Four People were arrested today, in New Orleans, for protesting a meeting of the American Petroleum Institute. They are being charged with criminal trespassing, despite there being no signs stating that they were not allowed, the meeting was public, when asked to leave they complied. A Louisiana state police officer manhandled several people inside and blocked their vehicle outside, keeping them from leaving, before finally identifying himself as a police officer. Donations for bond and legal fees can be made through: https://www.wepay.com/donations/ots-jail-support Livestreams of the arrests can be found here: http://bambuser.com/v/3150179 http://bambuser.com/v/3150191 http://bambuser.com/v/3150220
 This is what democracy looks like in 2012.
THE FIRST PEOPLE’S CONVENTION in NEW ORLEANS
Join us at 1pm to 5pm-Saturday. October 27, 2012. First Unitarian Universalist Church: 5212 South Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans RSVP at this Facebook Event The First People’s Convention in New Orleans is where the 99%, not the 1%, sets the political agenda. We the people, as opposed to we the rich, have needs and interests that are in fundamental conflict with the 1%. We, the people of several activist groups, wish to create a strong coalition. We seek to unite all like-minded peoples and organizations, so that all of our voices are amplified through a greater body. For all of those who understand that our grievances are connected, let us stop the plundering of our future. Note: In this document, the network of activists that will emerge from the First People's Convention in New Orleans is being referred to as a "coalition." However, the organizers welcome proposals for different names, and hope attendees will suggest names, which will be put to a vote at the end of the convention. Schedule 1pm - 1:30 pm: Meet and Greet Mixer and Potluck This time allows people to get comfortable with the surroundings, allows people to get more familiar with each other, have time to eat, and gives organizers a chance to give participants a sense of direction. It also gives people a chance to show up NOLA TIME. Preparation of Info Tables Groups invited to the convention will be notified about availability of info tables if they would like to display leaflets or educational materials about the group they represent (this is not required). Tables will be pointed out when first groups arrive. The rest should follow suit. 1:30 - 1:50 ORIENTATION with 2 Speakers Speaker 1 (Mike Howells) explains the theme of the convention, that all our grievances are connected and the Budget Act of 2011 and Fiscal Cliff. Reassures everyone that preserving group autonomy is as critical as working together. Explains the convention itself and democratic process. Emphasizes we are not here to support a candidate and that we are non-partisan. 1:50 to 2:00 – Speaker 2 (Tara Jill) explains the participatory workshops and process of the convention. The Convention and workshops will reach agreements based on a 2/3 Democratic rule. The workshops will be an opportunity to develop a demand or series of demands and a proposal for an action. At the convention, people will form break-out groups/workshops based on specific issue(s) (i.e. housing, student debt, etc) they'd like to focus on including: · Environmental Concerns · Workers Rights · Prison Industrial Complex · Healthcare · Military Industrial Complex · Education - student rights - student debt. · Civil Rights · Crooked two party system/Politics · Agriculture/Monsanto · Gentrification · Social Aid/Housing · SFUABS (shit’s fucked up and bull shit) Solidarity Workshop participants will also spend time deciding on future meeting times, objectives, and choosing which month would be the best for group protest related to the issue they've chosen. If a group has a month or date for their action, they should include it in the group "report back". These groups will be set up to secure the longevity of this coalition/network of activist groups that will emerge. Some groups may need to consolidate for the purpose of monthly protests. Ideally, each month will have a theme related to an issue on the list above (note: this list is not intended to be all inclusive or "set in stone;" groups and individuals are encouraged to add their specific grievances. Proposals: Proposals prepared in advance regarding the organization, name, structure of the network of activists groups will be presented at this time. These proposals will be considered/entertained in workshop groups and voted on later to give everyone enough time to consider them carefully. When workshop groups meet, they will also have the opportunity to create proposals as to how the coalition should continue to organize, which will be voted on at the end of the convention. Paper and pens will be provided so these proposals can be submitted in writing. The organizers ask that each working group clearly write out any proposal to submit for archiving (so groups may need to write two copies). When voting on proposals takes place, decisions will be reached by a 2/3 vote. 2:00 - 2:30 INTRODUCTIONS, GROUP RECOGNITION and Speakers This time will be used to allow groups and individuals to introduce themselves and speak on their issues. Slots for 5 minute speakers from individuals/groups attending. We ask that folks speak, if they like, on the issues that they are concerned with. 1. Speaker from Socialist Alternative will discuss Coal Miners' Strike. 