I'm writing an article on this year's gathering and would love to hear your thoughts

The working title of my article is "The Rainbow Gathering and COVID-19: How a physically dispersed anarchist community addressed the pandemic" and it has been accepted for the December 2020 issue of
Communities: Life in Cooperative Culture magazine.

Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

The article addresses  how COVID-19 impacted our annual gathering that takes place July 1-7. The article will focus on how participants responded before, during, and after the event as well as the aftermath for our community and those impacted. I am doing my best to gather responses from individuals with different perspectives on the course of events created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

I have created an online survey that you can take for your opinions to be included.

Feel free to reach out to me if you would prefer to respond via telephone eight five eight four zero five seven five zero three or email (kzirk at earthlink dot net).

Statement from Facebook by a member of the Nez Perce Tribe

This message was copied from Facebook without permission of the author at this time as he is on the land and cannot respond. I hope to reach out to him soon and obtain permission. Until then, I have removed his name for privacy concerns. The message is important.

************Begin Message **************

My name is XXXXX and I am a member of the Nez Perce Tribe. I am the one who gather the Nez Perce protectors together to try and stop this event from occuring against the wishes of my elders and my community. There are many sensitive and important resources within our traditional territory that are not found on our reservation itself which is why we must protect the area in our traditional territory as much as possible. We spend thousand of man hours and millions of dollars every year to protect and heal our environment and culture. This gathering is a direct danger to that culture and our identity. We can not survive without our cultural identity. The Nez Perce tribe was misrepresented at spring council and never gave any consent to this gathering like we have in the past in areas not so sensitive. The disrespect has been very damaging to my community, and further more this current pandemic has recently hit my community in a second wave and the entire community could have been exposed. This virus could have the potential to kill off all of the people in my tribe as we are only less than 2 thousand on and around the reservation. We are pleading that anyone planning to come or are on their way to the gathering to reconsider and take into context the real serious issue we are facing here in my community on all fronts. We are asked to bring our people to the site to help mitigate issues but that only further exposes our people to possible virus spread. We are concerned, we are scared, we are angry, but most of all we are hurt by the actions of this group on site and their presence in our country. I pray that we find peaceful resolution and the two communities do not become enemies when all is said and done. May love and peace be with you all.

Plunker's 2 Cents (Guest Post)

Today's Guest Post comes from Barry Plunker

***************Begin Guest Post*******************************

For the record: I am not in solidarity with event going on in idaho using rainbow name vibes...

Without a doubt Incident Command LEOs are all in on having an event... bottom line each LEO makes some 35 to 45 thousand a year for weeks work at such events... only I.C. command & these people are pushing this event...
Dang that this event is on Tribal traditional lands... Dang this event is of covid-deniers, etc... pose a potential danger to Tribal AND people of Idaho, other places...

This will/is being called "rainbow", by those attending, media, especially the cops, LEOs, Incident Command, etc...
It will make little difference but folks can write letters to News, media, Forest Service AND, especially letters to Nez Perce, etc...
Letters and prayers, good vibes...
These people attending this event actions have shown their words mean little... respect for others other than themselves is little, if any... certainly, it is likely their inter-actions will be the same.
Whatever the event, whatever these folks put out as their words will lack credibility with me. At times thru the years, individuals and/or groups have

sought to roll the Rainbow in their chosen direction. Some signed permits, cozed up to the Feds, started up events, called "rainbow" AND, after awhile showed their true selfs... people realized how ridiculous, even rude, and people continued on, with the people, along the Rainbow Road.
During the fire, Wyoming 1994, while people with common sense, concern for safety, health of the people rolled against the fire -- hundreds of people joined in the effort...amazing!
While people were engaged in the effort, Feds wanted people to stop, let fire rage, while waiting for a plane coming from Utah.. Some of people joined in with the feds... tried to help Feds stop fire-fighters ( not many) AND, there were "holy" guys who prayed.. a few offended that people did not stop passing water, throwing dirt etc... And simply join in their prayer to save the family... AND, even a couple of guys wanting to sacrifice themselves to the fire to save the family -- one was talked to, changed his mind -- other young guy, big stronge and certain God was commanding him to join the fire to put it out, to save the family (people) ..
Finally, I had to say to this young guy that I would not accept him doing this sacrifice AND, if necessary I would struggle with him and his god, and stop him.. I, with help of couple others got him to sit down, drink some water.. and, after a bit, fire was out, feds plane arrived, dropped load on people standing back from where fire was OUT!
Having an event calling people to come, be close, during a pandemic... Not just an epidemic.. is wacko!

