OccupyBuffalo

Today! Thursday January 19th!

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:20:35 -0500

Calendar of Events & Work Groups:

2:00pm: Food Work Group Meeting

3:00pm: Fire Watch Work Group Meeting

7:00pm: Direct Action Work Group Meeting

Occupy Video

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:44:00 -0500

Hey guys, we thought you might be interested in this video our friend made a couple weeks ago to commemorate two months Occupying.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1HUs-lfdDw

(Submission- published a little late- sorry!)

NY City Council Passes Resolution Declaring that Corporations Are Not People

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:11:32 -0500

NY City Council Passes Resolution Declaring that Corporations Are Not People:

NEW YORK, NY — The Progressive Caucus of the City Council commends today’s passage of a resolution opposing the United States Supreme Court Citizens United decision, which gave corporations the same First Amendment rights as people. Progressive Caucus Members Brad Lander, Melissa Mark-Viverito and Steve Levin sponsored this resolution, with the entirety of the Progressive Caucus as co-sponsors. We thank Speaker Christine Quinn for her leadership on this important issue.

via: mohandasgandhi

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:18:28 -0500

via: mohandasgandhi

Remember when people of WBC were arrested and pepper sprayed for protesting?

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:12:06 -0500

mercedesc:

Me neither..

andystepanian: A wall at the 190th St. subway station. Occupy...

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:11:16 -0500

andystepanian:

A wall at the 190th St. subway station. Occupy everywhere. #OWS

Stay informed!

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:09:48 -0500

If you are a supporter, plese join our Occupy Buffalo announcement only email group here. Stay informed of all actions, events, and happenings that are created or supported by the general assembly!

Occupy Buffalo movement expands to Lafayette Square

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:22:39 -0500

Occupy Buffalo movement expands to Lafayette Square:

Five people in the growing Occupy Buffalo community in Niagara Square moved last weekend.

But they didn’t move far, repitching their tents some 200 yards to the east, in Lafayette Square.

Video

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:21:44 -0500

Photo

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:30:12 -0500

PRESS RELEASE:

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:37:44 -0500

Monday, December 12, 2011
Ceremonial Signing Of Legal Agreement Between Occupy Buffalo And The City Of Buffalo

The Buffalo Occupy group will sign a legal agreement with the City of Buffalo that will allow them to stay in Niagara Square. This historic signing will take place at 2:30pm at Buffalo City Hall on Monday, December 12, 2011.

Buffalo, NY - Protesters from the Occupy Buffalo group and city officials will hold a ceremonial signing of a new legal agreement with the City of Buffalo that will permit the activist group to camp in Niagara Square. This long awaited and fought over agreement has taken two months of legal negotiations to arrive at. It gives the occupy protesters the right to stay in Niagara Square to exercise their first amendment rights as they protest corporate greed and the influence of corporate money in politics.

The agreement between the City and the Occupy Buffalo group has twenty contractual points. The agreement states, “The City agrees to permit Occupy Buffalo to use Niagara Square, during all hours subject to the following conditions, which are provided to protect the health, safety and welfare of all persons, while preserving Niagara Square as a community asset and providing continuing access to the square for the use and enjoyment of all persons.” The agreement between the City and the protesters reveals a unique situation as one of the most peaceful and cooperative occupy groups in the nation. The Buffalo occupy group enjoys popular support from community organizations, faith based groups and churches, and many local labor unions.

“This is what democracy looks like, the City of Buffalo and Occupy Buffalo collaborating to promote the progress of the people”, said Linda Abrams a member of the local occupy group. The protesters are celebrating the agreement, but remain mindful of the responsibility that it places on their conduct.

Call for Action

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:10:06 -0500

Friends,

Governor Cuomo has called a special session this week to propose legislation to address the Millionaire’s Tax Cut. This is the time that we need to take action to stop the planned $5 billion tax cut for the wealthiest New Yorkers.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Call Senator Grisanti at 716-854-8705 to let him know that he should stand with the 99% and instead of cutting education, health care, and the working class, we should tax the 1%. Please get your friends and co-workers to do the same.

2. Stop by Senator Grisanti’s office at 65 Court Street, Room 213, in downtown Buffalo today or tomorrow. Calls are great, but personal visits have a huge impact. Tell him how passionate you are about the importance of raising at least $5 billion in revenue from the wealthy to restore the worst budget cuts in any tax package that passes this week.

3. Reach out to friends, neighbors and supporters through phone banking: We’ll be calling tonight and all day tomorrow from Citizen Action HQ at 739 Main Street. Please call CANY at 716.855.1522 for more information.

