Welcome login | signup
Language en es fr
We are the 99 percent

Free Bus Trips & Call to Action for People’s Summit in Chicago 5/18

Posted 12 years ago on May 6, 2012, 9:16 a.m. EST by OccupyWallSt

chicago 99 solidarity

via 99% Solidarity:

99% solidarity is excited to participate in nonviolent direct actions in Chicago from May 18 to 22, 2012. We have secured buses to bring people to these actions from several U.S cities.

We are currently working on the travel schedule, agenda and other important details of this trip. We will be contacting you with updated information shortly. For now here are a few updates:

  • The Bus trip is free
  • 50 people from each city must sign up and board the bus for the trip take place. If a city has less then 50 sign ups, then we may have to cancel the bus for that city.
  • Meals will be provided on board the bus to and from Chicago
  • We are working on housing and meals while in Chicago

There are several direct actions and events that we will participate in while in Chicago including:

  • May 18 – The People’s Summit
  • May 19 – the 99% Solidarity People’s Convention
  • May 20 – CANG8 rally and march.

Please visit 99solidarity.net often to get the most up to date information and be sure to invite your friends and fellow occupiers to join you on this exciting, historic trip.

In addition, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @99solidarity

Currently, buses will be leaving from the following cities in time to arrive in Chicago on May 17.

New York City
Washington DC
Boston, MA
Providence, RI
Burlington, VT
Salem, NH
Philadelphia, PA
Atlanta, GA
Oakland CA
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Portland, OR
We are working hard to add more cities, so please check back often if your city is not listed.

See below for the call to action!

also via 99% Solidarity:

From 5/17-5/22 occupiers throughout the country will be joining with the National Nurses United, and many other unions and groups, in Chicago for the People’s Summit, and to protest at the NATO summit on 5/20. The purpose of the People’s Summit is to join together in solidarity, address the grievances of the 99%, and advance the process of truly changing this country. The NATO summit provides an opportunity to directly confront some of those grievances; our nation’s exorbitant spending on the military, global militarization, and the culture of war. It is ludicrous that in a time of economic hardship our military spending is higher than the other ten top spending countries combined. Our tax dollars fund useless wars and support the military industrial complex while social programs are being cut and our infrastructure is crumbling.

Though the G8 punked out and will conduct their nefarious business in the secluded, well guarded confines of Camp David, the gathering in Chicago will still be an important event, showcasing the frustrations of the 99% and our willingness to act in the struggle for a just and fair society.

This is a key moment in the American Spring. Following the nationwide actions on May Day, the Chicago actions will keep the pressure on and show the determination of the Occupy Movement and its many supporters and allies to keep up the fight and get the message out to the people.

This is the time for action. The fact that Rahm Emanuel has trashed the constitution in his attempts to quash protest and stifle dissent makes it all that more important that we show up in Chicago to raise our voices. The repressive measures taken by Mayor Emanuel encapsulate the broader assaults on freedom by our city, state, and federal governments; all to serve their masters, the 1%. The gathering in Chicago has thus become an even more powerful symbol, a chance to show the true passion and determination of our movement.

We are at a crucial time in American and world history, a crossroads which will lead to subjugation by the 1% or a new age of justice and freedom. The choice is yours. Our country was founded through revolution. Though the results of this revolution were imperfect, it was still a great advance for the cause of individual liberty. The people who fought for and supported the American Revolution knew that it was time to stand up for their rights or be subjugated. We now face the same choice. If the 99% finds common cause and courage, if we rally together and demand change, demand a more just and fair society, our revolution need not be a violent one, but an enlightened one. Our numbers are unstoppable. Our unity is our strength, our resolve is our weapon. Our greatest enemy is apathy. Come to Chicago on 5/18 for the People’s Summit and help create a world you will be proud to pass on to your children and grandchildren. Let the future remember you as one of the heroes.

39 Comments

39 Comments


Read the Rules
[-] 2 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

Dear Matthew

Thank you for signing up for the 99% Solidarity Chicago bus trip leaving from New York City. This will be an exciting and historic weekend in Chicago.