I am in solidarity with Om from Home... Rainbow Gathering in heart & mind...
I am praying, vibing, as I have stated before, for safe, healthy event with good clean-up... If these eventers put out a Where for next year... I'd hope they go there...
Their words will mean little... If no one gets sick, dies, or is arrested ... good. It don't mean event should have happened, certainly not on Tribal traditional lands... Even their own raps are double-tongued... Dang!
Peace, Love Respect see you on the Rainbow Road... Beaplunkr

Gathering location

The individuals who have chosen to go ahead and focalize a gathering during a pandemic have asked that the directions be word of mouth only. Therefore, I will not be sharing directions on this blog.

I do not yet have the exact wording of the consensus for the site, but that's what I've been told by those actively encouraging people to attend.

My personal belief is that not attending is the choice that makes the most sense. I'm hearing mixed reports on how people are managing social distancing or not as some individuals really pushing this gathering have stated they think sharing our germs will be helpful.

If you plan on attending a micro-gathering or what is being proposed for Idaho, please, please, please wear masks, practice social distancing, bring your own food and water, camp in household units spread apart from those not in your household, don't share joints or pipes, and do not go into town in the local community. Any built structures should be disinfected frequently.

For background information, click here.

Carla's Two Cents (guest post)

Today's guest post comes from Carla

*************BEGIN GUEST POST******************

TL/DR: Read it anyway. I promise you won’t be sorry.

My guess is that 90% of the folks on this page are not very interested in internal family politics. Most gatherers just want to be told where the gathering is happening and how best to prepare for it in terms of climate, site conditions, nearby airports, etc. The internal process of how we get there is not such a big deal. But this year is different. Folks are arguing. Some folks say “Go!” Some folks say, “Wait!” So, how to make sense of it all?

Here’s my take on it, as someone who has been to 34 annual gatherings and participated in just about all aspects of the set-up and infrastructure at one time or another. There’s a lot that goes on to make the gathering happen; it’s not magic. There is a lot to be considered in order to have a safe and healthy gathering. And health and safety are the bottom line here.

I understand the “Go!” energy. Gatherings in the West are in stunning territory. There’s lots of open space. There’s lots of family in the West who have been looking forward to the gathering swinging back this way. I get that folks are hungry to gather. I am too. I want to be at the gathering so badly, I can almost taste it. And make no mistake: housies crave gatherings as much as traveling family do—maybe more. And make no mistake: traveling family are the backbone of the gatherings, and always have been. Most housies were travelers at one time or another. We just age out of the road and do something different. We all need to understand that about each other. And we need each other. So I don’t really see any split there. This affects us all, deeply.

It is heartbreaking that this illness has cast a shadow on the land, and that humanity’s best defense seems to be to remain apart socially and physically. I’m not going to argue the science here, or debate the actual numbers, or how much to trust or distrust any government; I’m not going to wonder how it was created, or who is making millions off it. That’s a whole other conversation.

Let’s just say I accept the virus as being real, and crazy contagious; that it causes great suffering; and that people are dying from it. I am not alone in that perspective.

So, coming from that place, many of us have been having conversations in many different formats about this year’s Annual Gathering. Because there are no standing committees that can make such a momentous decision for the whole family, many of us have been actively engaging as individuals in discouraging folks from calling large numbers of people together; and have been actively encouraging folks to find alternative ways to celebrate our prayer on July 4th.

This is because we absolutely believe that any gathering of any size carries too big a risk to the health and safety of those who are coming to gather, to the communities they come in contact along the way, and especially to the local folks in the area of the gathering. The initial call to postpone the annual gathering in Idaho until 2021 came from that desire; to protect the health and safety of all.

Well, that ship has sailed, and there are folks who, for whatever reason, believe that it is safe to gather and are actively promoting it. There are a few dozen people in Idaho who are looking for sites, and counciling, and fully intending to call their event the 49th Annual gathering.

