I just received the below, forwarded from my brother, a New Jersey resident and worker. He has been actively involved with Occupy Trenton for the past few months. He is the best big brother a girl could have, and I am very proud of him. I am especially thrilled to have family members in other cities supporting the Occupy Movement.
Over Thanksgiving weekend, before I had to catch my train back to Philly, he drove me to the two locations. Occupy Trenton at that time was less than a dozen tents in a park. The second site was across from the state house. The big sign there said 'Occupy New Jersey'. Occupy the whole state! I loved it. I especially loved the location right across from where Christie works. Every day they were out there occupying Trenton, New Jersey.
As many of the larger Occupy locations have been shut down (mostly due to the authorities and their distaste for parts of the first amendment), at least for the winter while people are regrouping, and of course, others are fighting back, it is also essential to give whatever support we can to the smaller locations that are holding steady.
I am quoting the email from Occupy Trenton (via my brother) below in full. I am not sure if smaller donations are allowed. I am just passing on information. If you can donate, wonderful! It's also good to know what is going on at the various Occupy locations around the country.
Occupy Winter!
Not as well known as the Occupies in some of the big league cities like NYC, Phila and Oakland, but still alive after 115 days - Occupy Trenton - across the street from New Jersey's State House and Gov Chris Christie's office - needs a little help to keep going - see their request below, help if you can.
Occupy Trenton has been out in front of the New Jersey State House for over 115 days, spreading the word about the forces that caused the global financial meltdown.
As winter has progressed, the cold weather has affected our occupation and our ability to do important work. Although it has been a mild season, the state denies us the use of electricity, shelter or heat at the occupation site. Our determination to continue occupying – and to comply with the law while doing so – has meant we must focus nearly all our energy on maintaining the life and health of the occupiers, and we have fewer resources to dedicate to the other parts of our mission such as outreach, education and direct action.
Now we have an opportunity to secure an indoor headquarters less than one block from the occupation site, but we must act immediately!
We only need 200 people to give $36 each.
Please help us!
Visit this link to make your one-time $36 donation to our HQ Fund Drive.
https:/www.paypal.com...
We are only asking for 200 donations for this drive.
Everyone who donates will be listed on our website (if they wish.)
If you want to track the progress of our drive or donate via web, visit the HQ Fund Drive page on our new website:
http://occupytrenton.net/...
We are NOT leaving the WWII Memorial park! We need to maintain our occupation directly in front of the state house to keep pressure on the Governor and the Legislature and to remind them that the people’s right to a democracy that works as well for 99% of our people as it does for the 1% cannot be ignored.
But this location is close enough to provide logistical support to the occupation site. Occupiers can go inside and get warm on overnight shifts, or during cold days. There is a bathroom. Laptop batteries can be kept charged. Signage and equipment can be stored securely during rotations. It will provide a backup location for General Assembly meetings during cold or inclement conditions. And it will serve as a home base for the secondary goals of our occupation: community outreach, communications, and organizing for change.
Many people are suffering through this economic disaster and cannot afford $36, but if you can, please consider helping us in our efforts to continue the occupation.
We will continue standing up for the 99%. We will not be stopped. If you’ve been wondering how you can help show your support for the Occupy movement, please consider adding your name to our list of HQ supporters today with your $36 donation.
Find out more, see the list of our supporters, and track the progress of our HQ Fund Drive on our website:
http://occupytrenton.net/...