Category Archives: GA Minutes

Sunday October 9 2011 6PM

Occupy Atlanta – day 2 – Troy Davis Park

Moderator – Hira Mahmood
Facilitator – John Reynolds
Facilitator – Ron Allen
Stack-taker – Sean ?
Note-taker – Daniel Clay

6:22

Welcome Intro by Hira

Explanation of rules to make the process painless for everyone.

Decision making process is consensus – practical questions – nobody is forced to do anything in consensus – want to make sure that it is productive collective intelligence.

Process for participating in consensus here involves using certain hand signals

Explanation of processs – Tim Franzen

What is stack? It’s a list for talking in turn.

Point of process – not for approving – It is for clarification  of what the proposal

Block – adamant opposition to the proposal to the point where the blocker would leave if the group if the proposal was passed

Hira – Order of discussion/ clarification of process:

Taking proposals from committees first

Proposal – clarifications – blocks – or consensus reached

ANNOUNCEMENTS

List of announcements in order of people who contacted Lindsey first

1) Travis? – A new committee is forming a Sustainability Initiative

2) Jim Nichols – Teamsters Union 728 here in solidarity with Occupy movements all over the country – Will be joining other occupations outside the AtlGA for a march starting at TDPark to ATL chamber of commerce on October 15th

3) Kaylin, from media – After GA we’ll have a workshop for anyone who wants to attend on how to interact with the media. It’s also good for talking to family and friends. Also, we want to hear from you. Email your pics, art, and media related stuff to contact@occupyatlanta.org

4) Tom Smith – Tomorrow is a court date for a crime – the accused is probably innocent. A woman’s child died and she’s being blamed for it. Tatiana Jazeera. Trial starts 10AM October 10, 2011. Tom will be leading people from TDPark to the courthouse.

5) Colin – Tomorrow at 3PM there will be a Know Your Rights training followed by a Cop Watch training.

6) Clara – Yesterday we had a problem with childcare. We need to address the problem of childcare if we want to attract the communities of women, mothers, etc. We need a diverse group, men not just women.

7) Tony with Logistics – C7 there is a giant kitchen that we have access to. There’s a sign-in sheet at the Logistics table. There’s rain in the forecast, share your tent. We also have access to canvas for shelter. We need people to do that.

Tim – There’s an action group planning a march on Tuesday from this park to Bank of America. iF you are interested in participating we will be meeting after the GA.

9) Jack – The legal team is momentarily out of working condition. Trying to get the Natl Lawyers Guild to take over.

10) Regina from Demands – Meeting tomorrow at 2:30 at TDPark – add yourself to the email list

11) Nataly – Yesterday other occupations celebrated Jewish holidays. If anyone is interested get in touch.

12) Joe – Action that will take place tonight – Today is Troy Davis’ bday – Tonight at 10 there will be a noisy  Birthday vigil in honor of Troy’s birthday. At 11:08 there will be an observation of silence in memory of his life.

13) Jason – Laundry exchange- baskets or bags for different types of clothing for different genders – If you want some clean clothes take them – wash clothes and donate – share and clothe one another

14) Clara – Childcare now, let’s go play soccer

15) Sarah – John Lewis incident has become Natl news. There are fears that we have alienated a major political figure and that makes us a natl laughing stock.

Hira- this is not the time or place for soapboxing, this is announcements

16) Matt – Time sensitive – someone needs help to cut a hot air balloon to make a temp shelter in the case of rain – 8-10 ppl are needed – they can meet at Logistics table – also those folks can bathe etc.

6:57

17) Jonoh – Events are in planning stage, Jonah is also focussed on education – if you want to share or help with that – come find him.

6:57
___________________________

PROPOSALS
___________________________

List of proposals

1) Kevin, since there was some hesitation to let John Lewis speak at the GA that he be invited back next Friday to speak before the GA

What if he can’t come? Could we invite him at a different time?

Kevin meant prior to the GA

We have people who know him personally trying to get in touch with him

P’process – already addressed – BUT – How would we phrase the invitation? Would it include an apology?

Hira – steps in to clarify – restate the proposal “Do we want to invite him back?”

Direct opposition?

CONSENSUS REACHED

___________________________

PROPOSAL 2)

Travis – We’ve been trying to encourage people to reuse their plastic bottles – So . . .

