== Meeting Minutes ==

*[[File:Occupy_Boston_Winterization_Meeting_Minutes_Nov_10.txt]]
*[[Media:WINTERIZATION_MEETING_2011-10-31.pdf|Oct 31]]
*[[Oct 27 Winterization Meeting Minutes|Oct 27]]
*[[Oct 25]]

== Foam Sheets ==
Rigid board foam could be good to have between sleeping (or sitting) people and the ground.

{| border="1" align="center" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Insulation Comparison
! Foam Name !! R-value/inch !! absorbs water? !! insulates when wet? !! flamable? !! edible by rats / bugs? !! edible by mold? !! Description
|-
|EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) || 4--5 ||some|| ?? || Y || Y || N || White beadboard, looks like rigid packaging foam
|-
|XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) || 5 || N || Y || Y || Y || N || Smooth, blue pink or other colors depending on manufacturer
|-
|PIR (polyisocyanurate) || 6 ||lots|| ?? || firerated available || Y || N || pale yellow, with facers usually of aluminum foil
|}

== Further Links & Ideas ==

=== Shelter ===

*Simple idea: [http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5 http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5]
*Hoop House: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo]
*Mobile Tent: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=share http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=share]
*Bike pullable expanding shelter: [http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter]
*Collapsible Tent: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Bike Pullable Hard Tent [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Bike House/Cart: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM]
*Hydroponic Tent [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Hexayurt[http://hexayurt.com/]
*Improvised yurts like the [http://tinyhouseblog.com/yurts/gertee-houses-made-from-scraps/ Gertee] tend to be warm, temporary, and able to take both wind and snow load. The Gertee model is an excellent option for building a couple of largish common areas that people can go to who are in real distress from cold, or for having meetings, or maybe building four or five of them to try to house as many people as possible during the worst weather. Without fires or power, your best bet will be to get a lot of people in them at once. 
*Greenhouse: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE]
*Thermal Mass Green House [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA]

=== Hot Food and Beverage ===

*Coffee Cart [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54]
*Soup Cart Carafe that can be pulled by a bike: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54]
*City Food [http://www.growmycitygreen.com/ http://www.growmycitygreen.com/]

=== Materials ===

*Fireproofing with Alum [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU]
*Small scale prototype for Large Aramid Resin Embedded Mesh Umbrellas [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=relmfu]
*Cheap Solar: [http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html?utm_medium=cse%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cutm_source=googlebase%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Chft_adv=40010%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cmr:trackingCode=66720F9E-782A-E011-B31E-001B2163195C%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cmr:referralID=NA At Harbor Freight]
*PolyCarbonate Sheet [http://www.gemplers.com/product/171483-6X12/Triple-Wall-8mm-Clear?sku=171483-6X12%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Csrc=25SEFGL%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cci_src=14110944%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cci_sku=171483 Source]
*Embedded Aramind Rope With Epoxy to make trusses. [http://www.unicahome.com/p3133/droog-design/cappellini-knotted-chair-by-marcel-wanders.html Source]
*Stronger than steel rope: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0]

----

''Based on: [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/Winterization Winterization at wikispaces]''

Prices/links (sorry don't know where to put this):

rddusa.com GP tent 16x32' = $980

Armytents.com GP 16x32 = 795

(have more places to check prices up and will put hose up soon if they are better)

hqcompany.com Boots = 30

gr8gear.com Boots = 20

Amazon.com Poly pro bottom = 17+ pp top = 17+ Mil Sleep system= 108+

majorsurplus.com mummy bag= 40 bivy cover= 60 thermal t+b= 22 tent 17' 10 person= 500 18x32= 800

ebay Mil sleep system= 80+

campmore.com Eureka wild basin 0 degree bag= 60

Military iso mat (sleeping mat)= 10 (available at many places at that price)

I put similar items at various prices because we may not be able to get the full amount we need from one site. I'll look into the links John posted tomorrow.

Talk:Tent City Winterization - Safety Guide

2011-11-15T01:14:09Z

Jfeathersmith: moved Talk:Tent City Winterization - Safety Guide to Talk:Winter Health and Safety for Protestors: better title

#REDIRECT [[Talk:Winter Health and Safety for Protestors]]

Talk:Winter Health and Safety for Protestors

2011-11-15T01:14:09Z

Jfeathersmith: moved Talk:Tent City Winterization - Safety Guide to Talk:Winter Health and Safety for Protestors: better title

Attn: OneKarma - This new page title is crap. It does not improve understanding of what the page is about and it is not easy to read with/all/the/words jammed/together/without/spaces.

Thank you for the feedback. Please feel free to edit the page title yourself. Click the arrow next to 'View History' tab, then 'Move' the page wherever you like. I have never claimed any 'authority', nor have I ever suggested that others do not fully utilize the built-in functions of the wiki. Indeed, I truly want everyone to become more aware of all functions. It takes only a little bit of exploring to figure things out. --[[User:OneKarma|OneKarma]] 13:35, 14 November 2011 (EST)

Tent City Winterization - Safety Guide

2011-11-15T01:14:09Z

Jfeathersmith: moved Tent City Winterization - Safety Guide to Winter Health and Safety for Protestors: better title

#REDIRECT [[Winter Health and Safety for Protestors]]

Winter Health and Safety for Protestors

2011-11-15T01:14:09Z

Jfeathersmith: moved Tent City Winterization - Safety Guide to Winter Health and Safety for Protestors: better title

For a broader list of winterization topics, see [[Winterization and Fire Safety]].

'''Fire Safety''' - ''Please be aware that much of Tent City is easily susceptible to fire damage! 
*Never smoke cigarettes inside the tents. Please smoke in designated areas to respect non-smokers.
*Never burn candles, camp-stoves, etc. inside the tents.

'''Health''' 
*Stay dry and away from wind
*'''Keep moving''' to keep circulation going, which will keep you warm and help prevent frostbite. Even rocking back and forth and stretching your arms and back will help.

==Health & Safety==
===Frostbite===

*If part of your body starts to tingle, ache or feel numb, get inside immediately. Don't fuck with frostbite. Frostbite hates your nose, it loathes your ears, it despises your fingers and it really, truly hates your feet. Frostbite loves caffeine and alcohol because they make it easier for Old Frosty to get under your skin.

*Staying hydrated will help reduce your risk of frostbite: Every day, drink half your weight as ounces of fluid that has no caffeine or alcohol (diuretics). If you weigh 150 pounds, that means 75 oz of fluid - without caffeine or alcohol - per day.
*Go pee often. Don't waste energy keeping a bladder full of urine warm. Going pee may warm you up just a bit, but more importantly you will be able to stay warm for a longer period of time. This does not mean you should avoid liquids. Stay hydrated but don't hold it.

===Hypothermia===

Severe shivering, mental confusion, and difficulty speaking mean trouble. If you are shivering and no amount of hot food and drink will make it stop, go inside. If you observe someone stop shivering without having down anything to warm up, get them help now.

===Dehydration, Sunburn, and Windburn===

Dehydration, sunburn and windburn will happen in the winter too. Those alpine skiers on TV have sunscreen paste on their noses for a reason. Cold air is dry air and if you're marching, it is sucking perspiration off you face before you know it. That steam on your breath is water escaping from your body. Keep a bottle or canteen of warm water on a strap or lanyard, close to your body. Tape your extra camera batteries to the strap. Use chapstick or vaseline to protect your lips.

===Trench Foot===

Symptoms may include tingling, itching sensation, pain, swelling, cold and blotchy skin, numbness, and a prickly or heavy feeling in the foot. You foot may be red, dry, and painful after it becomes warm and may develop blisters. Trench foot leads to the death of the skin and other tissues in your feet and is caused by poor circulation under wet conditions. It happens when your feet are wet and cold. If your feet are wet, it can occur at temperatures as high as 60F! Do not leave wet socks on - change to dry socks as soon as you can. Do not wear socks that are tight, as the additional constriction from the sock will make things worse. Dry off and massage your feet every 2 hours if you cannot keep them warm with socks and shoes.

==Tips for Staying Warm==

===How to Dress===

*Stay dry. Wear water resistant outer layers and inner layers that wick sweat away from you. If you get wet, remove your wet clothing as soon as possible and get dry clothes on. If you are sweating, remove layers or open your outermost one to regulate your temperature and let the sweat evaporate so your inner layers don't get soaked.
**If you go inside to warm up and take off your shoes or boots, fill them with crumpled newspaper to wick up a lot of the perspiration. You can do the same with damp socks.
**Opening up the hands of a sweaty pair of mittens or gloves with a toilet paper tube will help dry them quicker.
*Keep your head, neck and ears covered.
**A wool or fleece hat with ear flaps is best. A stocking cap is ok, but if it gets really cold or windy, you'll need a hood to cover it or a scarf to protect your neck. There are MAJOR blood vessels in your neck and head - if they get cold, you will be cold.
**Ears are very vulnerable to frostbite.
**When it's really cold, you'll also need a ski mask and/or a scarf to cover your face. If your coat has a hood or collar that covers your neck, your good to go. Otherwise, wrap up with a scarf or pashmina.
* Mittens. Not gloves, mittens, with a windproof outer shell or leather choppers. Mittens allow your fingers to share heat. If you need your fingers for dexterity, wear a thin pair of gloves with big mittens over them.
*Layers
**Washable briefs and t-shirt with insulated long underwear (polypropylene, wool, or silk) and
**Wool boot socks on the inside and a
**warm coat on the outside. If your coat has no hood, wear a hoodie or anorak under it to cover your neck and shield the sides of your face.
**Under your coat, wear wool pants, sweatpants or long wool skirt (over warm leggings or pants) below and a long-sleeved sweater, sweatshirt or fleece above. Add a flannel shirt with pockets to hold your cell phone or camera.
*If you want to stay really warm, ski pants, or a snowmobile suit are better. Insulated coveralls designed for farmers and construction workers are best of all. Even basic rainpants over your other pants will help keep you dry and prevent the wind from chilling you.
*Comfortable footware that keeps your feet dry.
**Rubber boots or shoepacs.
**Get them larger than your usual size so you can wear multiple pairs of socks.
*Keep a wad of kleenex, paper towels or paper napkins handy. Cold makes your eyes water and your nose run. When you get inside your sleeves and mittens will thank you for using a hanky instead

===How to Behave===
*Drink plenty of fluids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol
*Go pee when you need to so your body won't waste energy keeping your full bladder warm.
*Don't stand on or walk in on snow for long periods. Concrete isn't much better, but snow will surround your feet and suck the heat out very quickly. It can also melt from your body heat, seep into your shoes, get the bottom of your pant legs wet.
* Fuel: Hot liquids can warm you up quickly, but real food will keep your furnace going. In cold weather, your resting body burns calories just to stay warm. At the end of the day, you'll be exhausted. Your metabolism has been humming just to keep your temperature at 98.6. When you warm up, every cell in your body just wants to crash.
** Eat fatty foods: beans, butter, soy or olive oil, etc.
** Eat multiple meals a day, and always eat before going to bed.
** Eat more than you normally do; your body needs extra energy to keep you warm.
*Do not stand, sit, or lie directly on concrete; it sucks the warmth from you. Use foam or thick cardboard as a barrier. A pile of newspaper will do in a pinch.
* When the wind chill advisory is vicious, get out of it. Shelter in a tent or building.

===Protecting Other Things from Cold===
* Electronics:
**Plastic parts on keyboards get brittle and need to be handled gently. If you are outside in cold weather and aren't close to an electrical outlet, your laptop battery is going to croak pretty quickly.
**Cold kills batteries.
**Keep your cell phone, camera, and other small electronics close to your body - that means in your sleeping bag with you at night. Ditto for extra batteries.
*Cold freezes the ink in pens and markers. Bring a pencil and use fat kindergarten crayons or china markers to whip up signs in the great white north.

==References==
#Credit for a majority of these guidelines is due to Daily Kos user ruleoflaw, and came from [http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Cold weather tips for protesters]. Information in many of the comments was also incorporated.~

Working Groups

2011-11-15T01:00:48Z

Jfeathersmith: corrected link to winterization and fire safety

Winter Health and Safety for Protestors

2011-11-15T00:58:07Z

Jfeathersmith: added link to main winterization page

Talk:Tent City/Logistics/Winterization

2011-11-15T00:55:24Z

Jfeathersmith: moved Talk:Tent City/Logistics/Winterization to Talk:Winterization and Fire Safety: titles with lots of / in them impede comprehension

#REDIRECT [[Talk:Winterization and Fire Safety]]

Talk:Winterization and Fire Safety

2011-11-15T00:55:24Z

Jfeathersmith: moved Talk:Tent City/Logistics/Winterization to Talk:Winterization and Fire Safety: titles with lots of / in them impede comprehension

----

== '''Is Winterization Taking the Lead on Indoor GA Space?'''  Please advise. ==

----

== Donated clothing list- wants/ideas ==

:[[User:Cmax1088]] Today 9:47 am

There are a lot of things that would be helpful and brainstorming and asking for them may spur people to donate things they didn't think were useful or didn't think of themselves.

 Scarves, hats, gloves.

All types of material, not just poly pro is useful. Wool!!! Fleece, down.

Gortex/nylon.

Also, not sure how people would respond but fur lined clothing is obviously very warm.

== Tips for staying warm ==

Can we get someone knowledgeable in long-term winter camping to give advice on staying warm? I can provide a few starter suggestions:

-Stay well fed. Your body needs fuel to heat you. Hot food also takes less energy to digest.

-When nature calls, answer. Holding your bladder uses lots of energy and makes you colder.

-"Cotton kills". Wet cotton will make you colder than not wearing anything. This includes sweat, so cotton socks are particularly bad.

Good Idea, Greenmountain Colledge in VT would be a good place for advice. Our sons went there. We live in a geodesic dome every weekend all year. It has a woodstove but when it is out there is no heat. Here is what we have learned:-

1) Hot water bottles. The old fashioned british kind, not drinking ones. Very hot water in them will last almost all night,but empty in the morning so they don't freeze. You can buy for $10 to $15 amazon. You don't want the little ones used for enemas!

2) Keep layers you are not wearing inside your sleeping bag with you so they are warm in the morning.

3) Never get cold, or even close if you can help it. Take action at the first signs by jumping up and down, arms swinging, putting on more layers etc. Once you are cold it's much harder to warm up again.

