Post by kim on Feb 27, 2012 6:49:12 GMT -7
Agenda & Minutes to GA of 02/26/2012
~ 27 people in attendance
Agenda
Review of process & principles of consensus.
Working under set stack: take 10 comments on stack; go through all before adding more comments to stack. Peacekeeper & doorkeeper facilitation team members added.
I. Announcements
II. Working group reports
1. Communication
2. Direct Action
i. General
ii. Foreclosure Defense
iii. Occupy Congress
iv. Move to Amend
v. Encampment
3. Facilitation
4. Finance
5. Strategy Session Planning Group
6. Union
7. Consensus
8. Education/Tuesday Forum
9. New Groups? –
III. Proposals
1. State aloud/Scribe
2. Clarifications/questions
3. Concerns
4. Resolution
IV. Discussion of Proposals
V. Other Business
VI. Confirm date/time/place of next meetings
VII. Evaluation of Meeting
VIII. Adjournment: Discussion & Soapbox
Minutes
I. Announcements
a. Dept of Health & Human Services awarded $5mil loan to non-profit in Helena to deal with “healthcare for all.” Nothing about healthcare for all and everything about how people will get insured by 2014. Homeless unemployed and low-income not guaranteed any assistance, only tax credits for offsetting care. Non profit forming not involved in uninsured, topic for Occupy.
b. Postal jobs in Missoula saved for a while longer, still trying to save the USPS in general. Saved at least 30 jobs in Missoula for now at least.
c. Steven taking stack.
d. In the coming weeks on International Women’s Day Code Pink is taking action against Bank of America. Hopefully someone will organize something around this.
e. First Friday coming up, will be at the corner of Front & Higgins on the Free Speech corner to celebrate health co-ops starting in the state.
f. Four who went to Olympia are back. Will give a report later. Want to announce that they are starting a working group about strategies and tactics based on what they learned in Olympia. Tuesday or Thursday night, not set yet.
g. Organizer for central labor council resigned, job opening as an organizer is available. Will post the position announcement out to the listserv.
h. Paul Cienfuegos training this weekend. This weekend: Friday talk is free to attend, workshops all weekend. Will is going. Sponsorships available, if no funds to attend. Attendance $100, sliding scale. POI: Friday 7pm (at University Gallagher Building Room 123, Sat 9am to 5:30, Sun 9:30 to 5pm (the Barn at Orchard Gardens, 210 North Grove Street).
i. Move to Amend has formed a separate MTA affiliate organization. Administration is different, not divorced from Occupy. Will continue meeting as a workgroup until the other structure is up and running.
II. Working Group Reports
1. Communication: Enforcing the purpose of the listserv Communication is meeting during Working GAs
2. Direct Action:
a. General: First Friday 5:30 to 7pm, Free Speech corner.
b. Occupy Congress Report: Nothing to report
c. Foreclosure Defense Group/strategic planning group: Met at Break today, will begin meeting every Sunday instead of every other Sunday. Stalked about setting up a link so people can post their experiences and a town hall style meeting where people can share their stories. In information gathering stage. Trying to gather the stories and people who are being affected, as well as studying mortgage loans ad how banks may not hold mortgages on many homes (stuff learned in Olympia).
d. Move to Amend working group: Meeting Mondays at 2pm at the Break. About 10 people regularly working on MTA
e. Encampment working group/Food not bombs: Was in Olympia, so nothing to report.
f. State Bank: Bank phone call. 4 Occupy members with Molly, and Josh in Bozeman attended. Will be taken tot eh legislature again, it failed in Oregon last time because it was co-opted and watered down. Banking support sought in order to pit the local banks against the big Wall Street Banks. Another call to take place next month (Wednesday March 21 7pm. [Some discussion]
3. Facilitation: Meeting at 1:00pm on Sundays prior to each GA (both Decision and Working). We still need more people every time!
4. Finance: Thirty dollars in the Denny’s print account.
5. Strategy Planning: Strategy and tactics meeting planned as a separate activity from strategy session. Met this week at the UC, 7 people at the meeting. Decided to have the GA on the Sunday, following two days of strategy discussions. 9a-12p on Saturday, break for lunch, return 2pm. Proposal: Date time and place of meeting.
6. Union Working Group: Nothing to report this week.
7. Consensus Group: Met during working GA last week. Week before handed out proposals to the GA. Spend last week discussing those documents. Three parts. Presented the first two parts, not the part on principles and such. Today will discuss/propose the first two parts, and if time the last one.
8. Educational Working Group/Forum: Wednesday at 6pm, Union theater. Toned down chat, not too many people this wee, maybe because there were quite a few other events going.