Take up a plastic bottle collection and reuse them.

John – This doesn’t need to be discussed by GA

From a health safety perspective you’d have to sanitize the bottles

Hira – send it back to committee and let someone bottom line it

everyone should buy there own reusable bottle

John – People might not have the money

Proposal was DISMISSED, sent back to committee

___________________________

PROPOSAL 3)

Shob and Elijah – Get permission to reach out to bands in Atlanta – bands coming through Atlanta – music for solidarity

some guy has amps and a PA system

Shob – After GA if you want to help come find us after

CONSENSUS REACHED

___________________________

PROPOSAL 4)

Zack – Form a coordinating committee to communicate between occupiers with problems or complaints and the appropriate committee to enforce resolutions of the problems

John – this isn’t a proposal – just form and bottom line the committee

Sent back to Zack

___________________________

OPEN FORUM PROPOSALS

___________________________

PROPOSAL 5) Sean – Organize a bike co-op.

John – That’s not a proposal. But its a fantastic idea.

___________________________

PROPOSAL 6) Jonah – Organize the sleeping area for more efficient implementation of logistics, medical, safety,

John – That’s already being handled by Tactical Unity.

Tactical Unity – If anyone wants to learn more about how they are addressing that need come talk to Colton or Hector after the GA

___________________________

PROPOSAL 7) Allison – Want’s to designate an area for group meditations.

Not a proposal – JUST DO IT.

___________________________

PROPOSAL Should we ask GSU profs to have classes here.

DIRECT CONSENSUS

John – Please get in touch with Outreach committee about that

___________________________

Joe – We should institute daily speak-outs at 2PM

___________________________

PROPOSAL 9) Lauren from Outreach – We have a lot of people here not on committees. We need a list of people on committees

Lauren’s contact 404 406 2972

Tim Franzen – Outreach has a list that you can sign for volunteering

DISMISSED, NOT A PROPOSAL

___________________________

PROPOSAL 10)

John – Designate a smoking area, that people will respect.

Away from tents, away from food,

not near chess players

Fountain?

Hira – Send to Tactical Unity?

BLOCKS? None.

CONSENSUS REACHED

___________________________

PROPOSAL 11)

Ron Allen – Move GA back to 7PM

BLOCK – Some people work at night

AMENDMENT – Two GA’s one at 11PM one at 7PM

11AM/7PM gives people options

Jonah does like that idea. One issue that we may encounter . . . .

AMENDMENT – Provide an opportunity and a way for people to catch up with GA’s they miss

John’s REVISED PROPOSAL – Two assemblies a day, one at 11AM and one at 7PM that are shorter with dedicated minute takers.

BLOCKS in general

Hira – Restates where we are in the process – closing the stack

CONCERN – really an idea for an amendment – do 6:30 as a compromise

Kaylin – We are more productive in committees – not in favor of two GA’s per day

Monica -

Matt – By having more assemblies we increase the amount of people who will miss GA’s

John – Supporting statements for his proposal for two assemblies a day

Daniel – Minutes will help people catch up

STACK-CLOSED

John restates proposal: Beginning tomorrow we institute two GA’s one at 11PM and 7PM

BLOCKS in general

Idea that we can keep meetings to an hour is hopelessly utopian. Multiple meetings will bog us down.

REVISION – Keep GA’s at 6pm and the following morning at 11pm meeting people can go over minutes from previous evening.

John REVISION – Alternate GA’s – 11PM one day, 6PM the next day

CONCERN – Elijah, I trust the community  - If I miss a 6PM GA and attend the 11PM minutes meeting I’ll be informed.

Google docs is sufficient for reviewing minutes.

Hira – General indecision and disagreement

John rescinds his proposal

PROPOSAL RESCINDED – Which one?

Jonah removes his BLOCK and says he will bottom line a Minutes Meeting

Original proposal reinstated: Move daily GA’s to 7pm

DIRECT CONSENSUS REACHED
__________________________

Ron Allen – Proposal for Education Committee

Tim Franzen – already exists, no action on it, bottom line it and do it.