There are other folks who are very upset about that, partly because there is a whole internal political argument about what is or is not a “legitimate” council and folks are obsessing about who gets to say where we go next year.

That is not my concern, and never has been. That will sort itself out with time, with a lot of arguing. We have a year to do that in. It is not critical to decide that now, because whatever happens in July this summer and next, folks will argue about it for a couple of years and then forget about it. People will go where they go next year, with or without agreement of council consensus.

I’ve seen splits like this before. We’ve survived them before, and we will survive them again to gather as we have always gathered; that is, assuming that Covid-19 is not still causing new spikes and the country is again on lockdown in 2021. We must not forget that is a very real possibility. We may end up having to reinvent some process, rather than being wedded to traditions that are unworkable in the present moment. But that is a discussion for another place and time, as well.

So, why am I writing this? Because I want folks to understand the underlying intent of the argument to wait. The bottom line is public health and safety. Nothing more, nothing less. Some might even say it is a matter of life and death. Yes, there are all sorts of weird family politics playing into the argument, but they are peripheral. What matters is the well-being of everyone.

Sure, some folks are choosing not to wait. I’m not going to get into the “choice” argument, because it is irrelevant. Of course folks have the right to choose anything they like.

But make no mistake: the fact that there are a few dozen folks making the choice to be in Idaho in a holding camp, counciling and scouting, does not change the underlying argument—which is that health and safety cannot be guaranteed when folks are traveling and gathering in large numbers; when they are cooking and eating and drumming and singing and smoking together.

So therefore, if you are undecided as to whether to go, to me the best argument is still “Wait!” Wait until more is known about risk reduction. Wait until more is known about rates of infection, and possible early treatments. Wait until safety can be assured, although that may always be a relative thing and its definition up for debate.

But realistically, some people won’t wait, and are not waiting; so it has become obvious that it’s time to start looking at harm reduction and risk mitigation. Not just for this gather, but for any get-together that folks might be considering to call or attend in the coming months.

And keep in mind, that the underlying intent has still not changed. It is still about health, safety, and the well-being of gatherers and others.

Here are some that seem obvious to me:

Best method: Keep all get-togethers as small as possible, with the least possible travel and the least possible use of public restrooms. Thus, it’s still, OM from Home. Find your local family pods and have a field trip or a picnic.

Second: Be aware that it becomes more difficult to maintain Covid safety when away from usual routines. Make sure you have plenty of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, etc. Think ahead about sanitation needs in general.

Third: Be aware that the best way to not spread it is to wear a mask; and when appropriate to the task, gloves. Have plenty on hand for others, as well.

Fourth: Keep yourself informed about what’s going on in the area you are coming from, and the area you are going to, in terms of spikes in numbers; plan accordingly.

Fifth: If your local circle mushrooms and will take place over several days and is larger than, say a few dozen people, contact the local health department for latest recommendations, precautions, and closures.

Sixth: Have contingency plans in case someone does become ill. What is the best way to proceed if Covid-19 is suspected?

Finally, for those folks contemplating going to Idaho because they are unsure: consider that 99% of the kitchens and infrastructure have announced they will not be there. Sure, anyone can set up a kitchen, and no doubt folks will be cooking and eating, and some folks will be doing some regular gathering type stuff like OMing and singing and drumming and taking care of kids. The point is that if you are expecting the usual huge magical gathering, it won’t be there. Check out the OM from Home site to see which kitchens will NOT be there.

Continuing to urge folks not to go to Idaho to gather at this time does not mean I’m trying to sabotage what the folks in Idaho are doing. They are doing what they are doing. Their choice is a poor one, in my opinion, but that’s beside the point. I hope everyone there has a lovely, safe, healthy gathering. I just hope they keep it small. And I hope they use the hundreds of masks and gloves that are being sent up in a few days. And practice physical distancing. And are kind to one another. The rest of us? Manifesting an annual gathering? Waiting ... .

In the meantime, anyone wanna write a RAP C-19?

Being Healthy Through Handwashing

One thing that goes a long way to keeping folks at a gathering healthy and safe is washing hands - a lot. And I don't mean just rubbing your hands with sanitizer, but actual biodegradable soap (Dr. Bronner's is great) and filtered or boiled water. Some awesome Rainbow engineers have designed a hand wash station that's transportable and light weight. One goal of a Rainbow hand wash station is to make it hands free, so no one picks up germs in the process of washing their hands. (A smaller setup of this same type can be used for soap dispensing).

