Press Release Thread

[theancientflack]

To make it easy for everyone to see what the PR Working Group is putting out to the news media, I'm posting all our press releases/statements to date, each as a separate post.

Apologies for the formatting issues. I'll try to get back here soon to clean them up & format fonts to make them look more like what the recipients in the news media recipients see.

[theancientflack]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
 
DATES:          October 21, 2011 – onward
TIME:              General Assembly commences at 5pm.
 
LOCATION:   Academy / Lafayette Park at State and Eagle St.
                        Albany, NY
CONTACT:    Public Relations Working Group *
WEB:              www.occupyalbany.org
EMAIL:           [e-mail]

PHONE:         [phone] (This number will be active beginning at 1pm on Friday October 21)
 
                   
DESCRIPTION:
 
Occupy Albany General Assembly Announces Decision to Begin Albany Occupation
 
ALBANY, NY – October 19, 2011 – The General Assembly of the movement to Occupy Albany, acting in solidarity with Occupy Wall St., has declared its intention to begin a non-violent occupation in Lafayette/Academy Park in Albany, on the north side of the Capital building and across from City Hall.  Occupation will begin on Friday, October 21. The General Assembly will convene at 5PM; all are invited and welcome to attend.

In the last month, the message of Occupy Wall Street has won the hearts and minds of over half of Americans (according to a recent Time Magazine survey) and is gaining ground globally. Occupy Albany is in broad solidarity with the Occupy movement and its principles, which stand in opposition to corporate domination of politics and the economic collapse caused by Wall St. capitalism and their representatives in Albany and Washington, D.C.  Occupy Albany broadly supports the idea of a more equal society and more direct democracy: people over profit.  Occupy Albany intends to remain in Lafayette/Academy Park until substantial change has been made to our broken system.
 
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Occupy Albany is built on the examples set by Occupy Wall Street and the Occupy Together movement. Our focus is on the economy and the corporate corruption of our political system. We are committed to non-violent action.


*We do not have a spokesperson. We are a people’s movement. We provide a contact address for ease of communication only.

[theancientflack]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/22/11

CONTACT: Public Relations Working Group *
WEB: www.occupyalbany.org
EMAIL: [e-mail]
PHONE: [phone]

Occupy Albany Celebrates Day One of Occupation at Academy Park

ALBANY, NY – October 22, 2011 – The non-violent and ongoing occupation of Albany’s Academy Park (Washington Avenue between Eagle and Hawk Streets) commenced at noon on Friday, October 21. The peaceful but vocal gathering of citizens grew significantly throughout the day and evening, swelling to an estimated 300-400 at its peak with more than 250 remaining beyond the park’s 11 PM curfew. Dozens occupied Academy Park overnight. Diverse in age and ethnicity, attendees were unified in their opposition to corporate domination of politics and the economic collapse caused by the financial industry represented by Wall St and the banking industry, and their representatives in Albany and Washington, D.C.

Demonstrators were greeted with enthusiastic shows of support from the drivers and occupants of passing vehicles throughout the afternoon and evening, and in several cases were joined by groups of passersby. The atmosphere was festive and cooperative, and there were no arrests or incidents. Discussions were held among participants encouraging respect for the property and consideration for the residents of Elk Street on the park’s northern border, including limiting hours for drumming and other loud sounds and formulating options for participants to utilize public transportation so as to leave parking spaces available for those who live in the community.

An open channel of communication between law enforcement and protesters has allowed the group’s freedoms of speech and assembly to take place in a non-adversarial and respectful atmosphere. "Mayor Jennings, Chief Krokoff, and the city police have expressed their commitment to upholding the first amendment in the City of Albany in the decision not to enforce the curfew against our peaceful protest, despite strong pressure to do so by the governor,” said Robert Magee of Occupy Albany’s Legal Working Group. “We look forward to working with them in the days and weeks ahead."
General Assembly convenes nightly at 5 PM. All are invited. In addition, working groups (Humane Resources, Legal, Outreach, Media & Technology and others) meet immediately following the General Assembly and offer opportunities to those wishing to lend their time and talents to the Occupation.
Research polls indicate growing public support for the Occupy movement and tenets. A Time Magazine survey last month concluded that more than half of Americans are supportive of Occupy Wall Street. The Occupy movement is also gaining ground globally, with Occupy meetups currently taking place in 1573 cities worldwide.

