Occupy Albany http://www.occupyalbany.org Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:15:13 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Albany May Day 2013: A Day of Intersectional Struggle! http://www.occupyalbany.org/albany-may-day-2013-a-day-of-intersectional-struggle/ http://www.occupyalbany.org/albany-may-day-2013-a-day-of-intersectional-struggle/#comments Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:15:13 +0000 oa http://www.occupyalbany.org/?p=3909 May Day 2013
  • Wednesday, May 1, 2013
  • 11:30am – 11:00pm
  • Throughout Albany!

May 1st is international workers’ day and a network of workers, feminists, students, radicals, labor organizers, queer activists, environmentalists, prison abolitionists and occupiers from across the Capital Region have been busy planning!

Our message is clear: our struggles are connected, so too must be our resistance! We recognize that the systems of oppression we face – from capitalism and authoritarianism, to patriarchy and white supremacy – mutually define and reproduce one another. We understand that in order to undo these systems of oppression, we need to build real movements for social liberation able to build, take, redefine, and decentralize power in society.

With that in mind, we are promoting a full day of actions, marches, education and revolutionary music that all are welcome to join:

- 11:30am to 1pm: New Sanctuary for Immigrants, march & vigil for Immigrants’ Rights from 273 Central Ave. to Washington Ave. Armory.

- 1:00pm to 3:30pm: Support the Students’ May Day Walk-Out! UAlbany uptown campus.

- 4pm to 5pm: Justice for Janitors – Worker Action @ the Alfred E. Smith Bldg. on Swan St (btwn State & Washington)

- 5pm to 6pm: Gather in Academy Park – speakers on the history of May Day & connections btwn our struggles.

- 6pm to 7:30pm: Intersectional March from Academy Park to the SUNY Admin Bldg. on Broadway highlighting the connections between our struggles.

- 7:30pm to 11pm: Live music & free food! After-party at the Red Square – 388 Broadway (18+ have id).

Spread the word! Join us on May Day 2013!

 

]]> http://www.occupyalbany.org/albany-may-day-2013-a-day-of-intersectional-struggle/feed/ 0 Economic Democracy Teachin Sat April 13 http://www.occupyalbany.org/economic-democracy-teachin-sat-april-13/ http://www.occupyalbany.org/economic-democracy-teachin-sat-april-13/#comments Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:06:23 +0000 education http://www.occupyalbany.org/?p=3902 The Struggle for Economic Democracy Saturday April 13 5:00 PM
(or 10 minutes after conclusion of Occupy Albany General Assembly, whichever is later;
if GA ends earlier we will have a speakout on capitalism until 5:00 )

Occupy Albany, 472 Madison Ave at Willett

1 – Democratic values: economic and political democracy
2 – Contradictions of capitalism: why it is strong, why it is unstable
3 – Yes Maggie, there are altenatives: What Economic Democracy Looks Like
4 – Struggling for economic democracy: a usable past; going forward: strategy or tragedy?

Presentation and interactive discussion led by Mark Schaeffer, lifelong activist, including: Student Peace Union; Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee, now Democratic Socialists of America, member of Democratic Left editorial committee; Environmental Action; Citizen Action of NY (state Board); Upper Hudson Peace Action; Solidarity Committee of the Capital District; Alliance for Democracy; Capital Region Alliance for Fair Trade (CRAFT); Capital District Transit Advocates, 350.org, Occupy Albany.

Some optional suggested readings (partial list):
Gar Alperovitz: America Beyond Capitalism
Sarah Anderson et al: The Field Guide to the Global Economy
Samuel Bowles: The New Economics of Inequality and Redistribution
Michael Harrington: Socialism Past and Future
Michael Kazin: American Dreamers: How the Left Changed a Nation
David Korten: The Post Corporate World
Donella Meadows: Thinking in Systems
John Nichols: The S Word: A Short History of an American Tradition …Socialism
Eleanor Ostrom: Governing the Commons
Juliet Schor: Plenitude
Hugh Stretton: Economics – a New Introduction
Lori Wallach: Slow motion coup d’etat: global trade agreements and the displacement of democracy
Cornel West: Democracy Matters

]]> http://www.occupyalbany.org/economic-democracy-teachin-sat-april-13/feed/ 0 Food Not Fracking http://www.occupyalbany.org/food-not-fracking/ http://www.occupyalbany.org/food-not-fracking/#comments Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:36:43 +0000 environment http://www.occupyalbany.org/?p=3887
Food Not Fracking

Saturday, April 6th from 2-5pm at Townsend Park

Farmers and local food enthusiasts are joining together with those fighting fracking in New York to show that what binds us together is stronger than gas industry money and influence.

