Please read

[Sugar Solidarity]

This is a response I put on FB under a post about Brittney Gault. Much of it are things I would like to share with all of you. Please disregard things that do not make sense without context of the full FB post convo, but go to my page and you can find it to read. Thanks for taking the time to read through it.

Let me be clear. Within the Woodlawn Occupation Tent City, there was a flash moment focused on this sellout because it shocked many of us. Then we went right back into messaging. And let me assure you that the work being done has been so much more that I could even get into here. I literally spent one hour with other medics today running through a huge list of things that have been being done to protect protesters and clients through multiple nights of storms and winds over 40 MPH along with basic camp foundations like medical supplies, hygiene, food, emotional support, protection from the dropping temps, programming, starting trainings to get the camp running well, safety, potential violence protection, washing stations, heating stations, supply purchases (over $200 out of my own unemployed pocket), starting to get medic support, proper tent set ups, reinforcing tents many many many times a day, occupation, tent city start-up, illegal eviction, multiple direct actions, canvassing, phone trees, knocking on doors, outreaching to the community and churches, donation support, donation sorting, multiple press conferences, media rolling in at 4:30am to do interviews at 5am and 5:30, a few minor medical issues, arrests, jail support, and the list goes on and on. It took me that long to just run through it all and much more I am not going to even type. I have gotten 6 hrs and 20 min of miserable sleep since Friday. Tonight is my first night off because I am so busted that I am running a fever and have virtually no voice. This is way more intense then the early days of Occupy and with far less support. ORP has kicked ass supporting with donations, work, and money. There are some OC people who are a huge help, but it is hard to watch some OC people come down and talk theory, eat food, spend half their time at the coffee shop and then go home without doing even doing the small things like getting garbage taken to a dumpster. We have gotten amazing coverage for a solid week. We are kicking in Rahm's teeth over and over again despite all of this. SM has been working it really well and so has press. It is appreciated and talked about between myself and the organizers. I do not have time to think about Brittney. I am sure Karma will slowly and painfully destroy her for what she is done. My goal is to get this community self sufficient and as safe as it can be so that these people fighting for their lives have a voice and are empowered. I have asked for some simple help of doing a vote and a presentation at GA and got NO response. I was so proud watching the footage of the outside when I supported clients Occupying the clinic, but since then, my heart is breaking on some of the things I have read and hear out of OC. We need help because this is the lifeline for these people. We have had 3 people hospitalized this week due to lack of services. My everything is in this. I do not regret a moment, but some additional support on the ground is really needed. We need the solidarity. We need the help of simple tasks. We need weather related supplies. We ran out of blankets tonight and are about out of hand warmers. The people working their asses off are more stressed then I have ever seen anyone and still manage to run this messaging flawlessly (in my opinion based on being in the thick of it and understanding the conversations and choices that are happening). My body is giving out despite my heart and motivation. Hell, Helen (80 years old) was arrested and spends all nights there and most of the days. So with that all said, Brittney, there is nothing more for you to say. We all see who you are and you are not important to any of this beyond you signed a letter that was a lie and put people's lives and health at risk. And this is the last I will think of you. And for OC, please keep criticism off of public forums. DM, email, call, and remember while you are doing that, also ask how you can help. Step up like ORP has. I think if you were to spend a full day down there then you would get why what is happening is so important and special in addition to learning a ton. These organizers are doing it really well and I am impressed beyond words. This is not just some event or rally where people leave after 2 hrs. It is 24/7 direct action with many levels on top of failed suppression attempts. They are kicking ass and I am honored to do all that I am doing and only wish I could be doing more. How can I let Helen down? Or any of the other amazing clients that are fighting for their lives?

[Kelly Hayes]

I appreciate everything Sugar is saying, but I would like to add that even the folks who've just stopped by for a little theory talk and whatever else, have meant a lot to me.  Some of us have worked really hard out there, and have been utterly mystified by some of the dismissive and disinterested attitudes that we've encountered online.  That said, my best moments at Woodlawn have been the ones where I could look around, and see people that I have stood with working together, dancing around, laughing, or having great conversations.  It reminded me of something that I'd felt we'd lost.  I thought I saw the beginnings of it coming back Monday night.  When those of you who were there convinced me to head home, so I could finally catch a few Z's in a warm bed, I left a space filled with music, where my friends were standing in solidarity with the vulnerable and the displaced.  People were laughing, and warming their hands over a fire.  People were having great conversations, and working together on keeping the place afloat.  We were scheduling events for the week.  It was becoming a real Occupy style encampment.  Apparently, the police agreed with my assessment.

