Hi friends--
Just wanted to update on a few things.  First, that getting involved is not a full-time commitment. Sure, there are a core group of organizers who are doing this pretty much 24/7, but like most of the people on this mailing list, I don’t have the time for that. So I get involved whenever I can. Here’s one big deal, in my opinion: The direct action committee is one of the most active of all working groups. I think this is important for everyone to know for several reasons.  First, the direct actions are not getting much press right now and I think that’s partially because the focus is on the whole question of eviction, whether the city will act, how will we respond, etc etc. But I thought it was important for ya’ll to know that there are a LOT of actions going on. This week alone, I think there are six actions that OP is either spearheading or joining. I think these actions will begin to gain greater attention and numbers once the whole business about evictions settles down. It could be argued that quantity of actions dilutes numbers of participants, but I think this is a new model. I think it opens the possibility for greater participation on multiple fronts. No more do we go to Washington and hope to see a million folks on the Mall as our major source of activism. More importantly, I think these actions give the lie to any notion that there is no agenda or no issues being addressed. Actions this week include protesting at a meeting where Arne Duncan will be (that is, to support public education); a rally to support public libraries (and there are a few specific demands on that, but I don’t feel I know enough to speak on it); and a rally for immigrant rights. THOSE are ISSUES; that is part of an agenda. Many of us know what we want: we are crystal clear. But the desire to maintain a truly democratic process has been greater than the desire to rally beneath a single flag. As for whether we will be worn out. I say: Some of us think that a core group of folks will camp out over the winter, that some might move indoors (I myself am in favor of occupying public institutions like CCRI and URI and RIC, but I haven’t been able to get to work on that)--but almost everyone I know feels like this is not going to go away. I hope for a major resurgence in the spring. Part of this hope lies in the strength of the movement as a whole nationally and internationally.  It’s amazing—from police officers refusing to arrest protesters in places like Albany to the Occupy Nashville group filing suit against their City. I think it is this resilience as well as a general sense of momentum that will keep OP and the movement as a whole in the public eye over the winter. Finally, I have to say again . . .   This is the first time—perhaps in my life—that I have felt that not only do I belong, but also that I can actually be a part of something, specifically, be a part of setting the agenda.  One example is my intention to start a higher education outreach committee. Through profoundly democratic channels, I can make that suggestion, gather support and have resources (ie, other folks and an attachment to a larger movement). I have truly never seen anything like it in my life. What is key is that one has to be proactive in getting involved. I mean, folks should absolutely just go there and be present whenever you can, but no one is ever going to recruit you for anything. It’s very self-motivated. And folks are extremely understanding and thankful for anyone doing anything at all. If you do visit, I highly recommend a decent weather day and also try to catch the General Assembly.  It’s usually at 6 pm, but is sometimes scheduled earlier if there is an action scheduled or some other activity.  
I got very behind in chemistry these past two weeks so I am taking this week to get caught up on studying (alas, I thought I could do it in a tent—and I can, but there’s just so many more exciting things to do!)
Peace!
Mary