10/07/11
Number uncertain, similar size to last GA.
Facilititators open with introduction, discussion of the process and the nature of consensus
Define people’s microphone
Jason(Fac) gives a run down of the various hand signals
Definition of stack, and progressive stack
Talk about Step Up Step Back
Facilitators move on to talk about the facilitation process
Bring up the intention to talk about the work that’s been done.
Proposal: Let’s agree to no later than 9:15
Facilitator will be timekeeper
If we are on something that is taking a long time ask group to consider tabling if it needs more time or acknowlegding knocking something off the agenda.
Consensus reache on proposal
Facilitator leads group in energy building exercise, encouraging everyone to laugh.
Kezia(Fac) begins reportback from the facilitation commitee:
If there’s anything I say you really don’t like, I invite you to come submit ideas
We want to clarify role of working group bodies that we the assembly empower to get things done according to the list of responsibilities, so they can take action without direct consensus from the group.
This makes sense because the people in the group are the ones who care most about it. So, If you care about a topic, join the group.
For instance: Sanitation is working on a compost toilet. If you have questions or concerns about this, you should go to the sanitation working group’s meeting and get involved.
If you have an issue, go to the working group, try to talk things out. If you can’t work things out, or feel your voice isn’t heard, come back and bring it up at the general assembly
Sometimes a working group must bring an issue to the GA. Must talk to group if it is questionablly legal/illegal, or involves the image or safety of whole group
Discussion of proposals
Looking to clarify the nature of a proposal
If you have a proposal, you must have a clear idea of what the proposal is and how it is to be accomplished by it.
Blocks
Blocks only to be used if the decision is one where you would leave the group if the
proposal goes through. Take serious, only to be used where you have a serious ethical objection or it endangers someone’s safety.
Agenda:
Will set up a white board. People can come at any time and write proposals on the white board.
The facilitation working group will then create an agenda from this list by sending items first to appropriate working groups
Assembly Question: Wondering about 1pm General Assembly?
Fac. response(FR): This is something that will be brought up a bit later.
Point of Process(PP) from <?>: Facilitators cannot make decisions for the group, only proposals
Jazz Fac. response(FR): We will not choose our own agenda, just filter proposals for things that can be handled more easily in other ways. We’re not planning on silencing anyone, just trying to create something that works
Response by <?>: That’s not consensus. Consensus is a long and difficult process, but I’d rather have full consensus and discussion over efficiency
Jazz(FR): Not suggesting we are going to erase any items based on beliefs. We
believe in empowering the working groups
Working groups should be able to adress and gather more people interested to those
groups
If you would like to affect facilitation, join the group.
PP by <?>: Issued raised was not that approach is problematic, just that it is something we need to come to consensus on
FR: can we go through this, check for agreement, maybe ammend afterwards?
Other Fac: maybe we should start the start ammendment process?
Other Fac: we plan to have a facilitation meeting 30 minutes before the GA
Ammendments?
Assembly, Friendly ammendment(FA): That this body comes to consensus on what powers we give the facilitation group.
This has not been discussed and is a core issue
Jason(fac): Discuss how things worked in NYC
Facilitation commitee is people very familiar with the process. Consensus is hard,
can get sticky. The point is to get it to run smoothly.
PP by assembly member: I feel like the same thing happened last night, fac ignoring stack and stepping in, I have problems with that
Jason: Suggest that we open up to questions/concerns
<?>: I hear a suggestion that working groups should have more power? Generally in favor,
maybe facilitation should be an exception, so they must always come before general
assembly with any proposals
Also, propose that ideas on white board discussed at beginning of meeting with
closed stack
And working group can say if they’ve talked about the agenda items
(FR): So they would have to be detailed?
2: The process getting confused? Several proposals, counter-prop, now new ammend and props
When we have a prop, perhaps we should have a vote or ammends? Then move on.
And when the initial proposal has no proposed ammends, just counter-proposals
we should deal with initial proposal first?
3: Another proposal: Propose that a mechanism be formed to create a rotation of facilitators
Maybe get consensus on the facilit at the begining of the GA?
4: It would take a long time to decide who’s gonna speak so when decide, let em speak
5: Also: difficulty with deciding facil at the beginnning of the GA,
Won’t work because they have to come up with agenda before the GA?
Fac: If you want to be a facil, join the committee
Fac(Jason): facilitating is hard, but we can teach you.
Fac: we tried our best to share the tools we know and make run this run smoothly
It’s a big undertaking, Please be kind to the time we spent trying to make work
Fac(other): Right now, let’s vote on the initial proposal
Other,2: (Clarify Q) Wondering whether fac has empowerment to make decision on the
process without consensus?