9. Others? N/A
III. Proposals
A. Statement of Proposals – Scribed
a. Proposal: Three part proposal from Consensus (some copies available during the break).
i. Agenda & Roles (2)
ii. Consensus Decision Making Process (3)
iii. Principles for Consensus Decision Making & Solidarity with #OWS (4?)
b. Proposal: Strategic Planning, When & Where (1)
B. Other points of discussion:
a. N/A
IV. Discussion of Proposals
Prioritization of Proposals: Will be in order numbered above.
a. Proposal: Two day workshop March 24 & 25, at the Union Hall Theater room.
Union Hall a good location because it is appropriate to the Occupy movement. Will have a cleaning party leading up to it. “Dress it up” to make it more comfortable. Sat. two sessions, morning 9a-1p, return at 3p-7m with the potluck starting at 5pm. Start back up on Sunday, 9a-12p, break, return at 2pm for regular GA. We'll plan the actual agenda as a larger group at next weeks Working GA.
Questions:
i. Cleaning-does it put us in conflict with the unions?/ We will ask permission to clean the hall. POI: One custodian taking care of the place, who stays busy per his own schedule. Any volunteer labor will be welcome, but will confirm that.
ii. Why two day of strategic planning as opposed to some other timeframe, and will we have speakers?/ Group decided at a GA to do two days. WG did an online survey and narrowed it down to two days. The agenda needs to be determined as a group, and will be discussed at the next Working GA. Have talked about skyping in a speaker, but need to decide as a group.
iii. If some can’t make it for two full days, can it be scheduled in a way that they won’t miss too much, or so it will still be of value./ Will be based on agenda and concern taken into account during working GA.
iv. On Sat. will be putting forward workshops, Sunday decision making, correct? POP: Not setting up the agenda right now./ WG has discussed having a regular GA on Sunday at 2pm.
v. When is the ping pong thing?/starts around 3pm Saturday.
vi. Is ping pong too loud to have next door?/POI: Has not been disruptive of Wednesday forums./ POI: Ping-pongers will probably cooperate!
vii. Do we have some one who will reserve that room for us, and do we have a enough time to do so?/Message was left with Mark, but haven’t heard back yet./Will check with Judith./Since we are not 100% sure we can use the Hall, the second choice discussed was the cafeteria at the University UC center. Unlikely to be crowded on a Saturday, and is still a public space that is central & readily accessible.
viii. What times again?/Saturday, 9a-1p, break for lunch, return 3p-7p with potluck starting at 5p; Sunday 9a-12p, break for lunch, return for regular GA at 2pm.
Comments & concerns:
i. (N/A)
Synthesis/Conclusion:
ii. Passed
b. Proposal: Three part proposal from Consensus
(1) Agenda & Roles
Minimal real changes to previous schedule are to move time and date of next GA into announcements. A few roles have been added, e.g. peacekeeper as needed and ( ?). Otherwise most of the wording is from the old outline, with decision about what constitutes a “General Assembly,” which was made at an earlier GA, incorporated into the write-up. Provides a packet that can be given to new GA participants to give an overview about the GA process, also can be given to other Occupy groups that form around the state, which they can use as a model for developing their own processes if they choose
Part 1, Agenda.
Questions: None
Comments & concerns: None
Part 2, Roles:
Questions. None
Concerns: None
Synthesis/Conclusion:
i. Consensus reached/First two parts adopted.
c. Proposal: Continue with the other parts of the Consensus group documents: “Consensus Flow Chart.” Description of the flowchart and what each bubble means. “Fine print” at the bottom outlines options (to remain silent, to stand-aside, or actually block if you feel a proposal violates the purpose or values of the group, which requires that you must be able to articulate how it violates our purpose, vision, values, or goals. This requires that we clarify our purpose, vision, values, and goals. Under this proposal the consensus WG proposes that we remain operating under a pure consensus model.
Questions:
i. What is the step between a concern and a block, so we don’t have to go to a modified consensus model? POP: That’s a concern, we are still on questions to clarify [turned it into a question] / There is a division between tactics and strategy./ POI: A block is a concern that has not been addressed, so they are essentially the same thing. If the group cannot address that concern then it blocks the proposal.
ii. Can you change one word to strengthen it: change “or” to “and” or “because,” in the fine print about it “violates purpose, vision, goals…”?/POP: Concern, we are still on questions.
iii. Closing options are up top [in the bubbles], e.g. It can be sent back to the workgroup. Not a linear process. Timeframe is not open-ended, we’ve agreed to have time limitations and try to make the process work within that timeframe. Open structure, we can agree to change that at any time.
