Partial Press Release for Tue 10/18

[Kevin Seal]

Here's a first draft -- any edits, y'all?

--

OAKLAND, Calif. (October 18, 2011) –

As cities across the US see protests rise in numbers each day, many
are looking to Occupy Oakland’s example in the treatment of young
people. Among the many cities housing camps in solidarity with the
Occupy Wall Street movement, Oakland is unique in that their
occupation began with children in mind, in the form of a play tent
built into the tent city’s design. From the first day that Occupy
Oakland moved into Frank Ogawa Plaza, October 10, organizers took care
to consider the needs of children on site.

“The children’s village is the hub for parents and their children at
the occupation,” said Samsarah Morgan of Oakland. “Parents bring
their children to play with the other youngsters, ask questions and
learn what the occupation is all about.”

The children’s village, marked with a large painted sign reading “Kid
Zone” at the encampment’s northwest corner near 15th Street, has been
a haven for parents who would like to involve themselves in the
movement. Many of these adults are unable to sleep at Occupy Oakland,
given their parental responsibilities and the bedtimes of their kids.
Nonetheless, any contribution of time helps the cause.

“Children get to play and be part of history as well as have a place
to process emotions and take a break from being in crowds of people,”
said Morgan.

Processing the intensity of a political protest can indeed be
challenging for young people, particularly given the often fiery
rhetoric and heated debate of those choosing to call themselves
“Occupiers.” The Oakland community meets at 7:00 p.m. every night of
the week, on the steps of Oakland City Hall. Any and all are invited
to participate in the General Assembly conversations, and the General
Assemblies are open to participants of all ages.

Volunteers at the children’s village are quick to point out that the
village is not day care. Parents are welcome to play with their
children at the site, but may not leave their children in the care of
the volunteers, who are merely there to facilitate, provide supplies,
play, and assist.

“My children need a future, and right now there is no future for them
besides slave labor,” said Kerie Campbell of Oakland. “People need to
realize that we are doing this for the children and that is our main
purpose for being here.”

Occupy Oakland organizers have identified items that the protesters
need. Donations of tents, tarps, folding tables, wooden pallets, and
other shelter material are most encouraged. Hand-me-down clothing is
also of use, as is fabric of different colors, for those who plan to
camp in the plaza through the winter. Cooking implements are also
welcome, including cups, dishes, bowls and tongs. Organizers urge
those looking to donate to deliver these items to the supply tent,
located at the camp’s entrance on the corner of 14th Street and
Broadway.

The on-site cooking and library are of particular interest to those
protesters who bring children. The children’s village has a
well-stocked library of children’s books, a supply of diapers, as well
as a variety of toys and play mats. Other campers at Occupy Oakland
volunteer in shifts and prepare snacks for the children’s village,
just as occupiers cook meals for the full camp.

International journalists have begun taking notice of Occupy Oakland’s
children’s village as well. Journalist and Shock Doctrine author
Naomi Klein tweeted, “#occupyoakland is amazing! 100 tents,
healthcare, children’s zone, library + more,” during the encampment’s
first week.

Organizers encourage those interested in participating in Occupy
Oakland to attend one of the wide range of workshops happening daily
at the plaza.

Wednesday, October 19 features the following workshops: 9:30 a.m.,
camp meeting; 3-5 p.m. anti-colonialism meeting discussing immigration
and native struggle; 5:30 p.m. performance by hip-hop artist Raw G;
6:00 p.m. performance by Brown Buffalo; 7:00 p.m. General Assembly.

On Thursday, October 20, the workshop schedule is shaping up as
follows: 9:30 a.m., camp meeting; 12:00 p.m. anti-war talk; 2:20-3:40
p.m. discussion of capitalism; 3:40-5:00 p.m. workshop on police and
state prisons; 4:00 p.m. committee on Actions in Oakland; 5:00 p.m.
youth performance; 6:00 p.m. gang injunction speakers; 7:00 p.m.
General Assembly; 10:00 p.m. movie screening.

General Assemblies happen every night at 7 p.m., in the amphitheater
on the north side of 14th Street, just west of Broadway.

An up-to-date calendar, and more information can be found at:
http://www.occupyoakland.org/

About OccupyOakland:
Occupy Oakland is an emerging social movement without leaders or
spokespeople. It is one of 1,570 occupations currently occurring
around the world in solidarity with Occupy Wall St. For more
information about the other occupations, see:
http://www.occupytogether.org/

For interviews contact:
Kat Brooks
510 506-2341

[Tara Stroud]

Kevin, nicely said! I like it and don't have any issues. It's such a great space, I hope to see more parents with their children enjoying it! Plus the list of workshops and events is great!
 