4. Let your voice be heard at a community meeting hosted by Sen. Grisanti:
Tuesday, December 6
Grand Island High School
1100 Ransom Road
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Wednesday, December 7
Tonawanda City Hall
200 Niagara Street
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

5. Join us along with our local elected officials at the press conference on Wednesday, December 7th at 1pm on the steps of the Rath Building at 95 Franklin Street in downtown Buffalo.

6. Share your story on 99 Percent NY’s website (www.99percentny .org). Make it known how cuts have directly affected you or your loved ones. Click here to share your story.

Occupy social media! Our elected officials have been kind enough to set up Facebook and Twitter accounts to connect with us. So let’s connect with them. Search for your State Senator and Assembly member on Facebook and Twitter and let them know that we need a fair tax plan that raises $5 billion from the wealthy to restore the worst budget cuts.

TOGETHER, we can make the change we all would like to see. Please join the fight to make millionaires pay their fair share. You can make a difference!

Thanks for all that you do!”

Firefighter Appreciation March!

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:55:06 -0500

The Firefighter Appreciation March will take place on Wednesday, December 7th, at 12pm, from Niagara Square to Main&S. Division and we’ll rally in front of the fire station there, delivering coffee and donuts. From there we will go down Eagle St. to 195 Court, the Buffalo Fire Department HQ. Again, we’ll deliver coffee and donuts. We are having the media on our side. I’m working with Police Commissioner Derenda to get a few off-duty police officers to march with us, as well as with IAFF local 282 to get a few off-duty FF to do likewise.

Direct Action TODAY!

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:38:21 -0500

Who: Occupy Buffalo, Take Back the Land, and Kelly Shaw, resident of the
Lower West Side facing foreclosure by JP Morgan Chase.

What: A march from the General Assembly of Occupy Buffalo at Niagara
Circle to Chase’s offices at 350 Main St.

When: Tuesday, December 6th, 2011. 1:30 PM, D6, National Day to Occupy Our
Homes

Why:

Today in over 20 cities across the United States, communities are rising
up and fighting back as part of a National Day of Action to resist
foreclosures and evictions, also being called a National Day to Occupy Our
Homes. Communities are having public rallies and speak-outs,
re-occupyingforeclosed and abandoned properties and physically protecting
people facing eviction. Here in Buffalo at 1:30 pm today, Tuesday,
December 6th community members will be marching from Niagara Circle to
Chase’s offices at 350 Main St.

For several years community organizations in cities like Miami,
Minneapolis, Madison and Rochester have helped families who have lost or
were at risk of losing their homes; in some cases moving evicted tenants
into vacant homes. Today people in those cities and dozens of others will
be joining together with organizations like Take Back the Land in
elevating affordable housing to a human right. One such person is Kelly
Shaw, a widowed mother who is also taking care of an additional teenage
girl. Kelly bought her historic home in Buffalo’s Lower West Side 3 years
ago, entering into a mortgage withJP Morgan Chase. Even though she kept
current on her loan for over 2 years, when she attempted to refinance her
loan Chase declared her to be in default and began foreclosure
proceedings.
This coming from a bank which has the worst servicing record among the
“Too Big To Fail Banks”, according to the US Treasury and HUD. A New York
Communities For Change report found that Chase is pushing more into
foreclosure than other large servicers, and that it rejects the largest
numbers of families from the federal Home Affordable Modification Program
(HAMP). JPMorgan Chase received a $25 Billion dollar taxpayer funded
bailout in 2008, and CEO Jamie Dimon made $20.8 million dollars last year;
meanwhile, Kelly Shaw’s mortgage payments each month were 80% of her
monthly income from disability; and she sent in postdated checks last
Christmas to Chase in order to provide Christmas gifts to her
children—gifts which almost never came because the bank cashed her checks
immediately while declaring her to be in default.

Take Back the Land, Occupy Buffalo and local community
members are doing research, connecting with neighbors and attending
non-violent civil disobedience trainings in preparation to resist home
foreclosures and evictions in the city of Buffalo. We are dedicated to
no longer allowing banks to use questionable, immoral and illegal
practices to gain billions of dollars while human beings are made
homeless. We acknowledge that as taxpayers, we funded the bailout which
was supposed to help homeowners not bank executives.

Occupy Buffalo Benefit

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:01:05 -0500

Join us in support of the Occupy Buffalo protesters!
We are raising funds to keep them warm and fed through the harsh Buffalo winter.
There will be great music, a cash bar, the great stuff basket auction and plenty of fun for all!

Musical Performances By:
The Fibs
The 12/8th path band
Five To One

When: Sunday December 4th 2011 6-9pm

Where: At the Pearl Street Grill (downstairs)

Cost: $ 9.90 (because we are all the 99%)
or .99 cents for the unemployed or low income

Sponsored by:
CWA District 1 and CWA Locals 1115, 1117, 1122, 1133, and 1168
SEIU Local 1199
Teamsters Local 264
Citizen Action Of New York
Western NY Peace Center
Buffalo Teachers Federation
And Other fine Organizations!

