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Minutes taken for Occupy Buffalo's General Assembly at First Presbyterian Church (1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201) on Saturday, March 16, 2013, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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OCCUPY BUFFALO: GENERAL ASSEMBLY MINUTES:March 16, 2013 (10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
First Presbyterian Church (1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201)
Notes Taken by Jeff O’Connell
IN ATTENDANCE:
1. Al Allerton: n/a 2. Bonny Mahoney: n/a3. Chris Barbera: n/a 4. Chris Real: [email protected] 5. Clifford Cawthorn: [email protected] 6. Eric Gallion: n/a7. Heron Simmonds-Price: [email protected]. Jackie Splain Wilson: [email protected] 9. Jeff O’Connell: [email protected] 10. Jim Anderson: [email protected] 11. Jon Gallo: n/a 12. Jon Long: n/a13. Kathleen Sambrotto: [email protected]. Lesley Haynes: [email protected]. Valerie Niederhoffer: n/a
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Ashley Westbrook: Working with group of people to bring Restorative Justice to Buffalo courts. Will probably do community forum on May 7, and shall have more info on the time and location. Am looking for people to train as facilitators in restorative justice issues; can talk to anyone afterwards [contact Ashley at [email protected] ]. Knows that Occupy’s approach is about in your face radical challenging of status quo, but offers cautionary word: for this to be successful, we need a broad acceptance by people to get them there, not a situation where people chant or shout. The approach should be mellower. We are dealing with serious issues of racial disparity in justice system; we can be angry about the situation, but it’s not about being angry, it’s about fixing it).
Chris Real: Daire Irwin is doing many F.O.I.A. requests for evidence for people currently/have been in Occupy to add names to lawsuit send to give permission (agree to have name added to F.O.I.A. request). [contact Daire at 716-837-5631, or forward information to Chris to give to Daire at [email protected] ]
Chris Real: “Strike Debt” presentation on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Frank Merriweather Library (5:30 to 7:45 p.m.) We will be informing the public about debt issues.
Event Description provided by Chris Real:
“Debt Dialogues is an event open to the public and hosted by Occupy Buffalo, which will address the issues of personal debt caused by credit cards, student loans, medical expenses and mortgages.
“We will review changes in the laws which made it possible for debt to become one of the biggest money-making mechanisms on Wall Street, and how it affects corporate debt, public policy, political campaigns and the health local communities.
“We will review the historical record of societies who experienced a similar debt crisis, how they dealt with it, and how our present situation is similar, and how it differs from past crises.
“Finally, we will take comments and ideas from all who are willing to speak, to arrive at common understanding and consensus of how we can deal with debt crisis as a community.”
Event page at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/593849280625268/
Strike Debt Buffalo Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strike-Debt-Buffalo/127765560738866?fref=ts
Clifford Cawthorn: PUSH Buffalo Home Liberation Campaign Meeting: 5 p.m., Monday, March 18 at 460 Massachusetts Avenue .
Occupy Our Homes / Occupy The Hood Facebook Group (essentially the Home Liberation Campaign working group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/288577657900090/?fref=ts
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 27, 2013: THE MEETING WAS HELD ON MARCH 18 FROM 5 TO 7:30 P.M.; NEXT HOME LIBERATION CAMPAIGN MEETING WILL BE AT SAME LOCATION ON APRIL 1, 2013 AT 5 P.M. – Jeff O’Connell
Clifford Cawthorn: Occupy Detroit has pledged to start resistance regarding the emergency budget manager bill, in which the state of Michigan seizes control of any city considered to be hopeless [ similar to Control Board imposed upon Erie County by the state of New York in 2005 – Jeff O’Connell ]. Occupy Detroit has hooked up with the state council to deal with the situation. Michigan is a “right to work” state, resulting in a wide level of union busting. Also on the table: the issue of Disenfranchisement of 80-90% of black/non-white voters.
