General Assembly Notes

Announcements

Benefit Concert for the homeless as part of the 12 Days of Occupy this Thursday, Dec. 22 at Off Broadway. Roving GA will be held at this location at 6:00 and the show begins around 7:00-7:30. Admission is either $10, ten cans of food, or a slightly used winter coat.

Report of National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Actions as part of D-17:

Points of Information: This Act of Congress gives the President the authority to indefinitely detain without due process of a trial any “belligerent” citizen who is suspected of associating with Al Queda or supporting organizations. Also, Obama was educated as a Constitutional lawyer.

NDAA action and mic check happened at several locations in the Loop. An “internment camp” was set up with orange fencing to detain Obama headquarters.

Monday, Dec. 19, Jeb Middlebrook, an Occupier from LA will be at the ACLU, 454 Whittier (at Olive), from 2:00-3:00 to discuss Occupy Racism. Jeb has been on many InterOccupy conference calls on this subject. He is currently traveling to the ten most segregated cities in America, and yep, we’re one of them.

Wendel Hodge is facing eviction the day after Christmas due to a clerical error in his application for a loan modification. He was behind on payments but the bank paperwork added an extra “1” to his address and therefore didn’t process his application. In an expedited foreclosure, Freddie Mac bought his house. A meeting to decide how to support him happened today at 3:30. His neighbors are supporting him. His address is 2417 Akin in Jennings.

The Organization for Black Struggle and the Rowan Center

Because we were meeting at the Rowan Center, we postponed our proposal time in order to find out how we can best support the Organization For Black Struggle (OBS) on their issues. Montague Simmons, the current chair of OBS, provided the following information.

The Rowan Center has been home to OBS for thirty years. Before that it was home to the Black Nationalist Front and other revolutionary organizations which cointelpro decimated. In the ’80’s the community came together to form OBS.

Over the last 30 years there have been ebbs and flows, right now there is more of an ebb. Montague said currently the black community is not as fully engaged in Occupy as one might expect. He said the reasons are complicated and various. One reason is that in general the black community doesn’t identify Occupy as representing them.

OBS is working with Jobs With Justice (JWJ) pushing two ballot initiatives: increasing the minimum wage by $1 an hour and capping the interest on payday loans at 36%. Ultimately we could help them collect signatures, they need 70,000, but OBS wants those collecting signatures to be knowledgeable on the issues so they will be doing outreach on this in the near future. OBS is optimistic that these initiatives will help people in his community see their place in the struggle.

Montague talked about OBS’ membership in the Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression (CAPCAR). CAPCAR has taken the lead on two fronts. One is the formation of legislation to create a Civilian Review Board. This legislation first had to pass at the state level, which it did. It then passed the Board of Alderman and Mayor Slay vetoed it.

CAPCAR also initiated the campaign for Local Control of the Police (Local Control), wrote legislation and actively lobbied the state legislature over the past 10 years. Currently the Governor appoints the members of the Police Board of Commissioners. St. Louis and Kansas City are the only two cities in the Country with this set up. It came about during the civil war when both cities were pro Union but the state was pro Confederate. CAPCAR is currently deciding whether to support the ballot initiative or legislation.

We asked where can we fit in and how can we support OBS’ initiatives. Montague said that by creating direct actions like having GA at the Rowan Center like right now.

CAPCAR meets every second Thursday at 7:00 pm at the Rowan Center (1401 Rowan). These meetings are open and anyone from Occupy is welcome to participate.

Regarding the Martin Luther King March. Montague asked that we bring signs that represent the issues we’re working on. OBS has a huge Justice for Reggie banner they always bring. The march is Monday, January 16, time and place to be announced. Montague said we should bring signs that reflect the issues of Occupy.

Montague mentioned that tonight OBS was celebrating Kwanzaa which is in line with, the First Fruits tradition. The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa bring strength and balance to the community. “Dread Out” is the theme of this year’s December 31 annual New Year’s party which features live music from the Infrared Rockers. January 28, OBS is bringing Robbie Clark in town to speak at their annual fundraising event. Robbie is a member of Occupy Oakland and Just Cause. These are also avenues for Occupy and OBS to make connections.

