Occupy DC is going corporate, with new offices in downtown Washington. And Occupiers are quick to note that life in their new headquarters will be very different from what it’s been in McPherson Square since October.
“This isn’t a frat house,” a protester who identified himself only as “Gonzo” said at the group’s new digs at 16th and L streets NW.
Occupiers established for their new offices many of the same restrictions imposed on their tent city by police: no sleeping, no squatting and absolutely no “Occupying.” Office hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Occupiers will use the offices to organize demonstrations, hold committee meetings and workshops, and produce its newspaper, D.C. Mic Check.
“It’s been a godsend for the newspaper,” said Karina Stenquist, a Mic Check editor. “We were kind of sick of meeting in pubs.”
Occupy DC isn’t the first contingent of the movement with an office. Occupy Wall Street, the flagship protest that began last fall in New York’s Zuccotti Park, rented office space after being evicted from the park by police.
D.C.’s Occupiers recognize the irony of renting office space, especially so close to K Street, home to many of the lobbyists and special interest groups they’ve been protesting since October. But they’re hoping the move will help galvanize the flagging movement.
“Along with the K Street lobbyists, we have people in offices who are sympathetic, whose interests align with ours,” Stenquist said. “People are really excited.”
– By Aubrey Whelan