Occupy Detroit Websites:
http://www.occupy-detroit.us/https://www.facebook.com/occupydetroit99https://twitter.com/OccupyDetMIhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/occupy-detroit/
The Emergency Manager Law:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/snyder/EMF_Fact_Sheet2_347889_7.pdfhttp://www.freep.com/article/20121212/NEWS15/121212082/michigan-emergency-manager-bill-debate-Househttp://www.freedetroit.org/2013/03/responses-to-new-detroit-emergency.htmlhttp://www.occupy-detroit.us/2013/03/20/detroits-fiscal-emergency/http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2013/03/detroit_emergency_manager_prot.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/detroit-emergency-manager/
Eric Gallion: Have brought in flyers to share on economic issues, such as worker-owned business and co-ops, building synergy with worker-owned green businesses supplying local public institutions, and how to build an economic
base cut off from corporate dominance.
THE ARTICLES:
“Employee Ownership: The Road To Shared Prosperity,” by Christopher Mackin [The Nation: June 8, 2011]:http://www.thenation.com/article/161255/employee-ownership-road-shared-prosperity
“Beyond Corporate Capitalism: Not So Wild A Dream,” by Gar Alperovitz and Thomas M. Hanna [The Nation: June 11, 2012]:http://www.thenation.com/article/168026/beyond-corporate-capitalism-not-so-wild-dream
“The Cleveland Model: Quasi-Public Procurement ” [GRAPHIC] by Gar Alperovitz [ http://www.garalperovitz.com ]http://www.garalperovitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Cleveland-Model-CIRCLE.png
“A New Era For Worker Ownership?,” by Gar Alperovitz [Common Dreams: July 2, 2012]https://www.commondreams.org/view/2012/07/02-8
MORE ARTICLES ON THE SUBJECT BY GAR ALPEROVITZ:
“The New-Economy Movement” (The Nation, June 13, 2011)“Neither Revolution nor Reform: A New Shape for Progressive Politics” (Dissent, Fall 2011)“Worker-Owners of the World, Unite!” (New York Times, December 14, 2011)“New Thinking for City Finances” (Baltimore Sun, February 21, 2011)
The Robin Hood Tax: FAQhttp://www.robinhoodtax.org/sites/default/files/Robin%20Hood%20Tax%20FAQ.pdf
MORE LINKS/INFORMATION/ARTICLES ON THE ROBIN HOOD TAX:
http://www.robinhoodtax.orghttp://www.robinhoodtax.org/how-it-workshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hood_taxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_transaction_taxhttp://www.youtube.com/user/RobinHoodTaxhttps://www.facebook.com/robinhoodtaxhttp://www.nytimes.com/business/global/europe-rejects-critics-of-robin-hood-tax.htmlhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/feb/21/robin-hood-tax-step-closer
Jackie Splain Wilson: Mentions the Occupy National Gathering, happening in Kalamazoo, Michigan from Wednesday, August 21 to Sunday, August 25, 2013. Am handing out copies of the Occupy National Gathering proposal written by the National Gathering Working Group 2013 (NGWG2013); we could vote to endorse it at the next General Assembly.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s2QDueRl3dWo32-DDzuY57aIImkiyNVo-XPyhV5AYAk/edit#http://interoccupy.net/blog/2013-proposal-of-endorsement/http://interoccupy.net/blog/occupy-national-gathering-2013-kalamazoo-michigan-proposal-of-endorsement/
MORE LINKS/INFORMATION ON OCCUPY NATIONAL GATHERING:
NGWG Website: http://www.occupynationalgathering.netNGWG Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OccupyNationalGathering?ref=ts&fref=tsTwitter: @Ng2Kzoo #NatGat2 #natgat2 #NatGat2013 #natgat2013 #Natgat2@thezooOccupy Carnival of Social Change: http://www.facebook.com/events/458980454155941/National Gathering Hub on InterOccupy: http://interoccupy.net/natgat2/
Jackie Splain Wilson: Occupy Denver is doing General Assembly surveys regarding the group „FelS“ (For A Left Current) in Berlin. They are asking all of the world (beyond Occupy and left-wing groups, etc.) to fill out their survey
Full Article Here [ A printed handout of this text was provided by Jackie Wilson at the G.A. – Jeff O’Connell ]:http://interoccupy.net/blog/questionaire-for-bookwebsite-on-the-global-uprising/
Introduction by Global Uprising:
“Dear friends and comrades,
“We are some activists currently based in Berlin and New York. We are members of the political group called „FelS“ For a left current .http://fels-berlin.de/, founded 1991 in Berlin, Germany.