Other threads…OBS is non-violent in its tactics and stressed that non-violence is essential when protesting…OBS will be creating a model of deeper communication, creating spaces, and curriculum…some people have a fear of freedom…the black community has been through so many struggles and it’s hard for many to recognize that we’re back “in that place again”….people of color in St. Louis need to recognize the need to get involved and engaged…right now OBS is basically reintroducing itself to the community.

Public meetings with OBS will begin in February and Occupy members are welcome.

Proposals

Susie-Winter GA’s meet on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only and that the Wednesday GA’s be held at Culver Eco-Village, 3965 Westminster Place in the eastern part of the Central West End. (from Olive go S on Sarah and E on Westminster, from Lindell go N on Sarah and E on Westminster Pl)

Passed through second GA Solidarity!

Catherine-That GA’s also continue to be held on Thursdays.

Passed first GA. Solidarity

Paul-Read a statement, “The OCCUPY Movement has taken notice of the recent divestment of millions in ad dollars by 60 major corporations, including Lowe’s & Bank of America, from a time slot on cable television network The Learning Channel occupied by a reality-tv program portraying the everyday lives of Detroit-area Muslim families in today’s America……

Occupy St. Louis hereby puts Lowe’s, in particular, on notice that we will be participating in the call to protest and commercial boycott sent out by The Islamic Circle of North America, and that we will encourage our supporters, friends, neighbors, community, and allies to do the same and spread the message that no corporate giant will be allowed any longer to go un-noticed when they participate in the politics of hate and division…

Passed second GA and is now an official OSTL statement. The full text will be posted on the homepage. Solidarity!

Catherine-Due to a consistent failure to follow process and lack of accountability of the current finance working group, that a vote of no confidence result in the dissolution of this working group and the formation of a new one. All records and access to accounts will be turned over to the new finance working group.

The expected outcomes are to achieve transparency and accountability with our finances, the ability to use finances appropriately and with clear purpose, and to ensure that the finances are managed by more than two or three people.

From ensuing friendly amendments, it was further resolved that:

Catherine will set a working group time to create a new finance working group which will include OSTL members who are accountants and have expressed an interest in this process. Old members will hand over all the above mentioned information and will be immediately rotated off this working group for a period of 30 days.

From now on, all members of the finance working group who deal with money will need GA approval including the old members who have been rotated off. The new finance working group will determine limits, if any, of members on this working group and whether or not officer positions will be rotated and if so, for what period of time.

Passed Solidarity!

Announcement

Friday, Dec. 30, at 4482 Washington, at the corner of Taylor and Washington (upstairs in the conference room) the St. Louis Socialist School of Socialistic Organizer is presenting a film “Why Are We In Afghanistan?” and having a discussion.

The required quorum of 20 people was not reached.

The required quorum of 20 people was not reached.

Quorum (20 people) was not reached, so no proposals were made.

2pm call to order

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Dec 27th is the 1st peoples caucus in Des Moines, Iowa Arianna would like
resolutions or proposals to take to Des Moines in solidarity.

Action/outreach- the door admission for the winter relief at Off Broadway
on the 22nd is $7 or 10 canned goods or a gently used coat (all sizes needed)
all proceeds will go to winter relief, except the bar receipts

Oren- If it’s 20 degrees or colder meet at Mokabe’s at 6pm (on Grand at
Arsenal) for outreach to the homeless

Ben- Noticing controversy over internet/facebook postings about illegal
actions. Let’s try not to resolve differences on FB and NOT involve police in
any situation. Avoid intimidation online.

PROPOSALS:
John- Meet at Freedom Square on Dec 17 Day Of Action “Taking it to the
streets”. Engage in non-violent action including a vigil at 8:30pm at the
park across from City Hall, then disburse for actions important to you or
your group. Small groups should keep in touch or post locations on FB for
safety/emergency reasons. Media to post. PASSED

Susie-Next Sunday GA to be held at Rowan Center which is the
Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) center at 1PM. Directions to location
to follow. Media to post. PASSED

Susie- Occupy St Louis to endorse the “Justice for Reggie” campaign
and provide a link to his online petition www.justiceforreggie.com on our
Occupy website. PASSED

Susie- That Occupy St Louis march with OBS in support of justice for
Reggie Clemons at the MLK march. Date to be announced, either the 15 or
16 of January. PASSED

Susie- That minutes of each GA be posted in a timely fashion, and if no GA

was held due to no quorum, that should be posted as well. PASSED

Susie- Proposal for flyer for distribution. Point of process-too vague for
now-proposal rescinded.