Please add to the list. [[User:Farkas.aj|Farkas.aj]] 12:13, 25 October 2011 (EDT)

== Rodents ==

Rodents hate mint. We live outdoors year round at the weekend and after years of experimenting the only thing that worked, and totally got rid of mice, was mint oil diluted in a spray bottle,sprayed around the inside of our kitchen.

Tent City/Logistics/Winterization

2011-11-15T00:55:23Z

Jfeathersmith: moved Tent City/Logistics/Winterization to Winterization and Fire Safety: titles with lots of / in them impede comprehension

#REDIRECT [[Winterization and Fire Safety]]

Winterization and Fire Safety

2011-11-15T00:55:23Z

Jfeathersmith: moved Tent City/Logistics/Winterization to Winterization and Fire Safety: titles with lots of / in them impede comprehension

'''This is the main page for Winterization and Fire Safety issues.'''

'''Announcements'''

[[Urgently-needed Items, approved for Emergency Funding by GA 10/27|Emergency Items 10/28]]

We have an email list: [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/winter Signup Form]

'''There are 3 primary concerns for winter:'''

*People - keeping us warm (clothing, etc.)
*Shelter - needs to be warm and sturdy (resist snow load, wind, etc.)
*Safety - fire and carbon monoxide, snow removal, preventing slipping on ice, etc.

== People==

[http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Important cold weather practices]

Information we need:

*How many people in camp need better warm clothing?
*What do they need? Socks? Undershirts? Pant layers? Shoes? Mittens, hats, etc.?

Clothing Solutions:

*Polypropylene layers under regular clothing. Look for items with a NSN number (military issue). Look for wool and thermals underwear too.
*Waterproof shoes/boots. Wear boots LARGER than your normal size - more room for extra socks, extra space = insulation, ability to move toes and improve circulation.
*Space blankets hooded and regular all weather blankets NASA TECH wind H2O reflect 90%of body heat, 5x7 hooded: [http://warmers.com/ItemDetails.aspx?itemid=MPISB&pkey=Products%7cOutdoor+Gear%7cSPACE+Brand+Hooded+All-Weather+Blanket&pval=0%7c77%7cMPISB&pIds=Showcase%7cCategoryID%7citemid Examples here; also emergency blankets and bags]

Keeping warm while sitting or lying down:

*Layers of corrugated cardboard, or even newspapers. Wrap in plastic to keep it from getting wet and then frozen.
*Foil bubble home insulation. Regular bubblewrap, even.
*air mattress
*[[#Foam sheets|Foam sheets or blocks (styrofoam).]]
*Cots or Hammocks - prevent direct ground contact, but doesn't insulate from cold air. Allows adding insulation below the cot or hammock; insulation here doesn't get compressed by body weight. Could be as simple as blankets or bags of styrofoam peanuts.

Additional solutions:

*Hot beverages available
*Hot food
*Warming stations .. possibly use the hot manhole covers for a "sauna" room.
*We can also use solar heat gain for daytime comfort. Clear plastic roofs with windbreaking sides make for good comfort on sunny days.
*Personal heating solutions
** Hot water bottles
** Heated bricks
** Instant heat packs
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGyyTPBZMh4 DIY heat pack] using water, sodium acetate, a hair clip, and boilable plastic bags.

Here is some winter advice from Vinay Gupta who designed the hexayurts. Interesting strategy? [http://vinay.howtolivewiki.com/blog/other/advice-for-occupy-avoid-winter-war-2881]

== Shelter ==

Current solutions we are working to implement:

*A proposal was passed to buy several large military-grade tents for a number of functions, including the Kitchen, Medical, and Logistics. We are looking for local sources (to save on shipping).

Information we need:

*How many people intend to camp through the winter?
*What ordinances do we need to keep in mind?
*What are the costs to build or buy shelters?
*If we are building, do we have enough people to do that?
*What is the process for shelters needing construction?

Concerns:

*Will it hold up in strong winds?
*Will it keep water out, both on top/sides and floor?
*How do we hold tents down - can't drive stakes very deeply in the ground here; can't drive stakes through the paved areas at all.
*City may not allow tents larger than 10x10 without a permit
*Can we provide any kind of safe heat source (don't want open flame)?
*Fire Department does not want open flame - risk of fire, and is concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning as well.

Structure Solutions:

*Floors made with plywood or tarps, with insulation and then tents over it. This will allow water to flow under the floor and provide an insulating layer between the very cold ground and the people inside.
*Could put small tents inside larger tents. Look for NSN number for good, 4-season tents
*Shelters can be weighted down with sandbags, buckets filled with concrete, containers filled with water.
*Little well insulated sleeping pods, with wheels, like a tiny house on wheels. Not a "structure" but a sleeping-barrow. example: [[http://karmacarpentry.com/WoodsyWagon.png]] There is one in camp now that holds 1 person that is working well.
*Inflatable structures. Custom made or purchased; dead air space can provide insulation. Flexible, not rigid structures, may avoid troubles with authorities, can be combined with other ideas, such as wheeled platforms. Potential problem: may need constant inflation or frequent reinflation, which requires electricity.

Solutions we probably can't use:

*Floors made with pallets, with plywood over top. Put tents up on these.
**Greenway does not want any pallets used, because they may provide enticing habitat for rodents.
**Do NOT stuff with straw; this is a fire hazard! Sealing the ends of the pallets, to stop cold air constantly flowing through, needs to be done.

Heat and Fire Solutions

*DO NOT let trash build up! Especially paper, cardboard (i.e. signs), fabric.
*NO SMOKING NEAR COMBUSTIBLES.
*Heat '''people''' not air
**Hot water bottles. The bags from inside the "box of joe" you get at coffee shops makes a great hot water bottle. They can be refilled with water and heated by laying them over the hot (REALLY HOT, BE CAREFUL) manhole cover.
**Heated bricks
**Single-use handwarmers and similar items
*Heat: "catalytic propane heaters" do NOT have open flames and provide heat. I think the fire department warned against open flames. Well catalytic may be our answer.
*Carbon monoxide detectors are cheap and will protect against CO poisoning. This will satisfy the fire department, and will prevent any of us from dying, both of which are good.

== Safety ==

*Where will all the snow go?
*Removing snow from gravel path could be special challenge; not so easy to shovel.
*Paths made of pallets and plywood will probably be slippery. What can we use instead of wooden surfaces?

== Resources ==

'''Please update this with URLs as appropriate'''

*[[Winter guide for Occupiers]] - currently a very rough draft, will be used to get information out to all campers
*A updatable table showing [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtaucN1L0GNgdHk1V3U3YVNxOTNjWngxeWVsSUdYTFE strategies, action items, and donations needed] for winterizing the encampment, based on Pan Golin's research
*Government surplus - auction sites. Use our funds to acquire lots of tents this way. [http://www.govliquidation.com/ http://www.govliquidation.com/]
*Donations - ask for items with NSN numbers
*Hilton's Tent City. Visit in person to see what they have:[http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm]

*F.M. 31-70 In PDF form [http://www.mantecausd.net/LHS/JROTC/fm31_70_coldwxman.pdf http://www.mantecausd.net/LHS/JROTC/fm31_70_coldwxman.pdf]

[[File:Occupy_Boston_Winterization_Meeting_Minutes_Nov_10.txt]]== Meeting Minutes ==

*[[Media:WINTERIZATION_MEETING_2011-10-31.pdf|Oct 31]]
*[[Oct 27 Winterization Meeting Minutes|Oct 27]]
*[[Oct 25]]

== Foam Sheets ==
Rigid board foam could be good to have between sleeping (or sitting) people and the ground.

{| border="1" align="center" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Insulation Comparison
! Foam Name !! R-value/inch !! absorbs water? !! insulates when wet? !! flamable? !! edible by rats / bugs? !! edible by mold? !! Description
|-
|EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) || 4--5 ||some|| ?? || Y || Y || N || White beadboard, looks like rigid packaging foam
|-
|XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) || 5 || N || Y || Y || Y || N || Smooth, blue pink or other colors depending on manufacturer
|-
|PIR (polyisocyanurate) || 6 ||lots|| ?? || firerated available || Y || N || pale yellow, with facers usually of aluminum foil
|}

== Further Links & Ideas ==

=== Shelter ===

*Simple idea: [http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5 http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5]
*Hoop House: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo]
*Mobile Tent: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=share http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=share]
*Bike pullable expanding shelter: [http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter]
*Collapsible Tent: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Bike Pullable Hard Tent [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Bike House/Cart: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM]
*Hydroponic Tent [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Hexayurt[http://hexayurt.com/]
*Improvised yurts like the [http://tinyhouseblog.com/yurts/gertee-houses-made-from-scraps/ Gertee] tend to be warm, temporary, and able to take both wind and snow load. The Gertee model is an excellent option for building a couple of largish common areas that people can go to who are in real distress from cold, or for having meetings, or maybe building four or five of them to try to house as many people as possible during the worst weather. Without fires or power, your best bet will be to get a lot of people in them at once. 
*Greenhouse: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE]
*Thermal Mass Green House [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA]

=== Hot Food and Beverage ===

*Coffee Cart [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54]
*Soup Cart Carafe that can be pulled by a bike: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54]
*City Food [http://www.growmycitygreen.com/ http://www.growmycitygreen.com/]

=== Materials ===

*Fireproofing with Alum [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU]
*Small scale prototype for Large Aramid Resin Embedded Mesh Umbrellas [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=relmfu]
*Cheap Solar: [http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html?utm_medium=cse%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cutm_source=googlebase%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Chft_adv=40010%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cmr:trackingCode=66720F9E-782A-E011-B31E-001B2163195C%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cmr:referralID=NA At Harbor Freight]
*PolyCarbonate Sheet [http://www.gemplers.com/product/171483-6X12/Triple-Wall-8mm-Clear?sku=171483-6X12%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Csrc=25SEFGL%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cci_src=14110944%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cci_sku=171483 Source]
*Embedded Aramind Rope With Epoxy to make trusses. [http://www.unicahome.com/p3133/droog-design/cappellini-knotted-chair-by-marcel-wanders.html Source]
*Stronger than steel rope: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0]

----

''Based on: [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/Winterization Winterization at wikispaces]''

Prices/links (sorry don't know where to put this):

rddusa.com GP tent 16x32' = $980

Armytents.com GP 16x32 = 795

(have more places to check prices up and will put hose up soon if they are better)

hqcompany.com Boots = 30

gr8gear.com Boots = 20

Amazon.com Poly pro bottom = 17+ pp top = 17+ Mil Sleep system= 108+

majorsurplus.com mummy bag= 40 bivy cover= 60 thermal t+b= 22 tent 17' 10 person= 500 18x32= 800

ebay Mil sleep system= 80+

campmore.com Eureka wild basin 0 degree bag= 60

Military iso mat (sleeping mat)= 10 (available at many places at that price)

I put similar items at various prices because we may not be able to get the full amount we need from one site. I'll look into the links John posted tomorrow.

Winter Health and Safety for Protestors

2011-11-15T00:52:43Z

Jfeathersmith: typo fix, changed section titles

'''Fire Safety''' - ''Please be aware that much of Tent City is easily susceptible to fire damage! 
*Never smoke cigarettes inside the tents. Please smoke in designated areas to respect non-smokers.
*Never burn candles, camp-stoves, etc. inside the tents.

'''Health''' 
*Stay dry and away from wind
*'''Keep moving''' to keep circulation going, which will keep you warm and help prevent frostbite. Even rocking back and forth and stretching your arms and back will help.

==Health & Safety==
===Frostbite===

*If part of your body starts to tingle, ache or feel numb, get inside immediately. Don't fuck with frostbite. Frostbite hates your nose, it loathes your ears, it despises your fingers and it really, truly hates your feet. Frostbite loves caffeine and alcohol because they make it easier for Old Frosty to get under your skin.

*Staying hydrated will help reduce your risk of frostbite: Every day, drink half your weight as ounces of fluid that has no caffeine or alcohol (diuretics). If you weigh 150 pounds, that means 75 oz of fluid - without caffeine or alcohol - per day.
*Go pee often. Don't waste energy keeping a bladder full of urine warm. Going pee may warm you up just a bit, but more importantly you will be able to stay warm for a longer period of time. This does not mean you should avoid liquids. Stay hydrated but don't hold it.

===Hypothermia===

Severe shivering, mental confusion, and difficulty speaking mean trouble. If you are shivering and no amount of hot food and drink will make it stop, go inside. If you observe someone stop shivering without having down anything to warm up, get them help now.

===Dehydration, Sunburn, and Windburn===

Dehydration, sunburn and windburn will happen in the winter too. Those alpine skiers on TV have sunscreen paste on their noses for a reason. Cold air is dry air and if you're marching, it is sucking perspiration off you face before you know it. That steam on your breath is water escaping from your body. Keep a bottle or canteen of warm water on a strap or lanyard, close to your body. Tape your extra camera batteries to the strap. Use chapstick or vaseline to protect your lips.

===Trench Foot===

Symptoms may include tingling, itching sensation, pain, swelling, cold and blotchy skin, numbness, and a prickly or heavy feeling in the foot. You foot may be red, dry, and painful after it becomes warm and may develop blisters. Trench foot leads to the death of the skin and other tissues in your feet and is caused by poor circulation under wet conditions. It happens when your feet are wet and cold. If your feet are wet, it can occur at temperatures as high as 60F! Do not leave wet socks on - change to dry socks as soon as you can. Do not wear socks that are tight, as the additional constriction from the sock will make things worse. Dry off and massage your feet every 2 hours if you cannot keep them warm with socks and shoes.