“FelS is part of the federal anti-authoritatian and undogmatic radical left network „interventionist left“ http://www.dazwischengehen.org who was involved in organizing the „Blockupy“ action days against the European Central Bank in Frankfurt in May 2012 (among other things as the blockades aginst the G8 in Heiligendamm 2007, the anti-nazi-blockades in the city
of Dresden 2010-2012, anti-nuclear-actions of protective civil disobedience called „castor schottern“ in 2010 and 2011, militant investigations, anti-racism and noborder actions, queer politics and so on). Blockupy will take place in 2013 as well and that is the project we are involved in at the moment. http://www.blockupy-frankfurt.org/
“We are writing you because we believe that the social and political events happened in 2011 and still continuing have been extraordinary. It has been a global uprising that transversed ordinary people around the globe and have taken many different forms. The world, and especially the social and antagonist movements striving to tranform it, will not remain the same as before. Maybe it was the beginning of a new phase of global revolution whose further steps we might witness in the near future…”
“Questionnaire:
“I. What happened 2011-2012 in your country/ region and how did 2011/2012 change the conditions under which you are trying to change things? Did it change the discourse of means and aims of transforming society? If yes, in what way? What else changed and how important is or was this change for political activism?
“II. How did struggles of the past (workers / students / women / civil rights / migrants / indigenous / neighborhood / squatter / autonomous movement / ecologists of the 1968 / 1970ies / 1980ies) influence the current ones? What roles are they playing and in which regard?
“III. Which role did/ do the demands for “real democracy”/critique of representation“ play? In what sense was the praxis of horizontalism present in your discussion and actions?
“IV. Did / Do debates on forms of organization take place? What role do forms of organization of the past play in that debate?
“V. In what sense did you and other also previously organized activists react to /engage with new forms and contents arising in the most recent movements?
“VI. How do you estimate the influence of transnational communication and international movements on your local level? What does international solidarity mean to you? Has 2011 and following changed your point of view in this regard?
“VII. What role did technology (social media, internet in general, etc.) play? What is the role of social spaces/ institutions of the common/solidarian economy/mutual aid?
“VIII. Which forms of direct or disobedient actions have developed in your movements (strikes, riots, blockades, occupations, civil disobedience, etc.)? What is their role? How do they evolve?
“IX. What can you say about the subjectivity/consciousness and the content of the debate of ordinary people in general?
“X. In what way did everyday life change in society through the crisis/the movement(s)? What did not changed at all? What has to be done for a sustainable change towards a better life?
“XI. What was the reaction of the ruling class/establishment/journalist/politicians of 2011 and the movements rising? What do you think how they might act/react in the future?
“XII. Which are your strategies for future movement development, which claims/proposals arose in the movements/in your collectives? What is your strategy/perspective for the transformation of society? Did 2011 change or influence your strategies?
“Please discuss this questionnaire in your group, record it and/or type it and send links to mp3, video or text files to: [email protected] …”
Jon Long: Am a retired minister on staff at First Presbyterian Church. If Heron or somebody else wishes to contact him for meeting here again, he probably can arrange it, but must have staff approval in advance. No Saturday meeting time slots available left in March, but there are slots available in April. Must give notice of request 7 to 10 days before desired meeting date.
Kathleen Sambrotto: Have been on the fringes of Occupy Buffalo since the beginning. Am involved with Food &Water Watch, managed to coordinate with Food Not Bombs for a presentation at the Great Harvest Bread Company (18 Buffalo Street, Hamburg, NY) on Tuesday, March 19th at 7 p.m (Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/365837240199195/ )
Valerie Niederhoffer: Peaceful Offerings Art Show at Catholic Academy on Saturday, May 5 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) If people want to display artwork, it is $20 per table.
PROPOSALS:
Heron Simmonds-Price: Proposes that, in regards to the Occupy Buffalo bank account at Buffalo Co-Operative Federal Credit Union (BCFCU), we change the bylaws to empower two people on the Financial Committee with responsibility for signing out funds, with 1 auditor retained to examine the account , and that the BCFCU grant account information access to all 3.