Paul (Outreach)- That GA be moved to Off Broadway venue at 6pm on
Thursday Dec 22 (just prior to Winter Relief benefit at that same location)
Media to post. PASSED

Outreach- Media make materials available for download. Point-too vague.
Rescinded

Oren- That Occupy show solidarity with Wendell Hodge, a man facing
eviction, by attending a meeting at his house in Jennings on Sunday the 18th
at 4pm (after GA at Rowan Center) and follow-up with an action against
BOA or Freddie Mac the following Tuesday (20th). Address and directions
to follow. Media to post. PASSED

Oren- Occupy will create a Concern Circle on Jan 7th and monthly thereafter to help guide people in a non-violent manner, address people or issues they may have concerning
the movement, with the aid of a mediator.
Friendly amendment-to be held indoors.-Accepted
- PASSED

Ben- To eliminate morning GA’s on Tuesday and Thursday until further
notice. Media to post. PASSED (Needs 2nd GA approval)

Susie- That “Tripping Instructions: A Living Document Guideline” be
posted online as an official document of Occupy St Louis and be made
available for download. PASSED (Needs 2nd GA approval)

Brian- Make an outreach action along the lines of “everything is fine event”.
Rescinded (pending actual action locations/dates)

Paul- That up to $50 be set aside from Occupy funds for replacement of bull
horn borrowed from World Community Center and now missing, unless the
bull horn can be found and returned in operational condition. Call made to
finance to assure funds. PASSED

Renatus Cicio- To form “Occupy Kids” group in solidarity with Occupy St Louis and the Occupy movement, and to be linked to the Occupy St Louis page. Renatus then read a statement he wrote calling for actions from other kids like himself. His Aunt will try to get the full text of the statement posted to the website. PASSED Solidarity!
(Note: Renatus is 10 years old, and may be the youngest person to ever have
a proposal passed at any Occupy GA! Be proud St Louis!)

VIBE CHECKS:

Tom Braford- Would like to start a working group to explore what role he
might play in Occupy with his Eco-Village and Urban Village concepts. e.g.
habitat for homeless, etc…and to occupy neighborhoods on a 24/7 basis.
Looking for volunteers to explore the possibilities. Note: his eco-village was
the location of last Sundays GA for those of you that attended.

CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Renatus- Being bullied at school and asking for some help with the
principal. Several volunteers came forward to aid.

Kaare- Facilitator training meeting at next Tuesdays GA, 6pm. Need more
people to facilitate at GA.

Paul- Tonight at midnight is the one month anniversary of our eviction from
Freedom Square. Paul read a heartfelt statement of solidarity in mic check
form with all those attending, to reassert our dedication to the movement and
our steadfastness to its principles.

END OF MEETING
Notes by Mark Florida, (The written forms of todays proposals are currently
in my possession.)

Announcements:
- Arts & Culture Working Group Meeting 12:00 tomorrow at Foam – bring ideas for January events.

- Dec. 22nd – Occupy the Holidays Winter Relief Drive @ Off Broadway

- Vigil for eviction Sunday @ Freedom Square

- Action Tuesday @ Noon @ Freedom Square – be there to know more & participate

- www.socialistorganizer.org – info on “long-term solution” – showing anti-war video Friday the 30th @ 4482 Taylor&Washington – organizing meeting for International Women’s Day (Mar. 8 )

- Dec. 15 – Informal talk w/ John Ikerd (A Revolution of the Middle and the Pursuit of Happiness) @ 6021 Pershing @ 7:30 – Donations welcome!

