A safe place to meet.
OCCUPY-TORONTO OUTREACH WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
This is a message primarily directed to those many thousands of people in the GTA who sympathize with the concerns of OCCUPY-Toronto... who would like to support the cause in a substantial way, but can only visit the park infrequently.
First, when you do come down to the park, there's always a need for volunteers in serving and preparing food, cleaning up, etc. Check the logistics tent if you want to know more. Also, any donations will be gratefully received there.
For specific information on what you can do in your own communities, (postering, forming groups, holding events, etc) visit the OUTREACH tent next to the INFO tent in the middle of the park.
And for those of you who have jobs and a little money in your pockets, we suggest the following:
Help us build alliances with the community surrounding the park by visiting the cafes, shops, restaurants, markets, etc. when you visit us: use your dollars to show our support for them, so that they will want to support us.
Pick up one of our "OCCUPY" buttons from the OUTREACH tent and wear it on your coat as you move 'round the 'hood. Be extra nice to people, let the staff in the shops feel that "we" appreciate the hard work they're putting in, that we're standing up for them too.
Now please understand, this initiative will only "work" if y'all envision THOUSANDS of people traveling to this community every day. That means taking this idea seriously, and committing yourselves to coming here at least once or twice a week; and try to spend at least a few hours here.
Make an intention to alter your schedule somewhat. Come down here and see what's available, and then buy some of your necessities here rather than in your own 'hood.
Of course, we always encourage you to frequent the small, independent stores; but that's entirely up to you. The important thing is that you shift a portion of your weekly economic activity to this area; and if we can get thousands of people doing this, we'll begin to transform this area into a hotbed of activity and economic improvement that will be the envy of every other place in Toronto.
Then Rob Ford will have no support for his complaints.
Do you see where we're going with this?
Such a mass tactic will become especially important in the cold of winter, where having a warm place to meet and discuss will be a serious issue. If you guys make sure the surrounding community stays warm to us, we won't become isolated in the cold. We'll all be welcomed into the cafes for the vibrant discussions, activity (and full cash registers) that ensue.
Eventually, once we prove our capacity to support them, perhaps we can hold mini-cultural poetry and music nights in the various cafes, for example. Who knows?
So what do you think folks?
Is this a good idea?
Will you get behind it and support the community surrounding St. James... as a
vital part of the survival and success of OCCUPY-TO?
This is a message primarily directed to those many thousands of people in the GTA who sympathize with the concerns of OCCUPY-Toronto... who would like to support the cause in a substantial way, but can only visit the park infrequently.
First, when you do come down to the park, there's always a need for volunteers in serving and preparing food, cleaning up, etc. Check the logistics tent if you want to know more. Also, any donations will be gratefully received there.
For specific information on what you can do in your own communities, (postering, forming groups, holding events, etc) visit the OUTREACH tent next to the INFO tent in the middle of the park.
And for those of you who have jobs and a little money in your pockets, we suggest the following:
Help us build alliances with the community surrounding the park by visiting the cafes, shops, restaurants, markets, etc. when you visit us: use your dollars to show our support for them, so that they will want to support us.
Pick up one of our "OCCUPY" buttons from the OUTREACH tent and wear it on your coat as you move 'round the 'hood. Be extra nice to people, let the staff in the shops feel that "we" appreciate the hard work they're putting in, that we're standing up for them too.
Now please understand, this initiative will only "work" if y'all envision THOUSANDS of people traveling to this community every day. That means taking this idea seriously, and committing yourselves to coming here at least once or twice a week; and try to spend at least a few hours here.
Make an intention to alter your schedule somewhat. Come down here and see what's available, and then buy some of your necessities here rather than in your own 'hood.
Of course, we always encourage you to frequent the small, independent stores; but that's entirely up to you. The important thing is that you shift a portion of your weekly economic activity to this area; and if we can get thousands of people doing this, we'll begin to transform this area into a hotbed of activity and economic improvement that will be the envy of every other place in Toronto.
Then Rob Ford will have no support for his complaints.
Do you see where we're going with this?
Such a mass tactic will become especially important in the cold of winter, where having a warm place to meet and discuss will be a serious issue. If you guys make sure the surrounding community stays warm to us, we won't become isolated in the cold. We'll all be welcomed into the cafes for the vibrant discussions, activity (and full cash registers) that ensue.
Eventually, once we prove our capacity to support them, perhaps we can hold mini-cultural poetry and music nights in the various cafes, for example. Who knows?
So what do you think folks?
Is this a good idea?
Will you get behind it and support the community surrounding St. James... as a
vital part of the survival and success of OCCUPY-TO?