==Tips for Staying Warm==

===How to Dress===

*Stay dry. Wear water resistant outer layers and inner layers that wick sweat away from you. If you get wet, remove your wet clothing as soon as possible and get dry clothes on. If you are sweating, remove layers or open your outermost one to regulate your temperature and let the sweat evaporate so your inner layers don't get soaked.
**If you go inside to warm up and take off your shoes or boots, fill them with crumpled newspaper to wick up a lot of the perspiration. You can do the same with damp socks.
**Opening up the hands of a sweaty pair of mittens or gloves with a toilet paper tube will help dry them quicker.
*Keep your head, neck and ears covered.
**A wool or fleece hat with ear flaps is best. A stocking cap is ok, but if it gets really cold or windy, you'll need a hood to cover it or a scarf to protect your neck. There are MAJOR blood vessels in your neck and head - if they get cold, you will be cold.
**Ears are very vulnerable to frostbite.
**When it's really cold, you'll also need a ski mask and/or a scarf to cover your face. If your coat has a hood or collar that covers your neck, your good to go. Otherwise, wrap up with a scarf or pashmina.
* Mittens. Not gloves, mittens, with a windproof outer shell or leather choppers. Mittens allow your fingers to share heat. If you need your fingers for dexterity, wear a thin pair of gloves with big mittens over them.
*Layers
**Washable briefs and t-shirt with insulated long underwear (polypropylene, wool, or silk) and
**Wool boot socks on the inside and a
**warm coat on the outside. If your coat has no hood, wear a hoodie or anorak under it to cover your neck and shield the sides of your face.
**Under your coat, wear wool pants, sweatpants or long wool skirt (over warm leggings or pants) below and a long-sleeved sweater, sweatshirt or fleece above. Add a flannel shirt with pockets to hold your cell phone or camera.
*If you want to stay really warm, ski pants, or a snowmobile suit are better. Insulated coveralls designed for farmers and construction workers are best of all. Even basic rainpants over your other pants will help keep you dry and prevent the wind from chilling you.
*Comfortable footware that keeps your feet dry.
**Rubber boots or shoepacs.
**Get them larger than your usual size so you can wear multiple pairs of socks.
*Keep a wad of kleenex, paper towels or paper napkins handy. Cold makes your eyes water and your nose run. When you get inside your sleeves and mittens will thank you for using a hanky instead

===How to Behave===
*Drink plenty of fluids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol
*Go pee when you need to so your body won't waste energy keeping your full bladder warm.
*Don't stand on or walk in on snow for long periods. Concrete isn't much better, but snow will surround your feet and suck the heat out very quickly. It can also melt from your body heat, seep into your shoes, get the bottom of your pant legs wet.
* Fuel: Hot liquids can warm you up quickly, but real food will keep your furnace going. In cold weather, your resting body burns calories just to stay warm. At the end of the day, you'll be exhausted. Your metabolism has been humming just to keep your temperature at 98.6. When you warm up, every cell in your body just wants to crash.
** Eat fatty foods: beans, butter, soy or olive oil, etc.
** Eat multiple meals a day, and always eat before going to bed.
** Eat more than you normally do; your body needs extra energy to keep you warm.
*Do not stand, sit, or lie directly on concrete; it sucks the warmth from you. Use foam or thick cardboard as a barrier. A pile of newspaper will do in a pinch.
* When the wind chill advisory is vicious, get out of it. Shelter in a tent or building.

===Protecting Other Things from Cold===
* Electronics:
**Plastic parts on keyboards get brittle and need to be handled gently. If you are outside in cold weather and aren't close to an electrical outlet, your laptop battery is going to croak pretty quickly.
**Cold kills batteries.
**Keep your cell phone, camera, and other small electronics close to your body - that means in your sleeping bag with you at night. Ditto for extra batteries.
*Cold freezes the ink in pens and markers. Bring a pencil and use fat kindergarten crayons or china markers to whip up signs in the great white north.

==References==
#Credit for a majority of these guidelines is due to Daily Kos user ruleoflaw, and came from [http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Cold weather tips for protesters]. Information in many of the comments was also incorporated.~

Talk:Winter Health and Safety for Protestors

2011-11-13T17:10:54Z

Jfeathersmith: standard complain about page titles

Attn: OneKarma - This new page title is crap. It does not improve understanding of what the page is about and it is not easy to read with/all/the/words jammed/together/without/spaces.

WG/Outreach/InterOccupation

2011-11-13T16:58:40Z

Jfeathersmith: /* Meeting Notes from 11.11.11 */

== National & International Communications Group - Boston ==

The purpose of this working group is to expedite connectivity between Occupy Boston and other occupations, in the US and worldwide, to foster a global village which flourishes from the benefits of local cultures, while leveaging international connectivity.

Group Concept Ideas:

1. Share “best practices” and local occupation talking points.

2. Help coordinate National and International Days (marches, movements, strikes, etc.) between Boston’s working groups and those nation wide.

3. Expedite communication between occupations in emergency situations.

4. Facilitate and keep a repository (though transparent) of correspondence with other Occupations, as well as important documentation from other Occupations.

5. Build relationships and good will between OB and other occupations.

6. Help people learn how to start new occupations.

7. Be a point contact group for visitors from other Occupations and help guide them to other interested working groups within camp.

8. Expedite communication between other occupations seeking contact with specific Boston working groups.

9. Travel, as possible, to other occupations to observe their methods and report back to OB.

== Meeting Notes from 11.11.11 ==

InterOccupy Meeting

11.11.11 7:15pm
Attended by: Sarah B., Farhad, John, Ravi, Martin, Eden, Bobby, Erica, Matt, Scott, Sean, Kat

1. A quick review of the agenda for the meeting.

2. We discussed the movement of the InterOccupy wiki page that occurred earlier in the week (note- the wiki page was moved by user OneKarma to a sub category under arts, making it difficult to find). We all agreed that the page is now back to its normal location. Most of us felt that as long as it stays put then no need to proceed in finding OneKarma or demanding answers. It was noted that this is not the only page that was moved and rearranged and that we may need to delve into this further if it happens again.

3. Introductions: We all introduced ourselves, spoke briefly of what other working groups we participate in and some made a quick statement of what individuals feel InterOccupy should encompass. Ideas

a. Sharing best practices.
b. Traveling to visit other Occupy s for personal connections.
c. Synchronizing with other Occupies.
d. Building strength with better communication nationally and internationally.
e. Working to build sharing platforms with other occupies.
f. Building more solidified communication.

4. Goals:

a. Best Practice – Contact Sharing: We discussed using google docs vs. any other spreadsheet sharing program for our contact list/data base. After hearing some concerns for using google, those members involved with tech spoke and felt that it was safe to use. We agreed that this document will not be public and created, edited and maintained only by those in the InterOccupy group. Sarah shared a format that she created with the group. The format was passed with one addendum to add a column for each person adding to sign their name in the spirit of transparency and accountability. Sarah will be working on beginning this document and will post it by 11/13/11 to all group members with a password.

b. Best Practice – File/Photo Sharing: We referenced Anna’s emails about the working groups pages. We need to look into this and connect with Anna on expediting this idea. Sarah said she would research this and reach out to Anna.

c. Best Practice – Fielding Incoming Inquiries: It was suggested that we create an email (separate from the list serve) so those from other occupies, from Occupy Boston but not on our listserve and the general public can reach this working group. Sarah sent an email to Anna and Obit the morning of 11/11/11 requesting this. In the meantime we decided to use a temporary gmail address to get started. When obit assigns the email address, we will forward all information onto it. Five people volunteered to check this email and make sure it is processed in a timely fashion: Sarah, Farhad, Matthew, Bobby and Scott. These same five people are all administrators of the list serve. No one person is a “leader” and the admin responsibilities are now spread between five people.

d. Presenting Intercept to the GA: We will request to be on stack at the GA on Sunday, 11/13/11. We will present ourselves, discuss some of the national and local Occupies we have visited and give a brief overview of our goals. We will also ask for more group members and try to engage those that do not use email and may not know that we exist (namely Logistics and DA). Anyone in the group is welcome and encouraged to join in this. Farhad volunteered to be one of the speakers, more are welcome.

5. Specific Topics 1:

a. National Calls: Ravi spoke of some frustration with the national calls that have been occurring, citing that some introduction times can take up to 45 minutes and that the calls generally do not address main issues within the Occupy movement. We passed the idea to offer to host the national call from InterOccupy in Boston. We want to set up an IRC chat and promote, educate and train users in advance of the call. During the call the purpose will be to take one hour and make the specific connections needed between occupations so that the discussions and shared practices can be continued after the phone call has ended, making lasting connections between Occupies. Ravi will contact the national call group and find an available date to do this.

b. International Requests and Process: A process is needed to field incoming requests and calls from International Occupations. We will promote our new email address as the main contact for these types of requests and connect these inquiries with the correct working groups within the camp. Through the process we will remain an active part of it, supporting both the international request and the correct working group. IE- A request for solidarity marches for specific reasons will be forwarded to DA & Outreach. InterOccupy will work on making that connection and that help to promote the event in solidarity. We will forward ALL inquiries to start and see how intensive this becomes. This practice may need to be revisited if requests become out of control.

c. Side Conversation on Google Docs: Does google save previous copies or edits? Someone should save the contact doc every few days onto a hard drive to ensure nothing is lost. Ravi and Farhad will explore google docs further.

7. Specific Topics 2:

a. Local Occupations: It was proposed that for the beginning of the group we will deal primarily with the Occupations that are camping. This was approved by the group with an amendment that we will continue to gather contact info for a couple people from smaller, non-camping Occupy s to request their presence if needed for marches, police raids, etc.

8. Stack

a. Defining the WG Focus: It was proposed that we, to start, define the focus of InterOccupy to deal primarily with the sharing and learning of “Best Practices” with and from other Occupy groups. That InterOccupy becomes a central place for communication and facilitation with outside people and groups. This was passed but with the amendment that we will also work using our contacts to coordinate marches, support for raids, other important information as requested by other Occupies and to support OccupyBoston’s marches and needs. We can do this by:

i. Calling or emailing various other Occupies and conducting a series of “interviews” with them on best practices.

ii. Researching if this sort of practice is already being done and is under utilized. If so take their platform and try to expand and grow it.

iii. Begin a public page (on interoccupy.org or otherwise?) to share related “Best Practices” PDFS, graphics, links, etc. Also an idea to develop a page like a combination of Facebook and Reddit that will include tactics, voting and tools. (If such a thing does not already exist).

b. Twitter: What are the benefits of starting a Twitter Account for InterOccupy?

i. An official Twitter Account gives us more creditability to use as individuals in a group rather than personal accounts.

ii. It will be used to reach out to other Occupies and gather information and contacts.

iii. It will be used for members traveling to other occupies to make contact with the Occupies.

iv. We will use it to update when we add “Best Practices” to our website and relay information.

v. To start, our Twitter account can be used by all members of InterOccupy. Sarah will set up the account and email the name and password. If this is abused or becomes a concern we will readdress.

c. Suggested Way to Communicate: If we are communicating “best practices” with other Occupations it’s suggested that we develop our notes (working with the appropriate WGs) and volunteer them to other Occupations for their own use and ask for their ideas, suggestions, edits. This was received well and the group felt that this was a communicative and productive way to start conversations.

d. IRC Chat Room: Is there a national one being utilized? Is IRC free? The FSU is building a website that may be able to host this.

e. National Tech Call: Thursday 11/17/11 there is a national Tech call at 10pm. If you want to join please contact Ravi.

9. NEXT MEETING: FRIDAY 11/18/11 AT 7PM. MEET AT GHANDI.

== Contact: ==

Email (Best Contact): interoccupyboston@gmail.com
Twitter: @InterOccupyBos

* Theresa tearle99 at aol dot com
* Sarah sarah.barney at me dot com

== Useful InterOccupation connectivity info ==

* OccupyUS@googlegroups.com. There are 24 cities joined Nov 1.
* www.interoccupy.org, which holds phone call meetings w/other cities.

Winterization and Fire Safety

2011-11-07T19:54:28Z

Jfeathersmith: added personal heating solutions like hot water bottles, heat packs, etc.

'''This is the main page for Winterization and Fire Safety issues.'''

'''Announcements'''

[[Urgently-needed Items, approved for Emergency Funding by GA 10/27|Emergency Items 10/28]]

We have an email list: [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/winter Signup Form]

'''There are 3 primary concerns for winter:'''

*People - keeping us warm (clothing, etc.)
*Shelter - needs to be warm and sturdy (resist snow load, wind, etc.)
*Safety - fire and carbon monoxide, snow removal, preventing slipping on ice, etc.

== People==

[http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Important cold weather practices]

Information we need:

*How many people in camp need better warm clothing?
*What do they need? Socks? Undershirts? Pant layers? Shoes? Mittens, hats, etc.?

Clothing Solutions:

*Polypropylene layers under regular clothing. Look for items with a NSN number (military issue). Look for wool and thermals underwear too.
*Waterproof shoes/boots. Wear boots LARGER than your normal size - more room for extra socks, extra space = insulation, ability to move toes and improve circulation.
*Space blankets hooded and regular all weather blankets NASA TECH wind H2O reflect 90%of body heat, 5x7 hooded: [http://warmers.com/ItemDetails.aspx?itemid=MPISB&pkey=Products%7cOutdoor+Gear%7cSPACE+Brand+Hooded+All-Weather+Blanket&pval=0%7c77%7cMPISB&pIds=Showcase%7cCategoryID%7citemid Examples here; also emergency blankets and bags]

Keeping warm while sitting or lying down:

*Layers of corrugated cardboard, or even newspapers. Wrap in plastic to keep it from getting wet and then frozen.
*Foil bubble home insulation. Regular bubblewrap, even.
*air mattress
*[[#Foam sheets|Foam sheets or blocks (styrofoam).]]
*Cots or Hammocks - prevent direct ground contact, but doesn't insulate from cold air. Allows adding insulation below the cot or hammock; insulation here doesn't get compressed by body weight. Could be as simple as blankets or bags of styrofoam peanuts.

Additional solutions:

*Hot beverages available
*Hot food
*Warming stations .. possibly use the hot manhole covers for a "sauna" room.
*We can also use solar heat gain for daytime comfort. Clear plastic roofs with windbreaking sides make for good comfort on sunny days.
*Personal heating solutions
** Hot water bottles
** Heated bricks
** Instant heat packs
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGyyTPBZMh4 DIY heat pack] using water, sodium acetate, a hair clip, and boilable plastic bags.

Here is some winter advice from Vinay Gupta who designed the hexayurts. Interesting strategy? [http://vinay.howtolivewiki.com/blog/other/advice-for-occupy-avoid-winter-war-2881]

== Shelter ==

Current solutions we are working to implement:

*A proposal was passed to buy several large military-grade tents for a number of functions, including the Kitchen, Medical, and Logistics. We are looking for local sources (to save on shipping).

Information we need:

*How many people intend to camp through the winter?
*What ordinances do we need to keep in mind?
*What are the costs to build or buy shelters?
*If we are building, do we have enough people to do that?
*What is the process for shelters needing construction?

