Organization for Black Struggle (OBS), Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment and the Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) have identified several critical ways for allies outside of Ferguson to support OBS’s organizing efforts: financial resources, legal support, and solidarity actions in localities across the country.
Ferguson Solidarity: Ways to Support the Fight
All eyes are on the fight for justice for Michael Brown and the growing movement against the systematic targeting of black and brown communities across the country. The use of excessive force by law enforcement on black and brown youth is a product of racism, hyper criminalization, and mass incarceration in cities across the country. We all stand in solidarity as we demand for justice for Michael Brown, Eric Garner, John Crawford, and countless others black and brown people killed by law enforcement.
The loud call coming out of Ferguson, Missouri has become a national rally to action. There is a growing energy around the country to engage and support the fight in Ferguson and to build it out nationally. Below are ways that people can support the local struggle on the ground and help build the nation-wide call to action.
You Want to Give Money
These are different ways you can support monetarily:
Support to the Family: Justice For Mike Brown
If you want to donate online to support Michael’s family please donate to Michael Brown’s Memorial Fund – http://www.gofundme.com/justiceformikebrown. This is the official donation portal with the family’s attorneys. These funds will assist his family with costs that they will acquire as they seek justice on Michael’s behalf. All funds will be given to the Michael Brown family. If you would prefer to support the family with a donation via check, the Brown family has established a memorial fund at Fifth Third Bank. You can make a donation at any branch (https://www.53.com/site) or you can mail a donation with “Michael Brown Jr. Memorial Fund” in the memo line and send it to:
Fifth Third Bank
8013 West Florissant Ave.
Jennings, MO 63136
You can call the branch at 314-685-3200 with any questions.
Bail and Legal Fund
A bail and legal fund has been established to support the people who are being arrested in Ferguson, MO for exercising their constitutionally protected right to assemble and protest against systematic use of excessive force against black and brown communities. More information about the bail and legal fund and ways to donate click here.
Long-Term Organizing: Organization for Black Struggle
Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) is on the ground in Ferguson, MO. They are calling for help in raising the money necessary to hire an organizer dedicated to organizing youth in Ferguson and manage the movement building happening on the ground.
From almost the moment that Michael Brown was viciously killed by Ferguson police officer, Darren Wilson OBS has been on the ground. OBS is a black led organization that has been doing anti-police violence work for nearly 35 years. We invite people to donate to support long-term organizing infrastructure. Direct people to our website where a PayPal account has been set up separate from our regular donations. You can donate directly at http://obs-onthemove.org/support-obs/
Hands Up Don’t Shoot Infrastructure Fund
Young black and brown people are self-organizing daily in Ferguson in a fight for justice for Michael Brown. Local organizations and leaders have been going out nightly to provide medical support, document violent actions of the police against protesters, coordinating national support coming into Ferguson, and building relationships with the young people that are out leading the fight every day. Donations will be used support purchase of medical supplies, local meeting space, communication support, stipends for youth organizers of color, and other campaign infrastructure needs. Local organizations such as Organization for Black Struggle, Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment (MORE) and other allies have come together support and sustain movement building happening in Ferguson. This fund will be used to support the campaign infrastructure. If you would like to donate to this fund click here.
Bolder Giving supported in the collection of information for these donation sites and if you’d like find out more ways to give financially to Ferguson you can visit their site here.
You Want to Come Ferguson
We need you now in Ferguson if you have any of the following skills or expertise:
Medics (Doctors, Nurses, EMT)
Attorneys
Photographers & Videographers (not press affiliated )
Organizers of color with experience working with youth, especially those with experience in Street Theater & Civil Disobedience
Spiritual Healers/Counselors
Tech folks ( Data, Coders, CRM, Graphic Designers)
As you can imagine, there are a lot of moving parts that local organizers need to manage, so if you do not have these skills there are ways that you can show solidarity and provide support from your home geography.
To be properly oriented and connected with local organizing infrastructure and make the best use of your skills we ask that you fill out this link BEFORE coming to Ferguson. Once you have filled out this link, someone will contact you to discuss the details and ensure you are properly integrated into the local infrastructure. In order, to ensure we leverage our resources and capacity effectively it is really important that fill out the above form before coming to Ferguson so that you can be connected with local leaders.
You Want to Build the Movement Locally Where You Are
If you are unable to come to Ferguson or you do not have the skills or experience local organizers need on the ground now, there are still ways you can show solidarity and support the movement.
National Call in Days
New Media/Social Media
Tech folks ( Data, Coders, CRM, Graphic Designers)
Local Solidarity Demonstrations
Participate in Rapid Response Mobilizations
Collect stories of police brutality in your community and share in our story bank
Create art for this moment
So that local organizers can stay in touch with you and understand how to best utilize your skills from where you are please fill out this link.
**This document is a reflection of the needs as expressed by local organizations leading on the ground in Ferguson, such as Organization for Black Struggle, Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment, and others.