VOTE: PASSES UNANIMOUSLY
Heron Simmonds-Price: Proposes both to name the Canvassing Project “THE OCCUPY BUFFALO LISTENING TOUR (THE 99% SPEAKS)” and to approve or rework the writing of the Canvass Script
VOTE: PASSES UNANIMOUSLY
Heron Simmonds-Price: Proposes text of the Canvass Script (rough drafts):
Hello, my name is ______________________________________.
I’m here today for Occupy Buffalo. The Occupy Movement is a world-wide populist movement that wants to see government respond to the needs of the people, the 99%. We are critical of the growing tendency of government to primarily respond to the priorities of the wealthiest 1%. In order for us to effectively advocate for the people and speak truth to power, we need to learn what our communities want.
1. What do you want to see in your local, state, or federal government do that they are not doing?
Our goal in this listening tour is to find out what you want to see happen, but also to mobilize your interest into political action. So it is important that we have a sense of what your personal political priorities are.
2. What issue would you personally engage in? (for example, street protest, flash mob, or lobbying government)
We finish each stage of the listening tour with an effort to clean up a neighborhood playground or community garden. We believe it is urgent for communities to have safe spaces for children to play and for neighbors to meet.
3. Will you support your community and neighbors by participating in our clean-up?
YES
Great! ( Hand them a flyer/make sure they take a flyer from the clipboard )
NO
That’s fine, here’s a flyer if you change your mind (if they answer the first two questions)
Hand them the clipboard. Okay then, can you sign the clipboard? If you would like, we can keep in touch and let you know what’s happening, but signing this just generally shows how much support that we have in the community.
Thank you very much. Have a good day!
END
DISCUSSION:
Clifford Cawthorn: Need to have script here to review/agree on language.
Jon Gallo: Can make it amendable.
Eric Gallion: Instead of going door to door, identify areas where people congregate (stores, etc.) in public to get larger group of respondants in shorter amount of time; many in the public do not like door to door approach. Maybe event in area should be the kickoff.
Clifford Cawthorn: Like the first idea, but it should be part of canvassing project as a whole; maybe have both. Our idea was that even if canvassing, we still want to get them to something [an event] as a momentum. Not just have a rally, but for community members to get face-to-face with us and tap into indigenous reasons. If we had kickoff before canvassing, it’s like putting the cart before the horse. We must listen before talking.
Heron Simmonds-Price: Not just Occupy Buffalo, but for the whole movement. The focus is about person to person relationships, establishing networks of mutual aid, alternatives to the political status quo, an investment looking towards something in the future. Most people won’t be home, or people won’t talk to us. We need statistical claims from the canvassing [issues, concerns, statements, etc.]. If this project works, it can go to other cities; the collected information can be portable. We want to find out about basic issues, but need to be comprehensive.
Clifford Cawthorn: In terms of location, it should be a specific place within neighborhood. Am very comfortable with the door-to-door approach. Eric’s proposal could be an amendment. We can gather general information in districts while doing door-to-door (don’t count it out).
Heron Simmonds-Price: The culminating event should be a practical thing, such as cleaning up community gardens/playgrounds/etc. Communities need to have a place to meet. A Project of Democratic Activation (creating a place for people to come together and talk). Sample issues: some neighborhoods are considered dangerous and not safe for door-to-door canvassing. We must go to other groups in places like the East Side to discuss these issues, must get more people together. We cannot dictate all the language used and issues discussed by residents. We have small differences, but ultimately what we agree to is a baseline and guide. A lot of people will be involved.
Chris Barbera: Apologies for not being involved today…The proposal will always be about language and method; trust has to be extended to those doing the work [regarding the Canvassing Project]; we need to get back to the proposal.
Clifford Cawthorn: Will withdraw previous statement about a general location to survey. Going door-to-door is about sending a powerful message about breaking down barriers. For those iffy about going door-to-door, do what you are comfortable with, but our doing so would be quite revolutionary (knows of a few people living in the city of Buffalo who will try to do that).
