Archive for the Encampment Category

encampment/logistics working group notes 12/4

on December 7, 2011

ENCAMPMENT/LOGISTICS WORKING GROUP MINUTES
12/4

We were unable to provide adequate support for the encampment because there are not enough members, we didn’t plan for 24/7 presence of a person/people on site as the Field Manual calls for. We could have helped de-escalation deal with authorities, assist in set up/take down of tents/sleeping bags/tables/storage, etc… Because of the members who showed up to take care of these things the encampment was as chaotic as it could have been. For any future encampment we know that organization, planning & presence are necessary. It’s our thinking that the group should not do another encampment unless we do have the people-power and organization necessary to make it livable, safe & solidly supported.
If encampments are done in the near future it should be with the understanding that we don’t have the infrastructure to support it.
It wasn’t for lack of trying to move forward that we didn’t do more. We did organize a “first responder” phone tree that Kyndall has put together. The list of contacts is available now but not as a phone tree because we have some technical problems with her computer program being able to create documents that translate to my program.
If there are any suggestions about how encampment/logistics should operate please share them. We are taking a look at what how we think the group should organize for these events but want all the suggestions you have.
As for logistics, we think the group can provide support for direct actions. One member, Denny is already securing some of the permits. But we can also scope out sites, find out about parking, assist with equipment needed for the event. Suggestions in this area are also welcome.
If you are interested in joining the encampment/logistics working group please add your name to the committee in FB documents & the website.

This entry is filed under Encampment, Events, Working Groups and tagged , , .

“first responders” phone tree

on November 16, 2011

A phone tree for occupiers is in the works (actually it’s almost ready to be emailed,  printed out &/or passed out) We probably have enough people, 24, but if you are interested, send me your name, phone number, area of town you live in; if you want to be listed in general category, medical, jail/bail/rides or some other category.

This entry is filed under Encampment, Medical, Safety.

People Can’t Protest When They Are Sick

on November 15, 2011

Having a dry place to sleep is a healthy practice and makes 24 hour picketing far more organized. This allows the first amendment to be excercised without sleeping bags, pillows, and cloths being piled up getting wet in the dew or rain. While it is possible to stay dry without a tent many people find it difficult and cannot participate in the Occupy revolution to the extent that fulfills truely direct democracy. Across the country the government has proven to operate under the thumb of Wall Streets interests in breaking up and distorting the message that #OWS protesters are voicing. Let’s not have this sinister practice happen in Wilmington, NC. Thank you WPD and city council.

This entry is filed under Encampment, My Voice, Photos, Safety and tagged , , , .

Nonviolence Training Materials

on October 17, 2011

Nonviolence is Learned!

Nonviolence is not always as straightforward as it seems.  In fact, many situations can quickly escalate from nonviolent protests to violent encounters because protesters are not prepared to deal with certain situations that may arise.

As Occupy Wilmington plans more Direct Action events, it is important to understand Nonviolence.  Nonviolent Direct Action is generally where the body is engaged, unlike online events or signing a petition, in preventing an injustice– often in the company of others that feel the same about the injustice.  Nonviolent direct action is a powerful way to make a message heard by putting power behind a statement.

The key is to be prepared and to learn from other nonviolent movements, such as the civil rights movement and Ghandi.  This is a great link to help learn nonviolent techniques, and is the same link published by other Occupy groups in North Carolina.

Nonviolence Training Materials

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=S8Dbx4b8bMw']

 

This entry is filed under Documents, Safety and tagged , , , .

What to Bring to a Protest

on October 14, 2011



Download What to Bring to a Protest (.DOC Word File)

Download What to Bring to a Protest (.PDF Adobe File)

Don’t forget to sleep, eat, and drink lots of water.  Bring important medications, cash/change, and ID with you.  No matter how peaceful we may be, we can never predict what will happen in an action.  Be prepared!

What to Wear

  • Shoes – comfortable, protective shoes that you can and walk in
  • Covering Clothing – which covers most of your skin to protect from sun and chemical exposure
  • Eye protection – ie: sunglasses, swim goggles, or gas mask
  • Weather gear – i.e.: rain gear or sun hat
  • Cap or hat – to protect you from the sun

Important Personal Items to Bring

Items you need to have.

  • Water & Drinks – Stay hydrated! Spray bottles are great to drink and wash with
  • Energy Snacks – Keep your blood sugar up and stay energized
  • Change, Card, & Cash - just enough money for pay-phone, food, transportation
  • Tape – Duct Tape or Masking Tape
  • Clean Shirt – In case you or others need to change
  • Identification and Emergency Contact Info
  • Camera, Cell Phones, Watch, Paper+Pen, etc. – for documentation of events
  • **Important Note: The More Documentation of Events the Better! Bring Video and Cameras.

Stay Healthy & Plan Ahead for Emergencies

If you require these supplies, don’t forget them:

  • Medications – inhaler, epipen, insulin or other medications you require (allergic to insect stings? chemicals? certain foods? Be prepared!)
  • Prescriptions - several days of your prescription medication and doctor’s note in case of arrest
  • Other Supplies – menstrual pads, if needed.
  • **Important Note: Bring your emergency contact info.  Add ‘AEmergency as a Contact on your Cell Phone (the “A” makes it the top of your list!) and/or keep a written copy in your wallet, just in case.

Signs and Communications

Hand made signs that reflect the movement and your particular views are always better– if you have trouble constructing or articulating your message, other members are always here to help.

  • Cardboard or Paper – Cardboard is free or cheap, sturdy, & high visibility!
  • Something to Write With- Pens, Broad Markers, Colored Markers, Paints
  • Tape – Duct Tape or Masking Tape
  • **Important Note: Signs with sticks or handles may be considered weapons and cause conflict– it is best to hold your sign without a “Stick”.
  • Other Supplies: Face Paints, Chalk, Sheets/Towels to use for Banners, etc..

Medical Supplies

Here is a basic list of supplies to bring for your first aid kit and to donate to the medical team, who will have supplies on hand.

  • Water & Drinks (as much as you can carry. this is for you and your friends to drink, for irrigating eyes and wounds, for cooling off. it’s worth its weight–bring lots)
  • Vinyl gloves (protect against blood AND chemicals, latex works but is a common allergen)
  • Wound care supplies (Band-aids, steri-strips, 2×2 & 4×4 bandages, 1st aid tape, Bactroban or other antiseptic)
  • Ace bandage
  • Small tampons (good for nose bleeds)
  • Tongue depressors (for splinting)
  • Clean shirt in plastic bag
  • Sun screen or rain gear, weather depending
  • Emergen-C (or other powdered electrolyte mix)
  • Rescue Remedy (good for shock, trauma)
  • Tube of cake icing (or hard candy–good for raising blood sugar)
  • aspirin, ibuprofen
  • inhaler, epinephrine, benadryl (for those qualified to use them)

And a Note about Etiquette & Fashion…

  • How you Dress Represents the Group -  Remember, you will be on film and may be interviewed.
  • Avoid Moisturizers/Chemicals – Don’t put vaseline, mineral oil, oil-based sunscreen or moisturizers on your body as they trap chemicals.
  • Contacts vs. Glasses – Contact lenses can trap dust and chemicals, bring your glasses just in case.  Wear glasses if it looks like you may be exposed to dust and chemicals. If you remove contacts or have someone remove them on site, be sure your hands are uncontaminated.
  • Avoid Loose Jewelry – Stay away from dangly earrings or other jewelry that may become grabbed or ensnared.
  • Stay Together – Go with friends, a group, or people you know.

 

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