Concerns:

*Will it hold up in strong winds?
*Will it keep water out, both on top/sides and floor?
*How do we hold tents down - can't drive stakes very deeply in the ground here; can't drive stakes through the paved areas at all.
*City may not allow tents larger than 10x10 without a permit
*Can we provide any kind of safe heat source (don't want open flame)?
*Fire Department does not want open flame - risk of fire, and is concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning as well.

Structure Solutions:

*Floors made with plywood or tarps, with insulation and then tents over it. This will allow water to flow under the floor and provide an insulating layer between the very cold ground and the people inside.
*Could put small tents inside larger tents. Look for NSN number for good, 4-season tents
*Shelters can be weighted down with sandbags, buckets filled with concrete, containers filled with water.
*Little well insulated sleeping pods, with wheels, like a tiny house on wheels. Not a "structure" but a sleeping-barrow. example: [[http://karmacarpentry.com/WoodsyWagon.png]] There is one in camp now that holds 1 person that is working well.
*Inflatable structures. Custom made or purchased; dead air space can provide insulation. Flexible, not rigid structures, may avoid troubles with authorities, can be combined with other ideas, such as wheeled platforms. Potential problem: may need constant inflation or frequent reinflation, which requires electricity.

Solutions we probably can't use:

*Floors made with pallets, with plywood over top. Put tents up on these.
**Greenway does not want any pallets used, because they may provide enticing habitat for rodents.
**Do NOT stuff with straw; this is a fire hazard! Sealing the ends of the pallets, to stop cold air constantly flowing through, needs to be done.

Heat and Fire Solutions

*DO NOT let trash build up! Especially paper, cardboard (i.e. signs), fabric.
*NO SMOKING NEAR COMBUSTIBLES.
*Heat '''people''' not air
**Hot water bottles. The bags from inside the "box of joe" you get at coffee shops makes a great hot water bottle. They can be refilled with water and heated by laying them over the hot (REALLY HOT, BE CAREFUL) manhole cover.
**Heated bricks
**Single-use handwarmers and similar items
*Heat: "catalytic propane heaters" do NOT have open flames and provide heat. I think the fire department warned against open flames. Well catalytic may be our answer.
*Carbon monoxide detectors are cheap and will protect against CO poisoning. This will satisfy the fire department, and will prevent any of us from dying, both of which are good.

== Safety ==

*Where will all the snow go?
*Removing snow from gravel path could be special challenge; not so easy to shovel.
*Paths made of pallets and plywood will probably be slippery. What can we use instead of wooden surfaces?

== Resources ==

'''Please update this with URLs as appropriate'''

*[[Winter guide for Occupiers]] - currently a very rough draft, will be used to get information out to all campers
*A updatable table showing [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtaucN1L0GNgdHk1V3U3YVNxOTNjWngxeWVsSUdYTFE strategies, action items, and donations needed] for winterizing the encampment, based on Pan Golin's research
*Government surplus - auction sites. Use our funds to acquire lots of tents this way. [http://www.govliquidation.com/ http://www.govliquidation.com/]
*Donations - ask for items with NSN numbers
*Hilton's Tent City. Visit in person to see what they have:[http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm]

*F.M. 31-70 In PDF form [http://www.mantecausd.net/LHS/JROTC/fm31_70_coldwxman.pdf http://www.mantecausd.net/LHS/JROTC/fm31_70_coldwxman.pdf]

== Meeting Minutes ==

*[[Media:WINTERIZATION_MEETING_2011-10-31.pdf|Oct 31]]
*[[Oct 27 Winterization Meeting Minutes|Oct 27]]
*[[Oct 25]]

== Foam Sheets ==
Rigid board foam could be good to have between sleeping (or sitting) people and the ground.

{| border="1" align="center" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Insulation Comparison
! Foam Name !! R-value/inch !! absorbs water? !! insulates when wet? !! flamable? !! edible by rats / bugs? !! edible by mold? !! Description
|-
|EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) || 4--5 ||some|| ?? || Y || Y || N || White beadboard, looks like rigid packaging foam
|-
|XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) || 5 || N || Y || Y || Y || N || Smooth, blue pink or other colors depending on manufacturer
|-
|PIR (polyisocyanurate) || 6 ||lots|| ?? || firerated available || Y || N || pale yellow, with facers usually of aluminum foil
|}

== Further Links & Ideas ==

=== Shelter ===

*Simple idea: [http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5 http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5]
*Hoop House: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo]
*Mobile Tent: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=share http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=share]
*Bike pullable expanding shelter: [http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter]
*Collapsible Tent: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Bike Pullable Hard Tent [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Bike House/Cart: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM]
*Hydroponic Tent [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Hexayurt[http://hexayurt.com/]
*Improvised yurts like the [http://tinyhouseblog.com/yurts/gertee-houses-made-from-scraps/ Gertee] tend to be warm, temporary, and able to take both wind and snow load. The Gertee model is an excellent option for building a couple of largish common areas that people can go to who are in real distress from cold, or for having meetings, or maybe building four or five of them to try to house as many people as possible during the worst weather. Without fires or power, your best bet will be to get a lot of people in them at once. 
*Greenhouse: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE]
*Thermal Mass Green House [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA]

=== Hot Food and Beverage ===

*Coffee Cart [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54]
*Soup Cart Carafe that can be pulled by a bike: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54]
*City Food [http://www.growmycitygreen.com/ http://www.growmycitygreen.com/]

=== Materials ===

*Fireproofing with Alum [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU]
*Small scale prototype for Large Aramid Resin Embedded Mesh Umbrellas [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=relmfu]
*Cheap Solar: [http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html?utm_medium=cse%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cutm_source=googlebase%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Chft_adv=40010%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cmr:trackingCode=66720F9E-782A-E011-B31E-001B2163195C%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cmr:referralID=NA At Harbor Freight]
*PolyCarbonate Sheet [http://www.gemplers.com/product/171483-6X12/Triple-Wall-8mm-Clear?sku=171483-6X12%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Csrc=25SEFGL%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cci_src=14110944%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cci_sku=171483 Source]
*Embedded Aramind Rope With Epoxy to make trusses. [http://www.unicahome.com/p3133/droog-design/cappellini-knotted-chair-by-marcel-wanders.html Source]
*Stronger than steel rope: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0]

----

''Based on: [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/Winterization Winterization at wikispaces]''

Prices/links (sorry don't know where to put this):

rddusa.com GP tent 16x32' = $980

Armytents.com GP 16x32 = 795

(have more places to check prices up and will put hose up soon if they are better)

hqcompany.com Boots = 30

gr8gear.com Boots = 20

Amazon.com Poly pro bottom = 17+ pp top = 17+ Mil Sleep system= 108+

majorsurplus.com mummy bag= 40 bivy cover= 60 thermal t+b= 22 tent 17' 10 person= 500 18x32= 800

ebay Mil sleep system= 80+

campmore.com Eureka wild basin 0 degree bag= 60

Military iso mat (sleeping mat)= 10 (available at many places at that price)

I put similar items at various prices because we may not be able to get the full amount we need from one site. I'll look into the links John posted tomorrow.

Winter Health and Safety for Protestors

2011-11-07T16:34:22Z

Jfeathersmith: /* The basics */

==The basics==

'''Fire Safety'''

*Smoke away from the tents or near flammable materials (cardboard, clothing, other fabric, etc.)
*'''Do not smoke INSIDE the tents'''
*Do not burn candles or anything else inside the tents or near anything else that might catch fire.

'''Health'''
*Stay '''dry'''
*Stay '''out of the wind'''
*'''Keep moving''' to keep circulation going, which will keep you warm and help prevent frostbite. Even rocking back and forth and stretching your arms and back will help.

==Health & Safety==

'''WARNING SIGNS'''

===Frostbite===

*If part of your body starts to tingle, ache or feel numb, get inside immediately. Don't fuck with frostbite. Frostbite hates your nose, it loathes your ears, it despises your fingers and it really, truly hates your feet. Frostbite loves caffeine and alcohol because they make it easier for Old Frosty to get under your skin.

*Staying hydrated will help reduce your risk of frostbite: Every day, drink half your weight as ounces of fluid that has no caffeine or alcohol (diuretics). If you weigh 150 pounds, that means 75 oz of fluid - without caffeine or alcohol - per day.
*Go pee often. Don't waste energy keeping a bladder full of urine warm. Going pee may warm you up just a bit, but more importantly you will be able to stay warm for a longer period of time. This does not mean you should avoid liquids. Stay hydrated but don't hold it.

===Hypothermia===

Severe shivering, mental confusion, and difficulty speaking mean trouble. If you are shivering and no amount of hot food and drink will make it stop, go inside. If you observe someone stop shivering without having down anything to warm up, get them help now.

===Dehydration, sunburn, and windburn===

Dehydration, sunburn and windburn will happen in the winter too. Those alpine skiers on TV have sunscreen paste on their noses for a reason. Cold air is dry air and if you're marching, it is sucking perspiration off you face before you know it. That steam on your breath is water escaping from your body. Keep a bottle or canteen of warm water on a strap or lanyard, close to your body. Tape your extra camera batteries to the strap. Use chapstick or vaseline to protect your lips.

===Trench foot===

Symptoms may include tingling, itching sensation, pain, swelling, cold and blotchy skin, numbness, and a prickly or heavy feeling in the foot. You foot may be red, dry, and painful after it becomes warm and may develop blisters. Trench foot leads to the death of the skin and other tissues in your feet and is caused by poor circulation under wet conditions. It happens when your feet are wet and cold. If your feet are wet, it can occur at temperatures as high as 60F! Do not leave wet socks on - change to dry socks as soon as you can. Do not wear socks that are tight, as the additional constriction from the sock will make things worse. Dry off and massage your feet every 2 hours if you cannot keep them warm with socks and shoes.

==Details for personal warmth==

===How to dress===

*Stay dry. Wear water resistant outer layers and inner layers that wick sweat away from you. If you get wet, remove your wet clothing as soon as possible and get dry clothes on. If you are sweating, remove layers or open your outermost one to regulate your temperature and let the sweat evaporate so your inner layers don't get soaked.
**If you go inside to warm up and take off your shoes or boots, fill them with crumpled newspaper to wick up a lot of the perspiration. You can do the same with damp socks.
**Opening up the hands of a sweaty pair of mittens or gloves with a toilet paper tube will help dry them quicker.
*Keep your head, neck and ears covered.
**A wool or fleece hat with ear flaps is best. A stocking cap is ok, but if it gets really cold or windy, you'll need a hood to cover it or a scarf to protect your neck. There are MAJOR blood vessels in your neck and head - if they get cold, you will be cold.
**Ears are very vulnerable to frostbite.
**When it's really cold, you'll also need a ski mask and/or a scarf to cover your face. If your coat has a hood or collar that covers your neck, your good to go. Otherwise, wrap up with a scarf or pashmina.
* Mittens. Not gloves, mittens, with a windproof outer shell or leather choppers. Mittens allow your fingers to share heat. If you need your fingers for dexterity, wear a thin pair of gloves with big mittens over them.
*Layers
**Washable briefs and t-shirt with insulated long underwear (polypropylene, wool, or silk) and
**Wool boot socks on the inside and a
**warm coat on the outside. If your coat has no hood, wear a hoodie or anorak under it to cover your neck and shield the sides of your face.
**Under your coat, wear wool pants, sweatpants or long wool skirt (over warm leggings or pants) below and a long-sleeved sweater, sweatshirt or fleece above. Add a flannel shirt with pockets to hold your cell phone or camera.
*If you want to stay really warm, ski pants, or a snowmobile suit are better. Insulated coveralls designed for farmers and construction workers are best of all. Even basic rainpants over your other pants will help keep you dry and prevent the wind from chilling you.
*Comfortable footware that keeps your feet dry.
**Rubber boots or shoepacs.
**Get them larger than your usual size so you can wear multiple pairs of socks.
*Keep a wad of kleenex, paper towels or paper napkins handy. Cold makes your eyes water and your nose run. When you get inside your sleeves and mittens will thank you for using a hanky instead

===How to behave===

*Drink plenty of fluids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol
*Go pee when you need to so your body won't waste energy keeping your full bladder warm.
*Don't stand on or walk in on snow for long periods. Concrete isn't much better, but snow will surround your feet and suck the heat out very quickly. It can also melt from your body heat, seep into your shoes, get the bottom of your pant legs wet.
* Fuel: Hot liquids can warm you up quickly, but real food will keep your furnace going. In cold weather, your resting body burns calories just to stay warm. At the end of the day, you'll be exhausted. Your metabolism has been humming just to keep your temperature at 98.6. When you warm up, every cell in your body just wants to crash.
** Eat fatty foods: beans, butter, soy or olive oil, etc.
** Eat multiple meals a day, and always eat before going to bed.
** Eat more than you normally do; your body needs extra energy to keep you warm.
*Do not stand, sit, or lie directly on concrete; it sucks the warmth from you. Use foam or thick cardboard as a barrier. A pile of newspaper will do in a pinch.
* When the wind chill advisory is vicious, get out of it. Shelter in a tent or building.

===Protecting other things from cold===

* Electronics:
**Plastic parts on keyboards get brittle and need to be handled gently. If you are outside in cold weather and aren't close to an electrical outlet, your laptop battery is going to croak pretty quickly.
**Cold kills batteries.
**Keep your cell phone, camera, and other small electronics close to your body - that means in your sleeping bag with you at night. Ditto for extra batteries.
*Cold freezes the ink in pens and markers. Bring a pencil and use fat kindergarten crayons or china markers to whip up a signs in the great white north.

~Credit for the majority of the guidelines is due to Daily Kos user ruleoflaw, and came from [http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Cold weather tips for protesters]. Information in many of the comments was also incorporated.~

Winter Health and Safety for Protestors

2011-11-07T16:31:56Z

Jfeathersmith: /* How to behave */ extra info on food

==The basics==

'''Fire Safety'''

*Smoke away from the tents or near flammable materials (cardboard, clothing, other fabric, etc.)
*Do not smoke INSIDE the tents
*Do not burn candles or anything else inside the tents or near anything else that might catch fire.

'''Health'''
*Stay dry
*Stay out of the wind
*Keep moving to keep circulation going, which will keep you warm and help prevent frostbite. Even rocking back and forth and stretching your arms and back will help.