When I was finally crawling into bed, I got a call from Sam.  There was an eviction order.

Tuesday morning, I returned to Woodlawn, and I got the lowdown on just how illegal the eviction had been.  Armed with that information, and documentation to back up their assertions, the MHM held a press conference, announcing that we were putting the tent city back up.  Within minutes of the first two tents being raised, the police gave an order to disperse.  We were told we had five minutes. 

I ultimately obeyed that order, but in the only manner I ever obey dispersal orders:  Slowly, and with a lot of attitude.  Tom also obeyed slowly, and with attitude, and was ultimately arrested (on the sidewalk, oddly enough).  Rachel was snatched up in a similarly bullshit manner. 

I was back there tonight, and I saw people who were so determined to keep this twenty-four hour protest going that they are sleeping in cars (or on them).  They were chatting over a fire, and sharing ideas.  They were making calls, and making plans.  I'm not sure what the next step is out there, but I know that we could learn a lot from these folks.  It's not just about helping them.  The time I spent with them has made me a better activist.  Hell, it may have made me a better human being.  I am humbled by their courage, and inspired by their drive.  Their struggle is our struggle.  Whatever comes of this, we should be right there with them. 

That's my two cents.

Tomorrow, I have to deal with my life for a while, but I'll probably be back at Woodlawn in the evening.  It was awesome seeing some of you out there tonight. 

Much Love,

Kel

p.s.

I agree about what's-her-face being a flash moment reaction deal.  We have too much to do to think about her, at the moment.  Sooner or later, she'll get hers (in a completely peaceful, and nonviolent manner, of course).

[Kelly Hayes]

Also, big thanks to the folks who showed up for jail solidarity!   

[ochil...@gmail.com]

Thanks to Sugar and Kelly, both for these thoughtful messages and for the work they always put in on the ground. I wish I could be there 24/7 myself, but after being unemployed for most of a year I now have 4 part time jobs that almost add up to one regular job, and I can't sacrifice that. I always try to bring supplies, morale, and other people with me when I find a few hours to go down there. (And cookies!)

As some of you know, I've started working with Occupied Stories (http://occupiedstories.com), a project that operates out of OWS. They took a chance on me, never having met or spoken in person, and welcomed me to the team. They are SO impressed by the Woodlawn occupation and thirsty for more details - and these are people who have been sleeping on Wall St for the past week.

I wrote a story for them about Woodlawn even though I wasn't there for either eviction, and in under 24 hours it is the 3rd most read story on the site. People don't want to read another news report - they want to hear firsthand accounts from those on the inside and on the ground. Not just arrest stories, but any story that shows the potential for what this kind of community can achieve. It's also a direct way to get our messaging out without relying on MSM (although coverage has been good).

I know it's hard to do when you're on the ground with limited or no computer access, but if any of you can choose a few experiences to tell about briefly, I will do my best to get them out to as many people as possible.

How to submit:
- through the form on the website
- via email to occupie...@riseup.net
- if you write it out on paper, I will be there this evening and will take it home to transcribe

My story is here (but please feel free to write in your own style): http://bit.ly/wlawn

A story about the sleepful protest on Wall St (and arrests) by another site admin: http://bit.ly/slponws

We have people's attention. Let's get the word out.