For the bus to make the trip, at least 50 people from New York City need to sign up and go on the trip to Chicago. Please invite your fellow occupiers and friends and ask them to sign up and join you. If more than 50 people sign up, more buses will be added in the cities that need them.

99% is currently working out the details of the trip from New York City and an update will be sent soon with the following information:

Date of departure and return - for cities in the northeast buses wll be leaving for for Chicago on May 16 and May 17. Buses in other cities will depart on May 14 and May 15. All buses will leave Chicago to return to their originating no later than May 22nd. Departure locations - We are currently working on locations in each city and will update you shortly. Volunteers - we will be contacting you about ways you can help 99% Solidarity on this trip in the next few days.

In addition to the email updates, you can stay up to date in the following ways:

Visit 99solidarity.com often. Updates are posted frequently.

Visit and like our Facebook page

Follow us on Twitter:@99solidarity

If you can afford to help with the costs of this trip, please donate to 99% Solidarity .

In Solidarity 99% Solidarity

Info@99solidarity.net


Dear Matthew

99% Solidarity is receiving many good questions about the bus trips. We are doing our best to answer them directly. Below are the most common questions received.

This FAQ Will be updated as more common questions are received, so please check back often.

What are the departure and return dates and times for each city?

Departure and return dates and times for each city will be posted on the site and emailed to everyone who signed up shortly.

How much does the bus ticket cost me?

The is no cost to participate. If you can afford to, please donate to 99% Solidarity to help us cover some costs. You can make a donation on our WePay page.

Will we stop to sleep on the way to Chicago? The buses will make short rest stops to fuel, resupply, and let bus riders stretch their legs. All sleeping will be on the bus.

Will housing be provided in Chicago?

We are working on housing arrangements, but we have not secured housing yet. Please do your best to secure housing for yourselves, and we will update this FAQ, the website, and email everyone who signed up as soon as we have more info.

Who is paying for the buses? The buses and meals on the buses are being donated by National Nurses United.

Can I sign up and bring some friends along with me without them signing up? To join this bus trip to Chicago, everyone need to sign up at www.99solidarity.com/Chicago. If you are not signed up, you will not be allowed to get on the bus.

Can I bring my pet or service dog on the bus?

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate any pets or service dogs on the buses.

Is there room for my bicycle on the bus?

Unfortunately, no. We will not have room to transport bikes.

Will smoking be permitted on the buses?

Smoking is not allowed on board the buses. The buses will make rest stops along the way. Smokers can take advantage of these opportunities to light up.

Will you add buses from other cities if there is enough interest?

We cannot add buses from other cities at this time. We hope that those persons in cities without a bus can get on a bus in one of the cities where buses are leaving from.


Dear Matthew

Thanks for jumping on board the 99%Solidarity Chicago bus trip. We’d love to hear your hopes, dreams, and goals for the various Chicago actions, and your personal reasons for wanting to be there.

Please share your thoughts using this form located at http://99solidarity.net/chicago/why-i-am-going-to-chicago/

We will be posting a selection on the 99Solidarity.com blog to help get everyone revved up!

in solidarity 99% Solidarity

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

I live in San Diego

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

E=mailed and got no personal response

perhaps no one is behind this


Dear Matthew

Start gettting ready!

Below is departure date, time and departure location by city for most of the buses going on this historic trip to Chicago. More information for west coast cities is forthcoming, and it will be posted as soon as we get it.

All buses will leave Chicago to return to their home cities on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 9:00pm.

The cities listed are subject to change.

Departure City Departure Date Departure Time Departure Address Chicago Arrival Time

New York City Thursday, May 17, 2012 2:00 AM West Park Church, 165 w. 86th St (86th and Amsterdam) 7PM

Washington DC Thursday, May 17, 2012 4:00 AM McPherson Square, 1400 I Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20005 7PM

Boston, MA Wednesday, May 16, 2012 11:00 PM South Station, 700 Atlantic Avenue Boston, MA 7PM

Providence, RI Wednesday, May 16, 2012 11:00 PM Walmart - 51 Silver Spring St Providence, RI 02904 7PM

