IMAGINE ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

FUNDRAISER FINAL REPORT

September 28 – October 1.  

Thanks to an energetic and enthusiastic member of Occupy Bellingham, Mark Washke, our first general fundraiser of the year was a huge success.  A report of money collected will be entered in the minutes of this Friday GA (October 5).  

Thanks to all of the Bellingham Occupiers who helped make this the success it was.  We talked to about 400 people in the course of the three day event.  The majority of those we spoke to were in support of our movement.  The two most common comments were “I’m glad to see you are still here.” and “Thank you, keep up the good work.”  We had more cookies than we could give away.  Thanks to all you cookie bakers.  People told us their appreciation for “good” coffee (Arabica) “real” cream and milk.  We liked to inform them that Occupy was also about food justice which meant real and local food.   We gave away the buttons we were wearing, one to a person from France!  

The following Bellingham Occupiers deserve a vote of thanks for either putting in time at the rest stop or baking cookies:  Mark W., Ronna L., Debbie C., Dianne F., David W., Terry D, Marcia L., Mark’s Step mom, Alyce W., Robyn A., Bob B., Anita H., Jeral.  

The discussion about using the money is yet to come (GA approved 10% to be used for legal defense).   A reminder that The Bellingham Occupy GA will take place at the library (NW corner) where the tent has been for the past month.

 

 

Light Projection Action under a Blue Moon

Our “Light Projection Action under a Blue Moon” was a wonderful time for those Activists that participated.  We lit up Bellingham, WA after the “Stop the Coal Ports! Rally/March” Event on Friday 08/31/2012.  Many thanks to Occupy Spokane and the Backbone Campaign for making this Action possible.
photo

See the photodocumentation for this Event at this link…

http://www.flickr.com/photos/81108452@N05/sets/72157631356607670/

This Posting may be temporary, but it needs to be at the Top of our Front Page for Activists that are going to need access to these pictures ASAP.  Eventually, this will be tucked away under the Media Tab.

MONTANA NO COAL EXPORT ACTION DAY 5

Marcia, Mark, Karen and Larry are there and thus far have not been arrested.  Marcia’s report as of Friday is that they have met many great folks, are learning a lot, march and chant each day . Further, that the action is mainly symbolic at this point as decisions have been made about mining the coal.   They are staying on the deck of 2 activists who live close by.   They  are being fed by the local action groups.  Maria and Mark plan to stay on till late Monday or Tuesday as Monday will be the final day of protest.   Larry reported in email on Tuesday  that “14 have been arrested so far.  Busy with arraignments at 8:00 this morning.  Great actions, very smooth and effective.”   The following link http://www.flickr.com/photos/coalexportaction/ will show you a gallery of photos taken since day one.  You will see a few folks wearing #OB buttons.

Spread the word. 
Share the news.

They’re off to Montana

A caravan of 2 Bellingham Occupy members have left for Montana to support the Coal action planned in Helena from the 13th to the 20th.  You can find more information about this action at the following link http://coalexportaction.org/

To view an agenda for the weeks events go to the following URL:  http://coalexportaction.org/agenda/

Occupy Bellingham would like to engage in more of these activities but we need funding resources to do this.  Please consider donating to Occupy Bellingham today.  You can find out how to do this from the main page on the web site.

 

#OB INFORMATION TENT DAY 3

On Friday from 1:00 to 3:30 5 members of Occupy Bellingham “occupied” our new tent for the third day on the Bellingham Library lawn (NW corner opposite County courthouse).  It was an energizing experience.  It felt good to have a presence of Occupy Bellingham again.  As with the first week we received some donations, gave out literature and added names to the #OB email list.  There were enough Occupiers present to relate to any passer-by who wanted to talk, rave or ask questions.  We plan to continue this on a weekly basis at 1:00 at this same corner.  We did not meet with any opposition to our presence.  We are gathering sign material for anyone who would like to join us to get your slogan on to a sign. 