In solidarity and with affection for everyone who has taken this on,

Rachel Allshiny / OChiLibrary

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

---

From: Kelly Hayes <kellyh...@gmail.com>

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Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:44:01 -0500

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Subject: Re: [OC_SM] Please read

[Rachael P]

WHO HAS THE KEY TO THE STORAGE LOCKER?????? CALL ME, I WANT TO GET SOME SUPPLIES 773-653-5073 Rachael P

I always say that you can't guilt people into taking action, or use negativity to get positive results. I am at Woodlawn daily for a few reasons:

1. My PR mission is to work on the most desperate, unfunded, radical projects - check for both Woodlawn and Occupy.
2. As a consumer of mental health services, this is my fight. It's so empowering to be able to say that, and to find out how many friends have been fighting that silent battle, in the closet and ashamed about their medical conditions.
3. The patients and advocates who make up the Mental Health Movement are totally inspiring. It's the difference between organizing for your life, because you have to, and organizing for a cause, because you want to. I love being around them, and tho I'm doing this because I want to, I would do anything to support these patients who have nowhere to turn.
4. The occupiers who have supported me the most in my PR role are down there, and deserve my support right back
5. Going to jail gets you lots of new twitter followers, and hugs from everyone you have a crush on . . . and everyone else too.

Do what's right for you, I'll be at Woodlawn . . . working on media writing for NATO today. If you're worried about getting home after dark, I'll drive you. I've been driving people home all over the city.

Rachael P

--
Occupy Chicago Press Relations Committee google group
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--
Rachael Perrotta
773.653.5073
plus...@gmail.com
Twitter: @plussone
Occupy Chicago Press Relations
773.417.6491
pr...@occupychi.org
Facebook.com/PressComm
Twitter: @OCPress

[Sugar Solidarity]

Bill has access to the storage unit and I just arranged to borrow a friends car this afternoon and evening to do supplies. I have left him a message.

[mandykirkwood]

Bill gave me the keys and emily has them right now.I'm trying to get ahold of her ill keep you posted

 

From my Android phone on T-Mobile. The first nationwide 4G network.



------ Original Message ------

From : Sugar Solidarity
To : ocp...@googlegroups.com;
Cc : oc_dire...@googlegroups.com;oc_soci...@googlegroups.com;ar...@occupychi.org;conf...@occupychi.org;coordi...@occupychi.org;direct...@occupychi.org;dona...@occupychi.org;educ...@occupychi.org;hou...@occupychi.org;le...@occupychi.org;me...@occupychi.org;OccupyChicago LaborOutreach;outr...@occupychi.org;pr...@occupychi.org;rese...@occupychi.org;secre...@occupychi.org;socia...@occupychi.org;
Sent : 4/18/2012 9:20 AM
Subject : Re: [OCPress] Re: [OC_SM] Please read

[Bill Vassilakis]

2 storage spaces, 2 different keys.  mandy has the one to the cermak storage space.  zoe has the key to the morgan/vanburen space.  

[Babur B]

It has been amazing experience part of the Woodlawn Occupations with my comrades and defending rights of the community and MHM.  Especially, Kelly,Sugar and a free other put so  much into this. Although, contributions from Occupy Chicago was city low and weak at times, we still appreciate slp the support and them participating at the ground. Obviously, we can learn a lot and improve upcoming days, i also want to thank those got arrested for what they stood for. Personal level, I will continue to be three and be part of the organize process and fight for those who cant. History, I also need to catch up with my life and work next a few days since it is in bad shape. Once again leave & love.

Solidarity

Babur B
Organizer/Press Relations/DAC
Occupy Chicago RP

[Kelly Hayes]

I also need to take a little time for my much neglected personal affairs.  Some of you know how screwed up I have let things get, just bc I see this as something that must be done, and I know I will long remember having stood with MHM, and you guys, out there.  So far, I will feel really good about what we've done about this, and that's what's going to matter most to me, on a self focused manner, as the years go by. 