Lesley Haynes: Seems to me that this discussion can happen in working group. A simple solution would be to have a multicultural team that walks together doing canvassing one at a time. Disagrees with assessments about safety in
Buffalo; am passionate about it, and is an OK place to walk around. We could have black, white, Hispanic, and others walking together.
Jim Anderson: With anything we take to the street, we must do in-house sensitivity training, to be ready not just for our script, but the script we will get back from people, what to expect. Collecting data from community churches/organizations who already have that information, identifying stuff we can use before canvassing. We must consider HOW we approach people; in progressive movements, must consider how we come across in public (how we dress, talk, etc.).
PROPOSAL TABLED
REPORT BACKS:
Ashley Westbrook (Legal Team):
Am filing complaint from April 2012 to the City of Buffalo regarding the eviction of Occupy Buffalo from Niagara Square on February 2, 2012. There are things to file before the actual lawsuit. Wants to add other things said when filing with Western NY. Please send comments and complaints regarding the eviction (including possessions lost during the eviction/bulldozing, for purposes of small claims court) to Ashley [ [email protected] ]. Instead of asking for a monetary settlement in the lawsuit, we can instead advocate for social/economic change. Needs help in drafting the legal language. Gives shout out for the Legal Team Fundraiser at Nietzsche’s (“Know Justice, Know Peace”) on Thursday, March 21 (Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/133223560187569/ ). Chris talked about F.O.I.A. Lisa Richardson’s wrongful arrest lawsuit is upcoming.
Heron Simmonds-Price (Canvassing Group):
Have worked on the script, agreed to the 3 questions, and sent out reworking of drafts of script. We have 2 versions, my original and Cliff’s revisions. Will discuss in terms of proposals (restated plan). Would do according to alphabetical order (A’s for 9 districts, B’s for 9 districts, etc.), and have a cleanup/block party at the end of each canvassing period. The 3rd of 3 questions: Would they come out and participate? The project to canvass the entire City of Buffalo could take 2 years. Two things to emphasize: WE ARE NOT PUSHING AN AGENDA and WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR MONEY. We can print literature, and ask for money separately on our websites (Occupy Buffalo.org, Facebook, etc.).
Heron Simmonds-Price (Point Of Information / Point Of Clarification For Financial Committee):
I talked to BCFCU last week. Regardless of what we established as policy, BCFCU would not make exceptions as to overarching policy anymore regarding signer numbers. They wanted to revise from 5 to 3, and then from 3 to 2, even though they would go through the motions of changing our bylaws. It’s amazing to me that most banks have joint accounts, and that it doesn’t matter who signs up, anyone could take money (married couples can take both out at same time, for example, but not groups). We have to compromise and designate two out of three people to sign funds, and use one as auditor, so we don’t have to go shopping and end up with corporate bank. If we are flexible, we can reach a compromise with BCFCU.
Jeff O’Connell (Financial Committee):
Visited the Buffalo Co-Operative Federal Credit Union (BCFCU) on Friday, March 8, and talked to Janice Swinnich about the two documents required by BCFCU (as drafted by Karen Daigler) to change the bylaws regarding signatories on the
account. I had requested information about acceptable changes, and was given feedback regarding the wording of both documents.
FULL TEXTS (AS OF MARCH 16, 2013) OF PROPOSED DOCUMENTS TO CHANGE BCFCU ACCOUNT BYLAWS/SIGNATORIES:
DOCUMENT ONE
Occupy Buffalo Changes to Bylaws for the Financial Account at Buffalo Cooperative Federal Credit Union
March 2, 2013
CHANGES TO CONDITIONS OF WITHDRAWAL REQUESTED BY OCCUPY BUFFALO
1. Two of the current signers on the account must be present to withdraw funds.2. Change in signers’ resolution:
a) A change of signer will render the current signers’ resolution null and void.b) There will now be only three signers on the account. Prior rules governing the number of
signers on the account shall be null and void.c) The previous revision’s condition that three of the current signers must be signers on the
newly created resolution shall be null and voidd) Permission from the Occupy Buffalo Board of Trustees shall be required in order to change
the signers on the account.