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Occupy Albany is built on the examples set by Occupy Wall Street and the Occupy Together movement. Our focus is on the economy and the corporate corruption of our political system. We are committed to non-violent action.

*We do not have a spokesperson. We are a people’s movement. We provide a contact address for ease of communication only.

[theancientflack]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/22/11

CONTACT: Public Relations Working Group *
WEB: www.occupyalbany.org
EMAIL: [e-mail]
PHONE: [phone]


OCCUPY ALBANY PUTS OUT CALL TO SUPPORTERS

Occupy Albany has issued an urgent request to supporters from throughout the Capital Region to join them tonight at Albany's Academy park to show solidarity with the Occupy movement. The request comes in response to reports that the City of Albany is being pressured to alter it's policy of tolerance of and respect for the demonstrators' peaceful and respectful assembly.

The occupation, originally planned to span both Academy and Lafayette parks -- city and state properties, respectively -- had to be restricted to the area belonging to the City of Albany after the State of New York refused to disregard curfew or other prohibitions in order to allow the occupation.

"We thank the City of Albany Police Department for allowing us to peacefully exercise our First Amendment rights last night, and we expect that to continue,despite the pressure being brought to bear by the governor to shut us down," said Occupy Albany Legal Working Group member attorney Kathy Manley. "We are peaceful, we are good neighbors, and we are committed to staying. We invite people to come support us."

Occupy Albany encourages people throughout the region to come to Academy Park by 11 PM tonight, the time of the curfew that Albany authorities chose not to enforce last night , to demonstrate their support for the movement and for Albany's policy to this point of allowing the participants to join together and be heard.

Any citizens concerned by Governor Cuomo's stance regarding Occupy Albany's non-violent and respectful assembly in a City of Albany public park and wish to share their thoughts on this matter should contact the governor's office at 518-474-8390, email him through www.governor.ny.gov/contact/, or comment on www.facebook.com/GovernorAndrewCuomo

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[theancientflack]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/23/11
CONTACT: Public Relations Working Group *
WEB: www.occupyalbany.org
EMAIL: [e-mail]
PHONE: [phone]

Clarification of Altercation at Academy Park in Albany
ALBANY, NY – October 23, 2011 – Occupy Albany wishes to clarify the details of an incident that occurred at Academy Park in Albany last night.

A minor altercation occurred between an apparently intoxicated veteran and a protester holding a sign that read 'economic justice now.' The veteran forcefully removed the sign from the protesters hands.

State Police acted effectively to ensure that the incident remained minor. Occupy Albany thanks the officers involved for their skillful handling of the situation, and for their professionalism and courtesy. This minor disturbance was over in minutes. It ended with the protester declining to press charges, accepting the apology of the man who had taken it, and shaking his hand while wishing him the best of luck in his return to civilian life.

Occupy Albany remains committed to peaceful protest and to being good neighbors. We understand and accept that the discussion of important issues can lead to passionate debate. We welcome those discussions within the framework of respect and nonviolence.

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Occupy Albany is built on the examples set by Occupy Wall Street and the Occupy Together movement. Our focus is on the economy and the corporate corruption of our political system. We are committed to non-violent action.

*We do not have a spokesperson. We are a people’s movement. We provide a contact address for ease of communication only.

[markm]

Thanks this is good to have. Have there been any more press releases? Where are they posted?

[markm]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Public Relations Working Group
WEB: www.occupyalbany.org
EMAIL: [e-mail]
PHONE: [phone]





OCCUPY ALBANY MEETS AS PARK TEMPERATURES DROP



ALBANY, NY Oct 28, 2011 - As of noon today, the Occupy Albany encampment in Albany's Academy Park is one week old…and has already had its first encounter with snowfall and freezing temperatures.