2:30 - 2:45 Break/WORKSHOPS SIGN UP and CREATION Convention attendees will create participatory workshops based on the issue they'd like to address. We have materials to make a sign for each workshop created. This is also time for a break while people organize into work groups. Organizers of convention will keep track of a master list of workshops/groups and issues. We ask each group to select a representative that can report back to the larger group with the demands and proposals from their particular working group. 2:45 – 3:30 WORKSHOPS Issues Workshops will begin. If a group has a month or date for the action they are planning, the group can report it. Groups will spend time deciding on future meeting times, objectives, and choosing which month would be the best for group protest. For instance, a group working on Student Debt might choose to have its monthly protest in September. Many groups may have much of this in place already in which case they can check out other workshops or just mingle. Proposals Workshop groups can use this time to review proposals regarding how we will move forward as a coalition or alliance and continue to organize and grow. During workshops it is also a time to consider when we will hold our next convention. Workshops might also discuss possible names for the coalition that will emerge from this network of activists. Workshop groups are encouraged to draft their own proposals regarding when and where future conventions will take place; groups are welcome to consider hosting future conventions/ planning meetings. Consolidation of Contact Info Groups should collect contact info within workshops and make sure everyone has all contact info within workshops. Since each group will have a "Representative", these "Reps" can compile contact lists to help create a master contact list. Each group will give one copy to the convention organizers and keep one for themselves. 3:30 - 4:00 "Report Backs" from Workshops Working groups will share their plans including: · Future meeting times for the group · Objectives (actions/demands) · Potential date for action/protest · Proposals (for the group and for the convention) 4:00 - 4:20 Calendar Date of our first action, and plan for organizing for that action. Synching of calendar and month allotment for protest themes and planning 4:20- 4:40 Voting and Proposals Proposals presented earlier will be voted upon. Any working groups that created proposals will present them for a vote. 4:40 - 5:00 Closing speeches and announcement of future conventions based on proposals. We can ask for closing comments from attendees.
Occupy This Flyer
Sign Student Debt Petitions
Student Debt Outreach October 18th
Occupy NOLA set up an info booth on the neutral ground between City Park and Delgado Community college as part of the Global Day of Action. We encouraged people to share information about debt and petition for free public education for all, zero interest on loans at private schools, fair salaries for full-time instructors, more jobs for instructors, that the Federal Government eliminate student debt with a single act of relief.Details on the General Education Strike and its call to action are available at http://ism-global.net/global_education_strike and http://ism-global.net/call2action_GES , respectively. Livestream from #O18 #1world1struggle
Student Debt Resources
Strike Debt emerged from a series of Occupy Wall Street/Occupy Theory open assemblies that began in May 2012 in NYC. Strike Debt is spreading the word that debt is a global system of domination and exploitation of the 99% by the 1%. Strike Debt links diverse individuals and communities to resist the debt system.
from The Debt Resistors' Operations Manual
“We gave the banks the power to create money because they promised to use it to help us live healthier and more prosperous lives—not to turn us into frightened peons. They broke that promise. We are under no moral obligation to keep our promises to liars and thieves. In fact, we are morally obligated to find a way to stop this system rather than continuing to perpetuate it.
This collective act of resistance may be the only way of salvaging democracy because the campaign to plunge the world into debt is a calculated attack on the very possibility of democracy. It is an assault on our homes, our families, our communities and on the planet’s fragile ecosystems—all of which are being destroyed by endless production to pay back creditors who have done nothing to earn the wealth they demand we make for them.
To the financial establishment of the world, we have only one thing to say: We owe you nothing. To our friends, our families, our communities, to humanity and to the natural world that makes our lives possible, we owe you everything. Every dollar we take from a fraudulent subprime mortgage speculator, every dollar we withhold from the collection agency is a tiny piece of our own lives and freedom that we can give back to our communities, to those we love and we respect. These are acts of debt resistance, which come in many other forms as well: fighting for free education and healthcare, defending a foreclosed home, demanding higher wages and providing mutual aid.”