We, the signers of the Occupy Buffalo account reference herein, agree to the above conditions pertaining to the account held at the Buffalo Cooperative Federal Credit Union:
__________________________________________________ ___________________________Signature Date
__________________________________________________ ___________________________Signature Date
__________________________________________________ ___________________________Signature Date
__________________________________________________ ___________________________Signature Date
__________________________________________________ ___________________________Signature Date
DOCUMENT TWO
Occupy Buffalo Changes to the Composition of Signers on the Financial Account at Buffalo Cooperative Federal Credit Union
March 2, 2013
CHANGES IN SIGNERS REQUESTED BY OCCUPY BUFFALO
The three signers on the account shall be:
1. Sergio Uzurin2. Jeff O’Connell3. Karen Alice Daigler
We, the signers of the Occupy Buffalo account referenced herein, agree to the above conditions pertaining to the account held at the Buffalo Cooperative Federal Credit Union
__________________________________________________ ___________________________Signature Date
__________________________________________________ ___________________________Signature Date
__________________________________________________ ___________________________Signature Date
__________________________________________________ ___________________________Signature Date
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
Signature Date
Jim Anderson: Asks for clarification of situation.
Chris Real: Would be more comfortable with an Auditor (rather than “ombudsman”) in monitoring the funds of group; would be easier to keep accountability. Two Official People On Joint Account, One Auditor.
Eric Gallion: [Should be the] other way around. 3 people should be authorized on the account, but the bank wants a maximum of 2 people (defined as a “joint account”). One person authorized from that 3 person list can go to the credit union to withdraw funds. If there is an unauthorized withdrawal, there would be a paper trail.
Chris Barbera: Puts trust in finance committee to make the right decision.
Clifford Cawthorn: Confidence in all 3 people [nominated to Finance], am working with Sergio on another project, must be sure he is on board as well (will meet to clarify with him).
Heron Simmonds-Price: We must either go to different bank, or make a compromise with BCFCU.
Bonny Mahoney: Trust issue?
Heron Simmonds-Price: With 2 out of 3 of the nominated signers not here [ re: Sergio Uzurin, Karen Daigler – Jeff O’Connell ], we can’t determine practicality of who can meet when, but group can decide is if we want to do 2 signers/1 auditor, or move to another credit union. The majority of Occupy Buffalo (except for a few individuals in the group) have trust with the 3 people currently nominated on Finance [ Sergio, Karen, Jeff].
Jim Anderson: Have seen slanderous remarks made towards members of Finance; should be allowed to speak in smaller group. Moves not to nominate Sergio as signer simply for time reasons and commitment required [ point of clarification: not because of abilities or trust issues; Sergio deserves high marks on both grounds – Jeff O’Connell ]. Am open to relook at suitable signers rather than constant transience.
Lesley Haynes: Agree with Jim. Was involved with another group that had an unusual situation with the treasurer. Every time we voted on proposals regarding money, the treasurer would disapprove. We had to vote him out, [a process that] took 3 months. Needs to be someone who lives in Buffalo.
Jackie Splain Wilson: Seconds Lesley’s and Jim’s opinion.
Eric Gallion: My objection is with the 2 signature transaction.
Jim Anderson: We can change the bylaws so that we don’t require 2 people to withdraw at the same time.
Clifford Cawthorn: Moves to vote on making the compromise, according to amendment of bylaws.
Lesley Haynes: Bank balance goes to which person?
Heron Simmonds-Price: Should go to all three signatories.
A PRINTED COPY OF DOCUMENT ONE, AS REPRODUCED ABOVE, WAS DISTRIBUTED AND SIGNED BY THOSE PRESENT AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 27, 2013: I had returned to BCFCU on Wednesday, March 20 to show the revised and signed Documents above to Janice Swinnich. She informed me that the first line of Document One ( “1. Two of the current signers on the account must be present to withdraw funds.” ) needs to be removed for the bylaws change to be accepted. I have done so, and the revision looks like this:
Occupy Buffalo Changes to Bylawsfor the Financial Account
at Buffalo Cooperative Federal Credit Union
March ____, 2013
CHANGES TO CONDITIONS OF WITHDRAWAL REQUESTED BY OCCUPY BUFFALO
1. A change of signer will render the current signers’ resolution null and void.2. There will now be only three signers on the account. Prior rules governing the number of signers on the
account shall be null and void.3. The previous revision’s condition that three of the current signers must be signers on the newly created
resolution shall be null and void.4. Permission from the Occupy Buffalo Board of Trustees shall be required in order to change the signers on the account.
