Among todays classes: Real World Economics! Finance is not economics.
  • Denis C. Theriault
  • Among today's classes: Real World Economics! "Finance is not economics."
The occupation of Portland officially begins its third week tomorrow, and despite a whole host of distracting issues—like how to fit the Portland Marathon, when to reopen SW Main Street and a city snit over the health of Chapman and Lownsdale squares, etc.—the camp is sticking around for a while.

So what's next? We asked precisely that question last week and got seven solid answers. But wait, there's more! Occupy Portland also has a continually updated Google calendar of seminars, events, marches, and classes over on the righthand side of its main website. Check it out. We did. Here's what looks interesting in the next several days.

Friday, October 21, 11:30 AM—The Portland Poverty Awareness March

Occupiers will march from the statue in Lownsdale Square, rally in Pioneer Courthouse Square at noon, and then tour the gentrified Pearl District before heading back to Occupy's encampment. The march is meant to show "solidarity for the unhoused and marginalized" in Portland and across the country.

Friday, October 21, 2-4 PM—Economics Discussion Group

Regular group session on the principles of economics, at the library yurt in Lownsdale Square.

Friday, October 21, 5:30-6:30 PM—How Do We Make Change

Discussion on activism, at Terry Schrunk Plaza.

Saturday, October 22, 2—4:30 PM— Where Do We Go From Here?

A community dialogue on how to link the Occupy movement with the fight to raise awareness about homelessness. At Sisters of the Road, NW 6th and Davis.

Saturday, October 22, 5 PM—Don't Despair, Learn Basic Auto Repair

DIY car talk! At the library yurt.

Next week keep an eye out for a rally October 29 on the Robin Hood Tax, a British plan (so far) to attach a modest levy on financial transactions and banks' bottom lines to help pay for social services plans. And after that, on November 5, Occupy Portland is planning a big to-do with some of the credit unions in town in honor of Bank Transfer Day.

Oh, and I should mention, everyone—even a non-camper—is always welcome to come down and vote and debate during Occupy Portland's nightly general assembly meetings. True, the meetings are grueling and frustrating and sometimes torturous, but anyone interested should experience the quest for consensus in person at least once. They're at 7 PM in Schrunk Plaza.