Spoken into a megaphone on October 18th.
Amount of loan: $111,892.53
This is not an attempt to collect a debt.
The total student debt now totals over 1 trillion dollars. The average price of tuition has increased over 900%. In 2011, the Department of Education spent over 1.4 billion to hire collection agencies. These agencies earned about 1 billion in commissions.
My generation is busy quoting philosophers artists and thinkers while we are shackled by debt.
The 1% will continue to cut budgets and eliminate humanities courses that foster the critical thinking skills needed to reflect upon and understand the power structures surrounding us. As you have with all aspects of our lives, you have turned education into a commodity. I come from a generation that believed our devotion to the humanities justified earning degrees in Philosophy, Writing, Art, and Education.
I applied to a state university and earned a MFA believing these were healthy pursuits. They are healthy in every way except financially. Because of Governor Jindal's budget cuts, I am unable to work full-time as a college professor in Louisiana. The adjunct rate is not a living wage. I've been told to publish in order to get a full-time job teaching college students, and I've self-published a book and have written as much as I've had time to while teaching Freshmen Composition for online universities where I do not teach critical thinking. I am teaching students who have taken loans to attend a for profit university. I am not using my degree. Some of my friends from graduate school are able to write, but many are wage slaves to the global work machine.
Obama, I reject your token gesture of debt reform. Income based repayments are not the answer. The more I work, the more I pay, and I will be paying Sallie Mae accumulated interest. All my payments have gone towards interest.
As long as I participate in the global work machine, I deny myself the chance to use my degree to contribute to a body of ideas because there are no jobs. I will not feed you my time and dreams to pay interest.
I will not vote for any candidate who represents corporations. The system does not represent me.
The last thing the 1% wants is to give up one of their most powerful weapons - the idea that decent people always pay debts.
The Federal Reserve has been printing money for the banks who govern it. The government, which can declare student loan debt unenforceable, along with banking cartels, uses debt to funnel money from the 99% to the 1%.
This ends now.
I will save every dollar from collection agencies.
I will give nothing to banks. They are hoarding enough of it.
I will not produce what you consider goods, and refuse to perpetuate the burden of working harder only to consume more. Instead, I will produce ideas that challenge your global capitalism.
There is no place for me in your capitalistic machine. Mainstream media has indoctrinated us to accept debt. Budget cuts over higher education have turned universities into places that produce human capital, commodities, and competitors.
To the collection agencies hired by ACS, as long as you earn commission, I will not answer the phone.
To the government, as long as you are legally entitled to garnish my wages, I will not work.
To the bankers broke their promise, as long as you hoard money printed by The Federal Reserve, I will not feed you.
To the politicians who refuse to repeal bankruptcy laws, until you forgive all student debt, I will not vote for you and legitimize a system that perpetuates the illusion that you represent me or my peers.
To the Department of Education - as long as you are collecting $1.22 for every dollar, I will not pay you.
I was three years old when the Bankruptcy Reform Act passed in 1978. I was two years old in 1977 when the American Bankers Association joined the conference of bankruptcy judges in lobbying - formally, anyway - against the cruel and unusual punishment of making student debt non-dischargeable. I didn't have a say.
I am personally answering the call from Occupy / Real Democracy Now / 15M movement for public and private debt resistance and refusal
To the financial institutions of the world, we have only one thing to say: we owe you NOTHING!
To our friends, families, our communities, to humanity and to the natural world that makes our lives possible, we owe you everything.
To the people of the world, we say: join the resistance, you have nothing to lose but your debts.
Letter to Send to Creditors
Slideshow on Student Debt
Presentation from forum The University, The Budget, and The Student Debt
October 18 11 am - Join Us for A Global Day of Action To Reclaim Education
Join Occupy NOLA, Students and Workers! Thursday, October 18 11 am - 2pm New Orleans Meet on Neutral Ground between Delgado & City Park (Marconi & City Park) http://goo.gl/maps/NtqI9 Unite in solidarity with students and workers of the word! We are all struggling against cuts in education. Only by uniting globally will we be able to overcome these and enable free emancipatory education for all. Because everyone must have access to education no matter their monetary or social status!See the Facebook Event for the Global Day of Action! How to Get Involved!- RSVP to our Facebook Event.