Burlington, VT Wednesday, May 16, 2012 11:00 PM TBD 7PM Albany, NY (bus from Burlington) Thursday, May 17, 2012 TBD TBD 7PM Detroit, MI Thursday, May 17, 2012 12:00 PM 3900 Michigan Ave, Detroit MI 7PM

Philadelphia, PA Thursday, May 17, 2012 2:00 AM 30th street station, 2955 Market street, Philadelphia, PA 7PM

Atlanta, GA Thursday, May 17, 2012 4:00 AM 477 Peach Tree St. Atlanta, GA 7PM Oakland / SanFrancisco TBD TBD 19th street BART Station - 1900 Broadway, Oakland CA 94612 7PM

Los Angeles, CA Wednesday, May 16, 2012 12:00am Pershing Square/Biltmore Hotel, 506 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 7PM

Portland, OR Tuesday, May 15, 2012 6:00PM 311 SE 12th, Portland, OR 7PM

We will keep you updated regularly as we get more information.

In Solidarity 99% Solidarity


Dear Matthew

99% Solidarity just sent an email with the city by city bus schedule. In some browsers and email clients, the schedule may not appear.

You can access the city by city bus schedule on our website at http://99solidarity.net/chicago/city-by-city-bus-schedules In Solidarity 99% Solidarity

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

Dear Matthew

On Saturday May 12, 2012, 99% Solidarity will hold a Meet Up for people signed up for Chicago Bus Trip. The purpose will be to get to know each other, have a discussion and take questions about the trip. There will also be a nonviolent direct action training. We will also hold an 'Open Spaces' session during which volunteer groups can gather and discuss plans and coordination. This is a great opportunity to prepare for Chicago. The meeting will be live streamed for participants who can't make it.

Please RSVP on the Facebook Event Page

Location West Park Presbyterian Church 165 West 86th Street (w. 86th and Amsterdam) New York, NY

Time 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Live Stream We will post the livestream URL on 99solidarity.com and the 99% Solidarity Facebook Page prior to the meet up.

Agenda Introduction, review of schedule and agenda for Chicago, announcements Open discussion, Q @ A Open Spaces – for volunteer groups Nonviolent direct action training

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

missed that e-mail meeting

I hate e-mail

why can't events be planned publicly

and I live in San Diego

[-] -1 points by MattHolck2 (44) 12 years ago

Dear Matthew

PLEASE DISREGARD THIS EMAIL IF YOU BOARDED THE BUS ON MAY 16 AND ARE ALREADY ENROUTE TO CHICAGO . You are confirmed on a bus leaving from New York City to Chicago on May 17, 2011. If possible, please print this email or have it available on your smart phone when you check in for the bus trip.

Please be sure to bring:

  • A picture ID if you have it (not required to board the bus but very very helpful),
  • The email address you used when yu signed up with
  • This boading Number (It's the timestamp when you signed up): New York City

The bus will leave New York at 2:00 AM on Thursday, MAY 17, 2012. The bus will be located at:

West Park Presbyterian Church 165 west 86TH street (at Amsterdam) New York, NY 10024

West Park Church doors will open at 11PM to provide everyone with a place to wait for the bus.

In Solidarity 99% Solidarity

[-] 2 points by Scandalous (2) 12 years ago

I live in Spokane wa- is one leaving from Seattle, or is the Portland bus going trough there?

[Removed]

[Removed]

[Removed]

[-] 1 points by bree (1) 12 years ago

Is anyone from California going? I live in san diego, but I can make it up to LA.

Do we have to sign up as a coordinated group, or is there a place for individuals from a specific state or city to sign up? Where are these forms?

[Removed]

[-] 1 points by CaramelMcNasty (1) 12 years ago

Where do i sign up with my group? We are supporters from Iowa

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

http://99solidarity.net/chicago/

but I never got an answer

[-] 1 points by VioletTao (5) 12 years ago

return?

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

anyone hear back from this group ?

[Removed]

[Removed]

[-] 1 points by lancealotlink (147) 12 years ago

Anyone from Dallas going? Ill go from Dallas Tx.