iv. Is this what you mean to say: the only valid reason to block is that it violates the purpose values and missions. / What is written is carefully worded: You believe the proposal has important unresolved concerns./ It should be that all concerns are valid, but maybe its not against the purpose, vision or goals, but rather you might think its not strategic or have concerns for other reasons. Group principles and values should be on your mind at all times./ Next we will look at principles of solidarity and statement of autonomy, which will help us make these decisions as well. Not currently written down. That will help. Also it can be modified at any time.
v. What is the difference between concerns and questions?/ Questions are for clarifying what the proposal is about. A concern is a reason you have about the proposal being adopted./ Having a concern and stating a block are different./That is what we are trying to provide here, a framework that refers people to the CT Butler book.
vi. There are key terms we are using here, do we have a document that defines those terms?/ The statement included in the first page refers you to the CT Butler book, where those terms are described./ Then can we take the (5) most important words we are using and create a single definitional document to amend to the proposal?/ Everyone has an idea what consensus means, and there are many models that have been used. This is the one we have been working on (in the consensus WG). Nailing down the actual definition difficult, and everyone’s ideas are different. Other ideas welcome, would have been good to have at the WG meetings. If we agree to have a time limit that’s an agreement among ourselves. Decisions not always the most important, and for efficiency we would use Robert’s rules or voting. How could we resolve a concern or a block if we don’t know where it is coming from or why? We want to hear the / POI: Presented concerns early on about eh consensus model used, and was at a working group meeting early on here at Union. Consensus process is hard, especially in the US where we want efficiency. Why did we choose this model originally?/ Because #OWS was using it/Not out of desire for model?/No, we really didn’t know what it was at that point./POP: 10 more minutes, then moving into Other business, if we want to stay with our original timeframe./Vibe check, can we pass this proposal? Positive vibe.
Comments & concerns:
i. Consensus can’t have a stopwatch. Need to take the time it takes to make sure everyone’s needs are addressed. The process keeps repeating. The process is more important than making a decision. Interaction and community are what’s important. Modified consensus is no longer consensus.
ii. If there is a concern that is not resolved in the timeframe then the proposal is tabled, not dropped. It will go back to WG, and be continued another time. If someone steps aside for the good of the group then that concern is a part of the proposal. Then it can come back into the group to be resolved. Community is what it is all about, that’s why we don’t want to move to any modified forms./ Facilitation team has been using a variety of techniques, can these concerns be addressed in the techniques? The techniques were not included in this proposal, those were left to the facilitation team to work through and can be changed/developed in that group.
iii. Connection to the actual movement is important. If the movement is important, there may be more groups forming here in Missoula. Trying to keep some main direction. Will require some flexibility, not too rigid or pure to make that possible.
iv. Stop watch negative impact: talked about that when setting up a timeframe. There is a domination thing that goes on when some people are willing to persevere to the point that others are so exhausted they’ll just be ready to agree to anything.
v. Keeping process loose is something that will occur, but the danger is that when we make small decisions easily, when we get into a big decision we’ll find out how it works.
vi. This model has exposed that people are pretty aware of the issues of this. (Time extended by 10minutes)
vii. Continue tactics discussion in WG to learn some new ideas./Consensus process can solve very difficult and contentious problems, it is the strongest bridge you can cross. It is a process that helps bring people together rather breaking them up. Takes a high commitment, but the commitment is worth it. Takes lots of energy.
viii. Any more concerns? Any concerns that have not been answered? Clarification: Change of word? No, it’s fine. Clarification: The more we practice, the better we will get at it.
Synthesis/Conclusion:
i. Adopted/Consensed
POP: Should we persevere through next section, or move on to discussion from Olympiads? Vibe check: Wait to go over other two parts./ Note: we are not adopting the final parts (Principles and Statement of Solidarity from #OWS), we are just considering them as a way to bind ourselves to the national movement, in how we relate to them./Should that be the wording of a new proposal?/ Included already as a simple sentence that says basically “We stand with the Principles and Statement of Solidarity of #OWS.” We will review those to formally acknowledge those documents, not adopt them.