- Visit http://ism-global.net/call2action_GES for details about the Global Day of Action.
- Contact info@occupyneworleans.us to see how you can get involved in the local action.
- Organize! Learn more at the forum "The Budget, The University and The Student Debt" Tuesday, October 9 at 4pm University of New Orleans Room 129 Kirschman Hall RSVP to Facebook Event for October 9 forum
- Come to the Occupy NOLA GA - Tuesdays at 7 pm Occupy The Stage 2735c Toulouse and Saturdays Cafe Flora 4:30 pm
The Occupy NOLA GA endorsed The International Student Movement at the Tuesday September 18, 2012 G.A. “The International Student Movement (ISM) is an independent communication platform for groups and activists around the world to exchange information, network and coordinate activities in our struggle against the increasing commercialisation of education and for free emancipatory education for all!” Moreover Occupy NOLA will be conducting Outreach on local campuses. This Outreach will include (but will not be limited to) information about the following Events: GLOBAL EDUCATION STRIKE Oct.18th & Nov.14-22nd 2012We invited many members of Occupy NOLA to the Facebook event to the Global Education Strike. Please like the ISM Facebook page to stay updated. Also, here are some great links to All In The Red and other organizations that help students organize. Squarely In The Red The Project on Student Debt EDU Debtors Union Occupy Education Occupy This Flyer!
The People's Convention Organizing Committee will meet 4:30pm Saturday at Café Flora in the Marigny section of New Orleans. All who believe that there’s got to be a better way to organize a society than by putting the pursuit of profit ahead of human and environmental need are invited to attend. Additional information concerning the Peoples Convention project is presented below.This is what democracy looks like in 2012: THE PEOPLE'S CONVENTIONThe People's Convention will be held on October 27, 2012 from 1-5pm at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of New Orleans 5212 South Claiborne Avenue. New OrleansThe People's Convention is where the 99%, not the 1%, sets the political agenda. We the people, as opposed to we the rich, have needs and interests that are in fundamental conflict with the 1%. We need, for example, low and moderate income housing, the right to organize ourselves into unions, living wage jobs, public education, an end to imperialist war, and an end to the rampant discrimination against and brutalization of African Americans. Given the 1%’s domination of the leaders of the Republicans and the Democrats the conventions of America’s two ruling parties cannot help but sacrifice the interests of the many to satisfy the seemingly boundless greed of the privileged few. To allow the Republicans and Democrats, in this time of economic crisis, to continue to monopolize the setting of the nation’s political agenda is a recipe for disaster for the 99 percent. So why hold a People's Convention before the November 4 Presidential Election? Because the Budget Control Act of 2011, passed by the standing U.S. Congress and signed into law by the current President, guarantees that draconian cuts in federal funding for public services that we need and regressive tax increases that we don’t need will be the focus of Congressional activity during the weeks and months following the November 4. The People's Convention and the organizing for it will put the people in strong position to give a 99 percent to an attempt to shove a 1 percent budget down our throats. What should the People's Agenda include?- A public works program open to all that pays a living wage?
- Democracy not oligarchy?
- Respecting the right of everyone to safe and decent housing?
- And end to brutalization of and discrimination against African Americans?
- Immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan?
- Selection rather than election?
- Environmental justice rather than pillage of the environment?
- And….?