==Health & Safety==

'''WARNING SIGNS'''

===Frostbite===

*If part of your body starts to tingle, ache or feel numb, get inside immediately. Don't fuck with frostbite. Frostbite hates your nose, it loathes your ears, it despises your fingers and it really, truly hates your feet. Frostbite loves caffeine and alcohol because they make it easier for Old Frosty to get under your skin.

*Staying hydrated will help reduce your risk of frostbite: Every day, drink half your weight as ounces of fluid that has no caffeine or alcohol (diuretics). If you weigh 150 pounds, that means 75 oz of fluid - without caffeine or alcohol - per day.
*Go pee often. Don't waste energy keeping a bladder full of urine warm. Going pee may warm you up just a bit, but more importantly you will be able to stay warm for a longer period of time. This does not mean you should avoid liquids. Stay hydrated but don't hold it.

===Hypothermia===

Severe shivering, mental confusion, and difficulty speaking mean trouble. If you are shivering and no amount of hot food and drink will make it stop, go inside. If you observe someone stop shivering without having down anything to warm up, get them help now.

===Dehydration, sunburn, and windburn===

Dehydration, sunburn and windburn will happen in the winter too. Those alpine skiers on TV have sunscreen paste on their noses for a reason. Cold air is dry air and if you're marching, it is sucking perspiration off you face before you know it. That steam on your breath is water escaping from your body. Keep a bottle or canteen of warm water on a strap or lanyard, close to your body. Tape your extra camera batteries to the strap. Use chapstick or vaseline to protect your lips.

===Trench foot===

Symptoms may include tingling, itching sensation, pain, swelling, cold and blotchy skin, numbness, and a prickly or heavy feeling in the foot. You foot may be red, dry, and painful after it becomes warm and may develop blisters. Trench foot leads to the death of the skin and other tissues in your feet and is caused by poor circulation under wet conditions. It happens when your feet are wet and cold. If your feet are wet, it can occur at temperatures as high as 60F! Do not leave wet socks on - change to dry socks as soon as you can. Do not wear socks that are tight, as the additional constriction from the sock will make things worse. Dry off and massage your feet every 2 hours if you cannot keep them warm with socks and shoes.

==Details for personal warmth==

===How to dress===

*Stay dry. Wear water resistant outer layers and inner layers that wick sweat away from you. If you get wet, remove your wet clothing as soon as possible and get dry clothes on. If you are sweating, remove layers or open your outermost one to regulate your temperature and let the sweat evaporate so your inner layers don't get soaked.
**If you go inside to warm up and take off your shoes or boots, fill them with crumpled newspaper to wick up a lot of the perspiration. You can do the same with damp socks.
**Opening up the hands of a sweaty pair of mittens or gloves with a toilet paper tube will help dry them quicker.
*Keep your head, neck and ears covered.
**A wool or fleece hat with ear flaps is best. A stocking cap is ok, but if it gets really cold or windy, you'll need a hood to cover it or a scarf to protect your neck. There are MAJOR blood vessels in your neck and head - if they get cold, you will be cold.
**Ears are very vulnerable to frostbite.
**When it's really cold, you'll also need a ski mask and/or a scarf to cover your face. If your coat has a hood or collar that covers your neck, your good to go. Otherwise, wrap up with a scarf or pashmina.
* Mittens. Not gloves, mittens, with a windproof outer shell or leather choppers. Mittens allow your fingers to share heat. If you need your fingers for dexterity, wear a thin pair of gloves with big mittens over them.
*Layers
**Washable briefs and t-shirt with insulated long underwear (polypropylene, wool, or silk) and
**Wool boot socks on the inside and a
**warm coat on the outside. If your coat has no hood, wear a hoodie or anorak under it to cover your neck and shield the sides of your face.
**Under your coat, wear wool pants, sweatpants or long wool skirt (over warm leggings or pants) below and a long-sleeved sweater, sweatshirt or fleece above. Add a flannel shirt with pockets to hold your cell phone or camera.
*If you want to stay really warm, ski pants, or a snowmobile suit are better. Insulated coveralls designed for farmers and construction workers are best of all. Even basic rainpants over your other pants will help keep you dry and prevent the wind from chilling you.
*Comfortable footware that keeps your feet dry.
**Rubber boots or shoepacs.
**Get them larger than your usual size so you can wear multiple pairs of socks.
*Keep a wad of kleenex, paper towels or paper napkins handy. Cold makes your eyes water and your nose run. When you get inside your sleeves and mittens will thank you for using a hanky instead

===How to behave===

*Drink plenty of fluids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol
*Go pee when you need to so your body won't waste energy keeping your full bladder warm.
*Don't stand on or walk in on snow for long periods. Concrete isn't much better, but snow will surround your feet and suck the heat out very quickly. It can also melt from your body heat, seep into your shoes, get the bottom of your pant legs wet.
* Fuel: Hot liquids can warm you up quickly, but real food will keep your furnace going. In cold weather, your resting body burns calories just to stay warm. At the end of the day, you'll be exhausted. Your metabolism has been humming just to keep your temperature at 98.6. When you warm up, every cell in your body just wants to crash.
** Eat fatty foods: beans, butter, soy or olive oil, etc.
** Eat multiple meals a day, and always eat before going to bed.
** Eat more than you normally do; your body needs extra energy to keep you warm.
*Do not stand, sit, or lie directly on concrete; it sucks the warmth from you. Use foam or thick cardboard as a barrier. A pile of newspaper will do in a pinch.
* When the wind chill advisory is vicious, get out of it. Shelter in a tent or building.

===Protecting other things from cold===

* Electronics:
**Plastic parts on keyboards get brittle and need to be handled gently. If you are outside in cold weather and aren't close to an electrical outlet, your laptop battery is going to croak pretty quickly.
**Cold kills batteries.
**Keep your cell phone, camera, and other small electronics close to your body - that means in your sleeping bag with you at night. Ditto for extra batteries.
*Cold freezes the ink in pens and markers. Bring a pencil and use fat kindergarten crayons or china markers to whip up a signs in the great white north.

~Credit for the majority of the guidelines is due to Daily Kos user ruleoflaw, and came from [http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Cold weather tips for protesters]. Information in many of the comments was also incorporated.~

Winter Health and Safety for Protestors

2011-11-07T16:29:18Z

Jfeathersmith: /* Health & Safety */ added trench foot info

==The basics==

'''Fire Safety'''

*Smoke away from the tents or near flammable materials (cardboard, clothing, other fabric, etc.)
*Do not smoke INSIDE the tents
*Do not burn candles or anything else inside the tents or near anything else that might catch fire.

'''Health'''
*Stay dry
*Stay out of the wind
*Keep moving to keep circulation going, which will keep you warm and help prevent frostbite. Even rocking back and forth and stretching your arms and back will help.

==Health & Safety==

'''WARNING SIGNS'''

===Frostbite===

*If part of your body starts to tingle, ache or feel numb, get inside immediately. Don't fuck with frostbite. Frostbite hates your nose, it loathes your ears, it despises your fingers and it really, truly hates your feet. Frostbite loves caffeine and alcohol because they make it easier for Old Frosty to get under your skin.

*Staying hydrated will help reduce your risk of frostbite: Every day, drink half your weight as ounces of fluid that has no caffeine or alcohol (diuretics). If you weigh 150 pounds, that means 75 oz of fluid - without caffeine or alcohol - per day.
*Go pee often. Don't waste energy keeping a bladder full of urine warm. Going pee may warm you up just a bit, but more importantly you will be able to stay warm for a longer period of time. This does not mean you should avoid liquids. Stay hydrated but don't hold it.

===Hypothermia===

Severe shivering, mental confusion, and difficulty speaking mean trouble. If you are shivering and no amount of hot food and drink will make it stop, go inside. If you observe someone stop shivering without having down anything to warm up, get them help now.

===Dehydration, sunburn, and windburn===

Dehydration, sunburn and windburn will happen in the winter too. Those alpine skiers on TV have sunscreen paste on their noses for a reason. Cold air is dry air and if you're marching, it is sucking perspiration off you face before you know it. That steam on your breath is water escaping from your body. Keep a bottle or canteen of warm water on a strap or lanyard, close to your body. Tape your extra camera batteries to the strap. Use chapstick or vaseline to protect your lips.

===Trench foot===

Symptoms may include tingling, itching sensation, pain, swelling, cold and blotchy skin, numbness, and a prickly or heavy feeling in the foot. You foot may be red, dry, and painful after it becomes warm and may develop blisters. Trench foot leads to the death of the skin and other tissues in your feet and is caused by poor circulation under wet conditions. It happens when your feet are wet and cold. If your feet are wet, it can occur at temperatures as high as 60F! Do not leave wet socks on - change to dry socks as soon as you can. Do not wear socks that are tight, as the additional constriction from the sock will make things worse. Dry off and massage your feet every 2 hours if you cannot keep them warm with socks and shoes.

==Details for personal warmth==

===How to dress===

*Stay dry. Wear water resistant outer layers and inner layers that wick sweat away from you. If you get wet, remove your wet clothing as soon as possible and get dry clothes on. If you are sweating, remove layers or open your outermost one to regulate your temperature and let the sweat evaporate so your inner layers don't get soaked.
**If you go inside to warm up and take off your shoes or boots, fill them with crumpled newspaper to wick up a lot of the perspiration. You can do the same with damp socks.
**Opening up the hands of a sweaty pair of mittens or gloves with a toilet paper tube will help dry them quicker.
*Keep your head, neck and ears covered.
**A wool or fleece hat with ear flaps is best. A stocking cap is ok, but if it gets really cold or windy, you'll need a hood to cover it or a scarf to protect your neck. There are MAJOR blood vessels in your neck and head - if they get cold, you will be cold.
**Ears are very vulnerable to frostbite.
**When it's really cold, you'll also need a ski mask and/or a scarf to cover your face. If your coat has a hood or collar that covers your neck, your good to go. Otherwise, wrap up with a scarf or pashmina.
* Mittens. Not gloves, mittens, with a windproof outer shell or leather choppers. Mittens allow your fingers to share heat. If you need your fingers for dexterity, wear a thin pair of gloves with big mittens over them.
*Layers
**Washable briefs and t-shirt with insulated long underwear (polypropylene, wool, or silk) and
**Wool boot socks on the inside and a
**warm coat on the outside. If your coat has no hood, wear a hoodie or anorak under it to cover your neck and shield the sides of your face.
**Under your coat, wear wool pants, sweatpants or long wool skirt (over warm leggings or pants) below and a long-sleeved sweater, sweatshirt or fleece above. Add a flannel shirt with pockets to hold your cell phone or camera.
*If you want to stay really warm, ski pants, or a snowmobile suit are better. Insulated coveralls designed for farmers and construction workers are best of all. Even basic rainpants over your other pants will help keep you dry and prevent the wind from chilling you.
*Comfortable footware that keeps your feet dry.
**Rubber boots or shoepacs.
**Get them larger than your usual size so you can wear multiple pairs of socks.
*Keep a wad of kleenex, paper towels or paper napkins handy. Cold makes your eyes water and your nose run. When you get inside your sleeves and mittens will thank you for using a hanky instead

===How to behave===

*Drink plenty of fluids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol
*Go pee when you need to so your body won't waste energy keeping your full bladder warm.
*Don't stand on or walk in on snow for long periods. Concrete isn't much better, but snow will surround your feet and suck the heat out very quickly. It can also melt from your body heat, seep into your shoes, get the bottom of your pant legs wet.
* Fuel: Hot liquids can warm you up quickly, but real food will keep your furnace going. In cold weather, your resting body burns calories just to stay warm. At the end of the day, you'll be exhausted. Your metabolism has been humming just to keep your temperature at 98.6. When you warm up, every cell in your body just wants to crash.
*Do not stand, sit, or lie directly on concrete; it sucks the warmth from you. Use foam or thick cardboard as a barrier. A pile of newspaper will do in a pinch.
* When the wind chill advisory is vicious, get out of it. Shelter in a tent or building.

===Protecting other things from cold===

* Electronics:
**Plastic parts on keyboards get brittle and need to be handled gently. If you are outside in cold weather and aren't close to an electrical outlet, your laptop battery is going to croak pretty quickly.
**Cold kills batteries.
**Keep your cell phone, camera, and other small electronics close to your body - that means in your sleeping bag with you at night. Ditto for extra batteries.
*Cold freezes the ink in pens and markers. Bring a pencil and use fat kindergarten crayons or china markers to whip up a signs in the great white north.

~Credit for the majority of the guidelines is due to Daily Kos user ruleoflaw, and came from [http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Cold weather tips for protesters]. Information in many of the comments was also incorporated.~

Winterization and Fire Safety

2011-11-07T16:17:37Z

Jfeathersmith: /* Shelter */ added concerns about pallets, reorganized and added info to Heat section

'''This is the main page for Winterization and Fire Safety issues.'''

'''Announcements'''

[[Urgently-needed Items, approved for Emergency Funding by GA 10/27|Emergency Items 10/28]]

We have an email list: [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/winter Signup Form]

'''There are 3 primary concerns for winter:'''

*People - keeping us warm (clothing, etc.)
*Shelter - needs to be warm and sturdy (resist snow load, wind, etc.)
*Safety - fire and carbon monoxide, snow removal, preventing slipping on ice, etc.

== People ==

[http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Important cold weather practices]

Information we need:

*How many people in camp need better warm clothing?
*What do they need? Socks? Undershirts? Pant layers? Shoes? Mittens, hats, etc.?

Clothing Solutions:

*Polypropylene layers under regular clothing. Look for items with a NSN number (military issue). Look for wool and thermals underwear too.
*Waterproof shoes/boots. Wear boots LARGER than your normal size - more room for extra socks, extra space = insulation, ability to move toes and improve circulation.
*Space blankets hooded and regular all weather blankets NASA TECH wind H2O reflect 90%of body heat, 5x7 hooded: [http://warmers.com/ItemDetails.aspx?itemid=MPISB&pkey=Products%7cOutdoor+Gear%7cSPACE+Brand+Hooded+All-Weather+Blanket&pval=0%7c77%7cMPISB&pIds=Showcase%7cCategoryID%7citemid Examples here; also emergency blankets and bags]

Keeping warm while sitting or lying down:

*Layers of corrugated cardboard, or even newspapers. Wrap in plastic to keep it from getting wet and then frozen.
*Foil bubble home insulation. Regular bubblewrap, even.
*air mattress
*[[#Foam sheets|Foam sheets or blocks (styrofoam).]]
*Cots or Hammocks - prevent direct ground contact, but doesn't insulate from cold air. Allows adding insulation below the cot or hammock; insulation here doesn't get compressed by body weight. Could be as simple as blankets or bags of styrofoam peanuts.