___________________________

8:13

John – Closing statements of solidarity – move into the Speak Out

John: Recitation of the Declaration of Occupation in NYC

http://occupywallst.org/forum/first-official-release-from-occupy-wall-street/

Whats the order of this meeting?
Mon: wouldn’t call it a general assembly meeting, more of a way to communicate with the different committees. Compile definite list of contacts…There’s information that needs to get across the groups. Need to deal with communication. Figure out what would be the best way to delegate responsibilities in an efficient way. Created a WePay account; there’s been a donation of $50. There’s a lot of organizational tasks that need to be handled.

Tim: 2 things need to happen- figuring out if we are going to have an occupation tomorrow and two- figure out the organizational tasks.

Facilitator: Tim Squire
Stack: Taylor

Sarah: suggests that the different groups give a status report.

Morgan(tactical unity committee): if there’s an occupation tomorrow, will there be a march? their group will only have 12 people to keep people off the street(?). We don’t want to get the police angry. They are responsible to keep the people safe. They want about 18-14 people.

Proposals for the agenda:
Point to make sure that we keep the building clean.
Declaration, can it be changed?
Group for the new people to explain to them what is going on and the process.
Press and representation, getting the right message across.
objection to make decisions right now because it was not discussed in the promotion of this meeting that decisions were going to be made. Not a call for general assembly
Proposals that will given at the general assembly
Have a few RIC channels, better usage of them.

Discussion will include who will be handling twitter, facebook, atlanta.org, treasury committee wepay account, etc

Possible proposal to change the name Tactic Community to Occupation Police-force ..possibly

John is very overwhelmed and bit off a bit more than he can chew trying to organize as much as he can due to his excitement but now needs help. Would like to figure out how to delegate these tasks. Also, he would like to apologize for possibly bringing any negative energy due to how stressed he has been preparing the space we have now.

Committee Report-Backs
Legal: lawyers working with us, if people are put in jail there will be ready to get them out. There will be a google voice # LEGAL TEAM IS PREPARED

Logistics: Will have space for donating food. Currently looking for refrigeration. Establishing contacts with restaurants for food. “Random Acts for Pizza” for pizza deliveries. Any canned food is being accepted. Crystal will set up an occupyatlanta gmail

Demands: met 3 days this week, will present guiding principles tomorrow.

Medic: there will be first aid set-up. Time consuming to train, there will be abbreviated street training. This could happen this weekend. Hector brought some first aid bags. Crystal is CPR certified. 12-4 there will be a training for basic first aid at AFSC

Tactic Community: largely communicated through e-mail. Try to keep group cohesion, try to settle problems in a peaceful way. Code of Conduct, they have it printed out and will present it tomorrow. They will be using blue bandanas and they will have badges as well.

Process: Facilitation committee formed out of recognition that our meeting process needs to improve. They came up with a solid proposal, we are asking for that at the beginning of the next gen assembly, there will be a proposal if there’s acceptance then they will run with that process. KEY !working groups: consider proposals in advance and sent to compile beforehand. BE PATIENT!!

Media: press@occupyatlanta.org -really appreciated if we allow them to do their thing. talk to us! Redoubling efforts. Talking to press: they are preparing materials for press. If you wanna help, help is needed. Talk to us to see how we can help. For every committee, can we have one person (or preferably a list of people to rotate or to pick from) that is ready to talk to press when time comes. Need: fluent Spanish speaker. SUCKY SPANISH TRANSLATION ! E-mail is making them insane. They have banners and posters asking group to take them and spread them around, more will come. Need street theater stuff, singers etc. PEOPLE THAT CAN SING!!!! Need extra laptops, need full time doing facebook and twitter. Physically come down here, there will be someone here most of the time. If anyone have ideas for cool fliers, if they ask you for a contact information please give them press@occupyatlanta.org
Art: Krog Tunnel was painted. They have a huge banner that says occupy atlanta that will be dropped at 5 am.
Outreach: passed out fliers at local universities.
Tech(subcommittee or separate committee? tech@occupyatlanta.org): We have created IRC channels, websites, twitter, listserv but something went wrong with the listserv at riseup. Would like to help setup sites for easily streaming photos, videos, etc.

* what is tactically unit doing:
broader discussion but is it overstepping bounds?
(Vote to take on tomorrow)

* 4 or 5 Committee Proposals:
1. Orientation being as part of facilitation committee: info be separate from intro people to the process and be in another part like outreach. There are four roles in the process, they don’t know if they’d be able to do that effectively.

For GENERAL ASSEM TOMMOROW….. they will give a presentation on how they wanna run the proposals.

