I am setting up this diary as a vehicle to organize leaflet protests outside branches of Chase, Citi, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo.
For background and fun, read my previous diary:
http://www.dailykos.com/...
I'm calling this #MYM for short. I am not affiliated with OWS, but I am inspired and fully support OWS. This is parallel action.
This diary is a call for volunteers, for action. Please Rec, but more importantly, please JOIN ME. I will provide training and resources, but I need people to get off their .... and join me
If you want to volunteer to help, "we" [currently just me] can use people for all kinds of jobs. You do not need to be articulate, deal with the police. I could use help printing leaflets, video support for the protest, photography, drivers, and witnesses.
The structure of this protest is simple:
First and foremost: This is a non-violent, non-confrontational, pacifist action. If you have a temper, help with printing ;-)
Get 2-3 people, 1 leafletter, 1 photo/video, 1 witness/support in front of retail bank branches or ATM branches.
"Target" different banks every day, coordinating efforts.
Protest for 1 hour or so a day, so that "regular" people can participate without taking time of work
Target rush-hour at the banks, before work (7-9am), during lunch (12-2pm) and after work (5-7pm where open).
Dress the part: If you can, dress like you're going to church/wedding or as a Jehova's Witness. People, especially seniors are much more likely to take a leaflet from a presentable person with a smile and a polite word.
Speak the part: Be as polite as if talking to your grandmother in church. Use Ma'am, Ms., Miss, Sir as appropriate. Address police as "Officer". Say "Excuse me" and "Good afternoon". [Not trying to teach manners, just offering examples of the tone that I propose]
Avoid confrontation: If asked to leave by police, leave. If asked to leave by private security, ask them politely to tell you which law you are violating. Do not fight/argue with security. Use a tone that tells them you're on their side and "get it": they are just trying to do their job, they think this is as silly as you do and you're clearly not a threat. If you see them already in the area, walk up and introduce yourself and tell them: I will hand out some flyers, won't be giving you or the customers any trouble. Get them a cup of coffee.
TO VOLUNTEER: Please comment with the SUBJECT showing your state/city, hours and role like this:
SF, CA - morning - video
White Plains, NY - lunch - leaflets
Newark, NJ - eve - driver
LA, CA - any - printing
Who's with me?
Flyers here: http://bit.ly/...
Planned Actions:
Action: San Francisco, Friday 11/4/2011, See photos
Next action planned: Daly City, Monday 11/7/2011, 8am. Let me know if interested