Additional solutions:

*Hot beverages available
*Hot food
*Warming stations .. possibly use the hot manhole covers for a "sauna" room.
*We can also use solar heat gain for daytime comfort. Clear plastic roofs with windbreaking sides make for good comfort on sunny days.

Here is some winter advice from Vinay Gupta who designed the hexayurts. Interesting strategy? [http://vinay.howtolivewiki.com/blog/other/advice-for-occupy-avoid-winter-war-2881]

== Shelter ==

Current solutions we are working to implement:

*A proposal was passed to buy several large military-grade tents for a number of functions, including the Kitchen, Medical, and Logistics. We are looking for local sources (to save on shipping).

Information we need:

*How many people intend to camp through the winter?
*What ordinances do we need to keep in mind?
*What are the costs to build or buy shelters?
*If we are building, do we have enough people to do that?
*What is the process for shelters needing construction?

Concerns:

*Will it hold up in strong winds?
*Will it keep water out, both on top/sides and floor?
*How do we hold tents down - can't drive stakes very deeply in the ground here; can't drive stakes through the paved areas at all.
*City may not allow tents larger than 10x10 without a permit
*Can we provide any kind of safe heat source (don't want open flame)?
*Fire Department does not want open flame - risk of fire, and is concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning as well.

Structure Solutions:

*Floors made with plywood or tarps, with insulation and then tents over it. This will allow water to flow under the floor and provide an insulating layer between the very cold ground and the people inside.
*Could put small tents inside larger tents. Look for NSN number for good, 4-season tents
*Shelters can be weighted down with sandbags, buckets filled with concrete, containers filled with water.
*Little well insulated sleeping pods, with wheels, like a tiny house on wheels. Not a "structure" but a sleeping-barrow. example: [[http://karmacarpentry.com/WoodsyWagon.png]] There is one in camp now that holds 1 person that is working well.
*Inflatable structures. Custom made or purchased; dead air space can provide insulation. Flexible, not rigid structures, may avoid troubles with authorities, can be combined with other ideas, such as wheeled platforms. Potential problem: may need constant inflation or frequent reinflation, which requires electricity.

Solutions we probably can't use:

*Floors made with pallets, with plywood over top. Put tents up on these.
**Greenway does not want any pallets used, because they may provide enticing habitat for rodents.
**Do NOT stuff with straw; this is a fire hazard! Sealing the ends of the pallets, to stop cold air constantly flowing through, needs to be done.

Heat and Fire Solutions

*DO NOT let trash build up! Especially paper, cardboard (i.e. signs), fabric.
*NO SMOKING NEAR COMBUSTIBLES.
*Heat '''people''' not air
**Hot water bottles. The bags from inside the "box of joe" you get at coffee shops makes a great hot water bottle. They can be refilled with water and heated by laying them over the hot (REALLY HOT, BE CAREFUL) manhole cover.
**Heated bricks
**Single-use handwarmers and similar items
*Heat: "catalytic propane heaters" do NOT have open flames and provide heat. I think the fire department warned against open flames. Well catalytic may be our answer.
*Carbon monoxide detectors are cheap and will protect against CO poisoning. This will satisfy the fire department, and will prevent any of us from dying, both of which are good.

== Safety ==

*Where will all the snow go?
*Removing snow from gravel path could be special challenge; not so easy to shovel.
*Paths made of pallets and plywood will probably be slippery. What can we use instead of wooden surfaces?

== Resources ==

'''Please update this with URLs as appropriate'''

*[[Winter guide for Occupiers]] - currently a very rough draft, will be used to get information out to all campers
*A updatable table showing [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtaucN1L0GNgdHk1V3U3YVNxOTNjWngxeWVsSUdYTFE strategies, action items, and donations needed] for winterizing the encampment, based on Pan Golin's research
*Government surplus - auction sites. Use our funds to acquire lots of tents this way. [http://www.govliquidation.com/ http://www.govliquidation.com/]
*Donations - ask for items with NSN numbers
*Hilton's Tent City. Visit in person to see what they have:[http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm]

*F.M. 31-70 In PDF form [http://www.mantecausd.net/LHS/JROTC/fm31_70_coldwxman.pdf http://www.mantecausd.net/LHS/JROTC/fm31_70_coldwxman.pdf]

== Meeting Minutes ==

*[[Media:WINTERIZATION_MEETING_2011-10-31.pdf|Oct 31]]
*[[Oct 27 Winterization Meeting Minutes|Oct 27]]
*[[Oct 25]]

== Foam Sheets ==
Rigid board foam could be good to have between sleeping (or sitting) people and the ground.

{| border="1" align="center" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Insulation Comparison
! Foam Name !! R-value/inch !! absorbs water? !! insulates when wet? !! flamable? !! edible by rats / bugs? !! edible by mold? !! Description
|-
|EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) || 4--5 ||some|| ?? || Y || Y || N || White beadboard, looks like rigid packaging foam
|-
|XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) || 5 || N || Y || Y || Y || N || Smooth, blue pink or other colors depending on manufacturer
|-
|PIR (polyisocyanurate) || 6 ||lots|| ?? || firerated available || Y || N || pale yellow, with facers usually of aluminum foil
|}

== Further Links & Ideas ==

=== Shelter ===

*Simple idea: [http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5 http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5]
*Hoop House: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo]
*Mobile Tent: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=share http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=share]
*Bike pullable expanding shelter: [http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter]
*Collapsible Tent: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Bike Pullable Hard Tent [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Bike House/Cart: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM]
*Hydroponic Tent [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Hexayurt[http://hexayurt.com/]
*Improvised yurts like the [http://tinyhouseblog.com/yurts/gertee-houses-made-from-scraps/ Gertee] tend to be warm, temporary, and able to take both wind and snow load. The Gertee model is an excellent option for building a couple of largish common areas that people can go to who are in real distress from cold, or for having meetings, or maybe building four or five of them to try to house as many people as possible during the worst weather. Without fires or power, your best bet will be to get a lot of people in them at once. 
*Greenhouse: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE]
*Thermal Mass Green House [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA]

=== Hot Food and Beverage ===

*Coffee Cart [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54]
*Soup Cart Carafe that can be pulled by a bike: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54]
*City Food [http://www.growmycitygreen.com/ http://www.growmycitygreen.com/]

=== Materials ===

*Fireproofing with Alum [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU]
*Small scale prototype for Large Aramid Resin Embedded Mesh Umbrellas [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=relmfu]
*Cheap Solar: [http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html?utm_medium=cse%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cutm_source=googlebase%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Chft_adv=40010%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cmr:trackingCode=66720F9E-782A-E011-B31E-001B2163195C%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cmr:referralID=NA At Harbor Freight]
*PolyCarbonate Sheet [http://www.gemplers.com/product/171483-6X12/Triple-Wall-8mm-Clear?sku=171483-6X12%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Csrc=25SEFGL%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cci_src=14110944%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cci_sku=171483 Source]
*Embedded Aramind Rope With Epoxy to make trusses. [http://www.unicahome.com/p3133/droog-design/cappellini-knotted-chair-by-marcel-wanders.html Source]
*Stronger than steel rope: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0]

----

''Based on: [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/Winterization Winterization at wikispaces]''

Prices/links (sorry don't know where to put this):

rddusa.com GP tent 16x32' = $980

Armytents.com GP 16x32 = 795

(have more places to check prices up and will put hose up soon if they are better)

hqcompany.com Boots = 30

gr8gear.com Boots = 20

Amazon.com Poly pro bottom = 17+ pp top = 17+ Mil Sleep system= 108+

majorsurplus.com mummy bag= 40 bivy cover= 60 thermal t+b= 22 tent 17' 10 person= 500 18x32= 800

ebay Mil sleep system= 80+

campmore.com Eureka wild basin 0 degree bag= 60

Military iso mat (sleeping mat)= 10 (available at many places at that price)

I put similar items at various prices because we may not be able to get the full amount we need from one site. I'll look into the links John posted tomorrow.

Winterization and Fire Safety

2011-11-02T17:11:38Z

Jfeathersmith: /* Shelter */ removed language about hay; added addl info to clarify where various proposals have problems.

'''This is the main page for Winterization and Fire Safety issues.'''

'''Announcements'''

[[Urgently-needed Items, approved for Emergency Funding by GA 10/27|Emergency Items 10/28]]

We have an email list: [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/winter Signup Form]

'''There are 3 primary concerns for winter:'''

*People - keeping us warm (clothing, etc.)
*Shelter - needs to be warm and sturdy (resist snow load, wind, etc.)
*Safety - fire and carbon monoxide, snow removal, preventing slipping on ice, etc.

== People ==

[http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Important cold weather practices]

Information we need:

*How many people in camp need better warm clothing?
*What do they need? Socks? Undershirts? Pant layers? Shoes? Mittens, hats, etc.?

Clothing Solutions:

*Polypropylene layers under regular clothing. Look for items with a NSN number (military issue). Look for wool and thermals underwear too.
*Waterproof shoes/boots. Wear boots LARGER than your normal size - more room for extra socks, extra space = insulation, ability to move toes and improve circulation.
*Space blankets hooded and regular all weather blankets NASA TECH wind H2O reflect 90%of body heat, 5x7 hooded: [http://warmers.com/ItemDetails.aspx?itemid=MPISB&pkey=Products%7cOutdoor+Gear%7cSPACE+Brand+Hooded+All-Weather+Blanket&pval=0%7c77%7cMPISB&pIds=Showcase%7cCategoryID%7citemid Examples here; also emergency blankets and bags]

Keeping warm while sitting or lying down:

*Layers of corrugated cardboard, or even newspapers. Wrap in plastic to keep it from getting wet and then frozen.
*Foil bubble home insulation. Regular bubblewrap, even.
*[[#Foam sheets|Foam sheets or blocks (styrofoam).]]

Additional solutions:

*Hot beverages available
*Hot food
*Warming stations .. possibly use the hot manhole covers for a "sauna" room.
*We can also use solar heat gain for daytime comfort. Clear plastic roofs with windbreaking sides make for good comfort on sunny days.

Here is some winter advice from Vinay Gupta who designed the hexayurts. Interesting strategy? [http://vinay.howtolivewiki.com/blog/other/advice-for-occupy-avoid-winter-war-2881]

== Shelter ==

Current solutions we are working to implement:

*A proposal was passed to buy several large military-grade tents for a number of functions, including the Kitchen, Medical, and Logistics. We are looking for local sources (to save on shipping).

Information we need:

*How many people intend to camp through the winter?
*What ordinances do we need to keep in mind?
*What are the costs to build or buy shelters?
*If we are building, do we have enough people to do that?
*What is the process for shelters needing construction?

Concerns:

*Will it hold up in strong winds?
*Will it keep water out, both on top/sides and floor?
*How do we hold tents down - can't drive stakes very deeply in the ground here; can't drive stakes through the paved areas at all.
*City may not allow tents larger than 10x10 without a permit
*Can we provide any kind of safe heat source (don't want open flame)?
*Fire Department does not want open flame - risk of fire, and is concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning as well.

Structure Solutions:

*Floors made with with plywood or tarps over it. This will allow water to flow under the floor.
*Floors made with pallets, with plywood over top. Put tents up on these. Do NOT stuff with straw; this is a fire hazard! Sealing the ends of the pallets, to stop cold air constantly flowing through, needs to be done.
*Could put small tents inside larger tents. Look for NSN number for good, 4-season tents
*Cots - get people off the ground while sleeping. What about hammocks? Problem with either is that these do not insulate you from cold air under you; you'd need some sort of non-compacting insulation (foam?) under your sleeping bag.
*Shelters can be weighted down with sandbags, buckets filled with concrete, containers filled with water.
*Little well insulated sleeping pods, with wheels, like a tiny house on wheels. Not a "structure" but a sleeping-barrow. example: [[http://karmacarpentry.com/WoodsyWagon.png]] There is one in camp now that holds 1 person that is working well.
*Inflatable structures. Custom made or purchased; dead air space can provide insulation. Flexible, not rigid structures, may avoid troubles with authorities, can be combined with other ideas, such as wheeled platforms. Potential problem: may need constant inflation or frequent reinflation, which requires electricity.

Heat and Fire Solutions

*DO NOT let trash build up! Especially paper, cardboard (i.e. signs), fabric.
*NO SMOKING NEAR COMBUSTIBLES.
*Hot water bottles. The bags from inside the "box of joe" you get at coffee shops makes a great hot water bottle. They can be refilled with water and heated by laying them over the hot (REALLY HOT, BE CAREFUL) manhole cover.
*Heat: "catalytic propane heaters" do NOT have open flames and provide heat. I think the fire department warned against open flames. Well catalytic may be our answer.
*Carbon monoxide detectors are cheap and will protect against CO poisoning. This will satisfy the fire department, and will prevent any of us from dying, both of which are good.

== Safety ==

*Where will all the snow go?
*Removing snow from gravel path could be special challenge; not so easy to shovel.
*Paths made of pallets and plywood will probably be slippery. What can we use instead of wooden surfaces?

== Resources ==

'''Please update this with URLs as appropriate'''

*[[Winter guide for Occupiers]] - currently a very rough draft, will be used to get information out to all campers
*A updatable table showing [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtaucN1L0GNgdHk1V3U3YVNxOTNjWngxeWVsSUdYTFE strategies, action items, and donations needed] for winterizing the encampment, based on Pan Golin's research
*Government surplus - auction sites. Use our funds to acquire lots of tents this way. [http://www.govliquidation.com/ http://www.govliquidation.com/]
*Donations - ask for items with NSN numbers
*Hilton's Tent City. Visit in person to see what they have:[http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm]

*F.M. 31-70 In PDF form [http://www.mantecausd.net/LHS/JROTC/fm31_70_coldwxman.pdf http://www.mantecausd.net/LHS/JROTC/fm31_70_coldwxman.pdf]

== Meeting Minutes ==

*[[Media:WINTERIZATION_MEETING_2011-10-31.pdf|Oct 31]]
*[[Oct 27 Winterization Meeting Minutes|Oct 27]]
*[[Oct 25]]

== Foam Sheets ==
Rigid board foam could be good to have between sleeping (or sitting) people and the ground.

