May 9, 2007
As you may know, from April 21 to May 2, PEOPLE PROJECT created an
encampment based on the principles of non violence to reclaim sleep in
public spaces, highlighting the need for a people-run campground. The
action exposed the current ban on public sleeping and the local policy of
harassment towards poor and houseless communities. It wasn’t difficult to
reveal these policies of cruelty; the harmonious and dignified space
created through the encampment prompted the City of Arcata to respond with
more threats, intimidation, and force.
Building on the previous weeks’ events, PEOPLE PROJECT invites your
participation in a preparatory encounter meeting, this Saturday May 12, to
strengthen and build relationships and alliances.
One focus of the meeting will be preparing for an upcoming public forum.
The public forum, scheduled for the last week of May, is another step
toward broadening PEOPLE PROJECT’s ongoing effort– to address injustices
and hardships facing the houseless community through creative collective
dignified community solutions.
The preparatory encounter, on the heels of the encampment action, will be
a chance for various folks and organizations in the area to see each
other, determine how they can help organize the forum, and ultimately
begin working together toward community that recognizes dignity and
respect for all.
We encourage at least one representative from each of the organizations
listed below to participate in meeting Saturday afternoon (May 12) from
3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Labor Temple, 840 E St. Eureka. Snacks will be
provided and welcomed.
We apologize for the short notice. If your organization cannot come to
this meeting, any input through email or phone conversations is greatly
appreciated.
Please forward this letter to any other supportive organizations or
individuals.
We look forward to coming together with you soon.
PEOPLE PROJECT Assembly Collective
HOPE Coalition Democracy Unlimited of Humboldt County
Bar None Women in Black
American Civil Liberties Union Civil Liberties Monitoring Project
Veterans For Peace Accion Zapatista de Humboldt
Californians for Alternatives to Toxics Human Rights Commission
Communities For Peace Unitarian Universalist Church
Redwood Peace and Justice Center War Tax Resisters League
Green Party (Hum Co.) WildPhyre Rose Gathering
Redwood Curtain CopWatch Food Not Bombs
Raven Project Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
Art As Resistance Collective Ethnic Studies Collective (of HSU)
Northcoast Environmental Center Native American Studies Collective
Women’s Studies (of HSU) Industrial Workers of the World/IWW
Grow GMO Free (of Humboldt County) Sewing for Peace
Humboldt Friends Meeting, Quakers Humboldt Free Radio Alliance
Emma Center Black Student Union (of HSU)
Law Office of Tracy D. Herrin We Do Not Consent
Citizens Pulp Mill Committee Humboldt Watershed Council
The Legacy Connection Mattole Wildlands Defense
Church of the Joyful Healer Dream Big Coalition
Campaign Against SunValley Floral Farms’ Toxic and Unethical Practices
Mobile Medical Services Blue Lake Lightning Farm
Arcata Educational Farm (Community Supported Agriculture)
Arcata Playhouse, Vagabond Players Synapsis
Blake Richard Organic Fern Gully Tree-Sit Affinity
Environment and Community Masters Program (of HSU)