Post by Solus Hospes on Nov 21, 2011 23:35:58 GMT -5
www.occupymelbournefl.wordpress.com (website- for static info)
www.occupymelbournefl.proboards.com (forum-for discussions)
www.facebook.com/groups/occupymelbournefl (FB group page-for sharing)
Date: 11-21-11
Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Location: The Sun Shoppe Café (540 E New Haven –aka 192- in Downtown Melbourne, FL)
Facilitator: Evanne
Attendance: 21
Introduction to the GA:
(Review of the GA process -see hand out, select minute takers and moderators)
Minute Takers: 2 (Mandy and Cori)-THANK YOU!
Moderators: 2 (Daylight and Dom)-THANK YOU!
7:10pm-7:44pm
General Announcements
Local Occupy Updates:
Working Group Reports/Updates:
Direct Action:
Legal:
Materials:
Media:
PeaceKeepers:
Web:
On a similar note: We have received complaints about lack of work being done in the working groups and we would like to assure you that we are doing what we can with the people, resources, and time that we have. Please keep in mind all the individuals in our working groups are not paid for their time. They are volunteering their time and their resources to make our events and projects possible. No one can do everything but everyone can do something. If you’d like to help but you’re not sure how, please send us an e-mail at occupymelbournefl@gmail.com and let us know what you’re able or willing to do and when you might have time to do it. We’ll find a way to utilize everyone’s abilities to pitch in. We can do this together!
Old Business [7:44pm-7:51pm]
Old Proposals:Review of last week’s GA: (occupymelbournefl.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=gamin&action=display&thread=99)
1. Tabled last meeting: “Mic Check at Wells Fargo”
a. Too few people volunteering to get information and since we already have the Black Friday March on the books, this has been put on the back burner until we get the needed research for the other event or more volunteers...(added)Facts and sources offered by Joe(?) to the DA facilitator to give a head start! (Thank you!!!)
New Business [7:51pm-8:28pm]
Proposal: “We organize a showing of the movie “Thrive” as a way to get more information out to the people as to why we’re protesting.”
Concerns: We would organize as a group to show this movie, we may want to partner with SCPA to promote more. We’re suggesting a fee of $5 so we can make t-shirts (as outlined in the next proposal).
Consensus: PASSED- Appropriate work groups will get details and offer them at the next GA or Black Friday
Proposal: “We should make professional signs and t-shirts so we are easily recognized and professional manner.”
Concerns: We fund this by charging to see the movie in the proposal passed above.
Consensus: TABLED- Materials will research costs and funding options with media to re-propose later. Anyone can do this on their own if they’d like.
Proposal: “Get people involved by utilizing contact sheets which will streamline our volunteer’s information and willingness to help with what.”
Concerns: The sheet was handed out to those attending.
Consensus: PASSED –Individuals fill out the sheet and offer to facilitators or moderators for collection.
Proposal: “Like to see more facilitated/organized GA by making a GA working group to help train facilitators, gather announcements, teach the GA process to new members, etc”
Concerns: The group needs to agree to let a GA work group work on GA’s and then individuals need to volunteer to help with it.
Consensus: TABLED- Generally not felt to be necessary. We will leave this on the table unless there is real need or concern expressed in the future.
Proposal: “People leave at the recess and miss announcements at the end so we’d like to propose that announcements are offered at the beginning so that everyone can get those bits of information before they have to leave.”
Concerns: If we agree, everyone will need to have announcements ready before you arrive to offer to the moderators/facilitators.
Consensus: PASSED- we will start doing this.
Proposal: “We need more training in consent based decision making. This proposal is an opportunity to take a course from socionet.us facilitators in Dynamic Government and how we use it in the Occupy Movement.”
Concerns: Please visit www.socionet.us for more information. For a transcription of the hand out that came with this proposal, visit: occupymelbournefl.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=politics&action=display&thread=104
Consensus: TABLE- (Withdrawn) for a week to let people research the website and handouts offered at the GA and discuss this again next week.
