Where is Dewey Square?  How do I get there?  Where is the bathroom?

See the Directions/Visiting FAQ.

Are you related to Occupy Wall Street?

Yes, we were directly inspired by our brothers and sisters in New York, and we stand in solidarity with them.  The spirit of Occupy Wall Street has spread nationwide, and has an unofficial hub at Occupy Together.  There is also a list of occupations and Facebook pages at Daily Kos. While these different occupations share many goals and attitudes, they each operate independently, and there is no national organization that can speak for all occupations.

What are you protesting?

Most people who support Occupy Boston call for reforming Wall Street and removing special interest from government, but there no one single issue or demand that summarizes our movement. People are dissatisfied with how our country is being run and want fundamental, lasting change of many kinds.

What are you doing in Dewey Square?

We are camped in Dewey Square to raise awareness about the economic and political problems we face as a country. How we might solve these problems is part of the ongoing discussion unfolding in Dewey Square in downtown Boston, and other occupations around the country, on a daily basis. Come join us, the 99%, and speak your mind!

What do you mean “We Are the 99%?”

The top 1% of Americans control between 40% and 50% of the nation’s wealth – and more importantly, often use that wealth to undermine the democratic process. We invite the 99% to speak out for a economic and political systems that work for all people, not just a few.

Slate (October 2011)
Washington Post (October 2011)
Vanity Fair (May 2011)
PolitiFact (March 2011)

When do the marches take place?

Planned marches are posted our calendar: http://occupyboston.com/calendar/

There are also many spontaneous marches that take place at random times. If you have a good idea for a march you should get in touch with the Direct Action group by coming to Dewey Square and visiting their tent.

What is a General Assembly?

The General Assembly (GA) is the nightly meeting and organizational structure used by Occupy Boston to ensure that everyone gets a chance to speak their mind, while at the same time staying on an agenda. GAs are mainly used to address the question of what our demands and solutions might be.

General Assemblies are an example of pure, direct democracy. GAs have no leaders, only facilitators who guide things along according to the agenda of the meeting, which is arrived at by consensus.  There are a lot of rules, yet a lot of surprises, and it’s kind of hard to describe.  We encourage you to come down and check it out for yourself.

General Assemblies happen every night at 7:00 pm. For more information click here.

What’s the People’s Mic?

It’s a system of amplification in which the speaker is echoed by the crowd to make sure everyone can hear. It also provides an active experience, as opposed to a passive one.  Below is a good example of how it works – this is a video from the first night of occupation in Dewey Square, 9/30/11:

I want to donate food. Where should I drop it off?

Food donations should be brought to the Food tent at Dewey Square. Ask the Info Desk where the food tent is located. If driving, stop your car in the right lane of Atlantic Avenue near the beige/pink structure where the gravel path enters the park, and put on your flashers/hazards. Police have asked us to unload here.

Where do I bring non-food supplies like dry socks, blankets, batteries and tents?

Most non-food items can go to the Really Really Free Market Tent or the Logistics tent. Art supplies can go to the Recess tent. Ask the Info Desk where these tents are located.

I want to support you.  What do you need?

For updates on needed supplies, check here or here. For up-to-minute news, check the Twitter!

I want to volunteer. Who do I talk to?
I want to teach a class at Occupy Boston. Who should I talk to about that?
My band would love to play at Occupy Boston. Who should we talk to?

http://occupyboston.com/get-involved/

Can I donate money to Occupy Boston?

Yes. We will use these funds to directly benefit the occupiers. It will be used for many things, including food, clothing, shelter, supplies, computer support, internet access and more. Donate now.

Will I get arrested for being at Occupy Boston?

Read our Legal FAQ.

Can I bring my kids to Occupy Boston?

Yes. There are kids here every day. They can hang out and make a sign.

I want to party! Can I bring drugs and alcohol to Dewey Square?

No, alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited at Occupy Boston. This decision was made by consensus at the General Assembly.  Please respect it!  There are police around the occupation at all times.  If you bring illegal drugs, including pot, or you show up obviously intoxicated, you will probably be arrested, and you will give our occupation a bad reputation.  If you want to come to the occupation sober and talk about legalizing pot or ending the War on Drugs, you are more than welcome.

Will there be a big rally at Occupy Boston on October 15^th?

Yes, details pending.  This peace march will be ending at Occupy Boston.

My organization would like to support Occupy Boston. Who should I talk to?

It would be best to come down to Occupy Boston in person and talk to the many people who will be interested in your organization and the support it can add.  Anyone in Media or Outreach would be a good place to start.  If you must email, try the Outreach Committee.

Is there room for me to pitch my tent?

The camp is always in flux.  It’s best to ask the logistics team before heading down to join the camp.  If you are already on site, talk to logistics and we will find a way to fit you in.

I have a question that is not answered on this FAQ.  Who should I contact?

Please come down to Dewey Square and check in at the Information Desk.  We’re really pretty organized, and things are clearly marked.

I want to join the occupation.  What do I need to bring?