{| border="1" align="center" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Insulation Comparison
! Foam Name !! R-value/inch !! absorbs water? !! insulates when wet? !! flamable? !! edible by rats / bugs? !! edible by mold? !! Description
|-
|EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) || 4--5 ||some|| ?? || Y || Y || N || White beadboard, looks like rigid packaging foam
|-
|XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) || 5 || N || Y || Y || Y || N || Smooth, blue pink or other colors depending on manufacturer
|-
|PIR (polyisocyanurate) || 6 ||lots|| ?? || firerated available || Y || N || pale yellow, with facers usually of aluminum foil
|}

== Further Links & Ideas ==

=== Shelter ===

*Simple idea: [http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5 http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5]
*Hoop House: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo]
*Mobile Tent: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=share http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=share]
*Bike pullable expanding shelter: [http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter]
*Collapsible Tent: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Bike Pullable Hard Tent [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Bike House/Cart: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM]
*Hydroponic Tent [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Hexayurt[http://hexayurt.com/]
*Improvised yurts like the [http://tinyhouseblog.com/yurts/gertee-houses-made-from-scraps/ Gertee] tend to be warm, temporary, and able to take both wind and snow load. The Gertee model is an excellent option for building a couple of largish common areas that people can go to who are in real distress from cold, or for having meetings, or maybe building four or five of them to try to house as many people as possible during the worst weather. Without fires or power, your best bet will be to get a lot of people in them at once. 
*Greenhouse: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE]
*Thermal Mass Green House [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA]

=== Hot Food and Beverage ===

*Coffee Cart [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54]
*Soup Cart Carafe that can be pulled by a bike: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54]
*City Food [http://www.growmycitygreen.com/ http://www.growmycitygreen.com/]

=== Materials ===

*Fireproofing with Alum [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU]
*Small scale prototype for Large Aramid Resin Embedded Mesh Umbrellas [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=relmfu]
*Cheap Solar: [http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html?utm_medium=cse%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cutm_source=googlebase%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Chft_adv=40010%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cmr:trackingCode=66720F9E-782A-E011-B31E-001B2163195C%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cmr:referralID=NA At Harbor Freight]
*PolyCarbonate Sheet [http://www.gemplers.com/product/171483-6X12/Triple-Wall-8mm-Clear?sku=171483-6X12%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Csrc=25SEFGL%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cci_src=14110944%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cci_sku=171483 Source]
*Embedded Aramind Rope With Epoxy to make trusses. [http://www.unicahome.com/p3133/droog-design/cappellini-knotted-chair-by-marcel-wanders.html Source]
*Stronger than steel rope: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0]

----

''Based on: [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/Winterization Winterization at wikispaces]''

Prices/links (sorry don't know where to put this):

rddusa.com GP tent 16x32' = $980

Armytents.com GP 16x32 = 795

(have more places to check prices up and will put hose up soon if they are better)

hqcompany.com Boots = 30

gr8gear.com Boots = 20

Amazon.com Poly pro bottom = 17+ pp top = 17+ Mil Sleep system= 108+

majorsurplus.com mummy bag= 40 bivy cover= 60 thermal t+b= 22 tent 17' 10 person= 500 18x32= 800

ebay Mil sleep system= 80+

campmore.com Eureka wild basin 0 degree bag= 60

Military iso mat (sleeping mat)= 10 (available at many places at that price)

I put similar items at various prices because we may not be able to get the full amount we need from one site. I'll look into the links John posted tomorrow.

Winter Health and Safety for Protestors

2011-10-30T14:25:37Z

Jfeathersmith: created page

==The basics==

'''Safety'''

*Do not smoke near the tents or near flammable materials (cardboard, clothing, other fabric, etc.)
*Do not smoke INSIDE the tents
*Do not burn candles or anything else inside the tents or near anything else that might catch fire.

'''Health'''
*Stay dry
*Stay out of the wind
*Keep moving to keep circulation going, which will keep you warm and help prevent frostbite. Even rocking back and forth and stretching your arms and back will help.

==Health & Safety==

'''WARNING SIGNS'''

===Frostbite===

*If part of your body starts to tingle, ache or feel numb, get inside immediately. Don't fuck with frostbite. Frostbite hates your nose, it loathes your ears, it despises your fingers and it really, truly hates your feet. Frostbite loves caffeine and alcohol because they make it easier for Old Frosty to get under your skin.

*Staying hydrated will help reduce your risk of frostbite: Every day, drink half your weight as ounces of fluid that has no caffeine or alcohol (diuretics). If you weigh 150 pounds, that means 75 oz of fluid - without caffeine or alcohol - per day.
*Go pee often. Don't waste energy keeping a bladder full of urine warm. Going pee may warm you up just a bit, but more importantly you will be able to stay warm for a longer period of time. This does not mean you should avoid liquids. Stay hydrated but don't hold it.

===Hypothermia===

Severe shivering, mental confusion, and difficulty speaking mean trouble. If you are shivering and no amount of hot food and drink will make it stop, go inside. If you observe someone stop shivering without having down anything to warm up, get them help now.

===Dehydration, sunburn, and windburn===

Dehydration, sunburn and windburn will happen in the winter too. Those alpine skiers on TV have sunscreen paste on their noses for a reason. Cold air is dry air and if you're marching, it is sucking perspiration off you face before you know it. That steam on your breath is water escaping from your body. Keep a bottle or canteen of warm water on a strap or lanyard, close to your body. Tape your extra camera batteries to the strap. Use chapstick or vaseline to protect your lips.

==Details for personal warmth==

===How to dress===

*Stay dry. Wear water resistant outer layers and inner layers that wick sweat away from you. If you get wet, remove your wet clothing as soon as possible and get dry clothes on. If you are sweating, remove layers or open your outermost one to regulate your temperature and let the sweat evaporate so your inner layers don't get soaked.
**If you go inside to warm up and take off your shoes or boots, fill them with crumpled newspaper to wick up a lot of the perspiration. You can do the same with damp socks.
**Opening up the hands of a sweaty pair of mittens or gloves with a toilet paper tube will help dry them quicker.
*Keep your head, neck and ears covered.
**A wool or fleece hat with ear flaps is best. A stocking cap is ok, but if it gets really cold or windy, you'll need a hood to cover it or a scarf to protect your neck. There are MAJOR blood vessels in your neck and head - if they get cold, you will be cold.
**Ears are very vulnerable to frostbite.
**When it's really cold, you'll also need a ski mask and/or a scarf to cover your face. If your coat has a hood or collar that covers your neck, your good to go. Otherwise, wrap up with a scarf or pashmina.
* Mittens. Not gloves, mittens, with a windproof outer shell or leather choppers. Mittens allow your fingers to share heat. If you need your fingers for dexterity, wear a thin pair of gloves with big mittens over them.
*Layers
**Washable briefs and t-shirt with insulated long underwear (polypropylene, wool, or silk) and
**Wool boot socks on the inside and a
**warm coat on the outside. If your coat has no hood, wear a hoodie or anorak under it to cover your neck and shield the sides of your face.
**Under your coat, wear wool pants, sweatpants or long wool skirt (over warm leggings or pants) below and a long-sleeved sweater, sweatshirt or fleece above. Add a flannel shirt with pockets to hold your cell phone or camera.
*If you want to stay really warm, ski pants, or a snowmobile suit are better. Insulated coveralls designed for farmers and construction workers are best of all. Even basic rainpants over your other pants will help keep you dry and prevent the wind from chilling you.
*Comfortable footware that keeps your feet dry.
**Rubber boots or shoepacs.
**Get them larger than your usual size so you can wear multiple pairs of socks.
*Keep a wad of kleenex, paper towels or paper napkins handy. Cold makes your eyes water and your nose run. When you get inside your sleeves and mittens will thank you for using a hanky instead

===How to behave===

*Drink plenty of fluids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol
*Go pee when you need to so your body won't waste energy keeping your full bladder warm.
*Don't stand on or walk in on snow for long periods. Concrete isn't much better, but snow will surround your feet and suck the heat out very quickly. It can also melt from your body heat, seep into your shoes, get the bottom of your pant legs wet.
* Fuel: Hot liquids can warm you up quickly, but real food will keep your furnace going. In cold weather, your resting body burns calories just to stay warm. At the end of the day, you'll be exhausted. Your metabolism has been humming just to keep your temperature at 98.6. When you warm up, every cell in your body just wants to crash.
*Do not stand, sit, or lie directly on concrete; it sucks the warmth from you. Use foam or thick cardboard as a barrier. A pile of newspaper will do in a pinch.
* When the wind chill advisory is vicious, get out of it. Shelter in a tent or building.

===Protecting other things from cold===

* Electronics:
**Plastic parts on keyboards get brittle and need to be handled gently. If you are outside in cold weather and aren't close to an electrical outlet, your laptop battery is going to croak pretty quickly.
**Cold kills batteries.
**Keep your cell phone, camera, and other small electronics close to your body - that means in your sleeping bag with you at night. Ditto for extra batteries.
*Cold freezes the ink in pens and markers. Bring a pencil and use fat kindergarten crayons or china markers to whip up a signs in the great white north.

~Credit for the majority of the guidelines is due to Daily Kos user ruleoflaw, and came from [http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Cold weather tips for protesters]. Information in many of the comments was also incorporated.~

Winterization and Fire Safety

2011-10-30T14:11:00Z

Jfeathersmith: created link to new page for winter guide handout

'''This is the main page for Winterization and Fire Safety issues.'''

'''Announcements'''

[[Urgently-needed Items, approved for Emergency Funding by GA 10/27|Emergency Items 10/28]]

'''There are 3 primary concerns for winter:'''

*People - keeping us warm (clothing, etc.)
*Shelter - needs to be warm and sturdy (resist snow load, wind, etc.)
*Safety - fire and carbon monoxide, snow removal, preventing slipping on ice, etc.

== People ==

[http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Important cold weather practices]

Information we need:

*How many people in camp need better warm clothing?
*What do they need? Socks? Undershirts? Pant layers? Shoes? Mittens, hats, etc.?

Clothing Solutions:

*Polypropylene layers under regular clothing. Look for items with a NSN number (military issue). Look for wool and thermals underwear too.
*Waterproof shoes/boots. Wear boots LARGER than your normal size - more room for extra socks, extra space = insulation, ability to move toes and improve circulation.
*Space blankets hooded and regular all weather blankets NASA TECH wind H2O reflect 90%of body heat, 5x7 hooded: [http://warmers.com/ItemDetails.aspx?itemid=MPISB&pkey=Products%7cOutdoor+Gear%7cSPACE+Brand+Hooded+All-Weather+Blanket&pval=0%7c77%7cMPISB&pIds=Showcase%7cCategoryID%7citemid Examples here; also emergency blankets and bags]

Keeping warm while sitting or lying down:

*Layers of corrugated cardboard, or even newspapers. Wrap in plastic to keep it from getting wet and then frozen.
*Foil bubble home insulation. Regular bubblewrap, even.
*Foam sheets or blocks (styrofoam).

Additional solutions:

*Hot beverages available
*Hot food
*Warming stations .. possibly use the hot manhole covers for a "sauna" room.
*We can also use solar heat gain for daytime comfort. Clear plastic roofs with windbreaking sides make for good comfort on sunny days.

== Shelter ==

Information we need:

*How many people intend to camp through the winter?
*What ordinances do we need to keep in mind?
*What are the costs to build or buy shelters?
*If we are building, do we have enough people to do that?
*What is the process for shelters needing construction?

Concerns:

*Will it hold up in strong winds?
*Will it keep water out, both on top/sides and floor?
*How do we hold tents down - can't drive stakes very deeply in the ground here; can't drive stakes through the paved areas at all.
*City may not allow tents larger than 10x10 without a permit
*Can we provide any kind of safe heat source (don't want open flame)?
*Fire Department does not want open flame - risk of fire, and is concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning as well.

Structure Solutions:

*Floors made with a layer of hay with plywood or tarps over it. This will allow water to flow under the floor. PROBLEM: Hay is a fire hazard.
*Floors made with pallets, with plywood over top. Put tents up on these.
*Large military issue tents - can be used for kitchen, other working groups, group sleeping (need to provide separate sleeping areas based on gender). Could put small tents inside larger tents. Look for NSN number for good, 4-season tents
*Cots - get people off the ground while sleeping. What about hammocks?
*Shelters can be weighted down with sandbags, buckets filled with concrete, containers filled with water.
*Kitchen tent needs to be fully enclosed - not just warmth but to help keep rodents out.
*Little well insulated sleeping pods .. with wheels .. tiny house on wheels .. not a "structure" but a sleeping-barrow. example: [[http://karmacarpentry.com/WoodsyWagon.png]]
*Inflatable structures... custom made or purchased .. dead air space can provide insulation .. flexible, not rigid structures, may avoid troubles with authorities, can be combined with other ideas, such as wheeled platforms.

Heat and Fire Solutions

*DO NOT let trash build up! Especially paper, cardboard (i.e. signs), fabric.
*NO SMOKING NEAR COMBUSTIBLES.
*Heat: "catalytic propane heaters" do NOT have open flames and provide heat. I think the fire department warned against open flames. Well catalytic may be our answer.
*Carbon monoxide detectors are cheap and will protect against CO poisoning. This will satisfy the fire department, and will prevent any of us from dying, both of which are good.

== Safety ==

*Where will all the snow go?
*Removing snow from gravel path could be special challenge; not so easy to shovel.
*Paths made of pallets and plywood will probably be slippery. What can we use instead of wooden surfaces?