Final Announcements [8:28pm-8:30pm]
www.occupymelbournefl.proboards.com (forum-for discussions)
www.facebook.com/groups/occupymelbournefl (FB group page-for sharing)
Occupy Melbourne 11-21-11 GA Minutes
“Occupy Melbourne Florida’s (OMF) seventh General Assembly met successfully, with twenty-one people in attendance, on November 21st at 7pm at the Sun Shoppe and Cafe in downtown Melbourne. With Black Friday right around the corner the Direct Actions Working Group Facilitator, Evan, brought us up to date on the plans for the day which starts at 10am.This also includes a map of the downtown shops and the types of goods they offer in relation to those offered at big box stores being put together by the media team. For those who cannot attend the events of the day, we will still be gathering at the Peace Corner on Black Friday at 4pm. Additionally, quite a few of those in attendance expressed interest in joining Orlando in The Peoples Convention of Florida starting on December 9th. It was also agreed that a showing of “Thrive” might benefit occupiers and those just curious alike. Similarly there is open discussion for Socionet.us offer for a training class in Dynamic Government and its application in the Occupation. Just to help organize those willing to help out, we’ve introduced a new volunteer worksheet to help us understand your skills and use them to the advantage of our collective goal. For more information or general concerns, please e-mail occupymelbournefl@gmail.com ”
“Occupy Melbourne Florida’s (OMF) seventh General Assembly met successfully, with twenty-one people in attendance, on November 21st at 7pm at the Sun Shoppe and Cafe in downtown Melbourne. With Black Friday right around the corner the Direct Actions Working Group Facilitator, Evan, brought us up to date on the plans for the day which starts at 10am.This also includes a map of the downtown shops and the types of goods they offer in relation to those offered at big box stores being put together by the media team. For those who cannot attend the events of the day, we will still be gathering at the Peace Corner on Black Friday at 4pm. Additionally, quite a few of those in attendance expressed interest in joining Orlando in The Peoples Convention of Florida starting on December 9th. It was also agreed that a showing of “Thrive” might benefit occupiers and those just curious alike. Similarly there is open discussion for Socionet.us offer for a training class in Dynamic Government and its application in the Occupation. Just to help organize those willing to help out, we’ve introduced a new volunteer worksheet to help us understand your skills and use them to the advantage of our collective goal. For more information or general concerns, please e-mail occupymelbournefl@gmail.com ”
Date: 11-21-11
Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Location: The Sun Shoppe Café (540 E New Haven –aka 192- in Downtown Melbourne, FL)
Facilitator: Evanne
Attendance: 21
Introduction to the GA:
(Review of the GA process -see hand out, select minute takers and moderators)
Minute Takers: 2 (Mandy and Cori)-THANK YOU!
Moderators: 2 (Daylight and Dom)-THANK YOU!
7:10pm-7:44pm
General Announcements
- We have rights of protesters brochures from the ACLU in addition to “What to do if you’re stopped by the police” hand out cards provided by Chris, Brevard Chapter ACLU President. If you’d like one (Spanish or English) please let us know at an event or via e-mail (occupymelbournefl@gmail.com)
- We now have new business cards for Occupy Melbourne which includes our website, forum, and facebook group pages so we can hand them out as people need them/we meet them. Packs of ten cards each were handed out to those attending and more are available if you contact the media team facilitator at (occupymelbournefl+media@gmail.com)
- Covered Bond Act of 2011 (www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h112-940) is being presented to congress this month. The Bill essentially shifts responsibility from the people to the FDIC. (No more bank bailouts paid for by tax payers)
- Even if you’re frustrated with our process, please realize we’re working to make it better each time meet with your individual inputs. “Democracy is the worst form of government except every other.”
Local Occupy Updates:
- The Peoples Convention of Florida (A way to get all the Florida Occupy Groups together to collaborate on common goals/demands) hosted by Occupy Orlando starting December 9th and anyone is welcome to join in! For more information: www.occupyorlando.org/2011/11/16/announcing-the-peoples-convention-of-florida/
- Occupy UCF is holding their GA early this week because of Thanksgiving. It’s on Wednesday 11/23 at 6:00 PM at the Gazebo outside the UCF bookstore this week.
- Occupy Space Coast will hold another GA tomorrow at Cafe Unique & Unique Creations Designs (607 Florida Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922) starting at 6pm till 9pm and all are welcome!
- OSC is also setting up a new website, www.occupyspacecoast.com and their web team is working to get it updated as soon as possible.
- We (Occupy Melbourne) are planning our first March this Friday (11-25-11) starting at 10am in front of the Melbourne Square Mall (The Peace corner Parking). The weather is supposed to be nice with a high of 77 and partly cloudy skies. (More info below in DA work group update)
- Occupy Cali floated their tents after being evicted from their Occupation Site by stringing them to a bunch of balloons. See image here:
- Occupiers from New York are finishing up the last leg of their march to DC (Expected to arrive on the 23rd which is the day of the Super Committee Meeting) and have a clip surfing the web now which you can watch here:
Working Group Reports/Updates:
Direct Action:
- Working on the Black Friday March. We’re going to be meeting just before 10am at the Peace Corner Parking in front of the mall as noted by the car in this map. (http://www.lookpastit.com/OccupyMelbourneFL/PeaceCornerWithParking.jpg )
- We will be offering opportunities all week to be shared with friends and family via e-mail or facebook or word of mouth!
