RE: Occupy Missoula needs IMMEDIATE HELP!Before I even introduce myself, let me express solidarity with our brothers and sisters at Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Oakland and all occupations currently under attack.
I am a member of Occupy Missoua - a very small, little-known occupation in Missoula, Montana. Over this past weekend we were subject to an eviction attempt by Missoula County that very nearly succeeded.
We are encamped at the Missoula County Courthouse. For Veteran's Day, Occupy Missoula agreed to de-camp so that a Veteran's Day celebration could be held at the Courthouse. We did this in good faith and in an attempt to be good neighbors.
Following Veteran's Day, we began re-encamping and were told by County officials that we could have use of a small gazebo, but nothing else. Members of our logistics working group were told on Sunday that if we re-established a full occupation we would be arrested. There were also insinuations that our encampment would be raided due to "health violations." An emergency GA was held on Sunday night and the occupation retreated to the Gazebo. The front page of our local newspaper labeled us quitters.
However, over the next two days, we lawyered up - thanks to the generous help of several attorneys in the Missoula community. This afternoon, a member of our legal team met with a County official and the County completely retreated. We won! We defended our encampment from an attempt to kill it.
And here's the funny thing: Prior to this underhanded attempted eviction, we were having very serious thoughts of decamping for Winter - we have almost no money, we have few tents, we have only one very small, partially functioning heater. But this duplicitous attempted eviction united us in a way that is impossible to describe and at tonight's GA we unanimously decided to re-encamp. We have no idea how we are going to make it, but we took what can only be characterized as a leap of faith. I've never been prouder to be a part of something in my life.
But we're in Montana and the weather is already a challenge. So we need immediate help - money, tents, food, Winter clothing, heaters, generators, anything at all you can provide would mean the world to us.
If you wish to make a donation please email me at taryn dot hart at gmail dot com and we can arrange the logistics of any donation.
Your in Solidarity -
Taryn Hart
Occupy Missoula
Update: Right now we have lost our full-time finance person and are in the process of transition. In the meantime, I am taking all donations - Occupy Missoula will verify receit.
Cash payments can go to my Pay Pal, which is at taryn.hart@gmail.com. Supplies can be sent to:
Occupy Missoula
c/o Taryn Hart
10355 Highway 12
Lolo, Montana 59847
16 comments:
I have a suggestion. Occupy in rotations at various locations. Think of your asymmetrical efforts as peaceful guerilla tactics. You will obviate the need to spend nights in the cold and be "on" during media hours. Its harder for monolithic institutions to successfully counter unexpected tactics. Good luck.
OccupyLA stands in #solidarity. If you get too cold, come join us in the City of Angels!
How can we donate?
Please email me re: donations at taryn dot hart at gmail
Thanks Taryn!
I agree with the option of rotating. I think it is quite wise and could be very effective for reasons already given by that person.
However, this is up to your occupy. Please let me know @TrueFreeWorld on Twitter if you decide ultimately to stay indefinitely. I don't have a lot, but in the very least I can send some extra gloves your way and perhaps a few other things. I'm sorry I don't have more, but.. as you know, the economy is what it is. Take care and let me know- it's not much but having lived in Minnesota, I know you might want to wear gloves under gloves if you stay outside.
Right now, we do plan to stay indefinitely (and I will tweet when I get out of twitter jail).
You say: I don't have a lot, but in the very least I can send some extra gloves your way and perhaps a few other things.
I can't tell you how much that touches me and how important these things are for morale.
Love and Solidarity!
How do you get put in twitter jail? I haven't been able to post anything or even look at my profile for about a week. Is that twitter jail?
:-) It's our empathy and gratitude to each other that make positive progression possible. I tweeted you directly and I'm following you. If you want to send an address or PO Box where I can send you the box I will get it to you. If it ends up being a big box I will donate plasma in town to pay for it- double win. Keep as warm as you can.-TFW
Twitter jail = too many tweets and you can't tweet anymore
As soon as I'm out I'll send an address :)
The Portland Alliance supports Occupy Portland..
(Our Associate editor has a home in Missoula...)
Agreed on rotations; was thinking about this in the middle of the night: takes more logistical effort, but maintains the presence that is crucial to the movement. Also, consider that while the beatings and gassings and arrests of myriad people are horrendous, this is truly the "first" test of the resolve of the movement, which has superior intellect on its side. We need to be innovative and creative in outfoxing those who defend the status quo with violence.
That said, my family and I have put together a box ready to ship out to you and Occupy Missoula. Send details via email.
Peace and best of luck.
Groobiecat
Taryn, let me know if there's anyone you'd like me to tweet this link to if you're still in "jail" (if there's anyone you would like to reach but missed). Did you get Jamie and Allison from Citizen Radio?
you can email me at jennifer.lee.olson at gmail if you need any twitter help. Thanks for helping the encampment.
ps what's the bail for twitter jail?!? ;)
I'm calling on friends to donate and packing some boxes. Still crying after reading your letter, but I think I can manage to find the tape! My heart is with you in Missoula, you have a harder task than occupations with larger populations. Thank you all for what you are doing there! Izhome4
Thank you all so much :) - we are over half way to our cash goal
OccupyGR [Grand Rapids MI] also is a small Occupy. Speaking for myself, I will ask my GA what the temp check is on assistance. To be sure I will help with re-tweeting your appeal. I had family in Billings, so I consider it a family affair. Stay warm, stay safe. Solidarity!
vreedwrites@gmail.com