Help Decide the People's Agenda: Come meet with us Saturday Sept 15 or RSVP to THE PEOPLE’S CONVENTION Facebook Event!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Donate Here! The Occupy The Stage community warehouse was suffering financially before Hurricane Isaac made landfall in New Orleans, LA on August 28. Despite this, Occupy The Stage is committed to hosting a Labor Day BBQ at the warehouse on September 3 at 7pm at 2735c Toulouse Street. Live performances will follow. However, without help, Occupy The Stage's infrastructure may come to a halt due to losses suffered during Hurricane Isaac and existing economic problems. The rent for the Occupy The Stage warehouse is 1800 a month. Utilities cost about 300 per month. Members of Occupy The Stage have missed several days of work due to Hurricane Isaac. The warehouse lost power on Tuesday, August 28 and has been running on one generator to keep food for the community kitchen refrigerated. Power has not been restored as of September 1. Members of OTS waited in line at 700 Poland - a designated ice, water, and MRE drop-off - on Friday August 31 when FEMA was unable to deliver these resources. They have been busy networking with InterOccupy and Community Kitchen assisting NOLA residents without power (especially the elderly and people with children). Prior to Isaac's arrival, a number of tools from the wood-working and mechanic shop were stolen including a compressor, wrenches, and ratchets (a more complete list can be provided upon further assessment). The Occupy The Stage Warehouse hosts regular live performances, Occupy NOLA GAs, a community kitchen, a community bike shop, a community wood-working shop, a sign/banner making station, a digital media station, and a place for local activists to meet. Teach-ins and discussions are often held at the warehouse. Occupy The Stage has hosted The Occupy Caravan, Radical Resistance Tour, New Orleans Socialist Alternative, and is expecting visitors from Less Wall More Street. Materials for tent-monsters, signs, banners, flyers, a portable state, etc have all been paid for out of pocket by members of Occupy The Stage. Members of Occupy The Stage also typically use their wages to pay the lease on the warehouse, the utilities, to contribute to the community kitchen, to print and circulate materials about the Occupy Movement, and to support other occupations by donating to Jail Support, Livestreamers, DNC Housing and to sometimes pay musicians who perform at the FREE shows Occupy The Stage welcomes the community to attend. These shows sometimes include more prominent New Orleans bands that request a small fee as well as budding musicians who are trying out the stage for the first time. Members of Occupy The Stage have traveled to Occupy DC, Occupy Birmingham, Occupy Charlotte, The Occupy National Gathering, and other locations and have livestreamed and live-tweeted while participating in actions. Members include Occupy NOLA's only livestreamers @small_affair and @ots_nola. Occupy The Stage began in Duncan Plaza when Justin Warren (founding member and master carpenter) built a stage at the encampment and musicians performed there. When The Occupy NOLA encampment was raided and Occupy NOLA was evicted from Duncan Plaza, Justin Warren secured the warehouse, installed sewer lines, and renovated the space so occupiers could have a safe space to meet and NOLA citizens could learn skills needed for employment (i.e. carpentry, mechanics, digital literacy, web design, performing). Sustaining this infrastructure is vital to the New Orleans community. Email: occupythestagenola@gmail.com
Donations made to Occupy The Stage will go to: 1. Buy food and water for Labor Day BBQ which all are invited to attend as New Orleans recovers from Hurricane Isaac. 2. Pay the rent: 1800 per month 3. Pay utilities: around 300 per month (electric, phone, internet used by Occupy NOLA Digital Media Working Group and GA) 4. Purchase gas for generator 5. Install better lock on door 6. Strengthen roof 7. Replace tools stolen from Woodworking shop and Bike shop in warehouse 8. Stock community kitchen that provides free meals to occupiers, activists, and community members 9. Print flyers to promote actions and FREE performances that give local musicans an opportunity to perform before an audience 10. Livestream Isaac recovery, actions and performances 11. Assist with Isaac recovery 12. Provide a safe indoor space where traveling occupiers can meet, shower, and rest Occupy NOLA holds General Assemblies at the OTS warehouse on Tuesdays at 7pm. Members of this working group are employed and only ask for donations to help cover costs of warehouse and Isaac recovery materials/supplies. Please contact us if you have any questions about donations. occupythestagenola@gmail.com Thank you and solidarity!~ Occupy The Stage
