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  • Category: General Assembly

    Medical Tent Receives Approval to Purchase Supplies

    The following passed proposal is paraphrased from the minutes of the General Assembly held on November 22, 2011.

    The medical tent proposes to spend $241.11 on five stethoscopes, an ear thermometer, a pulse oximeter and several other items necessary to the continued operation of the medical team. In addition, several vests will be purchased to help identify members of the medical team.

    OB Ratifies Proposal to Boston City Council

    The General Assembly of Occupy Boston reached consensus on the following proposal November 22, 2011:

    A RESOLUTION supporting the peaceful exercise of the First Amendment carried out by “Occupy Boston.”

    WHEREAS, Boston residents like people across the United States, are alternately angered and frustrated by the continuing economic and political crisis that threatens individuals’ and our city’s fiscal stability and our community’s quality of life; and

    WHEREAS, Occupy Boston is a peaceful protest and rally fueled by Boston residents and people from throughout the region from all walks of life who have come together to support the national movement started by the “Occupy Wall Street” protests; and

    WHEREAS, additional Occupy protests have taken root across the country, and across the globe and are a growing movement with the shared goal of urging residents to peaceably assemble in public spaces in order to create a shared dialogue to address the problems and generate solutions for economically and politically distressed people; and

    WHEREAS, the roots of the Occupy Wall Street protests are various, including unemployment, underemployment, growing income disparity, banking system failures, police brutality, environmental justice, the home foreclosure crisis, discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, undocumented status, disabilities, and/or homelessness; ongoing health and wealth disparities, and lack of corporate and political accountability; and

    WHEREAS, the Occupy Boston Movement expresses the message that there is the possibility for a more just, democratic, and economically egalitarian society through the symbolic conduct of creating an exemplar society, tent city, and direct democracy in the heart of Boston’s financial district;

    WHEREAS the causes and consequences of the current economic and political crisis erode confidence in the social contract upon which the Constitution of the United States of America is based; namely, the ability of We the People to come together and form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, and promote the general welfare; and

    WHEREAS, human beings from all walks of life, whether economically comfortable or destitute, recognize the destructive effects of our governing bodies and the political gridlock that protects corporations and their lobbying interests allowing corporations to control the welfare of the people and of the Earth’s environment.

    WHEREAS, the Seattle and Los Angeles city councils have recently passed similar resolutions in support of Occupy protestors’ right to peaceably assemble; and

    WHEREAS, a recent Boston Superior Court ruling has granted the temporary restraining order to prevent the City of Boston from removing the Occupy Boston protesters; and

    WHEREAS, Boston residents can and must resolve the divisive economic and social realities facing the City of Boston in a peaceful way that honors our commitment to truth, equality and justice, and;

    NOW THEREFORE,

    BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSTON CONCURRING:

    Section 1. By the adoption of this Resolution, the City of Boston recognizes and supports the peaceful exercise of First Amendment Rights by “Occupy Boston.”

    Adopted by the Boston City Council the _____ day of _____________, 2011, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this _____ day of ________________, 2011.

    ________________________________________

    President __________ of the City Council

    Filed by me this ______ day of _________________, 2011.

    ______________________

    Ocupy Boston Wi-Fi Proposal – consented to on 11/22/11

    Proposal
    To purchase three wifi hot spots, for use by on-site occupiers and the media working group. A computer will be setup (possibly in the library tent) for general use by on-site occupiers. In the event of an emergency, these devices would be distributed by the media working group to certain on-site and off-site individuals for the express purpose of video live-streaming. The purchase will be coordinated with the financial accountability working group.
    Cost Estimate:
    The cost would be ~$180 for the devices, ~$60 for the battery extenders, and ~$150 a month for the unlimited 4g data plans. For a total of ~$390 for the first month and ~$150 per month following to be paid on a month by month basis.

    Statement of Autonomy – consented to on 11/22/11

    Statement of Autonomy

    Occupy Boston is a people’s movement. It is party-less, leaderless, by the people and for the people. It is not a business, a political party, an advertising campaign, or a brand. It is not for sale.

    Any organization is welcome to support us with the knowledge that doing so will mean questioning your own institutional frameworks of work and hierarchy, and integrating our principles into your modes of action.
    We acknowledge the existence of professional activists who work to make our world a better place. If you are representing, or being compensated by an independent source in order to participate in our process, please disclose your affiliation at the outset. Those seeking to capitalize on this movement or undermine it by appropriating its message or symbols are not part of Occupy Boston. Any statement or declaration not released through the General Assembly should be considered independent of Occupy Boston.
    SPEAK WITH US, NOT FOR US.
    We welcome all, who, in good faith, petition for a redress of grievances through civil disobedience. We provide a forum for peaceful assembly of individuals to engage in participatory, direct democracy, as opposed to partisan debate and representative democracy. We welcome dissent.
    We wish to clarify that Occupy Boston is not and never has been beholden to any established political party, candidate or organization. Our only affiliation is with the people.
    If you have chosen to devote resources to building this movement, especially your time and labor, then this movement is yours.
    We stand in solidarity. We are Occupy Boston.

    Occupiers Arrange to Attend National Day of Mourning in Plymouth

    On the evening of November 20, 2011, the General Assembly of Occupy Boston reached consensus on the following proposal:

    Proposal from the Indigenous Solidarity and Outreach Working Group to attend the National Day of Mourning in Plymouth on November 24th

    Background:

    The Indigenous Solidarity and Outreach Working Group seeks funds to cover transportation costs associated with bringing a group of 20-40 people from the Occupy/Decolonize Boston community to attend the National Day of Mourning in Plymouth on November 24th.  The Working Group is organizing a carpool and simply seeks funds to cover fuel expenses.

    In response to the Statement of Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples passed by the GA on October 8th, the United American Indians of New England (UAINE) have formally endorsed the Occupy/Decolonize movement and invited members of the Occupy/Decolonize Boston community to “stand with them” on this “solemn, spiritual and highly political day.”  Every year since 1970, Native people and their supporters have come together to refute the mythology of the Pilgrims and declare the US thanksgiving holiday a National Day of Mourning for Native Americans.

    This event will present a unique opportunity for members of Occupy/Decolonize Boston to stand in solidarity and most importantly, listen to Native voices with humility and respect.  It will also be an opportunity to establish connections with individuals in the hopes of bringing more Native voices into the movement.

    Proposal:

    The Indigenous Solidarity and Outreach Working Group will receive reimbursement for fuel costs associated with travel to and from Plymouth on November 24th, with a maximum cumulative amount of $300.

    Clarification:

    The group will already be using its $100 weekly budget allowance to purchase food to be cooked the night before for the pot luck social which takes place after the event.

    Contact us

    Occupy Boston Media <Media@occupyboston.org> • <Info@occupyboston.org> • @Occupy_Boston