Maya, Dan, anyone else?

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” Abraham Lincoln

 

> Date: Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:18:55 -0700
> Subject: Partial Press Release for Tue 10/18
> From: kgs...@gmail.com
> To: occupyoak...@googlegroups.com; armilla...@gmail.com

[Dan Robinson]

looks great to me - nicely done.

Dan

[Kevin Seal]

Thanks, guys!  I have one edit, to add that the area closes at sunset.  Also trimmed a few unnecessary words.  New version copied below.

Maya, anything you'd care to add or change?  And is Kat still cool being the contact for intv requests?
Kevin

--

OAKLAND, Calif. (October 18, 2011) –

As cities across the US see protests rise in numbers each day, many are looking to Occupy Oakland’s example in the treatment of young people.  Among the many cities housing camps in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement, Oakland's occupation is unique in that it began with children in mind, in the form of a play tent built into the tent city’s design.  From the first day that Occupy Oakland moved into Frank Ogawa Plaza, October 10, organizers took care to consider the needs of children on site.

“The children’s village is the hub for parents and their children at the occupation,” said Samsarah Morgan of Oakland.  “Parents bring their children to play with the other youngsters, ask questions and learn what the occupation is all about.”

The children’s village, marked with a large painted sign reading “Kid Zone” at the encampment’s northwest corner near 15th Street, has been a haven for parents who would like to involve themselves in the movement.  Many of these adults are unable to sleep at Occupy Oakland, given their parental responsibilities and the bedtimes of their kids.  Nonetheless, any contribution of time helps the cause.  The area for children closes and the volunteers pack up each day at sunset.

“Children get to play and be part of history as well as have a place to process emotions and take a break from being in crowds of people,” said Morgan.

Processing the intensity of a political protest can indeed be challenging for young people, particularly given the often fiery rhetoric and heated debate of those choosing to call themselves “Occupiers.”  The Oakland community meets at 7:00 p.m. every night of the week, on the steps of Oakland City Hall.  Any and all are invited to participate in the General Assembly conversations, and the General Assemblies are open to participants of all ages.

Volunteers at the children’s village are quick to point out that the village is not day care.  Parents are welcome to play with their children at the site, but may not leave their children in the care of the volunteers, who are merely there to facilitate, provide supplies, play, and assist.

“My children need a future, and right now there is no future for them besides slave labor,” said Kerie Campbell of Oakland.  “People need to realize that we are doing this for the children and that is our main purpose for being here.”

Occupy Oakland organizers have identified items that the protesters need.  Donations of tents, tarps, folding tables, wooden pallets, and other shelter material are most encouraged.  Hand-me-down clothing is also of use, as is fabric of different colors, for those who plan to camp in the plaza through the winter.  Cooking implements are also welcome, including cups, dishes, bowls and tongs.  Organizers urge donors to deliver these items to the supply tent, located at the camp’s entrance on the corner of 14th Street and Broadway.

The on-site cooking and library are of particular interest to those protesters who bring children.  The children’s village has a well-stocked library of children’s books, a supply of diapers, and a variety of toys and play mats.  Other campers at Occupy Oakland volunteer in shifts and prepare snacks for the children’s village, just as occupiers cook meals for the full camp.

International journalists have begun taking notice of Occupy Oakland’s children’s village as well.  Journalist and Shock Doctrine author Naomi Klein tweeted, “#occupyoakland is amazing!  100 tents, healthcare, children’s zone, library + more,” during the encampment’s first week.

Organizers encourage those interested in participating with Occupy Oakland to attend one of the workshops happening daily at the plaza.

Wednesday, October 19 features the following workshops:  9:30 a.m., camp meeting; 3-5 p.m. anti-colonialism meeting discussing immigration and native struggle; 5:30 p.m. performance by hip-hop artist Raw G; 6:00 p.m. performance by hip-hop group Brown Buffalo; 7:00 p.m. General Assembly.

On Thursday, October 20, the workshop schedule is shaping up as follows:  9:30 a.m., camp meeting; 12:00 p.m. anti-war talk; 2:20-3:40 p.m. discussion of capitalism; 3:40-5:00 p.m. workshop on police and state prisons; 4:00 p.m.  committee on Actions in Oakland; 5:00 p.m. youth performance; 6:00 p.m. gang injunction speakers; 7:00 p.m. General Assembly; 10:00 p.m. movie screening.