Following a General Assembly held beneath a large tree in the park's southeast corner on Thursday night, a hardy group prepared to stay overnight by clearing snow and rearranging tents. The tents were moved to maximize use of the park's paved walkways in order to minimize wear and tear from foot traffic on grassy areas. These preparations and others are being undertaken to maintain the respect of and care for this public space and the adjacent neighborhood as Occupy Albany readies itself to host other Occupy activists from across New York State tomorrow. The gathering is one of many Occupy Your Capital Day events taking place nationwide.



Amid the satisfaction of marking a peaceful and upbeat week of exercising their First Amendment rights-- in, thankfully, a city that recognizes and respects said rights -- the assembled also paused for a somber moment of silence to reflect upon the disturbing events that took place in Oakland on Wednesday and to collectively hope for the swift and complete recovery of protester Scott Olsen, the young veteran critically injured in a police action that evening.



We stand in support of the rights of the Oakland occupiers and all other Occupy assemblies to have their voices heard, and we are proud that Occupy Albany has been pointed to by national media in recent days as an example of how city authorities and protesting citizens can co-exist with mutual respect and dignity.



(photo: Occupy Albany holds its Thursday General Assembly under the modest protection of a large tree in Albany's Academy Park. Photo (c) Timothy Rabb 2011)


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Occupy Albany is built on the non-violent examples set by Occupy Wall Street and the Occupy Together movement. The Occupy movement is organized to address critical issues about the nation’s economic crisis, consolidation of wealth and power, and the ability of citizens to meaningfully participate in the democratic process.


*We do not have a spokesperson. We are a people’s movement. We provide a contact address for ease of communication only.
10.28.OccupyAlbanyGenAssmbly.TRABB.jpg 10.28.OccupyAlbanyGenAssmbly.TRABB.jpg
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[markm]

10/31/11 Press Release

For Immediate Release: Monday, 10/31/11


Contact: Occupy Albany Public Relations Working Group*

[e-mail]

518.813.6193



Snow and Cold Fail to

Dampen Spirits at Occupy Albany


Occupy Albany entered its second week by meeting the challenge of unseasonable temperatures and wet snowfall. Despite the threat of storms, a number of Occupy participants and supporters from other parts of New York State joined with Albany demonstrators on Saturday for an afternoon and evening of "Occupy Your Capital" activities. Similar gatherings took place in state capital cities nationwide.



Participants came from as far as Poughkeepsie and Pottersville, despite the snowy weather. In addition, many local individuals and business owners stopped by to donate hot food, warm clothes, and other supplies. Musicians, local and visiting, performed for the demonstrators. Saturday’s slate of events also included supportive remarks from several area elected officials as well as a number of Occupy Albany participants and supporters sharing their personal stories and hopes.



The Albany Police Department responded swiftly to address a minor disturbance, initiated by a man who disagreed with the right of protesters to be in Academy Park. The man shouted down invited speakers and jostled an Occupy Albany supporter, but the supporter was uninjured and declined to press charges. Occupy Albany thanks the responding officers and the Albany Police Department and commends their handling of the situation.



As the weather improved on Sunday, local participation remained strong and participants were enthusiastic. Activities ranged from the serious – a teach-in about voter registration and the importance of voting – to some purely fun and decorative pumpkin carving. Sunday also brought an unexpected musical treat when a Brooklyn-based group of musicians who’d been unable to get to Albany for a scheduled performance on Saturday because of the bad weather.



The coming week will bring more community actions, teach-ins, marches and music.



Occupy Albany also wishes to remind anyone interested in following the activities and announcements of the local movement that only the following outlets are supported by the Occupy Albany General Assembly as approved conduits of communication:



web site : occupyalbany.org



discussion forums: occupyalbany.proboards.com/



Livestream: www.livestream.com/occupyalbany



Facebook: www.facebook.com/OccupyAlbanyNY



Twitter: twitter.com/occupy_albany



Occupy Albany encourages people to visit, observe and talk. Differences of opinion are always welcome at the Occupy Albany encampment, within the framework of basic civility and nonviolence. All are welcome.