V. Other Business: Discussion Topics
a. Report from Olympiads. Report by Will: Been mostly involved in Occupy through WG groups and forum, not at all the GAs. Olympia trip was like “getting our worldviews punched in the face.” Illustrated the power of the Occupy movement as a whole. Organizers asked people across the western region if they would like to show up and speak, and got people from all over the country participating. The organizers expected about 150 people, got about 400. People were on time and enthusiastic. Had about 5 time slots per a day with people who had volunteered to teach a classes, which were really well done and fun. Examples: Reports from specific Occupy groups, “what would Gandhi do?”, re-envisoning workshop with a Hopi healer, labor workshops, yoga classes, discussion of wall street influences, debates, diversity awareness training, and intense discussions by a lot of different people involved in Occupy movement. All agreed after the meeting that the debate we are having here is very much where other people are at as well. Especially structural vs. reform change & dialogs about capitalism. Five things the Missoula Olympiads group agreed that everyone is going through that we are going through here as well:
1) encampments suck and are frustrating and a lot of work, yet the movement started there and kicked off all this political work. What about that tactic attracted all these diverse folks? 2) The objections to our system are very simple morally, yet are not acceptable on a large part. Organizers saying things like “for me being an activist is about having a worldview.”
3) People were very willing to refer to what we’re doing as a conflict. To honor the fact hat our system is very clearly screwed up and commit to the fact that as a group we need to build power. We can’t confront their military. Quote from the Backbone Campaign Plan: “Politicians can’t stand to be ignored, and especially can’t stand to be ignored by people building power.” Occupy is the only place where meaningful dialog is taking place; compare it to the national debates.
4) Direct action is everything, but weak action is nothing. Organize, organize, organize! Build energy, build capacity. Earn your actions: build energy and capacity.
5) We don’t have enough people yet to challenge world structures, yet most people we meet identify in some way with Occupy. The genius of the Occupy is that everyone is an organizer, empowers those involved.
What does it mean to earn your actions?/ Just because you want to do something doesn’t mean it’s the best course of action. Plan it strategically. Flying signs just because it’s Tuesday is not enough! There was so much discussion about strategy! There was an emphasis on strategic thinking and organizing. Occupy is a center point for allies, thus the idea “Occupy Everything.” There are people or groups working on most issues, and Occupy can be a network that connects people./ What about communication? Gandhi was effective because he was a communicator./There was a talk about that, in terms of how to use PSAs and get info our effectively./ Expose contradictions. About meaning making, not sign building. So yes, really it was all about communication! Your orientation, critique, and world view empower you to integrate your views into your daily life. Do your pet things, but Occupy is a big event where we talk structure and big picture; invite people to Occupy meetings because that is where those discussions are taking place./ Using words that get people’s attention in a way that is tactical and changes views. Also, “end conflicts without sewing future conflict.” POP: Time frame agreed to is ending, extend discussion?/ Vibe check-yes.
There were multiple buildings and multiple workshops going on, about 6 at any time, so it was impossible to go to all of them. Mic check used extensively, allowed spontaneous workshops to form and sometimes workshops were added on the fly (the people’s mic). When they first arrived on Friday, they went straight t the labor council, which is where many people slept. David Korten, author of Agenda for a New Economy, spoke. Vicki got a transcript of his talk, and has copies for anyone interested. Older woman (84yr) who was pepper-sprayed at a rally spoke right before him, was inspiring! Occupy the Midwest Regional Conference coming up in March, also a “Now DC” meeting coming up 3/30/12. May 1 action will be Occupy wide (might be different in each city). Reinvigorated the idea of a Montana-wide gathering or party this summer, with camping & celebrating. Note: Take caution about going from a follower to a leader, can happen in the blink of an eye! “Moments and molecules,” giving a bit of our time and our being. Hopi healer workshop was fascinating, spent an entire Saturday with that group because her company was so amazing. Decolonize discussion might have come from her, as there is a declaration on her website. She’s a part of Occupy Seattle. Interesting world-view, and a proposal to call it “Occupy Seattle for Win-Win.” Hard to synthesize, but participants will keep trying to send out links they’ve found as a result of those meetings. Write down what your experience of it was, in order to share it more widely? How to share the moments? It can be a reference document for later on as well, for all of us to use later.
VI. Confirm date/time/place of next assemblies: 2pm at Union Hall. Next meeting is a working GA. Facilitation group meeting at 1:45pm same place.
Sunday: Union Hall 2pm, Facilitation 12:45
Tuesday: Forum, 6 pm Union Hall
Friday , Occupy the Oval: School is back in session, Monday meetings 3pm.
VII. Evaluation of Meeting
East coast accent is like having a Kennedy for a facilitator, it’s great!/Good/One of the great ones, good talk/thanks for stepping up as a new facilitator!/thanks for facilitating/great, something to point people towards by telling them/process overview it would be nice to have a definition of what each thing is/stimulating and provocative, will be around more! Was around but returning for more now/not easy to pass proposals around consensus/really appreciate going through the process during the discussion of the proposals that passed today/it seems like we are doing really well, looking in comparison to different movements around the country./one of the movements used about eight declarations from around the country and ours was one of the ones they used!.