 When: Tuesday, August 28 7pm Where: Occupy The Stage 2735 C Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA Activists from Less Wall More Street will be visiting New Orleans August 28- 30. Occupy The Stage invites the 99% to join activists Jen Waller and Tom Hintze for brainstorming and training as part of “Less Wall, More Street: From Mass Arrests of OWS to Mass Incarceration” – a national campaign to raise awareness and build solidarity around issues of state targeting and social control. This training will address the scope of the growing problem of political repression directed at the 99 percent. Jen Waller and Tom Hintze’s brainstorming and training session is part of “Less Wall, More Street: From Mass Arrests of OWS to Mass Incarceration” – a national campaign to raise awareness and build solidarity around issues of state targeting and social control. These two OWS activists have been driving across the country doing legal solidarity trainings and working to raise awareness and build solidarity around issues of state targeting and social control. Please check out their website Less Wall More Street to learn more about how they are Building Solidarity to Fight Repression from Coast to Coast. “Less Wall, More Street” seeks to build alliances between new activists who are just recently experiencing repression, more experienced activists who have long been subject to it and members of targeted and oppressed communities – to share experiences, build understanding and work in solidarity together. After the arrest of more than 7,000 members of Occupy Movement engaging in peaceful acts of dissent, many of which are supposedly protected by the law of the land, state sanctioned repression remains a reality of life for the 99% in the United States. Jen and Tom will also point out things that 99 percenters can to more effectively resist repression here. That political repression is a real and serious problem for 99 percenters in New Orleans is clear enough. Under the general direction of the local Homeland Security leadership, New Orleans police have arrested scores of 99 percenters for engaging in peaceful dissent in recent years. Targets of these arrests include members of the local public housing movement, Krewe of Eris revelers, anti austerity protesters at UNO, supporters of the Avery Alexander Occupy Encampment, and an organizer of Occupy the Stage. The time is long overdue for 99 percenters to give the problem of political repression in the US that it deserves. Come to this free and timely discussion concerning a grim political reality in Barrack Obama’s America. This event is free and open to all. Note: This training will occur during the regularly scheduled GA. The G.A. will meet after the training. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL MIKE AT 504-587-0080 or RSVP to this Facebook Event.
 Dear Editors, Please find our current press release attached (also below). For inquiries about interviews, press photos, or more information please email us at info@occupyneworleans.us or call 504-377-1331 Best Regards, Occupy New Orleans General Assembly _________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOccupy NOLA will be holding a Rally for Transparency at University of New Orleans in response to the administration's decision to fire long-time key faculty members and put the University of New Orleans Press on hiatus. As tuition and class size increase and faculty and faculty jobs are cut, any new administrative positions should be made public. Please join in our support of faculty and students. Date: August 8, 2012 Time: 9:45 am Location: Meet at Building 12 Earl K. Long Library Why: Demand President Fos reveal UNO budget cuts and all administrative salaries! Occupy NOLA demands that the University of New Orleans: - Publicize list of budget cuts
- Publicize all administrators' salaries to show that administration is bearing its proportion of the cuts
- Stop utilization of budge cuts for political ends
- Publicize a list of all new administrative positions (including salaries) created by President Fos
- Be more open and transparent with decisions that affect the low-residency MFA program and Creative Writing Workshops
We invite you to participate! Please see the notice on the Occupy The Stage website for details! In Solidarity with students and teachers! ~ Occupy New Orleans General Assembly and Occupy The Stage occupyneworleans.us occupythestage.net
Occupy This Press Release! Print It Out!
 Get your sidewalk chalk ready! The Occupy NOLA Direct Action Working Group met August 2 and has declared August 9 a Day of Chalkupy in response to Occupy Los Angeles’ #A9 Call for Global Day of Action – Chalkupy the World We will meet at 11:am at Duncan Plaza and chalk the city! Meet us there, meet up with us, or Chalkupy your neighborhood and send us pictures! We'll have a route and details soon! "On August 9th, Occupy Los Angeles calls for you to fill your squares and take your streets and sidewalks with chalk. Call to all people everywhere to show that dissent is as simple as writing your grievances on the sidewalk, as accessible as hopscotch in the streets- reclaiming public space and engaging in public dialogue and expression. Join us (if you're close enough) for a day of solidarity and fun to celebrate the human spirit and chalk for our collective liberation. Together we will remake the art of public life in our alley ways, on the doorsteps of banks whose only allegiance is to profit, and in the streets built by our labor. In solidarity, regardless of all nations and borders, we will engage in willful public expression against political repression." They ask that you SUBMIT CHALK PHOTOS HERE: http://chalkitout.tumblr.com/ You can also share your photographs on the Chalkupy Facebook page! The Fresh Juice Party has a wonderful Chalkupy gallery for inspiration! This is a creative way to show solidarity while exercising your first amendment rights.#ChalkTheWorld #ChalkAllTheThings #OpChalk #ChalkIsNotACrime #Chalkupy
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