(fac) This is open to revision, anyone who wants to get involved in facilitation can get into meetings, This is a long and difficult process. Come learn and if you don’t like
something we can always change it
But I suggest we try this, as a place to work from
<?>: Clarify: On agenda items: are suggesting that the FC will determine what goes on the
agendas?
Fac: What we do is make sure there isn’t already working group who could do it. If so we send it to committee.. The rest bring to GA, possibly prioritizing…”?
Other Fac: Every agenda up for review before we start, and we will seek consensus on
agenda before we ever get into it in a meeting
Fac: We are self policing, so if not legal/illegal issue than it shouldn’t go on agenda
And therefor go to workgroup instead. Not saying that individual wants and needs
are not important just that there might already be group dedicating to that
If it’s an issue with facilitation, join the FC
<?>: Not an answer, though I appreciate your vision. I’m concerned about the possibility of
one group taking on decision making of what gets discussed. Agree about workgroup
autonomy, concerned about conceptual political ideas. I don’t know if FC has a
political clarity to make the determination of what comes to group and not
recommend that anything a group or indiv wants to bring should be able to be
brought. There are ways to do that even if it means breaking into groups in the
process
Don’t want to a see small group determine agenda for a large body of people
3: Marco: I am from NYC, moved here for 3 months.. easy way to solve all these problems
Take these people and put them into office. I feel like we don’t need to recreate the
machinery. We already have the machinery in place. I’m running for president in
2012….
Fac, interrupt, PP: Off topic.
Marco: Discussing how to process, already have process, constitution
PP: That is soapbox time
(Fac and Marco step aside to speak)
Fac” Just so you know, in order to be in fac, you have to go through some training. It’s not an
easy task. We will train anyone who wants to join.
5: PP: we as the general assembly will assemble till this whole thing is over,
GA itself is for pressing issues. We have 22 hours of the day to find comittees, then
they will talk to the group, if you have an issue with a group let people call you out?
Fac: PP is not an opportunity to give opinion, is time for technical points,
When object is constructive to make counterproposal rather than just an argument
8, Ben: With that in mind: addendum:
Propose that the FC presents the agenda board as was written
And presents their agenda for consensus
we are all making a decision, everything comes back to the group
9: Sounds to me we are not going to reach consensus on the original proposal
We should do consensus on ammended prop and move on
fac; Ben Please state your prop again
Ben: Proposal Hope I Didn’t hijack the process?
Propose FC present agenda board as it was written along with their own agenda
And we approve what they have done
10: Question: To my understanding, the board is open to everyone
it should be presented to everyone
will FC do anything to the board?
fac: we will use the original to write up alternate agenda, including points that can go to
working groups. Then present both, and seek consensus for our version of agenda
3: if the person proposing the agenda item is appeased by the working group, that shouild be
brought up
Fac Our suggestion for agenda is send to working group, and working group find figure out if it’s been dealt with, and discuss in the reportback
Fac: Just letting you all know the time.. Move for a vote
<?>: restate the proposal? It’s still unclear what the power of the FC is here.
Fac: Our only power is to look and make sure it’s not covered by a working group, create an
agenda, and seek consensus for every agenda
<?>: Why don’t we vote on Zora’s original ammendment? [Sorry, not sure which this was....]
Fac: How about we bring a proposal to GA about about how FC work group will work
It’s worth investing the time for the fac process be comprehensive and truly
consensused upon
Fac(Jason): Clarify: If group wishes to have written proposal about how facil we can do that
We’d have to stopthis process though, and go do that now.
fac: if we made a proposal, written, it would have so many points need consensus on all of
them…
3: Fac not proposing to make any decisions, make suggestions and seek group consensus.
I propose we think about working out a very basic structure
very alterable, written down by FC and available to all
No chance for facilitation to assume more power than just facililtating
4:Prop Jason explain how it works in NYC, take that as a beginning and be able to ammend
5: is that a counterproposal to the proposal of the agenda?
6: We must vote on original proposal of Zora’s
Zora: Need to move this group to consensus on the role of the facilitation group
It was added that FC come up with a written description of what they do and process
they work with
Fac: The write up, are you proposing we have it done by tomorrow?
<?>: Doesn’t need to be now, but has to be done
We should know what the facilitators do
fac: Does that mean blockers feel uncomfortable with us facilitating until that is done
Is us continuing tonight a problem?
<?>: The is not an not attack, we are growing, really eager, and we’re stepping over the
consensus process. Just want us to go back and make sure we are following it.
Ben: PP: We are not using a progressive stack
Also zora makes a good point, that is not the initial proposal
The proposal is how we do this meeting?
CQ; So we vote on the initial proposal?