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Occupy Albany is built on the non-violent examples set by Occupy Wall Street and the Occupy Together movement. The Occupy movement is concerned with addressing critical issues about the nation’s economic crisis, consolidation of wealth and power, and the ability of citizens to meaningfully participate in the democratic process.


*We do not have a spokesperson. We are a people’s movement. We provide a contact address for ease of communication only.

[markm]

11/1/11 Press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Public Relations Working Group*
WEB: www.occupyalbany.org
EMAIL: [e-mail]
PHONE: [phone]



ALBANY, NY – October 31, 2011 –Occupy Albany would like to inform the media about two actions taking place this week:


Wednesday Nov 2, 2011 - March in Solidarity with Oakland, CA and to honor Scott Olsen - 5:00 pm March from Academy Park to the Federal Building

Background: Scott Olsen, a 24 year-old Iraq War veteran suffered a skull fracture from what is thought to be a tear-gas canister fired by police during attempts to clear the Occupy Oakland encampment on October 25. We send our thoughts to Scott as he recovers from critical condition and stand in solidarity to support the rights of the Oakland California occupiers and all other Occupy assemblies to have their voices heard.



Friday Nov 4, 2011 – In acknowledgment of National Bank Transfer Day -noon March from Academy Park to Bank of America at 69 State Street in Albany.

Demonstrators who wish to close their Bank of America accounts in protest will peacefully enter the bank to do so. Demonstrators will then head over to a not-for-profit credit union across the street to open accounts there.

Background: Occupy Albany protests the fact that the top six corporate level banks who own assets equivalent to 60% of the US gross national product have eroded the financial and democratic system in favor of their own interests. OA protests that these banks are spending more than $1 million per day lobbying Congress and fighting financial reform that encourages risk-taking, putting the economy at risk and pitting concentrated financial power against our democracy. OA protests the recent bank fee increases which target the impoverished and working classes, while putting more money into the hands of the top 1%.

National Bank Transfer Day is part of a national action that will also happen November 5th at corporate-level banks across the USA. Americans are moving their deposit accounts en masse out of the big banks and into local community banks and credit unions.

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Occupy Albany is built on the non-violent examples set by Occupy Wall Street and the Occupy Together movement. The Occupy movement is organized to address critical issues about the nation’s economic crisis, consolidation of wealth and power, and the ability of citizens to meaningfully participate in the democratic process.


*We do not have a spokesperson. We are a people’s movement. We provide a contact address for ease of communication only.

[markm]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/19

CONTACT: Public Relations Working Group *

WEB: www.occupyalbany.org

EMAIL: [e-mail]

PHONE: [phone]


Saturday November 19th Marks One Week of Arrests at Occupy Albany

ALBANY, NY – November 19, 2011 Over the past week more than 60 peaceful protestors have been arrested in Lafayette Park for allegedly violating a state curfew that is not codified in law, has never previously been enforced and appears to have been imposed specifically to target Occupy Albany.

In response organizations and community members throughout the Capital Region are planning a demonstration against this violation of constitutional rights.

The demonstration will begin at 10:00pm this Saturday 11/19 in Lafayette Park by the central monument and continue past the alleged 11pm curfew. Those who do not wish to risk arrest will leave the park at 10:55pm and line the side-walks surrounding the park in support. Those who are willing to risk arrest plan to peacefully remain in the park past curfew.

We would ask that Governor Cuomo not waste the valuable time and resources of our state troopers, as Occupy Albany has proven itself to be peaceful and respectful in exercising our right to free speech.


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Occupy Albany is built on the non-violent examples set by Occupy Wall Street and the Occupy Together movement. The Occupy movement is organized to address critical issues about the nation's economic crisis, consolidation of wealth and power, and the ability of citizens to meaningfully participate in a democracy unshackled by the interests of big money.

*We do not have a spokesperson. We are a people’s movement. We provide a contact address for ease of communication only.