- Still looking for anyone to do Teach-Ins on Friday, so anyone who would like to volunteer, please contact our DA work group (occupymelbournefl+da@gmail.com)
- Working group meetings face to face during this March/Event.
- We’re going to finish the day with a GA downtown. (Front Street Park or one of the potential 24/7 sites)
- For those who can’t make the day’s event, or who aren’t worn out by the end are welcome to also join us at the Peace Corner from 4pm till dark (usually around 6pm).
- Just a suggestion, we could write "occupied" on our money so the shops know we made that choice. (It is illegal to deface U.S. money, we do not promote breaking the law.)
Legal:
- No new updates for our group.
- On a local note, Occupy Orlando has plaintiffs now for their federal case to get their 24/7 site actually opened 24/7 to stop the arrests.
Materials:
- New signs to our collection
- no additional updates
Media:
- Working on a map for the March using the same layout of the maps already offered by the shops of downtown Melbourne.
- Working on a GA Demo training video to host on the website so anyone can know what to expect before arriving.
- Working on welcome packets to include ACLU brochures, weblink Occupy Melbourne info cards, blank proposal forms, and the info-volunteer sheet so we can offer them with our greetings and welcome to any new individuals who show interest in what we’re doing.
PeaceKeepers:
- Working on plans to keep the March civil, organized and safe through guidelines and training to peacekeeper team.
- If you’d like to sign up to be a Peace Keeper, please e-mail the facilitator, Remmy, at: occupymelbournefl+pk@gmail.com
Web:
- New e-mails listed on the website for each working group.
- New general contact information on the right side of the site which will connect you to Mandy Elliott at 407-952-6520 or occupymelbournefl@gmail.com
On a similar note: We have received complaints about lack of work being done in the working groups and we would like to assure you that we are doing what we can with the people, resources, and time that we have. Please keep in mind all the individuals in our working groups are not paid for their time. They are volunteering their time and their resources to make our events and projects possible. No one can do everything but everyone can do something. If you’d like to help but you’re not sure how, please send us an e-mail at occupymelbournefl@gmail.com and let us know what you’re able or willing to do and when you might have time to do it. We’ll find a way to utilize everyone’s abilities to pitch in. We can do this together!
Old Business [7:44pm-7:51pm]
Old Proposals:Review of last week’s GA: (occupymelbournefl.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=gamin&action=display&thread=99)
1. Tabled last meeting: “Mic Check at Wells Fargo”
a. Too few people volunteering to get information and since we already have the Black Friday March on the books, this has been put on the back burner until we get the needed research for the other event or more volunteers...(added)Facts and sources offered by Joe(?) to the DA facilitator to give a head start! (Thank you!!!)
New Business [7:51pm-8:28pm]
Proposal: “We organize a showing of the movie “Thrive” as a way to get more information out to the people as to why we’re protesting.”
Concerns: We would organize as a group to show this movie, we may want to partner with SCPA to promote more. We’re suggesting a fee of $5 so we can make t-shirts (as outlined in the next proposal).
- Thrive is a movie that came out on 11-11-11, produced and directed by Foster Gamble. He created this amazing movie that’s two hours long that really takes you from a conversation about energy and what we can do as individuals in our world collectively to make and use energy that is sustainable. The real key to this film is, he walks us through what has happened to us, the people, throughout time and follows the money from beginning to end. It’s extremely well done top-notch cinema.
- It’s not just the film, it’s a whole movement. The film is just to get your feet wet. For more information, check out: www.thrivemovement.com or www.disclose.tv
- Is there a way to watch this outside of the internet? (Yes, on the website they have a “bring this film to your community” link which is why this proposal was offered.)
- Is there a working group this can be offered to in order to get more information? (Yes, media, direct action and outreach would work on this if the group can agree we want to do it at some point.)
Consensus: PASSED- Appropriate work groups will get details and offer them at the next GA or Black Friday
Proposal: “We should make professional signs and t-shirts so we are easily recognized and professional manner.”
Concerns: We fund this by charging to see the movie in the proposal passed above.
- People wear politics on their bumper stickers
- If we all do the same, we lose some of our individuality. (We want things to be more easily read that does not mean we’re losing our individuality.)
Consensus: TABLED- Materials will research costs and funding options with media to re-propose later. Anyone can do this on their own if they’d like.
Proposal: “Get people involved by utilizing contact sheets which will streamline our volunteer’s information and willingness to help with what.”
Concerns: The sheet was handed out to those attending.
- Who would have access to this information? (This would be given to the Facilitators of the groups.)