Task to be designated (spelling?):
1. Twitter: extensive experience managing, understanding how to monitor hashtags, mentions, direct messages, catching hashtag patterns, have certain tone that we feel is representative, distribution of media via twitter as that is happening in real time. Media Comm will find someone to handle before general assembly tomorrow. Not one person only handling. 1 person has volunteered but media will continue to search for more to help.
2. Facebook: situation is a bit complicated,
(MEDIA COMMITTEE NEEDS MORE PEOPLE – SIDE NOTE)
3. We pay: need to have a funding committee.Very difficult bc whoever is handling needs to have a lots of trust!!!!! Making a Funding Committee has been proposed for G.A tomorrow.  Legal committee has already seen the implications for funding.

(raise your hand up high)

Occupation Discussion: 30 minutes at 1:15 am should make a decision.

People in favor of having an occupation tomorrow.

we are trying to act as a group, we would need consensus. Under the impression that because of the variables. Serious objection to pre-determine what we are going to do. Everyone has their own opinions, but some people are saying the people have already decided what is going on.
We are not making a decision – having a discussion. Meeting was called that committees were meeting, this question was raised as agenda was created. Nothing binding will come out of this tonite, and tonight should be used to sleep on these new ideas.

do we have someone to stream KYR (Know Your Rights) trainings? Do we have computers set up for the stream?. I feel there is not a lot done, even though we are working in to it, we shouldn’t jump the gun. Legal is ready, we should expect it to happen in the next 17 hours, and we should see what is other teams need. There’s seems to be tension on whether we are ready or not, but also understanding that we are never going to be “ready” and that we should roll on what we have and hope for mass organization as we “walk”.

We need to increase positive energy. Atlanta ought to be leading the way in the language of MLK. Concerns of specific location, depending on where we decide, we might need a certain # of people to hold it down. Some people are trying to get space at the MLK Center for civil disobedience training, they would like to have this first, BUT if they have to roll, they will roll.

Process/facilitation are prepared to propose how to facilitate tomorrow’s GA in case thousands show up tomorrow.

Can we hear from each committee if they are ready.
15 READY in this meeting to occupy as of tomorrow. 1 DEPENDING ON LOCATION.

Process:ready
medics: ready
demands:ready
media: ready

Committees are ready to fucking rock!

Josh: Spread the word for our IRC channel since people have already come in looking for information and ways to get involved. This could help committees gain additional members, as well as increase the participants of tomorrow’s possible occupation.

IRC Server chat.indymedia.org
Channel: #occupyatlanta

Mobile IRC App for android users: AndroIRC

Announcement by John: If a big turn out we NEED to have a livestream. We need hardware. We have a site setup, but we need equipment like web cams or something. ANYTHING!

General Assembly #4
Location: Hurt Park

Motion: When a disruptive person appears at an occupation, general assembly, or any action associated with Occupy Atlanta, a team of volunteers who are experienced with and ABSOLUTELY committed to non-violence will talk to the person peacefully on the outskirts of the event.

–Reading of Guidelines–

Proposed amendments to guidelines:
add ableism
“discuss” ideas not “debate” ideas
transparency in deletion, warning system in place for deletion
-all admins are elected and checked upon, to be removed if found unfriendly
-read guidelines and minutes at beginning of each meeting
- will there be degrees of moderation, warnings?

-Tyler: from out of state in Houston TX, goes to Auburn. Interested in collaborations in solidarity with other organizations.
-Shana: we are in collaboration with people from Bloomsbergville.

-Carter: Any opposition to my being facilitator? I see myself as restating motions, asking for opposition or blocking, and asking for points of order.
-There should be a moderator too.
- Matt volunteered to moderate.

-Lindsey: Read minutes
-AGENDA: TActical Unity group to maintain the peace. Minutes group, Facilitators work group, Social Media moderation team.
-Talk about starting on October 15th in conjunction with international movements
-Proposal to alter or shut down fb group.
- Adding an Outreach group, and action medical team
- Make a committe responsible for location
Proposal/Motion for outreach committee: passed
Motion: Social media, tactical unity, minutes, and medical, and location team, food, funding
Blocking opposition to motion to create groups. Subject changed.