VII. Adjournment 4:50 pm.
Post Meeting Discussion & Soapbox
~ 27 people in attendance
Agenda
Review of process & principles of consensus.
Working under set stack: take 10 comments on stack; go through all before adding more comments to stack. Peacekeeper & doorkeeper facilitation team members added.
I. Announcements
II. Working group reports
1. Communication
2. Direct Action
i. General
ii. Foreclosure Defense
iii. Occupy Congress
iv. Move to Amend
v. Encampment
3. Facilitation
4. Finance
5. Strategy Session Planning Group
6. Union
7. Consensus
8. Education/Tuesday Forum
9. New Groups? –
III. Proposals
1. State aloud/Scribe
2. Clarifications/questions
3. Concerns
4. Resolution
IV. Discussion of Proposals
V. Other Business
VI. Confirm date/time/place of next meetings
VII. Evaluation of Meeting
VIII. Adjournment: Discussion & Soapbox
Minutes
I. Announcements
a. Dept of Health & Human Services awarded $5mil loan to non-profit in Helena to deal with “healthcare for all.” Nothing about healthcare for all and everything about how people will get insured by 2014. Homeless unemployed and low-income not guaranteed any assistance, only tax credits for offsetting care. Non profit forming not involved in uninsured, topic for Occupy.
b. Postal jobs in Missoula saved for a while longer, still trying to save the USPS in general. Saved at least 30 jobs in Missoula for now at least.
c. Steven taking stack.
d. In the coming weeks on International Women’s Day Code Pink is taking action against Bank of America. Hopefully someone will organize something around this.
e. First Friday coming up, will be at the corner of Front & Higgins on the Free Speech corner to celebrate health co-ops starting in the state.
f. Four who went to Olympia are back. Will give a report later. Want to announce that they are starting a working group about strategies and tactics based on what they learned in Olympia. Tuesday or Thursday night, not set yet.
g. Organizer for central labor council resigned, job opening as an organizer is available. Will post the position announcement out to the listserv.
h. Paul Cienfuegos training this weekend. This weekend: Friday talk is free to attend, workshops all weekend. Will is going. Sponsorships available, if no funds to attend. Attendance $100, sliding scale. POI: Friday 7pm (at University Gallagher Building Room 123, Sat 9am to 5:30, Sun 9:30 to 5pm (the Barn at Orchard Gardens, 210 North Grove Street).
i. Move to Amend has formed a separate MTA affiliate organization. Administration is different, not divorced from Occupy. Will continue meeting as a workgroup until the other structure is up and running.
II. Working Group Reports
1. Communication: Enforcing the purpose of the listserv Communication is meeting during Working GAs
2. Direct Action:
a. General: First Friday 5:30 to 7pm, Free Speech corner.
b. Occupy Congress Report: Nothing to report
c. Foreclosure Defense Group/strategic planning group: Met at Break today, will begin meeting every Sunday instead of every other Sunday. Stalked about setting up a link so people can post their experiences and a town hall style meeting where people can share their stories. In information gathering stage. Trying to gather the stories and people who are being affected, as well as studying mortgage loans ad how banks may not hold mortgages on many homes (stuff learned in Olympia).
d. Move to Amend working group: Meeting Mondays at 2pm at the Break. About 10 people regularly working on MTA
e. Encampment working group/Food not bombs: Was in Olympia, so nothing to report.
f. State Bank: Bank phone call. 4 Occupy members with Molly, and Josh in Bozeman attended. Will be taken tot eh legislature again, it failed in Oregon last time because it was co-opted and watered down. Banking support sought in order to pit the local banks against the big Wall Street Banks. Another call to take place next month (Wednesday March 21 7pm. [Some discussion]
3. Facilitation: Meeting at 1:00pm on Sundays prior to each GA (both Decision and Working). We still need more people every time!
4. Finance: Thirty dollars in the Denny’s print account.
5. Strategy Planning: Strategy and tactics meeting planned as a separate activity from strategy session. Met this week at the UC, 7 people at the meeting. Decided to have the GA on the Sunday, following two days of strategy discussions. 9a-12p on Saturday, break for lunch, return 2pm. Proposal: Date time and place of meeting.
6. Union Working Group: Nothing to report this week.
7. Consensus Group: Met during working GA last week. Week before handed out proposals to the GA. Spend last week discussing those documents. Three parts. Presented the first two parts, not the part on principles and such. Today will discuss/propose the first two parts, and if time the last one.
8. Educational Working Group/Forum: Wednesday at 6pm, Union theater. Toned down chat, not too many people this wee, maybe because there were quite a few other events going.