Our state has a long history of agriculture, and today it is our main economic engine. To protect our food, water, air, and the healthy communities that depend on them, we are raising awareness about the specter of fracking and building power to demand that Governor Cuomo ban fracking.

 This family friendly event will include vendors, community group and potluck tables, street theater, and a rally in the last hour. Join us and area groups for a delicious good time!
]]> http://www.occupyalbany.org/food-not-fracking/feed/ 0 Protect Our Health – Not Their Wealth! http://www.occupyalbany.org/protect-our-health-not-their-wealth/ http://www.occupyalbany.org/protect-our-health-not-their-wealth/#comments Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:56:42 +0000 oa http://www.occupyalbany.org/?p=3867 Protect Our Health – Not Their Wealth!

Join Occupy Albany & Allies for: A Press Conference & Rally

WEDNESDAY | MARCH 20, 2013 | 5:00PM | ALBANY MEDICAL CENTER
(43 New Scotland Ave., Albany)

The private-for-profit healthcare insurance industry puts unchecked corporate greed before human need. Now federal spending cuts are threatening to cut what little public support exists.

Join us out front of Albany Medical Center to demand:

HANDS OFF MEDICARE, SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICAID

SCRAP THE CAP ON SOCIAL SECURITY

OPPOSE PRIVATIZATION OF OUR PUBLIC HOSPITALS and NURSING HOMES

UNIVERSAL SINGLE PAYER HEALTHCARE/MEDICARE FOR ALL!

]]> http://www.occupyalbany.org/protect-our-health-not-their-wealth/feed/ 0 Facilatation is Back! http://www.occupyalbany.org/facilatation-is-back/ http://www.occupyalbany.org/facilatation-is-back/#comments Sun, 10 Feb 2013 00:30:20 +0000 facilitation http://www.occupyalbany.org/?p=3862 After being dark for far too long; The Facilitation Working Group has had new life brought to it.  Our aim is simple, to make everyone awesome facilitators! To improve our own skills to be able to conduct smooth and effective meetings using Consensus process; to be a model to others that group decision making  isn’t too slow or can’t work in the real world.  We move forward with the knowledge we are not masters of the art of holding meetings, but that will not stop us from educating ourselves and others the best we can. To share different approaches and have different experiences. To find the balance between order and freedom; at least when communicating.

This is also a call for any individuals or groups who wish to host or attend a workshop to learn how to facilitate consensus process, or just learn about group decision making as a whole.   To contact us using the contact email provided and reach in as we reach out, that our hands clasp as together as one.

Overall meetings and workshops will be held every other Saturday at 1:30 as posted on the calendar. All are invited and all services will be free of charge as information should be.

 

]]> http://www.occupyalbany.org/facilatation-is-back/feed/ 0 Food and Jobs with Dignity http://www.occupyalbany.org/food-and-jobs-with-dignity/ http://www.occupyalbany.org/food-and-jobs-with-dignity/#comments Sat, 26 Jan 2013 16:23:43 +0000 oa http://www.occupyalbany.org/?p=3853

Video streaming by Ustream

Occupy Albany recently protested in front of the newly-builty McDonald’s on Central Ave. in Albany to highlight the concerns over the Fast Food Industry in regards to factory farming, animal cruelty, health issues, labor concerns and the minimum wage.

 

]]> http://www.occupyalbany.org/food-and-jobs-with-dignity/feed/ 0 Emergency Mobilization to Protest Corporate Extremists! http://www.occupyalbany.org/emergency-mobilization-to-protest-corporate-extremists/ http://www.occupyalbany.org/emergency-mobilization-to-protest-corporate-extremists/#comments Sat, 26 Jan 2013 12:18:19 +0000 oa http://www.occupyalbany.org/?p=3834 Occupy Albany and community allies have learned that this Sunday, 1/27, right wing extremists including Grover Norquist, the NYS Petroleum Council and the President of Citizens United (the group that brought the Supreme Court case establishing unlimited corporate expenditures in elections) will be traveling to Albany in an attempt to influence elected officials at the NYS Conservative Party annual conference at the Holiday Inn on Wolf Rd.