Fac: Who is ok with fac group having 2 agendas:
1 agenda untouched
1 being subgrouped by us
fac Clarifying
at beginning of the assembly they will be voted on,
our suggestion or the original agenda
6: rather than voting on 2 agendas, FC agenda presented first, and voted on
then new agenda and we decide anything on that
Vote: {mostly ok, one hard block}
PP: we didn’t go back to original
Fac we did vote, then added an ammend, so now we vote on new proposal
Because original proposal was not passed, stack is still open
4: To hard block: what was your objection?
<?>: we are putting cart before horse, opposed to the process
Fac: How about we table this, let FC make a written proposal
be ready and post 2 hrs before, then take consensus
And let tonight continue with working groups
And if have you an ammendment not discussed come to us after
Other Fac: Let’s take a moment to clear the air…
{OM}
Fac: So, can we take consense on proposal of written prop, 2 hr before meeting
Consensus…? {Acheived}
PP: didn’t close stack and people want to talk
6: Thank you, keep up the great work!
Fac we will stumble and fall, but we will get up again
7: Speak from the heart and uplift each other
Fac: Reportbacks: asking these report backs just be reports. Keep concise
Medic/wellness:
M/w: I’m not a medic, but was at a group that did a training and know basics.
Medics will have nametags when here
There is a small first aid in the pavilion
if you have anything to donate or need to use, please go there
We will have a tent and set up on level ground and a little back there for privacy
Media:
We are working on a press release, but are not done
Been working with FB, but no access to control occupynola group
Extra people: we have access
Media: Do we need to have consensus on what image and what we say about
ourselves in our press release or trust working group? {general agreement}I want
consensus, but that will draw out the process.
If you have ideas, come to the media and help draft poposal
Assembly member: Can we potentially post press release so we can all read it beforehand
Res: We will do this, write it up, put up on Google groups, we can also print and put up in
gazebo. Conensus votes can be taken on when prop is ready
Other(2): Proposal: media should have access to all the media
{consensus}
Tech:
tech: I have been doing the livestream, this all going live, just so you are all aware
We have a powercell set up if you need to recharge
I’m still working on wireless
come to me with questions, comments, suggestions
3: Can we have the livetream mentioned in advance and set up in way that people can take
part and not appear on stream? Would have been nice to know in advance.
Tech: This is public, so you must just expect filming, are you suggesting everyone not film?
Fac: May I suggest tabling this discussion?
PP: In regard to filming children, should be respectful to chiuldren
4: I hear a prop that needs a vote: whether people can choose to be on livestream or not.
Tech: in order to do this, please explain how I can do this?
5: PP: if you don’t want to be filmed or photographed: reminder, we are in a public park there is no privacy. No expectation of privacy. Can’t be. This is why we can film police.
PP: That was not a PP
6: I agree that there should be a conversation on this. Though there’s no way we can total avoid being on camera, there are ways to minimize. I sugest we set up a camera, that only shows part of the group, and leaves 1/3 unfilmed. Important for children/immigrants, etc.
7: I don’t know who has issue, but can we warn them ahead of time, people can wear mask?
8: I agree with first person idea about section for people not filmed. I believe because
though in public, we are a community, and should try make each other feel safe and
comfortable
9 Question: this is about LS, not other cameras. Is LS meant to represent us as a group.
Should we have a consensus for on whether to have LS?
10: It feels like tensions are high, I want to reiterate that this should be fun.
11: That’s an additional prop, I heard another prop about anouncing LS in the beginning. When we constantly make props, it makes this less calm. Suggest we vote on initial
peoposal
Fac: Take temp on voting {yay}
9: reason we are here is to be seen and heard, we are in solidarity
10: There are cameras constantly on the square, if you were occupying, you would know
either wear a mask, or face what you are here to accomplish
11: What do I care at this point if bankers know what i look like
Fac: Repeat proposal, call vote
Hard block<?>: i cannot vote on whether there can be LS, until I know whether there will be care taken. We need to be open to people, feel very good reason to set aside 1/3 space. Those who have objected and want everything filmed have not explain what wrong with putting space aside. also, a I hear lot of disrespect from people here. Comments about asking immigrants to wear masks if they want to come here. You may not understand another’s reasons to object, but that doesn’t make th objections invalid.
12: Added: maybe we could announce every 30 minutes the LS, so people can know wehere
to sit.
13: Kinda PP: Suggest tabling this so get through the rest
Would that mean cutting cameras now or going with LS for the evening?
Fac: put aside for the evening, I think.
Vote to table: Dissent
Dissent: I feel we can do this now: 2 proposals
1 set aside 1/3 of grass
2: Mention every 30 minutes
why can’t we just vote?
13: what if someone has an immediate ammend, come before stack, or in stack?
