GA Minutes - 8/29/12

GA Minutes - Wed. 8/29/12

Committee Announcements:

Puppetistas - the “Angel of Death” and “Protestor” Puppets will be ready for the Wal-Mart Rally on Sept. 22.

Working Group for OWS and OSD Anniversaries -

OWS Anniversary is on Sept. 17. That same evening, Women Occupy is holding an event to promote Prop. 37 which will require GMO’s be labeled. The working Group suggests that GA discuss meeting at 3:30 at Balboa Park, marching to the rally which is being held at the Robinson St. Bridge over the 163, at 5. After the rally at 7, we would march back and have an open mic to acknowledge the Anniversary. This will need to be consensed on when there is a quorum.

OSD Anniversary , Oct.7- Anniversary of the Afghan War on Oct 6. - To be discussed

The Really, Really Free Market will be held on Sunday, Sept. 9 from 11AM to 2PM at Colina del sol Park at 52^nd and Orange.

TPP Working Group - No activities are scheduled

Food Justice Committee - Next meeting, Tues. Sept. 4 at 7PM at the Headquarters Café at 5841 El Cajon at Alice. The next meeting about the Sherman Heights Farmer’s Market and Community Garden will be on Sept. 15. The Garden Group will meet at the WorldBeat Center on Tuesdays at 10 AM.

Wal-Mart Rally - Sept. 22. Coalition to stage the biggest demonstration ever against Wal-Mart. An updated flyer will be ready shortly. Check calendar at sandieogooccupy.org for details.

Possible Agenda Topic

From Previous GA’s

Live streaming GA - This is postponed as one of the 3 member working group is unable to attend at this time.

Proposal by Uma:

“Because mutual respect is essential for the functioning of Horizontal Democracy using consensus process, it is proposed that any member of the GA who consistently exhibits disrespectful behavior to others in the circle will be asked to step out for three consecutive GA's. During that time they will not be able to participate in the GA or any subgroups. Disrespect is defined as interrupting, name calling, threatening or distracting behavior. The person may observe GA during this time in order to facilitate active and appropriate participation on their return.

Any member may initiate this action, however, it must be consensed on by at least

90% of those present.

Discussion on GA - It’s purpose and use.

Discussion on the Good Neighbor Policy

New Topics:

Outreach - What we are doing. Are we doing it?

Discussions:

1) Anniversary OSD/ Afghan War, Oct. 6/7

The committee is proposing 2 days of actions, Oct. 6 and 7. The 6^th would revolve around the war and might involve a demonstration, vigil, mock funeral, street theater. The 7^th would be a celebratory day, with a pot luck and barbeque. The possibility of offering the option to sleep out in Children’s Park on Sat. night was discussed.

2) Outreach- We do this through GA’s and direct actions, but possibly not directly enough. Talking points:

Not everyone has access to technology. Artwork, posters might get attention.

Facebook is messy. It’s difficult to find information. A cardboard sign may be more effective.

Don’t want to bring new people in if there’s lots of arguing. What would we be bringing people into. Have to focus on what we’re trying to accomplish.

No “Stalinist show trials”.

Need to have discussion on respect.

We have so many different reasons for being here. Can it be condensed to one thing?

Propose Working group to address the subject of outreach.

Make the FB page more interesting. Create a narrative.

Two best forms of outreach, getting beaten by cops, and getting things done. Former is transitory, latter requires giving people ideas worth coming for the long haul. We need to make safe spaces by facilitating our own turmoil. The answer may be not being totally inclusive. The 99% is not meaningful, as there is no unity of interest. We can build by getting “shit” done.

Coalition building such as the TPP and Wal-Mart activities. Come for the marches - stay for the revolution.

Big actions draw people.

Group is multifaceted - GA’s, actions, committees, creative projects.

We need to see with the eyes of an outsider.

Perhaps we need a newsletter.

3) Brief inconclusive discussion on Good Neighbor Policy and need to review it. Need to get a copy of the final consensed document in order to discuss.

Next Meeting Sat., Sept., 1 @ 2PM in Balboa Park.