General Assemblies happen every night at 7 p.m., in the amphitheater on the north side of 14th Street, just west of Broadway.

An up-to-date calendar, and more information can be found at:
http://www.occupyoakland.org/

About OccupyOakland:
Occupy Oakland is an emerging social movement without leaders or spokespeople. It is one of 1,570 occupations currently occurring around the world in solidarity with Occupy Wall St. For more information about the other occupations, see: http://www.occupytogether.org/

For interviews contact:
Kat Brooks
510 506-2341

--
Kevin Seal
--
http://listn.to/griddle

[Tara Stroud]

Sorry, I haven't read the whole thing again, but I'm sure it's great! I also heard that there are counselors at the site and I have an

acquaintance that does activist empathy support and I'm sure she would love to be involved. Is it too early to advertise that in the press release? Social Revolution can be stressful ;o))

 

Also I need help setting up a workshop for media training. A friend of mine is a journalist and teaches at UC Berkeley. He also has a Master in Journalism from Cal. He has offered to provide training on dealing with the media. I signed up to host it, but have not heard back from schools section. Can someone help with this? If you think it's helpful. You can view him at edwinokongo.com

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” Abraham Lincoln

 

---

Date: Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:02:00 -0700
Subject: Re: Partial Press Release for Tue 10/18
From: kgs...@gmail.com
To: dro...@gmail.com
CC: tar...@hotmail.com; occupyoak...@googlegroups.com; armilla...@gmail.com

[Tara Stroud]

Looks like google group for media has been shut down. Anyone have the new email?

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” Abraham Lincoln

 

---

From: tar...@hotmail.com
To: kgs...@gmail.com; dro...@gmail.com
CC: occupyoak...@googlegroups.com; armilla...@gmail.com; occupyoak...@lists.hackbloc.org; occupyoak...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: Partial Press Release for Tue 10/18
Date: Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:15:00 -0700

[Max Harris]

the workshops and events are pretty different now if you want to update that part.

[Kevin Seal]

Thanks, Max,

Does anybody have access to updated info?  Is the site correct and updated, or is the physical board more current?
http://www.occupyoakland.org/calendar/

[Max Harris]

the calendar online is pretty close to current. a comprehensive flier was made today that included events as well as the workshops and I know it will surface at camp later on, i don't have it in my email.

[Kevin Seal]

How about we run with what's online then?  It'll likely change again by the time any of these mainstream/corporate press outlets go to press anyway.  If it's close to correct, let's send it out.

I don't mind being the phone contact for mainstream press intv requests until we hear from Kat and get her approval.  (Though it sounds like Kat has more experience with that than I do.)

New revision (FINAL?) with the updated events listings below:

-

OAKLAND, Calif. (October 18, 2011) –

As cities across the US see protests rise in numbers each day, many are looking to Occupy Oakland’s example in the treatment of young people.  Among the many cities housing camps in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement, Oakland is unique in that their occupation began with children in mind, in the form of a play tent built into the tent city’s design.  From the first day that Occupy Oakland moved into Frank Ogawa Plaza, October 10, organizers took care to consider the needs of children on site.

“The children’s village is the hub for parents and their children at the occupation,” said Samsarah Morgan of Oakland.  “Parents bring their children to play with the other youngsters, ask questions and learn what the occupation is all about.”

The children’s village, marked with a large painted sign reading “Kid Zone” at the encampment’s northwest corner near 15th Street, has been a haven for parents who would like to involve themselves in the movement.  Many of these adults are unable to sleep at Occupy Oakland, given their parental responsibilities and the bedtimes of their kids.  Nonetheless, any contribution of time helps the cause.  The area for children closes and packs up each day at sunset.

“Children get to play and be part of history as well as have a place to process emotions and take a break from being in crowds of people,” said Morgan.

Processing the intensity of a political protest can indeed be challenging for young people, particularly given the often fiery rhetoric and heated debate of those choosing to call themselves “Occupiers.”  The Oakland community meets at 7:00 p.m. every night of the week, on the steps of Oakland City Hall.  Any and all are invited to participate in the General Assembly conversations, and the General Assemblies are open to participants of all ages.

Volunteers at the children’s village are quick to point out that the village is not day care.  Parents are welcome to play with their children at the site, but may not leave their children in the care of the volunteers, who are merely there to facilitate, provide supplies, play, and assist.

“My children need a future, and right now there is no future for them besides slave labor,” said Kerie Campbell of Oakland.  “People need to realize that we are doing this for the children and that is our main purpose for being here.”