- Jobs with Justice Scrooge of the Year (Thursday the 8th @ 688 Union Hall @ 5:30) – Occupy Discount just $5! – See Cathy for details

- Foreclosure Solidarity Meeting Dec. 15 @ Annie’s (4430 Taft) @5:00

- Occupy The St. Louis Zoo in Drag Solidarity Saturday the 10th @3:00 (https://www.facebook.com/events/114197902027029/)

- March 15-18 Midwest Regional Summit – See JD, Chuck, Jay or Trysh

Proposals:
- Proposal to move Saturday the 10th’s GA to the north entrance of the St. Louis Zoo

Consensus Reached

Open Discussion

Defense Authorization Act just passed the Senate.
The House passed if first with worse language.
It’s in a reconciliation committee now.
This is the same bill that comes up for authorization every year, but it had this terror clause in it this time.
Citizens can be detained as terrorists indefinitely without charges or review.
The definition of terrorist is broad and includes using Facebook and google.
This bill seems to be aimed at us.
The Rachel Maddow video was actually about Guantonimo, not this bill.
The military is being lied to and told this bill is only about pay.
There has been across the board media blocking of reporting on this Act.
The Udal amendment, according to theACLU, provides that all the language regarding detaining US citizens be striped and a congressional review will reword it. The Senate bill passed without adopting this amendment.

Proposals for Action regarding the Defense Authorization Act:
Find out who’s on the reconciliation committee and protest them.
Protest McCaskill for voting for the bill.
Protest Obama and Democratic headquarters.
Make this a part of our Dec. 17 action.
Contact Adam Shriver at the St. Louis Activist Hub regarding coverage.
Flyer people during actions and before, after GA”s.
Change.org and CREDO have online petitions to sign.
Create an Official Occupy Statement.
Talk to family, friends, coworkers. Share on Fb. Get info out any way you can.

Announcements

Will-yard signs for sale. Cost approx $2.50 each.
There has been no fallout from the Municipal Courts action.
Cathy-mic check house auctions.
Cathy-need food for foreclosed house block party.
Before and after roving GA’s, flyer the area.
Mark-Ad-hoc reoccupation 24/7 site on Cherokee description of space & other details.
See Ariana re food issues, she doesn’t know what’s gong on, contact her with info.
JJ-hot meals still needed at warehouse.
See Ariana regarding recommendations for education/outreach subcommittee addressing the Iowa plank.
Catherine L.-can get food committee
Cathy-Job’s with Justice’s Scrooge Party-can get a table through MORE for $100 and $10 for a seat. This is a fundraiser for JWJ. Cathy will be putting up an Event on Fb.
Will-MoKaBe’s, Fri, Dec. 9 at 6pm-discussion about outreach to general public-would like to have a diverse group to facilitate. Will post an Event on Fb.

Proposals

Thurs., Dec. 22, have the GA at 7 at Off Broadway at 3509 Lemp. Media will need to put this in the schedule. Outreach, Action, and Arts & Culture responsible (formerly EBEA).
Passed Solidarity!

As an official 12 Days of Occupy, follow the Dec. 22 GA at Off Broadway with an official 12 Days of Occupy music event: Winter Relief Benefit concert. Off Broadway will be creating flyers. Media will need to put this in the schedule. Action, Outreach, Arts & Culture and Off Broadway are responsible.
Passed Solidarity!

Sasha become an Admin and be trained by current Admins in process, etc
Passed Solidarity!

Donations raised at Dec. 22 Off Broadway event be kept separate from Treasury. This would be a one time collection and allocation of funds from this Event to go directly to the homeless. Arts & Culture, Outreach, and Action will be responsible.
Blocked and then passed. Solidarity!

Add Janelle Pitman as an Admin. Media will need to provide admin training. This will increase diversity of admin team and Janelle can add aditional video content.
Passed Solidarity!

No member of Finance can vote for or block proposals pertaining to fund dispersement as a conflict of interest exists.
Passed, consensus minus one Solidarity!

Ad-hoc working group be renamed Headquarters Working Group.
2 blocks
Rescinded

We rent space at 3407 Cherokee.
2 blocks
The blocks were concerned that private property and landlord/tenant issues weren’t in keeping with the movement. We would be renting this property from someone, it isn’t a coop. The owner, Nebula, wants to profit from advertising us there. That leasing puts us in a hierarchical relationship and we are a non-hierarchical movement.
The remainder of people felt that Nebula is practically giving us the space at $150 a month rental, which includes utilities. That people have committed to donating this money, so it would not come out of movement funds. That this is only a 3 month lease that Mark Florida would be signing as an autonomous individual. That we need a space for the winter and there has been a lot of work put into finding this space. The owner is delighted to give us this deal and supports Occupy. We are currently holding some working group meetings in multi-nationally corporate owned food chains.
The two blocks were ok with this space if it is donated. Mark is taking this proposal to the owner.
Rescinded

Mic check auctions of foreclosed homes if home owners request solidarity. The first one on Dec. 6. Cathy will be responsible for getting details from homeowners and creating a Facebook Event.
Passed Solidarity!