9. Others? N/A
III. Proposals
A. Statement of Proposals – Scribed
a. Proposal: Three part proposal from Consensus (some copies available during the break).
i. Agenda & Roles (2)
ii. Consensus Decision Making Process (3)
iii. Principles for Consensus Decision Making & Solidarity with #OWS (4?)
b. Proposal: Strategic Planning, When & Where (1)
B. Other points of discussion:
a. N/A
IV. Discussion of Proposals
Prioritization of Proposals: Will be in order numbered above.
a. Proposal: Two day workshop March 24 & 25, at the Union Hall Theater room.
Union Hall a good location because it is appropriate to the Occupy movement. Will have a cleaning party leading up to it. “Dress it up” to make it more comfortable. Sat. two sessions, morning 9a-1p, return at 3p-7m with the potluck starting at 5pm. Start back up on Sunday, 9a-12p, break, return at 2pm for regular GA. We'll plan the actual agenda as a larger group at next weeks Working GA.
Questions:
i. Cleaning-does it put us in conflict with the unions?/ We will ask permission to clean the hall. POI: One custodian taking care of the place, who stays busy per his own schedule. Any volunteer labor will be welcome, but will confirm that.
ii. Why two day of strategic planning as opposed to some other timeframe, and will we have speakers?/ Group decided at a GA to do two days. WG did an online survey and narrowed it down to two days. The agenda needs to be determined as a group, and will be discussed at the next Working GA. Have talked about skyping in a speaker, but need to decide as a group.
iii. If some can’t make it for two full days, can it be scheduled in a way that they won’t miss too much, or so it will still be of value./ Will be based on agenda and concern taken into account during working GA.
iv. On Sat. will be putting forward workshops, Sunday decision making, correct? POP: Not setting up the agenda right now./ WG has discussed having a regular GA on Sunday at 2pm.
v. When is the ping pong thing?/starts around 3pm Saturday.
vi. Is ping pong too loud to have next door?/POI: Has not been disruptive of Wednesday forums./ POI: Ping-pongers will probably cooperate!
vii. Do we have some one who will reserve that room for us, and do we have a enough time to do so?/Message was left with Mark, but haven’t heard back yet./Will check with Judith./Since we are not 100% sure we can use the Hall, the second choice discussed was the cafeteria at the University UC center. Unlikely to be crowded on a Saturday, and is still a public space that is central & readily accessible.
viii. What times again?/Saturday, 9a-1p, break for lunch, return 3p-7p with potluck starting at 5p; Sunday 9a-12p, break for lunch, return for regular GA at 2pm.
Comments & concerns:
i. (N/A)
Synthesis/Conclusion:
ii. Passed
b. Proposal: Three part proposal from Consensus
(1) Agenda & Roles
Minimal real changes to previous schedule are to move time and date of next GA into announcements. A few roles have been added, e.g. peacekeeper as needed and ( ?). Otherwise most of the wording is from the old outline, with decision about what constitutes a “General Assembly,” which was made at an earlier GA, incorporated into the write-up. Provides a packet that can be given to new GA participants to give an overview about the GA process, also can be given to other Occupy groups that form around the state, which they can use as a model for developing their own processes if they choose
Part 1, Agenda.
Questions: None
Comments & concerns: None
Part 2, Roles:
Questions. None
Concerns: None
Synthesis/Conclusion:
i. Consensus reached/First two parts adopted.
c. Proposal: Continue with the other parts of the Consensus group documents: “Consensus Flow Chart.” Description of the flowchart and what each bubble means. “Fine print” at the bottom outlines options (to remain silent, to stand-aside, or actually block if you feel a proposal violates the purpose or values of the group, which requires that you must be able to articulate how it violates our purpose, vision, values, or goals. This requires that we clarify our purpose, vision, values, and goals. Under this proposal the consensus WG proposes that we remain operating under a pure consensus model.
Questions:
i. What is the step between a concern and a block, so we don’t have to go to a modified consensus model? POP: That’s a concern, we are still on questions to clarify [turned it into a question] / There is a division between tactics and strategy./ POI: A block is a concern that has not been addressed, so they are essentially the same thing. If the group cannot address that concern then it blocks the proposal.
ii. Can you change one word to strengthen it: change “or” to “and” or “because,” in the fine print about it “violates purpose, vision, goals…”?/POP: Concern, we are still on questions.
iii. Closing options are up top [in the bubbles], e.g. It can be sent back to the workgroup. Not a linear process. Timeframe is not open-ended, we’ve agreed to have time limitations and try to make the process work within that timeframe. Open structure, we can agree to change that at any time.