Occupy Oakland organizers have identified items that the protesters need.  Donations of tents, tarps, folding tables, wooden pallets, and other shelter material are most encouraged.  Hand-me-down clothing is also of use, as is fabric of different colors, for those who plan to camp in the plaza through the winter.  Cooking implements are also welcome, including cups, dishes, bowls and tongs.  Organizers urge those looking to donate to deliver these items to the supply tent, located at the camp’s entrance on the corner of 14th Street and Broadway.

The on-site cooking and library are of particular interest to those protesters who bring children.  The children’s village has a well-stocked library of children’s books, a supply of diapers, as well as a variety of toys and play mats.  Other campers at Occupy Oakland volunteer in shifts and prepare snacks for the children’s village, just as occupiers cook meals for the full camp.

International journalists have begun taking notice of Occupy Oakland’s children’s village as well.  Journalist and Shock Doctrine author Naomi Klein tweeted, “#occupyoakland is amazing!  100 tents, health care, children’s zone, library + more,” during the encampment’s first week.

Organizers encourage those interested in participating in Occupy Oakland to attend one of the wide range of workshops happening daily at the plaza.

Wednesday, October 19 features the following workshops:  1:00 p.m., Race, Class, Gender; 3-5 p.m. Anti-colonialism meeting discussing immigration and native struggle; 3:00 p.m., Surviving radical demonstrations; 4:00 p.m., Black Panthers workshop with David Hilliard, Melvin Dixon and Eseibio Halliday; 6:00 p.m. Black Panther Elder Freeman; 7:00 p.m. General Assembly.

On Thursday, October 20, the workshop schedule is shaping up as follows:  8:00 a.m., yoga; 11:30 a.m., information on Gang Injunctions and how to challenge them; 5:00 p.m., a talk by Larry Everest, author of Oil, Power and Empire; 7:00 p.m. General Assembly; 10:00 p.m. movie screening.

General Assemblies happen every night at 7 p.m., in the amphitheater on the north side of 14th Street, just west of Broadway.

An up-to-date calendar, and more information can be found at:
http://www.occupyoakland.org/

About OccupyOakland:
Occupy Oakland is an emerging social movement without leaders or spokespeople. It is one of 1,570 occupations currently occurring around the world in solidarity with Occupy Wall St. For more information about the other occupations, see: http://www.occupytogether.org/

For interviews contact:

Kevin Griddle
510-332-6975

[Maya Face]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Maya Face <armilla...@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Oct 19, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Subject: Re: Partial Press Release for Tue 10/18

To: Kevin Seal <kgs...@gmail.com>


Hey all, so sorry I wasn't able to send this out until 11am today. I didn't have the internet access I thought I would. Looks great Kevin, thanks! I just did a little edit to make it a bit more positive about the camp, taking out the sentence about political intensity and fiery debates. Hope nobody was super attached to it, but I've always been taught not to say anything negative in press release, because the media will figure out negative things to say about us and we don't need to make that easier for them. Also, I know we haven't heard back from Kat, but since she hasn't said that she doesn't want to be interviewed anymore, I think we should keep her down as a press contact, so I put Kevin's name and her name.

Sorry I couldn't get full consensus on this stuff but I wanted to get this out quickly. 

By the way, I'm not in the east bay anymore so I won't be able to come to any in-person meetings.  I'm still down to help with press releases though. 

Hope everyone's doing well, Maya

[Kevin Seal]

No attachments to words or phrases at all -- this is all collaborative.  Thanks for the edit and the sending, Maya.  Hopefully we get some pick-up.  I'd love to get some coverage of this afternoon's Black Panther participation, but I think we're too late to get much aside from tweets and people referencing the OO.org site. 

Could someone write something on the OccupyOakland front page that we could at least link to on Facebook / Twitter / etc.?

Having David Hilliard and other Panther leadership hosting workshops is a big, and very positive, local story -- or maybe that's just me thinking that.

4pm-6pm  Black Panthers David Hilliard, Melvin Dixon & Eseibio Halliday
6pm-7pm  Black Panther Elder Freeman & guests

That's all that is listed on the schedule; does anyone know any more detail on it.

I'll be at the non-violence training with Samsarah at the camp at noon; not sure how long I can stay, as I'll have the baby with me.

Thanks,
Kevin

[Kevin Seal]

We are getting pickup already.  Dennis Bernstein from KPFA Flashpoints wants to interview some 8-12 year olds and their patents on-site tomorrow.  If you know any parents with kids here that age, please send them my way.

Thanks,

Kevin