- Proposition for location to be gotten
- Propose to vote on the location in General Assembly
- Have things decided by the 15th

Proposal to vote on a location right now. Blocked.
-propose creating a constitution.
- If legal space to occupy can be found AFL-CIO involvement more likely.
- Tim – Democracy is slow. An occupation is where we take what’s already ours. Our discussion has to be democratic and determined whether or not it is effective. Question is where is the most effective place. A private park where owner says its ok? That doesn’t really send a message of occupation.
-Kendall – how many more assemblies? she wants leaders to tell her where to go.
- Matt – we have to address the blocking opposition to the proposal plz.
-Sally – no opposition to discuss a location. opposition is to voting immediately
Counterproposal to discuss a location for occupation. Initially blocked. Blocking opposition then lifted.

G.A. split into two groups, whomever whishes to discuss location meet by the fountain. Those who do not wish to discuss location, gather in.

Harvey – This process takes time. And organization takes planning. Don’t get frustrated with the process.
Matt- Read about committees plz.
Raj – wants to provide leadership. Practicing chest surgeon. Sense of direction needs to be restored. His Essay This I Believe. Instead of making committees and establishing a bureaucracy, we want to give a new shape and direction to this movement and develop a central message, I will deliver that message.
Hira – blocked and counterproposal – we have existing committees, establish people that are willing to bottomline these committees.
Tyler – counterproposal – wait until we have reassembled in whole.

Joe – Proposal – in reaction to frustration – propose point of process. No motion necessary to propose topic for discussion, only motions to bar a topic or speak exclusively about a subject.
-Restate when all reconvene.
Kathy – If you haven’t read assembly minutes from other occupations, you should. We shouldn’t try to reinvent the wheel.
Sasha – people are becoming restless and making brash decisions. This is a process. We’re utilizing positive and constructive suggestions.
James – Propose to use people’s mic so we can hear each other.
Rick – Wants to be steered to logistics committee.
Maris(t)(e)(?) – proposal stated in smaller group.

Reconvening of group

- Location Faci – We decided location. On Friday 10/7 there will be a permitted occupation whose organizers have forwarded an invitation for G.A. Woodruff park is permitted 8AM – 11PM. Possible march to Centennial after. Invitation is after 6 pm. Original permit until 11PM

-Opening of discussion via stack on issue of location.

-Guy – Great idea to start on 7th because its the anniversary of Che’s death.

- Matt – information that news media is requesting an interview, proposal that we use the peoples’ mic to conduct the interview.
-Interview ends up not happening, just some b-roll footage taken.

-Taylor – Clarification – we would decide at Woodruff General Assembly what our action will be.

-Matt- Friendly amendment – reconvene a general assembly at woodruff on 10/7.

-Jenny – Is the proposal for a G.A. and not the occupation?

-Matt – 10/7 – The proposal is for a General Assembly that would flow into an occupation.

Consensus reached on proposal.

-Matt- now there are other things which need to be discussed.

-Joe – quick proposal in reaction to frustration felt regarding discussion about the discussion for choosing a location. My proposal is that given that the frustration was regarding boundaries about what we may discuss. That from this point forward, there will be no Motions necessary for the proposal of topics for discussion. Change will be that motions will only be necessary for the barring or making exclusive of topics.

Consensus reached on proposal

-Matt: Would Lindsey be willing to read a list.

-Lyndsey: Committess so far are demands, logistics, media/tech, social networking/outreach, medical outreach, legal, minutes, facilitation, food and funding.

-Luke – I propose that the groups would be read off and explained what is included in those groups and set a location in this park right now for each person that is interested to meet up tonight and discuss what they’d like to do and exchange contact information.

-Matt – This includes what was a sub proposal to have bottomliner picked by each committee. This bottom liner would have no power greater than that which is allocated by each respective committee. Is there any opposition to moving forward into defining committees and breaking into them immediately.

- Anon – I would like to propose that in order to make breaking up into groups easier we have someone from each group raise their hand and describe groups.

- Anon – Rip paper and make signs for committees. For bottomliners to hold.

- Anon – Clarification. Are we going to hear descriptions of each committee?

- Matt – Any opposition for having committees define themselves and then asking for consent from GA.

- Sara – I think people would like some kind of non-binding general very vague description of the committee that they would be most helpful in.

- Someone – Lets list the committees and then we can decide which one we feel at home in / create new ones if need be.

