Occupy Worcester reports that police have arrested 18, most of whom will be out on $40 bail. Worcester participants note that more than half of the arrestees are new to activism; the Occupy message continues to resonate broadly. Occupy Boston and the entire 99% stand in solidarity with Worcester.
The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) announced on November 3 that hundreds of thousands of bank customers have switched to credit unions in the last month, far outpacing the normal number of monthly transfers:
Based on the responses of a nationwide survey of 5,000 credit unions, CUNA estimates that at least 650,000 consumers across the nation have joined credit unions since September 29 (the day Bank of America unveiled its now-rescinded $5 monthly debit card fee). Also during that time, CUNA estimates that credit unions have added $4.5 billion in new savings accounts, likely from the new members and existing members shifting their funds.
The survey results also show that more than four in every five credit unions experiencing member growth since September 29 attributed the growth to consumer reaction to new fees imposed by banks, or a combination of consumer reactions to the new bank fees plus the social media-inspired “Bank Transfer Day,” November 5. “Bank Transfer Day” urges consumers to transfer their accounts from banks to credit unions by Saturday, November 5.
The $4.5 billion figure does not include new funds transferred since November 3rd, and it doesn’t include the value of the money that has been transferred to community banks. The total figure could be well over $6 billion.
The same press release also announced that more than 650,000 new credit union accounts have been created since September 29.
Bank Transfer Day was launched by an activist in Los Angeles named Kristen Christian who was upset with Bank of America’s “ridiculous fees and poor customer service.” She started a Facebook page to promote it, and it grew from there. Occupy Boston and other Occupy groups around the country have ceaselessly promoted Bank Transfer Day since the start of the Occupy movement.
You can read the full CUNA press release here.
Press Release: Worcester General Assembly consenses on Move of Occupation from Quinsigamond Lake Park to Worcester Common
NOVEMBER 5, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Group of Occupy Worcester (media@occupyworcester.com)
Worcester General Assembly Consenses on Move of Occupation from Quinsigamond Lake Park to Worcester Common
Worcester, MA, November 5, 2011—Occupy Worcester first attempted to set up an occupation at Worcester Common on October 16 and were met by a large police presence who redirected the occupation to Quinsigamond State Park. The occupation has remained peacefully encamped despite snow, rain, and the difficult logistical challenges of being miles from the center of the city.
A plan was approved by consensus today—November 5, 2011—to occupy Worcester’s Common, located behind City Hall. It was felt by the General Assembly that Quinsigamond Lake Park has been an excellent boot camp in preparation for taking the Common; however, the Lake Ave location has significant challenges of visibility and accessibility that have prevented more Worcesterites from joining the movement. Occupy Worcester feels that relocating to the historic Common will be better for outreach, organization, communication, and inter-Worcester solidarity.
Mayor Joseph O’Brien was in attendance at today’s General Assembly, and he told the people that City Manager Michael V. O’Brien does not support occupation of the Common and that anyone who camps will be arrested.
Gathering will start in Worcester Common at 7:30, with occupation officially set to commence at 8 pm.
The people of Worcester requests the support of Occupy Boston, Occupy Providence, Occupy Hartford, Occupy Springfield, and all peoples of New England in this action.
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Occupy Worcester is an organization of Worcester-area residents in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement. For more information, visit http://www.occupyworcester.com.
[UPDATE: Please monitor Occupy Worcester’s Twitter feed and livestream for updates and live video throughout the night.]
The purpose of tomorrow’s exhibition is to provide an artistic platform to inspire an open dialog about the economic divide in this country, the democratic process as an organizing tool, and the diverse communities that make up the 99%. It is our hope to create an environment where a diverse community of people can gather and begin to dissect the issues and formulate solutions.
The show will be Sunday, November 6th from 1 pm- 4 pm in Dewey Square at the site of Occupy Boston. At least eight artists are expected to display their work ranging from mixed media, photos, graphic design, and installation pieces.
The artists have been asked to display work that speaks to any of the following themes:
This is what democracy looks like.
We are the 99%.
This is what economic justice/injustice looks like.
All are encouraged to visit the sign making tent for access to materials such cardboard, markers, paint, and paper. If you are interested in showing work, have questions, or want more info please email occupybostonart@gmail.com visit http://occupybostonart.
Alternative Rain Date TBD if needed.
Occupy Boston will be rallying in Dewey Square Saturday at 10:30 am for a march to Bank of America and possibly other area banks as part of the nationwide Move Your Money Day. Come join us! And if you have money in a Too Big to Fail bank, switch to a local credit union!
Occupy Boston Media <Media@occupyboston.org> • <Info@occupyboston.org> • @Occupy_Boston