I think everyone who's been out there, or worked this thing from a distance, will likewise feel that this was a huge moment, in terms of truly showing solidarity, and showing the courage of our convictions.  A lot of you have been heroic in my eyes, over the course of these months, and the past week has only added to those feelings.  Mike (and a couple of others) dragging himself out of a tent, into a violent storm, to help secure tents, under dangerous circumstances (knowing we couldn't ask for more help, bc the bodies of sleeping occupiers were actually holding some tents to the ground, after the stakes started to break and fly)...  one person who showed up and joined a line of arrestables the first day of the tent city occupation, without having any idea what was unfolding, or how much danger we were in (this person didn't ask any questions, bc he knew the issue, that there was no time for a briefing, and that others were on the line - that was good enough for him)...  my friends who lifted the spirits of everyone present, just by showing up...  people who sent supplies and brought things we desperately needed (Natalie, and the metal stakes she brought, lifted me out of and exhausted sense of despair after I had nearly given up on holding down the freaking tents, after hammering broken, wind snapped, jagged stakes into the ground for hours)...  the people who told me how awesome we were (which I didn't feel, but loved you for anyway) and told me to go sleep the night I finally went home (99, Camille, Matt, Crystal, and others on the ground, who jumped in, and started securing the tents, after a day that had seemed to stretch on forever)...  Sam, who dragged himself out twice, once in the early morning, and once crazy late at night, in part because I had to leave or couldn't get back (you have no idea what that meant to me, man)...  Babur, Thomas, Sugar, and everyone else who camped through the horrible weather, and helped hold it down...  press, and the folks who tweeted and posted like mad...  Lucas, who left me his charger, so I could keep bringing my phone to life, using a car battery...  the arrestees, who were brave as hell...  Tom, who stood with me on the front line during the last eviction, and ultimately stood between me and the police, knowing I was on red status, while he wasn't (what a bad ass thing to do - for the record, I would NEVER expect anyone to take it to that level)...  Matt, and everyone else who worked the phones, and fought to get the word out when Rachel and Tom were locked up...  if I am leaving anyone out (and I know I am), pls trust that I am brain fried, but I do know who you are, and I love the hell out of you.  I am not saying all of this to play up my end of the work.  I am saying it so that you all know that nothing that was done could have worked without every inch of help we got, and that I would have lost my shit without you guys.  Some shit that was said and done, or not done, was discouraging, but some of you made all the difference, and that brought back some faith for me at a time when I was deteriorating, and questioning everything.  Efforts were picking up just before the eviction, and I am confident that we got raided bc the cops saw something stronger taking shape, and freaked the fuck out when they figured out that we were going to make this work.  On a personal level, and for the sake of the cause, I will always be grateful. 

I know my exhaustion and frustration with some comments and attitudes, and the workload out there, have drawn a lot of negativity of me lately, so while I know this post is way to long, I thought it was worth it to jam something wholly positive into the listserv.  Folks, we have been doing something really special out there.  The way it went gave me doubts about us at times, but it has also shown me what the hell we can do when we fight like hell together.  The hardest core people I know in this movement have been giving whatever they've got to give to this, and I am so damn proud to call you my friends and allies.  I have been told repeatedly, by organizers on the ground, that the encampment never would have lasted, at all, without our efforts.  We held off an eviction order (amazing), and we proved that we are hard enough to do something like this.  We have consistently helped to bring media attention to a very important cause, and we will keep doing it.  Don't lose faith, and don't be tempted to leap frog to the next big issue.  Life after NATO will be about moments like this, and we should never lose sight of that.  

- Kel

I also love Rachel's thoughts on this.  Mad props to her for all of her work.

[Natalie W]

the closing of woodlawn clinic and subsequent is the connection of all of our fights:

 

people over profits

health services are human rights

the regular people having a voice in politics, such as spending money where it's needed, not for nato security or beautifying downtown

building a community instead of struggling in this one
empowering and educating people to realize that they can change their lives
plus all of the other rad reasons from everyone else.

 

we should be supporting this endeavor, as much as we did in the early days of occupy chicago at jackson and lasalle. remember? whenever there was free time, there'd be people wandering by. so drop by woodlawn, you don't even realize the impact a few hours of your time has on the people there. it's amazing how much a helping hand pounding in tent stakes or even casual conversation helps bolster the community. we talk a lot about taking action and supporting woodlawn is a great action to take.

  

if you're worried about transportation, check and see who's on the ground at woodlawn. we have a system in place. let's use that, our bodies and our brains to help this fight.

 

mad love and solidarity,

natalie

[Sugar Solidarity]

Mandy, Emily, and another awesome lady (whose name slips my very worn out brain) are working on a supply run from one of the storage units. We will also do a run from Cermak later together. Thanks for working this all out. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp-6g_CdpJs