- Matt – Could members of previously established committees please breifly explain what has been done so far in said committees?

-Brief summation of pre-existing committees with help of minutes from previous GA.

-Split into committees-

MEDIA GOALS

- Anon – Is it ok to have an overarching committee over proposed subcommittees like Writing, Outreach, Tech, Art, A/V Team ?

-General Answer – Yes

-Randy – Have experience with audio and visual technology, art, and graphic design. I own a small studio we could use for production if need be.

-Emerald – I’m a photographer. Should we make a list of what people can do to help out?

-General Answer – Yes

Maris(t)(?) – part of outreach, create literature that gets general message across. Ride transit and get message out.

Matt – Questions: acceptable to have diverse multiform flow of propaganda circulating city?

-General Answer – Yah

- Michelle – Opening statement on what has already been established

- Anon – Media should mean communication inside and outside the group. Outreach – keep in touch with other occupy movements: in atlanta, and nationally, and internationally.

- Should we get volunteers from universities?

-General Answer – Yeah

Writing, Outreach, Tech, Art, A/V Team were, in essence, subcommittees generally agreed to be necessary AND fall under the category of Media.

- Various people – There is a need to address the fear/resistance/denial of some to have their photos taken internally. We should all be totally open and transparent which includes putting your face behind this movement.

Summary
Roughly 47 people in attendance.
We discussed possible locations for our “permanent” assembly.
We discussed our “one demand.”

We split into four different groups:
Logistics
Demands
Media/Art/AV/Tech
Legal

We came back together as a whole and each group shared their individual minutes, decided on next GA’s time/date/location.

Next General Assembly time/date/place
10/2 @ 5pm at Hurt Park

Detailed Minutes

—GA begins around 7:30—

(After hearing the concerns of a member of the GA on power plays and transphobia)

Consensus: Transphobia, Racism, and Homophobia have no place here.

- Carter: Oppression is played out in so many different ways. If someone says they feel marginalized it’s important to listen because we aim to avoid marginalization here.

- Sally suggests: Use Atlanta things. For example Fair Tax, Neal Boortz. Bring in people from various schools in the area like Ivan Allen College (GT) and Andrew Young (GSU). Teach-ins on non-violence perhaps associated with the King Center.

- Kevin: On the legality of occupations, was part of a pardon and parole board occupation success. The idea behind occupations is that we pay taxes, we own this stuff, we should be able to stay there.

- Hector: We should start wearing armbands as a solidarity statement and conversation piece to help spread the word. “99%” armbands for example.

- Jenny: Offered money to help with recruitment and possibly fund 5 iPad-like devices.

—Introductions took place—

Consensus: Stack to be kept on paper for practical reasons.

- Lyndsey:

Minutes from 9/26 GA:

• Work groups: Facilitation, Legal, Media, Tactical, Health, Food, Outreach, Demands.
• John talked about hand motions to be used in consensus based meetings.
• Possibility of facilitator training
• Possible locations: Piedmont, Woodruff, …
• Meeting spots must = MARTA accessible
• Getting legal backing: Natl Lawyers Guild at OWS
• Permits
• People want a set message out there.

- Kevin: Motion to occupy Woodruff park on October 6th. Motion declined.

- Jenny: Perhaps we can get with people that will already be occupying.

- Sally: Zuccoti park is a private park, that’s why they’ve been able to occupy.

- Stacy: Poor Peoples’ Campaign was on the mall in DC which is public property. Aside from that we need to tie all of our issues all to Wall Street.

- Angel: Cabbagetown park is neighborhood owned. Not Atlanta park. Perhaps the owners would allow an occupation.

-Male: Who can tell me the main demand of OWS?
- We need actionable points. Solidarity yes, but clear and actionable points too.
- Many people cited OWS’s demands for ending corporate personhood, restoring proper representation to the 99%.

-Other Male: In Mississippi there is a ballot referendum to repeal corporate personhood and to define exactly what corporate personhood means.

—Split into groups: Demands, Media, Legal, and Logistics—

GROUP SUMMARIES/CLOSING REMARKS:

Demands:

• Started to come to somewhat of a consensus on demands, but left it open for consideration in future GA. There was some consensus on tax related issues. Also consensus on ending corporate personhood, corruption, and malfeasance.
• Proposition to create informal research group to investigate possible means through which our demands could be achieved.
• Stated need for a YouTube channel to convey our demands.