Collectively these groups and individuals advocate: (i) increasing economic inequality via more tax cuts for the 1%, (ii) promoting fracking and risking environmental destruction for the sake of profit, and (iii) allowing the unlimited influence of big money to control our elections.

We must stand-up and make clear that this is not acceptable! We intend to gather with banners and signs outside the Holiday Inn just as these forces arrive at noon to begin their conference. We will then hold a 12:30pm press conference and speak-out drawing public attention to this gathering as a microcosm of what is wrong with our economic and political systems.

You can see the full conference line-up here: www.scribd.com/doc/121471085/2013-CPPAC-Tentative-Schedule

Please join us! Spread the word!

Facebook Event:  http://www.facebook.com/events/563740420321688/

]]> http://www.occupyalbany.org/emergency-mobilization-to-protest-corporate-extremists/feed/ 0 Rally to Stop Fracking in NY at the State of the State Address http://www.occupyalbany.org/rally-to-stop-fracking-in-ny-at-the-state-of-the-state-address/ http://www.occupyalbany.org/rally-to-stop-fracking-in-ny-at-the-state-of-the-state-address/#comments Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:24:40 +0000 oa http://www.occupyalbany.org/?p=3824 The New Yorkers Against Fracking coalition is calling on all New Yorkers to come to Albany for a rally to keep fracking out of our beloved state. We will take our message right to the Governor as we gather outside the annual State of the State Address, delivered by Andrew Cuomo.

  • Wednesday, 11am-3pm
  • At the State Capitol

 

SIGN UP FOR BUSES: 

NYC: http://bit.ly/UbIRhH

New Paltz: http://bit.ly/S7fSQI

Kingston/Saugerties: E-mail kathy@catskillmountainkeeper.org for vans. 

Oneonta/Cooperstown: E-mail director@otsego2000.org to reserve a seat and obtain more info. 

Binghamton: http://bit.ly/12HDNYS

Ithaca, Caroline and Whitney Point: https://www.wepay.com/donations/bus-to-albany

Syracuse: http://bit.ly/12JK4Dx

Rochester: http://bit.ly/TFfPMz

Buffalo: http://bit.ly/W4Bj03

What: Rally to Stop Fracking in NY at the State of the State Address
When: Wednesday, January 9th, 2013
Time: 11AM – 3PM
Where: Empire State Plaza – Concourse hallway near the entrance to The Egg (Indoors), Albany, NY

For complete details including organizers in your region and maps go to http://www.nyagainstfracking.org/

FOR MORE INFO IN THE FOLLOWING REGIONS CONTACT:

Capital District
Daniel Morrissey at daniel@nyagainstfracking.org

Hudson Valley
Forest Cotten at forest@nyagainstfracking.org or
Kathy Nolan at kathy@catskillmountainkeeper.org

Westchester
Betta Broad at betta@frackaction.com

New York City
David Braun at david@nyagainstfracking.org, Corinne Rosen at crosen@fwwatch.org

Long Island
Eric Weltman at eweltman@fwwatch.org

Southern Tier
Isaac Silberman-Gorn at i.silbermangorn@gmail.com

Central New York- Syracuse
Jessica Azulay at Jessica@allianceforagreeneconomy.org and/or Ursula Rozum at Ursula@peacecouncil.net

Finger Lakes- Ithaca
Sara Hess at sarahess63@yahoo.com

Rochester
Zora Gussow at zora@nyagainstfracking.org

Buffalo
Rita Yelda at ryelda@fwwatch.org

For general inquiries on the State of the State action please contact Renee Vogelsang at renee@frackaction.com

We’ve never needed your voices more than now. On November 28th, the Department of Environmental Conservation took the reckless step of releasing draft rules and regulations that would sanction the process of fracking in New York State, thus setting the clock ticking on a decision-making process that, absent our intervention, could lead to permits in early 2013. 