Make a heart shaped hand sign for friendly amendment. Facilitators are responsible.
Passed Solidarity!

All new admins have to go through media training with media admins in order to make sure that admins are following process and good practices.
Passed Solidarity!

JWJ’s Scrooge fundraiser be an official 12 Days of Occupy event. Media to promote. Provide solidarity with allies.
Passed Solidarity!

Place 50 yard signs at major intersections and freeway on/off ramps. To be completed by this weekend by Kaare and anyone who wants to help him.
Passed, consensus minus one Solidarity!

Any proposal involving expenditures of Occupy St. Louis funds start with a statement of current account balance. This will allow voters to know the balance of our funds before spending.
Passed Solidarity!

Catherine Lipinski to receive admin training in livestream. This is a full admin responsibility with account access, not just moderator.
Passed Solidarity!

Come show solidarity with original OSTL arrestees this Thurs., Dec. 8 at 10:00 am in front of the City Courts.
Passed Solidarity!

Make the above trial date of Thurs. Dec 8 at 10:00 am in front of City Courts an official 12 Days of Occupy action. This will involve Outreach, Action, and Media.
Passed Solidarity!

Announcements

Jay with Finance report, expenditures: $90 storage fees, $3 envelops, $220 for 200 yard signs, $200 Thanksgiving reimbursements, $50 to Bradley, $50 to Annabell for food, $10 ATM fee, $573 on bonds. That leaves a balance of $1855.
We still owe $200 for wood burning stove and $50 to Oren for hotspot. Finance still needs Thanksgiving receipts.

Anna–still need hot meals noon Thurs. and Fri. for warehouse

Regarding yesterday’s GA, Paul is receiving emails as to what other Occupies are doing after their dispersements

Outreach, and Arts & Culture mtg. Saturday, Dec. 10 at 10:00 am. Place to be announced.

Ariana–talk to her regarding Des Moines and the People’s Caucus. She is Ariana Norris Landry on Facebook.

Vibe Check
Will-rally for education with high school students–would this be a good idea for a city wide effort to ask the community what they want and partner with people
twinkles

Storage containers–move everything out
twinkles

Cathy-Next Sat, Dec. 10, GA at Soulards
twinkles

Susie-Please read a vibe check for a proposal she’s posting on the forum in general discussion
twinkles

Working Group Proposals

Outreach- That Sunday’s GA is held at Culver Way’s Eco Village (one time deal). PASSED

Events, Booking, Arts and Entertainment- That Next Wednesday’s GA be held in the U. City Loop (one time deal). PASSED

Individual Proposals

Oren- Rename Events, Booking, Arts and Entertainment as Arts and Culture working group. PASSED

Scottie- That Occupy STL endorse the “Vigil for Economic Justice” proposal that was sent to the cities parks department. BLOCKED

Jonathan- Press Release… Jonathan did not get this proposal to the note taker so I do not have the exact language of the release but it… PASSED

Will- To make going to the Zoo in drag on Saturday Dec. 10th at 3pm one of the twelve days of christmas events. There was no vote on this, it is going to a working group for further planning.

Announcements:

- December 6 – forclosure open house 5-7pm w/ Annie (4430 Taft Ave)

- List of needs – for occupiers will be available online (see Ariana)

- Occufest tomorrow Dec. 1 at Noon (March to Fed, discussions & activities, Occuwear, music)

- Dec. 22 – benefit @ Off Broadway

- Buttonmaker for Occufest donations needed ($50)

- Occupy LA & Philly were raided

- Spray paint incident in Frontenac

- D.C. “Take Back The Capital” event this weekend (Dec. 4-10) 3 days of action – open invite

- Potential Logistical Headquarters space ($150/mon – photos available)

- Dec . 4 ReOccupation Discussion @ Maricio’s – 7pm

- Appt. @ Rat & Mosquito building – got some of our stuff back

- Dec. 17 @ 7pm – Occuwedding

Proposals:

- Food & Community Support – Propose to buy wood-burning stove for Occupiers in Warehouse, Not to exceed $200

Consensus Reached

- Nomination Proposal for Ashley as Facebook Admin.

