Pennsylvania from Below is touring Occupations across Pennsylvania. We are traveling, meeting new people, documenting their stories and learning about their occupations. As far as we know, we are the only ones doing this state-wide in Pennsylvania.
One thing is clear: each occupation has its own character. Small-city occupations are different from the big-city ones, and the big-city ones are different still from Occupy Wall Street.
As we connect people and information across the state, please support us. We need donations to help cover gas, batteries and other expenses. We're estimating that we'll need $500. We also need more contacts and information on Pennsylvania occupations.
At each occupation, we are doing interviews that will be released as videos. We’re creating reports on what the people are doing and what makes their situation unique. Our website will be a clearinghouse for this information, and anyone is welcome to redistribute. We’re reporting our experiences live via Twitter. Please watch and use the hashtag #OccupyPA.
Below is a list of ongoing Pennsylvania occupations and some basic details that we know about them. Visit our website for feeds and links for each occupation.
OccupyAllentown is a 24-hour occupation that may have been the first in Pennsylvania. They have 10 to 20 people camped out and 30 to 40 people at general assemblies (GA's). The police have a “hands-off” policy, meaning they won’t bust up the occupation, but they won’t protect it from crime or violence, either. Occupy Allentown collaborates as part of Occupy Lehigh Valley.
OccupyEaston is in a small city and has held it down during the day while planning to become a 24/7 occupation. Most participants have children and jobs, so they are working on a rotating schedule to do this. They have 10 to 20 people on any given day and 20 to 30 at GA’s. They collaborate as part of Occupy Lehigh Valley.
OccupyBethlehem has eight to 10 people camped at a 24/7 occupation, and 25 to 30 attending GA’s. The Bethlehem Police publicly support the occupation. Occupy Bethlehem collaborates as part of Occupy Lehigh Valley.
OccupyPhiladelphia is a large, 24/7 occupation outside of City Hall. They have a tent city which includes some semi-permantent structures. They have many working groups and have had many marches and events. Their media group has been covering other city events than just the occupation itsself.
OccupyScranton is a 24/7 occupation with 10 to 20 people there, and many more at marches. They see their fight as one for workers’ rights.
OccupyYork has been doing general assemblies in preparation for occupation. Thirty people have been attending GA’s. They are also in collaboration with Occupy Harrisburg.
OccupyLancaster is a 24/7 occupation with about 15 tents and 20 to 50 people attending general assemblies. They are focused on reaching people in Lancaster and taking direct action on banks, but maintaining the tent city in the cold has taken a lot of their energy.
OccupyHarrisburg is a 24/7 occupation at the steps of the State Capitol building. Though they are 24/7, they are not allowed to camp, so they simply rotate who is there. They have five to 20 people at any given time and 30 to 50 at GA’s.
OccupyPittsburgh is a large, 24/7 occupation that has taken on many direct-actions, including shutting down local bank branches.
OccupyPennState is a 24/7 indoor occupation of a campus building. The occupation was started by student organizations. They have an emphasis on teach-ins and are considering direct actions.
OccupyErie is a 24/7 occupation that is currently struggling with the city to maintain its camp. They were recently told they can’t sleep in the square, so they are staying awake on shifts. They are active in having marches in different areas.
View the original article, with a map included, here.
