dnhMeeting of Occupy Nashua – Wed. 12/28/11

Held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua

58 Lowell Street, Nashua, NH

Minutes

Present: Marianne OConnor (facilitator), Jerry Ross, Eric Ross, Jeffrey Allen, Richard Lemieux, Chris Lamere, Dave Tiffany, Marty Jack, Sylvia Gale, David Victory

1. Porta Potties. Need to raise money per Ryan Glen Hirsch’s request on Occupy the NH Primary Facebook page. Jerry volunteered to raise funds.  Members present donated $73.  Suggestion was made to put an appeal on Facebook.  Group decided to make their donation an Occupy Nashua “challenge” to the other Occupy groups to match or exceed their donation.

2. Occupy the NH Primary events. We reviewed the events scheduled so far. If anyone has additional ideas for events they would like to organize they should contact Katie at (603) 275-1866 or email occupynh@gmail.com. There was an extensive discussion of the need to reach out to the Latino community and other minority groups.  Sylvia called attention to the Democratic event at the VFW Post 483 (2 Quincy St., Nashua) on Sat 1/7/12  from 6:00-9:00 directed to the Latino community, and that in her view it was “nonpartisan.”  She will look into ways the Occupy the NH Primary can be highlighted at the event so as to reach out to members of the Latino community.  There were other ideas discussed, but the consensus was that this was a longer-term effort that needed time and planning beyond the Occupy the Primary event.

3. Operation Gay Pride. Marianne described extensive efforts she is making to organize the Gay Pride Walk during the Occupy NH weekend and to reach out to the LGBT community. The Walk is scheduled to occur after the Occupy Speaker finishes during the Occupy the Primary events in Manchester on Saturday afternoon, 1/7/12, probably around 2:00. Yesterday Marianne worked on Press Releases for the walk, contacting numerous media outlets.  She was getting a significant response level. Marianne could use additional help on this event, and if anyone is interested they should call or email her.

4. Sleeping Arrangements for participants in the Occupy the Primary events.  Paul Brochu is contact person (via Facebook or (603) 275-6396). We are going to need a lot of space.  Jerry contacted Nashua UU but they are unable to accommodate.  He will pursue individuals through various networks. Everyone was urged to contact individuals they know who might be willing to put someone up for the night.  It was pointed out people might be more comfortable doing so if they were aware of the “code of conduct” that has been developed.  Jerry will contact Paul to see if this can be made available to all in their efforts to recruit housing.

5. Newsletter. Chris suggested it would be helpful to have a newsletter in addition to the social media sites to publicize/promote Occupy. Chris will take initiative to put together a first edition, hopefully in time for Occupy the Primary. Anyone with articles or pieces to submit should contact him. He will coordinate his efforts with Occupy Your Media – contact Ryan Hirsch (603) 508-0463 or Michael  Grassi mg@occupyyourmedia.com.

6. Rep. Kevin Avard Interview along with Simon Rios on public access cable.  Scheduled for 5:00 p.m. tomorrow (Thur. 2/29/11).  Individuals who will participate:

Marianne OConnor

Jerry Ross

Danny Keating

Heather Ezzer

Theresa Earl

There was some discussion as to what Kevin’s objectives might be in conducting             this interview and it was suggested members might want to clarify the             ground rules and other issues prior to the start of the interview. It was also             emphasized that the interviewees represent themselves.  They are not “speaking             for Occupy.”

7. Democracy or Empire.org.  Jeffrey presented an overview of the project and asked for volunteers to help pass out “ballots” after voters exit the polls on primary day.  These “ballots” will include a number of questions that will allow participants to express their wishes directly rather, as in a referendum, rather than through the election of representatives.  One of the long-term goals is to establish a referendum in New Hampshire, which does not now have one. Jeffrey emphasized that unemployed or homeless veterans would be paid to hand out the ballots.  Sylvia provide Jeffrey with contact information for the homeless veterans organizations in Nashua.  Jeffrey also shared information on the defense budget and national spending priorities. Jeffrey was asked who was providing funding for this effort and he replied that Ed Helm was the primary funder. For more information people can contact  him at democracyorempire@gmail.org or call (727) 537-0194.