Consensus Reached

- Propose that Working Groups must be proposed to the General Assembly with a roster of at least three people and a description of their specific area of focus and responsibility.

Second Consensus Reached

- Propose that once a Working Group is created, it must announce its meeting times to the General Assembly within a week.

Second Consensus Reached

- Propose that changes in Working Group Facilitators are announced to the General Assembly with contact information.

Second Consensus Reached

- Propose that from this point forward, there must be a record of passed proposals.

Second Consensus Reached

- Propose that from this point forward, the Facilitation Working Group collects Proposal Forms and physical General Assembly notes for documentation and submits notes to Media Working Group for publication.

Second Consensus Reached

- Propose an amendment to quorum proposal that states: Facilitators are not counted when taking quorum.

Second Consensus Reached

- Propose an amendment to the General Assembly Format in regards to Facilitator Roles and quorum that states: There must be a quorum of 20 people (not including Facilitators) for proposals to be brought to the General Assembly. Whenever possible there should be the following Facilitator Roles filled by individuals that have gone through Facilitator Training: Stack Keeper, Note Taker, Speaking Facilitator, Non-Speaking/Vibe-Checking Facilitator. In order to achieve quorum, the Non-Speaking Facilitator may step down, the Speaking Facilitator may keep Stack or the Note Taker may participate in consensus process. In instances where the General Assembly is more than twice quorum, there should be a secondary Speaking Facilitator.

Second Consensus Reached

Inside St. Louis Galleria in the courtyard in front of Macy’s storefront

Facilitator: Jay

Stack: John

I. Announcements:

A. Outreach/Action/EBAE

Occufest 2011 will be held on Thursday, 12/1, in Freedom Square beginning at noon. There will be speakers, music, Occupy-wares, community building fun.
12/6 is the National Action day for foreclosure activities. Today, we will meet at 4 p.m. to talk to the homeowners about what actions they would like us to take.

B. Facilitation

We keep having the same two or three people facilitating. They want to see diversity. Facilitator training offered every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m.

C. Paul – There will be a special working group meeting on Saturday, 12/3, at 10 p.m. in the St. Louis Bread Co. near Freedom Square.

D. John – Flash mob at noon tomorrow, 11/28, in Freedom Square.

E. Jonathan – Wants to work with Media team.

F. Cathy – collecting outreach working group sign-up today.

II. Proposals:

A. Media – David

To create specific time slot “shows” to air via the Livestream account on a regular basis. There will be formatted discussions on various topics and issues. Individuals and groups interested in hosting weekly programs can do so via proposals at the GA. Targeting viewers at home that support the movement, but can’t make it out regularly. Media needs to maintain schedule of shows via Google calendar and assist in getting new “shows” up to speed. The expected result is to continue broad outreach and better utilization of the Livestream service. (Consensus Reached)

a. Content must be proposed at GA, and upon approval it will be added to the Livestream.

b. You can use any computer with Livestream, camera and good Internet connection.

B. Outreach/Action/EBAE

12 Days of Occupy/Occupy the Holidays: Relief Drive. The expected result is increased visibility around relevant targets during holiday season and community building. (Consensus Reached)

a. Major component is the donations/drive to collect food, coats and blankets. Working towards positive community events. Be the Change.

b. Time frame is not necessarily 12 days in a row, but 12 days during Dec. 1 – 31. Hopefully it will be in conjunction with already planned Occupy December events.

c. Places to hold action is at Laclede, Peabody Coal, and Mayor’s Office.

III. Vibe Check

A. Did we like action GA meeting indoors? (Received a majority of Twinkles)

B. Next action GA to be held at Plaza Frontenac. (Received a majority of Twinkles)

Need to work out transportation issues.

C. Do we want to do outreach in food court after GA. (Received a majority of Twinkles)

D. “Everybody is Welcome” sign is needed in next action GA. Also if you are bringing signs, make sure they address the financial issues related to the action. (Received a majority of Twinkles)