== Resources ==

'''Please update this with URLs as appropriate'''

* [[Winter guide for Occupiers]] - currently a very rough draft, will be used to get information out to all campers
*Government surplus - auction sites. Use our funds to acquire lots of tents this way. http://www.govliquidation.com/
*Donations - ask for items with NSN numbers
*Hilton's Tent City. Visit in person to see what they have:[http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm]

*F.M. 31-70 In PDF form http://www.mantecausd.net/LHS/JROTC/fm31_70_coldwxman.pdf

== Meeting Minutes ==

*[[Oct 25]]
*[https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=1334918516d64f77&mt=application/msword&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3D5aeeba4bf1%26view%3Datt%26th%3D1334918516d64f77%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dsafe%26realattid%3Df_guarp5wg0%26zw&sig=AHIEtbS7KFlqzx14oPuuh_b1nex6ZPziww&pli=1 Oct 27]

== Further Links & Ideas ==

*Simple idea: [http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5 http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5]
*Hoop House: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo]
*Mobile Tent: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=share http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=share]
*Bike pullable expanding shelter: [http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter]
*Collapsible Tent: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Bike Pullable Hard Tent [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*Coffee Cart [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54]
*Bike House/Cart: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM]
*Soup Cart Carafe that can be pulled by a bike: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54]

*Fireproofing with Alum [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU]
*Hydroponic Tent [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=related]
*City Food [http://www.growmycitygreen.com/ http://www.growmycitygreen.com/]
*Small scale prototype for Large Aramid Resin Embedded Mesh Umbrellas [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cfeature=relmfu]
*Cheap Solar: [http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html?utm_medium=cse%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cutm_source=googlebase%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Chft_adv=40010%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cmr:trackingCode=66720F9E-782A-E011-B31E-001B2163195C%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cmr:referralID=NA At Harbor Freight]
*Greenhouse: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE]

*Thermal Mass Green House [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA]
*PolyCarbonate Sheet [http://www.gemplers.com/product/171483-6X12/Triple-Wall-8mm-Clear?sku=171483-6X12%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Csrc=25SEFGL%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cci_src=14110944%7C+%7Camp%7C+%7Cci_sku=171483 Source]
*Embedded Aramind Rope With Epoxy to make trusses. [http://www.unicahome.com/p3133/droog-design/cappellini-knotted-chair-by-marcel-wanders.html Source]
*Stronger than steel rope: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0]
*Hexayurt[http://hexayurt.com/]
----

''Based on: [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/Winterization Winterization at wikispaces]''

Prices/links (sorry don't know where to put this):

rddusa.com GP tent 16x32' = $980

Armytents.com GP 16x32 = 795

(have more places to check prices up and will put hose up soon if they are better)

hqcompany.com Boots = 30

gr8gear.com Boots = 20

Amazon.com Poly pro bottom = 17+ pp top = 17+ Mil Sleep system= 108+

majorsurplus.com mummy bag= 40 bivy cover= 60 thermal t+b= 22 tent 17' 10 person= 500 18x32= 800

ebay Mil sleep system= 80+

campmore.com Eureka wild basin 0 degree bag= 60

Military iso mat (sleeping mat)= 10 (available at many places at that price)

I put similar items at various prices because we may not be able to get the full amount we need from one site. I'll look into the links John posted tomorrow.

Winterization and Fire Safety

2011-10-27T17:49:09Z

Jfeathersmith:

'''This is the main page for Winterization and Fire Safety issues.'''

There are 3 primary concerns for winter:

* People - keeping us warm (clothing, etc.)
* Shelter - needs to be warm and sturdy (resist snow load, wind, etc.)
* Safety - fire and carbon monoxide, snow removal, preventing slipping on ice, etc.

==People==

[http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Important cold weather practices]

Information we need:

* How many people in camp need better warm clothing?
* What do they need? Socks? Undershirts? Pant layers? Shoes? Mittens, hats, etc.?

Clothing Solutions:

* Polypropylene layers under regular clothing. Look for items with a NSN number (military issue). Look for wool and thermals underwear too.
* Waterproof shoes/boots. Wear boots LARGER than your normal size - more room for extra socks, extra space = insulation, ability to move toes and improve circulation.
* Space blankets hooded and regular all weather blankets NASA TECH wind H2O reflect 90%of body heat, 5x7 hooded: [http://warmers.com/ItemDetails.aspx?itemid=MPISB&pkey=Products%7cOutdoor+Gear%7cSPACE+Brand+Hooded+All-Weather+Blanket&pval=0%7c77%7cMPISB&pIds=Showcase%7cCategoryID%7citemid Examples here; also emergency blankets and bags]

Keeping warm while sitting or lying down:

* Layers of corrugated cardboard, or even newspapers. Wrap in plastic to keep it from getting wet and then frozen.
* Foil bubble home insulation. Regular bubblewrap, even.
* Foam sheets or blocks (styrofoam).

Additional solutions:

* Hot beverages available
* Hot food
* Warming stations .. possibly use the hot manhole covers for a "sauna" room.
* We can also use solar heat gain for daytime comfort. Clear plastic roofs with windbreaking sides make for good comfort on sunny days.

==Shelter==

Information we need:

* How many people intend to camp through the winter?
* What ordinances do we need to keep in mind?
* What are the costs to build or buy shelters?
* If we are building, do we have enough people to do that?
* What is the process for shelters needing construction?

Concerns:

* Will it hold up in strong winds?
* Will it keep water out, both on top/sides and floor?
* How do we hold tents down - can't drive stakes very deeply in the ground here; can't drive stakes through the paved areas at all.
* City may not allow tents larger than 10x10 without a permit
* Can we provide any kind of safe heat source (don't want open flame)?
* Fire Department does not want open flame - risk of fire, and is concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning as well.

Structure Solutions:

* Floors made with a layer of hay with plywood or tarps over it. This will allow water to flow under the floor. PROBLEM: Hay is a fire hazard.
* Floors made with pallets, with plywood over top. Put tents up on these.
* Large military issue tents - can be used for kitchen, other working groups, group sleeping (need to provide separate sleeping areas based on gender). Could put small tents inside larger tents. Look for NSN number for good, 4-season tents
* Cots - get people off the ground while sleeping. What about hammocks?
* Shelters can be weighted down with sandbags, buckets filled with concrete, containers filled with water.
* Kitchen tent needs to be fully enclosed - not just warmth but to help keep rodents out.
* Little well insulated sleeping pods .. with wheels .. tiny house on wheels .. not a "structure" but a sleeping-barrow. example: [[http://karmacarpentry.com/WoodsyWagon.png]]
* Inflatable structures... custom made or purchased .. dead air space can provide insulation .. flexible, not rigid structures, may avoid troubles with authorities, can be combined with other ideas, such as wheeled platforms.

Heat and Fire Solutions

* DO NOT let trash build up! Especially paper, cardboard (i.e. signs), fabric.
* NO SMOKING NEAR COMBUSTIBLES.
* Heat: "catalytic propane heaters" do NOT have open flames and provide heat. I think the fire department warned against open flames. Well catalytic may be our answer.
* Carbon monoxide detectors are cheap and will protect against CO poisoning. This will satisfy the fire department, and will prevent any of us from dying, both of which are good.

==Safety==

* Where will all the snow go?
* Removing snow from gravel path could be special challenge; not so easy to shovel.
* Paths made of pallets and plywood will probably be slippery. What can we use instead of wooden surfaces?

==Resources==

'''Please update this with URLs as appropriate'''

* Government surplus - auction sites. Use our funds to acquire lots of tents this way.
* Donations - ask for items with NSN numbers
* Hilton's Tent City? Need to visit in person to see what they have:[http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm]

==Meeting Minutes==
* [[Oct 25]]

==Further Links & Ideas==

*Simple idea: http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5
*Hoop House: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo
*Mobile Tent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko|+|amp|+|feature=share
*Bike pullable expanding shelter: http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter
*Collapsible Tent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE|+|amp|+|feature=related
*Bike Pullable Hard Tent http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY|+|amp|+|feature=related
*Coffee Cart http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54
*Bike House/Cart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM
*Soup Cart Carafe that can be pulled by a bike: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54

*Fireproofing with Alum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU
*Hydroponic Tent http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ|+|amp|+|feature=related
*City Food http://www.growmycitygreen.com/
*Small scale prototype for Large Aramid Resin Embedded Mesh Umbrellas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ|+|amp|+|feature=relmfu
*Cheap Solar: [http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html?utm_medium=cse|+|amp|+|utm_source=googlebase|+|amp|+|hft_adv=40010|+|amp|+|mr:trackingCode=66720F9E-782A-E011-B31E-001B2163195C|+|amp|+|mr:referralID=NA At Harbor Freight]
*Greenhouse: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE

*Thermal Mass Green House http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA
*PolyCarbonate Sheet [http://www.gemplers.com/product/171483-6X12/Triple-Wall-8mm-Clear?sku=171483-6X12|+|amp|+|src=25SEFGL|+|amp|+|ci_src=14110944|+|amp|+|ci_sku=171483 Source]
*Embedded Aramind Rope With Epoxy to make trusses. [http://www.unicahome.com/p3133/droog-design/cappellini-knotted-chair-by-marcel-wanders.html Source]
*Stronger than steel rope: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0

-------
''Based on: [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/Winterization Winterization at wikispaces]''

Winterization and Fire Safety

2011-10-27T17:17:32Z

Jfeathersmith: added a bunch of links from an email

'''This is the main page for Winterization and Fire Safety issues.'''

There are 3 primary concerns for winter:

* People - keeping us warm (clothing, etc.)
* Shelter - needs to be warm and sturdy (resist snow load, wind, etc.)
* Safety - fire and carbon monoxide, snow removal, preventing slipping on ice, etc.

==People==

[http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/11/1025212/-Cold-weather-tips-for-protesters Important cold weather practices]

Information we need:

* How many people in camp need better warm clothing?
* What do they need? Socks? Undershirts? Pant layers? Shoes? Mittens, hats, etc.?

Solutions:

* Polypropylene layers under regular clothing. Look for items with a NSN number (military issue). Look for wool and thermals underwear too.
* Waterproof shoes/boots. Wear boots LARGER than your normal size - more room for extra socks, extra space = insulation, ability to move toes and improve circulation.
* Hot beverages available
* Space blankets hooded and regular all weather blankets NASA TECH wind H2O reflect 90%of body heat, 5x7 hooded: [http://warmers.com/ItemDetails.aspx?itemid=MPISB&pkey=Products%7cOutdoor+Gear%7cSPACE+Brand+Hooded+All-Weather+Blanket&pval=0%7c77%7cMPISB&pIds=Showcase%7cCategoryID%7citemid Examples here; also emergency blankets and bags]
* Warming stations .. possibly use the hot manhole covers for a "sauna" room.
* We can also use solar heat gain for daytime comfort. Clear plastic roofs with windbreaking sides make for good comfort on sunny days.

==Shelter==

Information we need:

* How many people intend to camp through the winter?
* What ordinances do we need to keep in mind?
* What are the costs to build or buy shelters?
* If we are building, do we have enough people to do that?
* What is the process for shelters needing construction?

Concerns:

* Will it hold up in strong winds?
* Will it keep water out, both on top/sides and floor?
* How do we hold tents down - can't drive stakes very deeply in the ground here; can't drive stakes through the paved areas at all.
* City may not allow tents larger than 10x10 without a permit
* Can we provide any kind of safe heat source (don't want open flame)?
* Fire Department does not want open flame - risk of fire, and is concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning as well.

Ideas:

* Floors made with a layer of hay with plywood or tarps over it. This will allow water to flow under the floor.
* Floors made with pallets stuffed with hay, with plywood over top.
* Large military issue tents - can be used for kitchen, other working groups, group sleeping (need to provide separate sleeping areas based on gender). Could put small tents inside larger tents. Look for NSN number for good, 4-season tents
* Cots - get people off the ground while sleeping. What about hammocks?
* Shelters can be weighted down with sandbags, buckets filled with concrete, containers filled with water.
* Kitchen tent needs to be fully enclosed - not just warmth but to help keep rodents out.
* Little well insulated sleeping pods .. with wheels .. tiny house on wheels .. not a "structure" but a sleeping-barrow. example: [[http://karmacarpentry.com/WoodsyWagon.png]]
* Heat: "catalytic propane heaters" do NOT have open flames and provide heat. I think the fire department warned against open flames. Well catalytic may be our answer.
* Carbon monoxide detectors are cheap and will protect against CO poisoning. This will satisfy the fire department, and will prevent any of us from dying, both of which are good.
* Inflatable structures... custom made or purchased .. dead air space can provide insulation .. flexible, not rigid structures, may avoid troubles with authorities, can be combined with other ideas, such as wheeled platforms.

==Safety==

* Where will all the snow go?
* Removing snow from gravel path could be special challenge; not so easy to shovel.
* Paths made of pallets and plywood will probably be slippery. What can we use instead of wooden surfaces?

==Resources==

'''Please update this with URLs as appropriate'''

* Government surplus - auction sites. Use our funds to acquire lots of tents this way.
* Donations - ask for items with NSN numbers
* Hilton's Tent City? Need to visit in person to see what they have:[http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/store.htm]

==Meeting Minutes==
* [[Oct 25]]

==Further Links & Ideas==

*Simple idea: http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/100511shigeru_ban_shelters/slide.asp?slide=5
*Hoop House: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp4LgOWtCo
*Mobile Tent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7V3f7tbko|+|amp|+|feature=share
*Bike pullable expanding shelter: http://Bike%20pullable%20expanding%20shelter
*Collapsible Tent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gb6y6ikiTE|+|amp|+|feature=related
*Bike Pullable Hard Tent http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAa56PpGoRY|+|amp|+|feature=related
*Coffee Cart http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54
*Bike House/Cart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyn8J8-q8EM
*Soup Cart Carafe that can be pulled by a bike: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUZnIKNL54

*Fireproofing with Alum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFnKZqHimaU
*Hydroponic Tent http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yra0g5uOXhQ|+|amp|+|feature=related
*City Food http://www.growmycitygreen.com/
*Small scale prototype for Large Aramid Resin Embedded Mesh Umbrellas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDqCG2bUFIQ|+|amp|+|feature=relmfu
*Cheap Solar: [http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html?utm_medium=cse|+|amp|+|utm_source=googlebase|+|amp|+|hft_adv=40010|+|amp|+|mr:trackingCode=66720F9E-782A-E011-B31E-001B2163195C|+|amp|+|mr:referralID=NA At Harbor Freight]
*Greenhouse: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODRUvok0XE

*Thermal Mass Green House http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Br6QCS5VGA
*PolyCarbonate Sheet [http://www.gemplers.com/product/171483-6X12/Triple-Wall-8mm-Clear?sku=171483-6X12|+|amp|+|src=25SEFGL|+|amp|+|ci_src=14110944|+|amp|+|ci_sku=171483 Source]
*Embedded Aramind Rope With Epoxy to make trusses. [http://www.unicahome.com/p3133/droog-design/cappellini-knotted-chair-by-marcel-wanders.html Source]
*Stronger than steel rope: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0

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''Based on: [http://occupyboston.wikispaces.com/Winterization Winterization at wikispaces]''