Never mind that the environmental impact statement (sGEIS) that is supposed to serve as a scientific foundation of those regulations has not been released to the public. Never mind that the unfinished health “review” that is supposed to sit at the heart of the sGEIS is shrouded in secrecy. Never mind that the work of the health study is being carried out by three outside experts who are contracted for a mere 25 hours–three days–of their time. Never mind that Governor Cuomo said NO to New York’s own physicians and scientists who have demanded a transparent, comprehensive health impact assessment. 

Let’s tell the Governor that everything about this process is wrong: it is backward, undemocratic, hasty, and irrational. 

A secret, 25-hour health review? Shockingly inadequate. An industry-influenced sGEIS? Fatally flawed. And cart-before-the-horse rulemaking? Un-fracking-believable. 

To sign up and find complete details go to http://www.nyagainstfracking.org/

 

 

Rally to Stop Fracking in NY at the State of the State Address
Public · By New Yorkers Against Fracking
  		•
    The New Yorkers Against Fracking coalition is calling on all New Yorkers to come to Albany for a rally to keep fracking out of our beloved state. We will take our message right to the Governor as we gather outside the annual State of the State Address, delivered by Andrew Cuomo. SIGN UP FOR BUSES: 

    NYC: http://bit.ly/UbIRhH

    New Paltz: http://bit.ly/S7fSQI

    Kingston/Saugerties: E-mail kathy@catskillmountainkeeper.org for vans. 

    Oneonta/Cooperstown: E-mail director@otsego2000.org to reserve a seat and obtain more info. 

    Binghamton: http://bit.ly/12HDNYS

    Ithaca, Caroline and Whitney Point: https://www.wepay.com/donations/bus-to-albany

    Syracuse: http://bit.ly/12JK4Dx

    Rochester: http://bit.ly/TFfPMz

    Buffalo: http://bit.ly/W4Bj03

    What: Rally to Stop Fracking in NY at the State of the State Address
    When: Wednesday, January 9th, 2013
    Time: 11AM – 3PM
    Where: Empire State Plaza – Concourse hallway near the entrance to The Egg (Indoors), Albany, NY

    For complete details including organizers in your region and maps go to http://www.nyagainstfracking.org/

    FOR MORE INFO IN THE FOLLOWING REGIONS CONTACT:

    Capital District
    Daniel Morrissey at daniel@nyagainstfracking.org

    Hudson Valley
    Forest Cotten at forest@nyagainstfracking.org or
    Kathy Nolan at kathy@catskillmountainkeeper.org

    Westchester
    Betta Broad at betta@frackaction.com

    New York City
    David Braun at david@nyagainstfracking.org, Corinne Rosen at crosen@fwwatch.org

    Long Island
    Eric Weltman at eweltman@fwwatch.org

    Southern Tier
    Isaac Silberman-Gorn at i.silbermangorn@gmail.com

    Central New York- Syracuse
    Jessica Azulay at Jessica@allianceforagreeneconomy.org and/or Ursula Rozum at Ursula@peacecouncil.net

    Finger Lakes- Ithaca
    Sara Hess at sarahess63@yahoo.com

    Rochester
    Zora Gussow at zora@nyagainstfracking.org

    Buffalo
    Rita Yelda at ryelda@fwwatch.org

    For general inquiries on the State of the State action please contact Renee Vogelsang at renee@frackaction.com

    We’ve never needed your voices more than now. On November 28th, the Department of Environmental Conservation took the reckless step of releasing draft rules and regulations that would sanction the process of fracking in New York State, thus setting the clock ticking on a decision-making process that, absent our intervention, could lead to permits in early 2013. 

    Never mind that the environmental impact statement (sGEIS) that is supposed to serve as a scientific foundation of those regulations has not been released to the public. Never mind that the unfinished health “review” that is supposed to sit at the heart of the sGEIS is shrouded in secrecy. Never mind that the work of the health study is being carried out by three outside experts who are contracted for a mere 25 hours–three days–of their time. Never mind that Governor Cuomo said NO to New York’s own physicians and scientists who have demanded a transparent, comprehensive health impact assessment. 

    Let’s tell the Governor that everything about this process is wrong: it is backward, undemocratic, hasty, and irrational. 

    A secret, 25-hour health review? Shockingly inadequate. An industry-influenced sGEIS? Fatally flawed. And cart-before-the-horse rulemaking? Un-fracking-believable. 