iv. Is this what you mean to say: the only valid reason to block is that it violates the purpose values and missions. / What is written is carefully worded: You believe the proposal has important unresolved concerns./ It should be that all concerns are valid, but maybe its not against the purpose, vision or goals, but rather you might think its not strategic or have concerns for other reasons. Group principles and values should be on your mind at all times./ Next we will look at principles of solidarity and statement of autonomy, which will help us make these decisions as well. Not currently written down. That will help. Also it can be modified at any time.
v. What is the difference between concerns and questions?/ Questions are for clarifying what the proposal is about. A concern is a reason you have about the proposal being adopted./ Having a concern and stating a block are different./That is what we are trying to provide here, a framework that refers people to the CT Butler book.
vi. There are key terms we are using here, do we have a document that defines those terms?/ The statement included in the first page refers you to the CT Butler book, where those terms are described./ Then can we take the (5) most important words we are using and create a single definitional document to amend to the proposal?/ Everyone has an idea what consensus means, and there are many models that have been used. This is the one we have been working on (in the consensus WG). Nailing down the actual definition difficult, and everyone’s ideas are different. Other ideas welcome, would have been good to have at the WG meetings. If we agree to have a time limit that’s an agreement among ourselves. Decisions not always the most important, and for efficiency we would use Robert’s rules or voting. How could we resolve a concern or a block if we don’t know where it is coming from or why? We want to hear the / POI: Presented concerns early on about eh consensus model used, and was at a working group meeting early on here at Union. Consensus process is hard, especially in the US where we want efficiency. Why did we choose this model originally?/ Because #OWS was using it/Not out of desire for model?/No, we really didn’t know what it was at that point./POP: 10 more minutes, then moving into Other business, if we want to stay with our original timeframe./Vibe check, can we pass this proposal? Positive vibe.
Comments & concerns:
i. Consensus can’t have a stopwatch. Need to take the time it takes to make sure everyone’s needs are addressed. The process keeps repeating. The process is more important than making a decision. Interaction and community are what’s important. Modified consensus is no longer consensus.
ii. If there is a concern that is not resolved in the timeframe then the proposal is tabled, not dropped. It will go back to WG, and be continued another time. If someone steps aside for the good of the group then that concern is a part of the proposal. Then it can come back into the group to be resolved. Community is what it is all about, that’s why we don’t want to move to any modified forms./ Facilitation team has been using a variety of techniques, can these concerns be addressed in the techniques? The techniques were not included in this proposal, those were left to the facilitation team to work through and can be changed/developed in that group.
iii. Connection to the actual movement is important. If the movement is important, there may be more groups forming here in Missoula. Trying to keep some main direction. Will require some flexibility, not too rigid or pure to make that possible.
iv. Stop watch negative impact: talked about that when setting up a timeframe. There is a domination thing that goes on when some people are willing to persevere to the point that others are so exhausted they’ll just be ready to agree to anything.
v. Keeping process loose is something that will occur, but the danger is that when we make small decisions easily, when we get into a big decision we’ll find out how it works.
vi. This model has exposed that people are pretty aware of the issues of this. (Time extended by 10minutes)
vii. Continue tactics discussion in WG to learn some new ideas./Consensus process can solve very difficult and contentious problems, it is the strongest bridge you can cross. It is a process that helps bring people together rather breaking them up. Takes a high commitment, but the commitment is worth it. Takes lots of energy.
viii. Any more concerns? Any concerns that have not been answered? Clarification: Change of word? No, it’s fine. Clarification: The more we practice, the better we will get at it.
Synthesis/Conclusion:
i. Adopted/Consensed
POP: Should we persevere through next section, or move on to discussion from Olympiads? Vibe check: Wait to go over other two parts./ Note: we are not adopting the final parts (Principles and Statement of Solidarity from #OWS), we are just considering them as a way to bind ourselves to the national movement, in how we relate to them./Should that be the wording of a new proposal?/ Included already as a simple sentence that says basically “We stand with the Principles and Statement of Solidarity of #OWS.” We will review those to formally acknowledge those documents, not adopt them.
V. Other Business: Discussion Topics
a. Report from Olympiads. Report by Will: Been mostly involved in Occupy through WG groups and forum, not at all the GAs. Olympia trip was like “getting our worldviews punched in the face.” Illustrated the power of the Occupy movement as a whole. Organizers asked people across the western region if they would like to show up and speak, and got people from all over the country participating. The organizers expected about 150 people, got about 400. People were on time and enthusiastic. Had about 5 time slots per a day with people who had volunteered to teach a classes, which were really well done and fun. Examples: Reports from specific Occupy groups, “what would Gandhi do?”, re-envisoning workshop with a Hopi healer, labor workshops, yoga classes, discussion of wall street influences, debates, diversity awareness training, and intense discussions by a lot of different people involved in Occupy movement. All agreed after the meeting that the debate we are having here is very much where other people are at as well. Especially structural vs. reform change & dialogs about capitalism. Five things the Missoula Olympiads group agreed that everyone is going through that we are going through here as well:
1) encampments suck and are frustrating and a lot of work, yet the movement started there and kicked off all this political work. What about that tactic attracted all these diverse folks? 2) The objections to our system are very simple morally, yet are not acceptable on a large part. Organizers saying things like “for me being an activist is about having a worldview.”