- Would this be on the public forum? (No, for the facilitators only under lock and key)
- Can we have an electronic collection for the facilitators? (Yes. Materials and Media facilitators will be compiling the information into a password protected spread sheet which will be shared only with the other working group facilitators.)
Consensus: PASSED –Individuals fill out the sheet and offer to facilitators or moderators for collection.
Proposal: “Like to see more facilitated/organized GA by making a GA working group to help train facilitators, gather announcements, teach the GA process to new members, etc”
Concerns: The group needs to agree to let a GA work group work on GA’s and then individuals need to volunteer to help with it.
- There is another proposal similar to this one in the box. (Evanne checked it and says it is different enough to be separate)
- You want a committee to add more structure to the meeting? (Yes, the work group would have facilitators, moderators, minute takers, etc chosen before the GA to help it work more smoothly.)
- Temp check was 50/50, we want to know why those who don’t agree don’t.
- I don’t think there is a need, the only issue I see with the GA is how long it runs.
- Not doing this also allows people to volunteer to do these roles even if it’s their first or second GA and they aren’t apart of the specified working group.
- When I come here, I feel like the people who show up to the GA’s are the people who are committed to this group so any of them should have the opportunity to facilitate, moderate, minute take at this time.
- (Thank you)
Consensus: TABLED- Generally not felt to be necessary. We will leave this on the table unless there is real need or concern expressed in the future.
Proposal: “People leave at the recess and miss announcements at the end so we’d like to propose that announcements are offered at the beginning so that everyone can get those bits of information before they have to leave.”
Concerns: If we agree, everyone will need to have announcements ready before you arrive to offer to the moderators/facilitators.
- What about announcements not related to Occupy directly but still good to know, do we want to use up more time to include these in the beginning?(We could do this case by case if we have a problem in the future but a quick review of prior minutes shows that most if not all the announcements are related.)
Consensus: PASSED- we will start doing this.
Proposal: “We need more training in consent based decision making. This proposal is an opportunity to take a course from socionet.us facilitators in Dynamic Government and how we use it in the Occupy Movement.”
Concerns: Please visit www.socionet.us for more information. For a transcription of the hand out that came with this proposal, visit: occupymelbournefl.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=politics&action=display&thread=104
- What are the courses like? (They are online and conducted by experts and qualified individuals in dynamic governance. It’s still very much in the informative stages and we’d like to use this group as a test group to see how it goes. There would be a cost involved but we’d like to get your input on how you’d like us to handle that. As it stands now the idea is to have a cost for the entire group for unlimited number of people.)
- Would new members be able to join in under this cost? (It’s still very new, we would cross that bridge when we come to it if it became an issue. The session can be all at once or it can be broken into smaller pieces as needed or wanted by the group participating. The alternative is to have people register and pay for it individually.)
- How much would the fee be as a group vs per person? (It was based on the assumption that the number of participants would be about 12 at $5 dollars a head so $60 for the session. As we discussed it more, we decided we would open it up to unlimited number of participants because we have the facilities to do this)
- Table this and make all these points solid and then bring it back to us once all the specific terms and conditions to this can be provided.
- Has the gentleman going to teach this class thought about doing this without a fee for the first time to see how it goes. This would also go toward showing us what you’re offering since we’re not familiar with what we’d be paying for before we pay for it. ( We are very sensitive to feedback so we welcome any feedback anyone can offer. We have to be practical. There is a lot of information to consider and the hand out gives a basic glimpse of what we’ll be teaching.)
- I think this is an awesome idea, and I think the education is good. I would pay $5 to get training.
- What about those who cannot pay $5 or even $1. (We can invite them to come forward and find ways to offer them the help they need.-We already have volunteers to help pay for those who can’t pay for themselves)
- We need to focus on getting people into the streets before we worry about the top and the organization. (His proposal is offering to help us interact in this leaderless system. To give those people we’re trying to recruit confidence in our understanding of the system we’re using to make our collective decisions.)
- Socionet is a not-for profit, the fee would be going to the running of Socionet or The Center for Sociocratic Governance which makes offering these training sessions possible.
Consensus: TABLE- (Withdrawn) for a week to let people research the website and handouts offered at the GA and discuss this again next week.
Final Announcements [8:28pm-8:30pm]
- • We need a 10-12 speed bike to make a bike generator! (We won’t tare it up and after the Occupation you will get it back!) One volunteer to bring the bike-Thank you!!! (Once the docking station is made, anyone could bring their bike, take the back wheel off and hook it up to charge phones, batteries, heat some food, and even offer a live stream to everyone outside the occupation.) Special thanks to Ron for building this for us!
- Thank the Host!
- Clean-up after ourselves.
