Just got back from Portland's (OR) first GA

[patrick t. cakes]

And all I can say is this town is ready for Oct 6th. There are over 5200 members on face book and the numbers are growing.

The meeting was to fine tune logistics, form sub-committees, and basically bring together the initial core of Occupy Portland. There is a lot still being hashed out, but it's forming and the people are stoked.

The GA met on the Waterfront, was about 300 strong, and a few cynical jokes aside ("Is this our leader less leader?" when the mike check began), all we're in really good spirits. I've actually heard more than once "it's about time something like this is happening in Portland" or words to that effect. There is a massive flyer campaign and reports are that the community is VERY responsive.


Looking forward to reporting back on the progress.

[sabrina 1]

1. Congratulations and thanks for the first hand report. I have

followed Portland as well all the others who are just starting up. But it sounds like you really are off to a great start.

5,200 members on FB is amazing! :applause: for OccupyPortland!

[ellisonz]

2. Oh Portland.

Where are they going to occupy overnight? Pioneer Square?

[patrick t. cakes]

3. Oh yeah. But no, not pioneer square.....

There is federal land downtown to camp on

[ellisonz]

5. Well this Reedie is rooting for you!

To not get horse charged and tasered by Portland PD:evilgrin:

[patrick t. cakes]

9. HaHa! Thanks, don't know what to expect really

But people are preparing for it all. Nonviolence is the word, on our side anyway.

[patrick t. cakes]

4. An unrec. love it

[cogswell]

6. What is a GA?

[dixiegrrrrl]

8. I think, in this context, GA might be referring to General Assembly.

[ellisonz]

10. Welcome to DU!

:beer: or :donut:

[patrick t. cakes]

11. Yes, the General Assembly

It's basically how the group communicates information to itself, via a call and response technique. A person stands and delivers info and the group responds by repeating whats been said. i think it stems from megaphones being outlawed in certain cities, but it also lends to the anonymous or leaderless feel of the movement.

Sub committees debate their separate issues then report back to he GA for consensus.

Sub-committees included: Food, security, sanitation, media, communications, community outreach, legal, medical...there might have been others but they escape me.

this is still forming so it's chaos right now, but dedicated people are getting it hashed out, and it really is picking up steam. Hard to say where it will go, but all indications lead to a continuation of the success in NYC.

[barbtries]

7. way to go

i'm looking forward to the updates.