Media:

• If street artists wish to support our cause they can create art referencing #occupyAtlanta

• Our main symbol/frontpiece/slogan is “99%” and/or “We Are the 99%” with a reference to www.occupyAtlanta.org
• People can wear armbands with our slogan to show solidarity and promote Occupy Atlanta.
• There should be outreach at local universities and colleges by students attending said schools. This can include armbands, posters, fliers, and perhaps even presentations.
• We should explore group based finances through WePay and possibly www.kickstarter.com in conjunction with the logistics crew.
• This group should be known as Occupy Atlanta Media (editors note: I think that should also be our goal)
• Google Groups should be made for more organized communications with in the groups.
• Website is being set up and held on a safe server by occupywallst.org

Legal:

• Decided on two main functions:
• resource for legal advice;
• disseminate info on what is legal a.k.a. know your rights type workshop and possible material from Copwatch.
• Concern about legalities and possible arrests.
• Stacy: Some people may want to get arrested for CIVIL disobedience (key word civil), others don’t or can’t. We need to have levels of action for everyone that wants to be involved. If someone wants to participate, there should be a level on which they can participate.
• The Legal Team concluded that unless we can find an area to set up our tents that is Private Property and does not belong to the City of Atlanta – we will be facing arrest.

Logistics:

• Before logistics can be sorted out, we must plan our tactics.
• Possible Locations: Beltline – set up and hangout and stay; Cabbagetown; Reynoldstown, Vacant field across from Fed – see who owns it? Possible activity near Masquerade.
• Food – Person from Le Cordon Bleu could possibly get local chefs to donate food, Einstein bagels donate bagels at end of day.
• Proposed creation of a protest pack of suggested items.

—General Discussion on where/when to meet next—

- Piedmont and Hurt Parks both proposed. Both have relatively straightforward MARTA access though car parking can be tricky.

- Kevin: Friday 9/30 at 5pm is a mock “Moratorium for the Death Penalty. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

Consensus: NEXT MEETING Hurt Park @ 5PM Sunday October 2nd.

—GA closes around 10:30-40—

Groups/Organizations/Institutions with members present: Campaign to End the Death Penalty, Occupy Atlanta, We Are Change Atlanta, Afgh. Vet., Industrial Workers of the World, USUncut, Emory Public Health, Atlanta IndyMedia, Iraq war vet., former CNN employee, Georgia State and UGA students.

Work Groups
- Talked about work groups briefly, was decided to skip the logistics this meeting.

General Assembly
- Shared details about OWS NYC and the experiences while there. Basic hand gestures performed in the general assembly at OWS NYC.
- Talked about meaning of “general assembly,” and its purposes for planning, importance of the assembly in itself, and hopes that for now we focus on assemblies and once we have assemblies large enough, discuss an occupation movements similar to OWS.

Facilitators
- Mentioned possibly having a training session for facilitators.
- Proposed each group/team having its own facilitator to keep things moving throughout the groups.
- Mentioned that in NY facilitators generally were not white heterosexual males, and that this could possibly be implemented here as to have more representation of the minorities in the groups.
- Proposed to the GA that each group could vote who they wish their facilitator is, if needed.  Vote was passed by general consensus.

Vibe Coordinators
- Talked about vibe coordinators.  People who calmed down the group if they get too rowdy or whatever.
- If there were people that got violent in a protest, that we can use a safe word.
- Proposed group mantra, song, or something. “ahhhmmm”
- Something soft.  A specific safe word to calm down.  Hand motions.
- Proposed having different vibe coordinators for different areas in the protest or group.
- Keep morale up, music, etc.

What is OWS?
- OWS is many groups coming together. Obviously that might happen here as well. How to keep people on the same page?
- Peaceful assembly.  Keep letting people know to avoid riots, there will be people that are violent.

Protest Location
Talked about locations for potential occupation. Suggestions were:

• The Federal Reserve
• Woodruff Park

Talked about police presence near Woodruff park.

Group preparedness
- Mentioned informing people that just because they are being peaceful does not mean the police will be. Something peaceful may become very violent. Group preparedness.

Next General Assembly time/date/place
Talked about date/time/location of next GA. Date and time were set for Wednesday at 7PM, agreed to put the venue to a poll on facebook to determine location.