We, the members of the Occupy Buffalo Board of Trustees, agree to the above conditions pertaining to the account held at the Buffalo Cooperative Federal Credit Union:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________NAME (Printed)
_____________________________________________________________ ____________________________SIGNATURE DATE
_________________________________________________________________________________________________NAME (Printed)
___________________________________________________________ ____________________________SIGNATURE DATE
_________________________________________________________________________________________________NAME (Printed)
_____________________________________________________________ ____________________________SIGNATURE DATE
_________________________________________________________________________________________________NAME (Printed)
_____________________________________________________________ ____________________________SIGNATURE DATE
I will return to BCFCU and get their final approval of the document before getting it notarized. At the next General Assembly, I am hoping for everyone present to sign (or re-sign) this printed document. – Jeff O’Connell
Jeff O’Connell (May Day Planning Committee):
We met at the CWA offices on Thursday, March 7, 2013. Tentatively, the plan is to have 3 small daily events (in collaboration with unions and other activist organizations) from Wednesday, May 1 to Friday, May 3, leading up to one large event (a march and rally beginning and ending in Niagara Square) on Saturday, May 4, at 1 p.m. We do not have a set date/time for the next organizing meeting yet. John Washington II mentioned he could possibly speak at a regional union conference on March 9 or 12 (the date wasn’t known fully at the time) to promote the event, but was unable to do so.
UPDATE (MARCH 27, 2013): I have included very rough minutes that I had taken at the meeting, in the “Miscellaneous” section below – Jeff O’Connell
SOAPBOX
No time for Soapbox today.
Next Occupy Buffalo General Assembly Meeting may be March 30, 2013. Location/Time/Date TDB.
MISCELLANEOUS
May Day Planning Committee Meeting at CWA Offices (821 Elk Street, Buffalo, NY): March 7, 2013
Present:
Aaron ____________Albert BrownBill NowakChris RealDana Lyn GeraceJamie Nichol StewartJeff O’ConnellJohn P. RozmanJohn Washington IIKatie ____________ (NYSUT)
Michael Haffert (?) – AFL-CIO
Occupy Buffalo invited to speak at NLRB regional conference (date is either Saturday, March 9, or Tuesday, March 12).
Albert sends email to me about Idle No More organizers in Hamilton, ON (maybe do an event at the Peace Bridge, with an organizing meeting afterwards).
Kaleida Health Nurses contract negotiation happening at Buffalo General Hospital.
Albert: Do 3 daily small events in collaboration with other groups up to the main rally on Saturday, May 4 at 1 p.m.
Wednesday, May 1Thursday, May 2Friday, May 3Saturday May 4
Any union contacts to get in touch with?
FirefightersNursesPostal WorkersVerizon
“Wear Your Debt” Day: wear white T-shirts with their debt written on it
Get barrel for people to toss debts in (and set on fire, or other symbolic act)
Potential NYSUT issues: Working with the developmentally disabled
Get in touch with Kurt Schneiderman of Subversive Theatre to do collaborative street theater project for May Day event(s).
Talk with Beth Lewitzky about possibly including library in May Day project (Social Justice presentation?).
Write email to Jennifer Lee-Pang at Artvoice to do a piece on May Day Event.
Talk to Lynn Giglio about getting union people in Rochester involved with May Day Event.
Also mention May Day Event to Anti-Fracking Task Force meeting on Thursday, April 4.
Flying Squirrel (community information shop in Rochester)
Contact Roger Cook about getting banners
John Rozman: Shut down city for May Day (General Strike action); address debt collections industry
John Washington II: Issues - how big a turnout can we get?
John Washington II: The largest debt collection office (in Erie County or U.S.?) is in Amherst. The mortgage collection agencies for Citibank and Bank Of America are nearby as well; they robosign mortgages and facilitate foreclosures for profit.