    To sign up and find complete details go to http://www.nyagainstfracking.org/
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]]> http://www.occupyalbany.org/rally-to-stop-fracking-in-ny-at-the-state-of-the-state-address/feed/ 0 The People’s State of the State http://www.occupyalbany.org/the-peoples-state-of-the-state-2013/ http://www.occupyalbany.org/the-peoples-state-of-the-state-2013/#comments Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:20:09 +0000 oa http://www.occupyalbany.org/?p=3821 Join Occupy Albany, the Hunger Action Network and a coalition of labor and grassroots allies for the People’s State of the State. One day before Gov. Cuomo gives his State of the State, the people will have the first word and will lay out a genuine agenda for economic justice and equality in New York State. Meet us at 11:45am at the State Street entrance to the NYS Capitol Bldg., bring a sign, bring your voice, bring your demands!

  • 11:45am until 12:45pm
  • NYS Capitol Bldg. – State St. Entrance
]]> http://www.occupyalbany.org/the-peoples-state-of-the-state-2013/feed/ 0 General Assembly Minutes 1/2/13 http://www.occupyalbany.org/general-assembly-minutes-1213/ http://www.occupyalbany.org/general-assembly-minutes-1213/#comments Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:43:33 +0000 oa http://www.occupyalbany.org/?p=3815 Occupy Albany General Assembly

January 2, 2013

 

Working Group Report Backs

Direct Action – Colin

Tuesday, January 8th, People’s State of the State

Co-sponsored by Hunger Action Network, Labor-Religion Coalition and other groups

Meet at 11:45am at the Capitol, million dollar staircase, starts at Noon

They would like a speaker from Occupy Albany

Civil Liberties Initiative – Dan P. and Ryan

Today’s action lobbying re- NDAA Sections 1021 & 1022, indefinite detention of US citizens

2 potential bills:

- Act to prohibit the National Guard to act in NYS regarding NDAA Sections 1021 & 1022

- Resolution that calls on Congress to nullify NDAA Sections 1021 & 1022

Part of New York Liberty Coalition

New York Liberty Coalition includes, but is not limited to, the following Liberty organizations: Central New York State Oath Keepers, Hudson Valley Americans for Freedom, Campaign for Liberty, 10th Amendment Center, Occupy Albany Civil Liberties Initiative, Albany Tea Party, Upstate Conservative Coalition, Defend Rural America and the Hudson Valley Oath Keepers.

There were some concerns raised about there being too many right-leaning groups involved.

What about more left/progressive groups?

Some also expressed concern about some of the language in the handout being too focused on states’ rights.

Democratize the Economy – Jan

Occupy the Corporations

Wants to plan Food & Jobs with Dignity action for Saturday, Jan. 26th

to focus on the fast food industry – march from McDonald’s to Burger King on Central Ave.

Environmental Working Group – Mark

Wednesday, January 9th Governor’s State of the State address

Anti-Fracking rally Empire State Plaza Concourse, 11am

Monday, January 7th Bill McKibben will be speaking at the Egg at 7pm

DEC Fracking Commenting Workshop Thursday, Jan. 3rd, Social Justice Center at 7pm

National Action in Washington, DC President’s Day weekend against the Keystone Pipeline

IT Working Group – Ryan

Meeting Saturday, January 5th, 5pm

First part of meeting Fong will talk about using technology to help create a horizontal workplace

Housing Working Group – Ryan

Housing Working Group is re-forming.

They are looking for a family to move in to the house.

Education Working Group – Mark

Occupy the Future meeting this Sunday, January 6th at 3pm

 

Proposals

That Occupy Albany endorse People’s State of the State, Tuesday, January 8th – Colin

Co-sponsored by Hunger Action Network, Labor-Religion Coalition and other groups

Starts at Noon

At Saturday’s GA we can discuss who would like to speak from Occupy Albany.

PASSED

That Occupy Albany to endorse a FOIL request at the state, county & city level about Occupy – Dan K.

Gail & Fong previously offered to pay any associated fees

PASSED

Other Business

The Health Care for the 99% Working Group & Direct Action WG will meet Thursday, January 10th at 6pm to discuss next steps

Dan P.

Clothes left over from Occupy Sandy relief will be brought to the Albany City Mission.

Sometime on Saturday, Jan. 5 he would like help loading up his car.

Ryan will also look through what we have for the Housing WG house

 

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