Fac PP: This is not the time for proposals
can we jump stack and propose now?
14: not only unrealistic to stay off cam, unreasonable to think a person’s immigrant status
can be determined by being on camera
PP: We’re not discussing that
15: we can elliminate the problem, by think outside the box, then we should talk about
figuring out GA
Fac: If you would like to be called on, best be on lawn
Also, if have problem with prop because you feel like something else needs to be addressed, vote no rather than blocking, so we can move on
Table ? {hard bloack}
PP: Hard block is about whether the prop is of harm,is to stop the body from making
decisions that will harm movement or harm a person
Block of shutting down LS? LS is important
PP: that’s not a security or ethical
There are 2 parts, video audio, shut down just video?
Fac: What we are voting now is whether we shut down now, not time
for new props
Vote, 1 hard block, same one
17: We can discuss this tomorrow:
if you feel people aren’t fully understanding your perspective
part of the process is trying to help others understand
part of proccess is educating each other as to why things may matter
and may not matter, because major concerns, table till tomorrow
PP, Ben: Just pointing out, that this has now become argument, mostly among men,
including myself, it feels like there is an additude of aggresion, and i feel it might be
good if we check ourselves.
18 I don’t have hard block, but I think those who do have hard block weren’t given full
concern Don’t think their concerns about integrity negate their concern for others
We need to be respectful.
19 We are trying to reach consensus, but never consensus on having it to begin with
Fac: We have had vote, so blocking people can make working group to discuss this
CQ: Want to ask if that working group forms, they inform the rest us how to engage
Fac: rest of working groups reportback?
Consensus!
Integrity:
Trying to figure out what integrity will do
Main thing public safety for everyone
Come see me after meeting, for night watch
or to get involved, will be in pavilion
Education:
Popular education has a table in gazebo
Education, liberation, station
sign up to hold a class
also can suggest classes one would like to see;
also can drop of fliers and other info
City planning
is a system to support an design infrastrure.
and to facilitate communication between groups
works with all groups, to ensure great layout for everyone’s needs
come to tent top of hill to discuss further actions
PP: Please no crosstalk, GA still going on, make sure participating
Food:
First, we like to thank people for the pizza
made calender can sign name to cook, clean or offer kitchen
and can cook one of our meals
have dishwashing station by food
join us by the food station after the GA
sanitation
how to use comp toilet
important to properly
Poop in toilet, pee in there coffee chap next to
when is full, make sure not overflow
if bucket full, contact sanitation, any of these people
(all sanitation folks stand up)
san will change
TP ok is toilet, tampons not
PP: Going to be lots of people, so it’s important you prepare for that
PP; just hearing from groups, time for that later
San: looking for car for poop buckets
garbage cans for tampons
Anti-racism
met today, great meeting, only for an hr not whole agenda
meeting tomorrow 2:15 till 4
over by shade
Direct Action
no one.
Fac: hasn’t fully coelesced yet
if interested meet after meeting
facilitation group
apologies if we’ve overstepped bounds, shown disrepect, silenced anyone
not intention, trying, need lot of help
meeting at 3pm in gazebo
music entertain
Discussing the possibility of a Jam session
ways to use music to call attention to our movement
tap into already existing fans
get permit to have performance, with known artist
legal to have acustic in park
inviting for continuing thing
maybe jazz groups,
come see after GA
Finance
The group is currently 2 people, both white men
come talk to join,
not a lot going on
some money coming in, not touching, can’t touch
meet after GA
Announcements:
info that affects the whole group, or desire to meet other people that might share an
interest in a tactic
Fac: Would someone from each group sound off?
PP: After announce/
1: Question/request? Could the consensus-ed upon proposal of calling our group exclusively
non-violent in our press released be clarified
Response: Can that be brought to the committee?
and if your response from them isn’t
2: no committe on non-violence, that was a GA consensus, and so concewrns the GA
fac: think that is something about lack of clarity and should be brought to Media
3: Just an announcement: Someone brought movie and lots of food
thinking after meeting, 10,or so, everyone invited
4: Sister helen prejan Death penalty abolish author dead man walking
address this evening talked about occupy and when she got to airport, was on cnn
heard about occupy nola, and asked crowd who was involved
praised the movement, asked to come by, had to go Baton Rouge
But will come and speak
5: Starting direct action group
just an idea of direct action
that I already have going on,
currently working on poerty anthology, any poets, please let me know
proceeds go to noise, nola youth slam team
6: reiterate: going to get big, aim for skies
7: I made decision earlier today, that marco running for pres 2012
Fac: offer soapbox idea is that a lot of us have come here for lots of different reasons
official GA end, SB begin
Move to end GA
Consensus