(See Facebook Event for more info)

Knock for the 99%

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:36:05 -0500

Knock for the 99%:

Join us on Saturday, December 3rd, as we Knock for the 99%. Communities and grassroots groups from across New York State will stand together to push for an economy that works for all of us.

300 Economists Who Stand With #OccupyWallStreet

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:06:06 -0500

300 Economists Who Stand With #OccupyWallStreet

Occupy Buffalo Events Calendar

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:31:05 -0500

https://www.facebook.com/groups/eventsoccupybuffalo/

Group email: eventsoccupybuffalo@groups.facebook.com

If you aren’t already a member of our events calendar group, join so you can be invited to everything going on in Niagara Square!

Upcoming Events!

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:46:47 -0500

Thursday, Dec. 8 - at 1 pm, From Indian Country Circle: Explore Indian
stereotypes vs. realities, applying Indigenous values to contemporary
settings. Learn about the UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People, as well as projects that encourage sustainable life ways that will help
recognize and strengthen leadership capacities across generations and
communities. Agnes Williams, Seneca, Wolf Clan, LCSW, assisted by Victoria
Ross, QCSW, MALD, will facilitate this interactive workshop. Participants
will gain a new appreciation of our Indigenous neighbors. 884-0582

Friday, Dec. 9 - at 12 noon, Understanding Islam and Muslims: Come learn
about the principles, values, beliefs, and practices of Islam, as well as
current challenges Muslims face in the U.S. Dr. Othman Shibly,
Peacemaker, Muslim Scholar, and Chair of the Interreligious Affairs
Committee of the Network of Religious Communities, will inform and inspire
attendees. 884-0582

Saturday, Dec 10 - Worker Appreciation Day, Begins 11am sharp. Join with
Occupy Buffalo and other groups to appreciate all working people in and
around Buffalo - union and non-union alike. Rally In Niagara Square,
Lively March to Verizon Building, Post Office, and State Building
Return to Niagara Square for Speak-out for Workers Rights and Issues. Music and Food!
Rep Your Union if you have one… Wear Your Colors!!
Bring Signs, and Drums for the March! THERE WILL BE REFRESHMENTS From the Grill
AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. Please Bring A non-perishable food item to
help support the great work of the Food Bank of WNY.

Sundays, Dec 11 and 18 - Alternatives to Violence Program, Level 1. Enjoy the exercises, activities, and discussion in this experiential learning
opportunity. Includes communication, cooperation, dealing with feelings,
and problem-solving. First of three workshops (in two parts over the two Sundays) that lead to one’s being
a trained AVP facilitator. Helpful in any setting for more peace and
justice at every level, and for being able to put on workshops. (Location to be announced. Call Vivian 362-9688 or Vicki 884-0582)

Monday, Dec. 12 - at 7-9 pm, Understanding Islam and
Muslims. Unitarian Universalist Church, Elmwood and Ferry, Buffalo.
Come learn about the principles, values, beliefs, and
practices of Islam, as well as current challenges Muslims face in
the U.S. Dr. Othman Shibly, Peacemaker, Muslim Scholar,
and Chair of the Interreligious Affairs Committee of the Network
of Religious Communities, will inform and inspire attendees. 884-0582

Firefighter Appreciation Day!!

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:07:05 -0500

We are going to have a march and rally for the buffalo firefighters, this proposal was passed at the G.A today, the details are still being hashed out, stay tuned for more info.

OccupyBuffalo

Today! Thursday January 19th!

Occupy Video

NY City Council Passes Resolution Declaring that Corporations Are Not People

via: mohandasgandhi

Remember when people of WBC were arrested and pepper sprayed for protesting?﻿

andystepanian: A wall at the 190th St. subway station. Occupy...

Stay informed!

Occupy Buffalo movement expands to Lafayette Square

Video

Photo

PRESS RELEASE:

Call for Action

Firefighter Appreciation March!

Direct Action TODAY!

Occupy Buffalo Benefit

Knock for the 99%

300 Economists Who Stand With #OccupyWallStreet

Occupy Buffalo Events Calendar

If you aren’t already a member of our events calendar group, join so you can be invited to everything going on in Niagara Square!

Upcoming Events!

Firefighter Appreciation Day!!

We are going to have a march and rally for the buffalo firefighters, this proposal was passed at the G.A today, the details are still being hashed out, stay tuned for more info.

Remember when people of WBC were arrested and pepper sprayed for protesting?