Occupy Raleigh, NC (part 19) Occupy Supply (pub: 12/29/11)

Occupy Raleigh Pic from Linda C.

As I mentioned before, we received a small starter pack of supplies from the Occupy Supply a couple weeks ago. Yesterday we received our first large shipment. It included hats, gloves, fleece jackets and pants, masks, scarves, and blankets. We were immediately impressed by the quality of the clothing. Along with all that, Occupy Supply also sent some money to our wonderful delivery person Linda to go buy a few additional supplies for the camp. As we took inventory of our new supplies we gave Linda a list of a few odds and ends and she went and picked up everything that she could. We really appreciate people like Linda, who does not even live in Raleigh, jumping at the chance to help and be involved.

Occupy Raleigh is thrilled to receive this support package from Occupy Supply. Today we will begin handing out the clothing as is needed. Those staying at the camp the most will have priority for the warmest supplies first, however everyone will be able to have something to help fill in whatever winter clothing niche is most lacking. This kind of support does wonders for morale. It gives a tangible reminder of how widespread this struggle is. Its reinforces the notion that many of us are banding together in this struggle. I often say that one of the great advantages of the 99% is that there are so many of us with different ideas, abilities, talents, resources, and knowledge. Not everyone can occupy but everyone can find some way to support the movement. Occupy Supply is a wonderful example and reminder of this.

From a couple others from Occupy Raleigh:

My hands, feet, and other body parts thank you! – Chris

‘Thank you’ is not enough to express Occupy Raleigh’s gratitude for the warm gifts sent our way via Occupy Supply. The winter gear we’ve received has met a critical need, and lifted the spirits of those encamped. Many thanks to all involved! – Tayloe

Our resources and funding has its ups and downs. OccupySupply is a wonderful up.
We still have people occasionally dropping off food and other supplies. We have a few occupiers who are very generous in bringing us wood for the fire and helping us keep water jugs full. We still get some cash donations brought to us at the camp.

There have been a few downsides however. One of those cash donations which was brought by a pastor was stolen by the person who he gave it to. That donation alone would have amounted to 20% of our reserves so it was a substantial loss. In a future entry I plan to go into a lot of detail on how we handle issues of theft and de-escalation because I think many will find it interesting and valuable but I don’t want to go into details now. The anonymous donor who was paying the rent for the land we are on has removed their financial support. When we asked our liaison to this donor if they gave a reason as to why our liaison said they did not. We have already raised the money for January through donations from a variety of occupiers but it is an issue we will have to address in a more sustainable fashion.

Most troubling has been the slowdown of online donations. We are working on different ways to try to increase our fund raising including tapping some of the musician contacts some occupiers have so we can put together a couple benefit style concerts. It feels like we are turning a corner as an occupation in regards to how much we trust each other and how well we communicate with one another. People who were less vocal early on are much more confident in voicing their thoughts which has been invaluable. We are able to confront sensitive and touchy issues with the discussions remaining productive and non-confrontational in which everyone can voice their opinions. Discussions we might have had in smaller groups before are now involving everyone at the occupation at the same time.

We have an increased amount of direct actions planned. We have an incredible group of people who hold down the occupation 24/7. We have dedicated people who support the camp as much as able, from doing laundry, to bringing supplies, to offering showers, to offering rides, or bringing meals. I know times are tough. I know there is a lot of uncertainty about everyone’s personal financial security. But if anyone is willing to help or spread the word to others who may be willing to, it would be greatly appreciated by everyone at Occupy Raleigh.

I said it before and I will say it again. The great strength of the 99% is we have many people with so many skills, talents, resources, ideas, and knowledge. When we get enough of the 99% pooling that power we become unstoppable. The 1% lived under the delusion that their wealth, political power, and resources made them untouchable. The Occupation Movement is proving them wrong each day we continue to resist and grow.

Thanks again to Firedoglake and to the Occupy Supply along with all those who support it!

Happy Holidays everyone!