[-] 1 points by Bighead1883 (285) 12 years ago

So we will now see how the Greeks and French go with their electoral changes.The Greeks for sure want to bailout from the bailouts.The shredding machines will be working overtime along with hard drive replacements to erase the names of the associated crims of the Kleptocrats.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

signed up

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago
[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

I have not yet received confirmation

perhaps they don't want me

[-] 1 points by timirninja (263) 12 years ago

they got static data he he =) we gota shake it, we gota move it on! Lets chip in =)

[-] 1 points by bigbangbilly (594) 12 years ago

Any return trips?

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

yep

listed in the image

needs a phone number

[Removed]

[Removed]

[Removed]

[Removed]

[Removed]

[-] 0 points by XenuLives (1645) from Charlotte, NC 12 years ago

Awesome! It will be good team building to get all of these cities together for a weekend.

[Removed]

[Removed]

[-] -2 points by Tarty100 (-98) 12 years ago

When you get to Chicago where will you stay? Who will feed you? Can't camp in the parks in Chicago.

[-] 1 points by hchc (3297) from Tampa, FL 12 years ago

Sleep on the courthouse steps

[-] -1 points by Tarty100 (-98) 12 years ago

You will be arrested.

[-] -2 points by veron (-39) 12 years ago

And?

[Removed]

[Removed]

[-] -2 points by cooperbl (-88) 12 years ago

ows ( whoever is backing them) is paying for lodging.

[-] -1 points by Tarty100 (-98) 12 years ago

They are saying they are working on lodging and working on meals. I do not think anyone is backing them.

[-] -1 points by cooperbl (-88) 12 years ago

The grey box on the right side says what the bus trip features,................round trip travel, wifi and movies,meals on the bus, housing in chicago, non violent direct action training, and protest sign materials. WHO is paying for all this? dont be naive, they are being backed by soros many " groups".

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

I imagine the democrats would back making Elections state and National Holidays

"punked out" could be a tell

needs a phone number

[-] 0 points by deng123 (7) 12 years ago

Wifi/movies generally come on buses, I know for a fact that some left-wing political parties (PSL comes to mind) provide housing at demonstrations so it wouldn't surprise me (though I don't picture it being the best housing), the food is probably a wrapped up sandwich and store brand cola, direct action training doesn't cost money, and sign materials are fucking cheap (a piece of paper and a pen, really). I don't know who is organizing it, but I don't think it's a union because I don't think the unions are working with CANG8 (the unions are only in for the May 18th demonstration).

[-] -2 points by cooperbl (-88) 12 years ago

who is paying for the buses? the gas? no matter how you break it down, it all requires money.

[-] 1 points by deng123 (7) 12 years ago

The majority of OWS donations are incredibly small ones (I forget the exact statistics), and OWS is actually running low on money. Believing that Soros and whatnot fund it is pure conspiracy theorism because Soros is a neo-liberal douchebag and OWS is not neo-liberal (except the small Ron Paul crowd, but we've mostly scared them off)

[Removed]

[-] 0 points by BetsyRoss (-744) 12 years ago

That doesn't matter here. It only matters when it's a Tea Party event and then it PROVES that the Tea Party is an astro turf movement and not a real one. When it's an OWS event, it's REAL and the money either fell out of the sky "free" or a million poor, wretched, unemployed supporters pooled their dimes and nickels until they got enough to pay for everything. :)

[-] -2 points by cooperbl (-88) 12 years ago

You're right.

[Removed]

[+] -4 points by Tarty100 (-98) 12 years ago

I think that is more wishful thinking than reality. Since buses do not have kitchens I think it will be a stale box lunch, as for the rest I would be at least skeptical. Once you get there and there is no lodging what are you going to do?

[-] 2 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

some of us are poor already

[-] -2 points by Tarty100 (-98) 12 years ago

Then do not go.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago
[-] 1 points by lialei (5) from Shelby Charter Township, MI 12 years ago

the fate of your life...the fate of the world is at stake and all you can think about is being temporarily inconvenienced by a stale lunch?? really?? oh no, we might get arrested? geezus. whatever happened to 'land of the free and brave'?