General Assembly notes Jan 5, 2013

Facilitator:  Kathryn
Notes:  Meggen

14 people present.  Welcomed 7 newcomers.  Great way to start out the new year!


Discussion:

Read General Agreements, made introductions, talked about what has brought us to Occupy and what we want to see happen.  Some things mentioned:  direct democracy, acting directly to effect change vs. “asking” government entities to do it, putting pressure on local politicians, working locally for socio-economic justice including dealing with local racism and segregation, supporting a new candidate for city council, forming a Saul Alinsky study group.  (Reading and discussing Alinsky's Rules for Radicals.)

Talked a bit about local Occupy victories--city buses now run on 6 of 8 holidays, as opposed to 0.  Petition from Seniors and Friends had hundreds of signatures.  Also, a lot of people have moved their money from banks to credit unions over the past year.  Further discussion of OA plans to work on helping local victims of unfair foreclosures.  So far, biggest hurdle is identifying potential families who would want our help.  More about this over the coming Monday meetings...

Announcements / Events:

Potluck dinner in honor of Ben Scales @ Rosetta’s on Sunday, Jan 20 at 5PM.  Rosetta will host, but Occupy will bring the food.  Ben was OA’s pro bono attorney for several of the arrestees last year.  Come down to say thanks and bring a dish to share!

MLK parade Monday Jan 21st.  We will meet, distribute OA badges to wear & walk in solidarity.  Details TBA. 

Public Safety meeting regarding Cecil Bothwell’s civil liberties resolution Monday Jan 28th at 3PM @ Asheville Fire Station (2nd floor.)  This resolution states that Asheville police will not comply with federal statutes regarding targeting and arrest of undocumented workers.  We need to pack the room to make it happen.