TAR SANDS ACTION

A few of us heard a presentation by Deep Green Risistance at the Co-Op connections on August 1.  #OB voted to support their actions as stated in this piece to stop the Tar Sands pipeline from crossing unceded indigenous land and reaching the sea terminal in British Columbia.  The following is from their web site www.deepgreenresistance.org

We seek to stand in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en and other First Nations in their fight against the exploitation and degradation brought on by the tar sands, including the Enbridge Northern Gateway and other pipelines, fuel terminals, and refineries. Members of Deep Green Resistance will participate in the Action Camp, as well as organize a series of events to raise support [and collect donations?] for the Unis’tot’en Action Camp and the struggle.

Now in its third year of resistance in the ongoing struggle, the Action Camp, will see many activities focused on building solidarity, as well as campaign and action planning for those communities who will stop the pipelines and mining projects that are unwelcome in the First Nations territories. The Lhe Lin Liyin, will stand with strong and uncompromising allies to stop this destruction to protect future generations and biodiversity. In taking this action, we will act in solidarity with those living amidst the horrific damage of the tar sands in northern Alberta, as well as those affected by natural gas & shale oil fracking. The Action Camp is located on the shore of the Wedzin Kwah and the mouth of the Gosnell Creek (km 66 on the Morice River West FSR), tributaries to the Skeena, Bulkley, and Babine Rivers, at the exact location where the Northern Gateway Pipeline, the Pembina Pipeline, the Kinder Morgan Pipeline and the Kitimat Summit Lake Looping Project seek to cross the rivers.

In addition to participating in the Action Camp, we seek to raise support for our allies fighting the pipeline projects. Deep Green Resistance will be planning several events in the Pacific Northwest to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle by the Wet’suwet’en and other First Nations against the colonization and destruction by the fossil fuel industry.

JUDICIAL CANDIDATES FORUM

FIRST FORUM:  7 p.m., Wednesday, July 18th, 2012  Labor Hall, 1700 No. State Street

Appearing: Carrie Coppinger Carter and Dave Grant (candidates for Whatcom Superior Court).   Sheryl McCloud, Susan Owens, and Scott Stafne (candidates for Washington Supreme Court).

SECOND FORUM:  7 p.m., Thursday, July 26th, 2012  Labor Hall, 1700 No. State Street

Appearing:  Deborra Garrett (candidate for Whatcom Superior Court).   Steve Gonzalez (candidate for Washington Supreme Court)

The justice system, from local Whatcom County courts to the State Supreme Court, is often a mystery to citizens.  But it is run by people – people who are elected by the citizens.  Decisions that will affect your life every day are made by the judges and justices running these democratic institutions.  Come learn more about the system, how it works, and the people proposing to represent the citizens within that system.
Since 1937, when it was formed as the first legal organization to allow black lawyers as members, the National Lawyers Guild has been at the legal forefront of every progressive social movement, including the civil rights movement, the peace movement, and, most recently, Occupy.  Come learn a unique perspective on the justice system, and hear how judicial candidates answer your questions.

Sponsored by The National Lawyers Guild – Bellingham Organizing Committee, Whatcom Peace and Justice Center, the Northwest Washington Central Labor Council, Laborer’s Local # 276, Whatcom Human Rights Task Force, and Community to Community.

For more information, contact Karen Weill or Larry Hildes at (360) 715-9788 or lhildes@earthlink.net

PRIDE PARADE – SUNDAY JULY 15

Join Occupy Bellingham as we participate in the BELLINGHAM PRIDE PARADE on Sunday, July 15th.  We will meet at the Bellingham High School at about 11:45 for the parade start at 12:00PM.  We will march through town to the Farmers Market building where we will join others to celebrate PRIDE week.  Occupy Bellingham will staff a table with information about Occupy Bellingham.  Bring your signs in support of PRIDE week, economic justice and justice for all humanity.  PRIDE T-shirts will be available for sale at the market. 

 

GET MONEY OUT OF POLITICS

Craig Salins of Washington Public Campaigns

Will speak on:

MONEY AND POLITICS

                       The issue of money in politics this year is of high concern, and touches nearly every other issue we all care about. Join us for an evening with Craig Salins from Washington Public Campaigns.

Craig’s presentation with touch on Money As Speech, the Citizens United ruling, campaign finance reform and the logistics of public campaigns. There will be plenty of time for question and answer.

This event is free and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you there!

 Bellingham Herald Building, 1155 North State St. Suite 309
Monday, July 9, 2012    7pm – 9pm

Sponsored by WeWillNotBeDivided.org