3) People were very willing to refer to what we’re doing as a conflict. To honor the fact hat our system is very clearly screwed up and commit to the fact that as a group we need to build power. We can’t confront their military. Quote from the Backbone Campaign Plan: “Politicians can’t stand to be ignored, and especially can’t stand to be ignored by people building power.” Occupy is the only place where meaningful dialog is taking place; compare it to the national debates.
4) Direct action is everything, but weak action is nothing. Organize, organize, organize! Build energy, build capacity. Earn your actions: build energy and capacity.
5) We don’t have enough people yet to challenge world structures, yet most people we meet identify in some way with Occupy. The genius of the Occupy is that everyone is an organizer, empowers those involved.
What does it mean to earn your actions?/ Just because you want to do something doesn’t mean it’s the best course of action. Plan it strategically. Flying signs just because it’s Tuesday is not enough! There was so much discussion about strategy! There was an emphasis on strategic thinking and organizing. Occupy is a center point for allies, thus the idea “Occupy Everything.” There are people or groups working on most issues, and Occupy can be a network that connects people./ What about communication? Gandhi was effective because he was a communicator./There was a talk about that, in terms of how to use PSAs and get info our effectively./ Expose contradictions. About meaning making, not sign building. So yes, really it was all about communication! Your orientation, critique, and world view empower you to integrate your views into your daily life. Do your pet things, but Occupy is a big event where we talk structure and big picture; invite people to Occupy meetings because that is where those discussions are taking place./ Using words that get people’s attention in a way that is tactical and changes views. Also, “end conflicts without sewing future conflict.” POP: Time frame agreed to is ending, extend discussion?/ Vibe check-yes.
There were multiple buildings and multiple workshops going on, about 6 at any time, so it was impossible to go to all of them. Mic check used extensively, allowed spontaneous workshops to form and sometimes workshops were added on the fly (the people’s mic). When they first arrived on Friday, they went straight t the labor council, which is where many people slept. David Korten, author of Agenda for a New Economy, spoke. Vicki got a transcript of his talk, and has copies for anyone interested. Older woman (84yr) who was pepper-sprayed at a rally spoke right before him, was inspiring! Occupy the Midwest Regional Conference coming up in March, also a “Now DC” meeting coming up 3/30/12. May 1 action will be Occupy wide (might be different in each city). Reinvigorated the idea of a Montana-wide gathering or party this summer, with camping & celebrating. Note: Take caution about going from a follower to a leader, can happen in the blink of an eye! “Moments and molecules,” giving a bit of our time and our being. Hopi healer workshop was fascinating, spent an entire Saturday with that group because her company was so amazing. Decolonize discussion might have come from her, as there is a declaration on her website. She’s a part of Occupy Seattle. Interesting world-view, and a proposal to call it “Occupy Seattle for Win-Win.” Hard to synthesize, but participants will keep trying to send out links they’ve found as a result of those meetings. Write down what your experience of it was, in order to share it more widely? How to share the moments? It can be a reference document for later on as well, for all of us to use later.
VI. Confirm date/time/place of next assemblies: 2pm at Union Hall. Next meeting is a working GA. Facilitation group meeting at 1:45pm same place.
Sunday: Union Hall 2pm, Facilitation 12:45
Tuesday: Forum, 6 pm Union Hall
Friday , Occupy the Oval: School is back in session, Monday meetings 3pm.
VII. Evaluation of Meeting
East coast accent is like having a Kennedy for a facilitator, it’s great!/Good/One of the great ones, good talk/thanks for stepping up as a new facilitator!/thanks for facilitating/great, something to point people towards by telling them/process overview it would be nice to have a definition of what each thing is/stimulating and provocative, will be around more! Was around but returning for more now/not easy to pass proposals around consensus/really appreciate going through the process during the discussion of the proposals that passed today/it seems like we are doing really well, looking in comparison to different movements around the country./one of the movements used about eight declarations from around the country and ours was one of the ones they used!.
VII. Adjournment 4:50 pm.
Post Meeting Discussion & Soapbox