Principles:

• We are committed to maintaining a constant and visible presence here.
• We are committed to respect for the public space, each other, and the larger community which we as individuals represent.
• We believe that a security cordon around the protest would undermine the messages and purpose of this movement.
• We recognize the unique challenge that having a public protest in and around such an event as Halloween creates for the safety of ourselves and the public we represent.
• We are committed to keeping a safe space.
• We intend to minimize the opportunities for conflict while maximizing the opportunities for public debate and discussion.

Plan of Action

1. Unnecessary infrastructure and equipment will be temporarily removed from the site early on the day of and day before the event. This includes tables, coolers, excess food, and any other materials that can reasonably be removed.
2. The general assembly the day of Halloween will be held at noon, rather than the customary 6pm time, to allow time for setting up the space, and to allow maximum attendance before access begins to be restricted.
3. Tents will be broken down and stored on site during the height of the Halloween festivities, with the exception of the food tent, in order to prevent them from being crashed by intoxicated partiers.
4. Our presence will be concentrated around the corner occupied by the food tent.
5. The food tent will be set up with the supplies needed on tables to the rear of the tent, and a table to the front of the tent will hold a limited selection of literature for the benefit of curious members of the public and supporters.
6. 10 to 15 well rested occupiers will be needed to maintain our visibility during the event, and will need to arrive at least 1-2 hours before streets are closed, which is approximately 8 pm or earlier according to public documents regarding the “hometown Halloween” event.
7. Other occupiers will need to return to the space as early in the morning as possible to relieve those who were in the space all evening.
8. We aim to create a festive atmosphere leading up to the 11:30 clearing of the streets, and afterwords, a respectful and somber occupation of the space that is compatible with other uses.
   a. We want to be in the spirit of the event up to the 11:30 clearing of pedestrians.
   b. Dress accordingly. Costumes are encouraged. Bring a change of clothes for later in the evening.
   c. This event creates an opportunity for inclusion with the greater local community, which we should maximize.
9. Banners and signage will be removed and/or relocated to the food tent, as they would otherwise be likely to be torn down.
10. All overnight occupiers will be briefed on how to limit conflict, including:
    a. It is acceptable and encouraged to engage sober persons in the rational, open conversations that define our movement, if they choose to be so engaged, and to offer opportunities for such engagements.
    b. It is dangerous to interact and engage with intoxicated persons, and we will discourage any such interactions.
    c. We must remember that aggression and provocation are greatly empowered by the anonymity of masks and costumes.
    d. We will not provoke harassment or violence in this space, and any of our responses to the same will be measured and restrained efforts to defuse the conflict at hand, rather than to escalate violence.
    e. We will keep a respectful distance from any counter-protest that arises.
    f. We will staff our occupation with sober individuals. Any occupiers that choose to become drunk will be strongly encouraged to return home for the rest of the night and sober up.
11. We expect to be closely watched by media, police, and the public, and will act accordingly.
12. We will invite members of our legal team and legal observers from the National Lawyers Guild to be present in case of any unanticipated conflicts.

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