I propose that anyone who has an interest in contributing research to help the OWS group move their vision forward join this working group. If you want to be part of OWS but are too far away to join in this could be the group for you.
Right now, we have Charlie Grapski's request for help. (See below) As we continue to post diaries, we will probably get other requests. I would like this to be a clearing house where people can go to find something to do to help. Many hands make light work.
The first list of things we can do to help is below the fold.
1) I am reconstructing the events of the march of 9/24. I could use help of those willing to:
(a) find/locate eye-witnesses - and ask them to provide a personal statement ... and here we can begin to list a series of questions in particular that we would like to see them include in their narrative of the events. This also itself will become a historical record. Here are a couple of key elements that should be included currently:
(i) Describe the route you took. The march generally was from Liberty (Zuccoti) to Union Square. I believe it circled Union square a few times. It was then going to head back downtown [one report said that this was being called to go via the UN]. Then certain roads were blocked - and they were corralled onto Broadway. At some point - and this is key - they wound up (all or just some - how and/or why) going West on East 12th St.
(ii) Describe the police presence before the orange nets came out and afterwards. When did that change (where were you - and if you have an idea of time that is great too); were there any explicit orders/instructions given that you heard, if so, how and what.
(iii) If you got arrested, when, where, and what for. How were you processed and transported. How long did you stay in jail, where, and how were you released.
(b) find/locate photo and video evidence. A single page should be created where we can consolidate in one place all of the evidence available to be used in research and analysis.
2) In these efforts it would be good to create two teams - and they should attempt to form a communications link between those similar teams on the ground.
(a) A media team. Try and contact and create a communications link with the OWS Media Team.
(b) A legal team. Try and contact and create a communications link with the OWS Legal Team. I would suggest contacting Seneca Doane and see if he would coordinate/moderate this at the start. And if he could follow up with those who responded to his call the other night.
3) I have located a few people that I would like to try and communicate with. I need people who can follow up on the leads that I have gathered - find other leads - and seek to make contact. I think this is best done mostly through a group messaging system - so as not to be too open/public about these discussions.
Thanks for your help.