Here's a great drawing of what I'll explain in words below. Thanks TimBear.



"From our experience, the primer bulb check valve can fail if the water gets trash in it. The solution we found was a small piece of filter material (like the filter from a wet vac) or fine mesh screening (a couple of layers of panty hose) around the end of the water intake. The pvc pipe allows you to direct the water where you want it, even if there is no tree where you want the water." - TimBear's words, not mine. What ever you do, make sure the grey water is at least 300 feet from creeks, rivers, and ponds and preferable somewhere where no one is walking. Dogs and people can get into the grey water and spread the germs all over the place and that's not healthy.

The key is a one-way siphon valve. It's made of rubber and can be squeezed by hand. Each end has a place to clamp hose onto. I usually get them at my local Marine supply store. Hook it up to some clear plastic tubing - one end to go into a bucket of filtered water. It looks like this:


The other end should be fastened somewhere (if not using TimBear's Pipe method) and hopefully have a drain system so people aren't standing around in gray water. To conserve water, get spare sun shower nozzles and put it on the end. These are $5-10 each from a camping supply store. They work great for the "faucet" end. Here is a photo of one.



Then to wash hands, all people need to do is pump the black siphon ball with their feet, and water comes out the shower nozzle. Portable hands free hand washing and kids love it!

Filtered water is best for hand washing. Providing an alcohol based hand sanitizer and/or a bleach wash as a final step is a great idea, but please label the ingredients so people can make informed decisions.

I also like to make a sink to minimize the amount of mucky grey water around the faucet. I've used a plastic bowl in a round tomato cage. Then drill a hole in the bottom and put in a connector so you can clamp a discharge pipe and run the waste water into a gray water pit. WARNING! HIPPIES CAN BE DUMB. Every time I use my sink setup, someone thinks we should recycle the gray water by putting it back into the fresh water container. THIS IS UNSANITARY AND IS WORSE THAN NOT WASHING YOUR HANDS AT ALL. So if you use a sink, please make a sign telling people that the drain DOES NOT go into the water source.

If someone(s) are looking for a great public service project for this year's gathering, here's a great one. Let's make sure we have enough hand washing stations scattered around the gathering so that people can't help but wash their hands at least twice a day. Every year I promise to make them at home and bring everything but the sink, but it doesn't seem to happen. Sure is easier at home with my tools.

Clean hands creates a healthy gathering.

Just a quick reminder, no soap in any surface water. Biodegradable soap only biodegrades in the soil.  All soapy water should be kept 300 feet from surface water like creeks, rivers, ponds and springs.  Don't be the dufuss who tries to wash your hands, clothes, hair, body in the creek. All you're doing is creating dirty water for the animals (2 and 4 legged) who drink the water.

Notes from a call with Health Department

Disclaimer I was not on this call and according to the information I received no one from at spring council was on the call.

***************Begin forwarded notes****************************

Tracing was brought up several times. Wanting on site contact person.

Call with Missoula environmental health dept. Their concerns: How to manage outbreak? How to isolate? Quarantine? How are symptoms identified?? How to lower risk of contagion? What are water and waste systems?

Missoula concern:

Ask that realization of global pandemic.

-hand consider impact on community

- consider impact on 'the gathering' as an entity

*close personal contact--

How to gather w/o personal contact???

*food service**????

6 foot service?

Missoula: Does have free testing For local residents.

Health officer Want there to have ability to be tested if concerned with symptoms.

Would need to negotiate?

'Mass system?' plan for Ronaboners to access???

With testing comes Expectations. -quaratine to results - isolate 2 weeks if positive.

Where to quaratine?

Missoula has facilities

What can health dept offer?? Support system for healthy gathering

How to make safer?

Tracer system!!!!!!!

Statement from the Nez Perce Tribe Executive Committee on Gathering in Idaho

Download the PDF version from NezPerce.org

Spring council update from individuals who have scouted many times

An announcement to all points of light and beyond, due to the unforeseen circumstances related to scouting for the 2020 Annual Rainbow Gathering and the Covid-19 pandemic. Individuals who have been entrusted by others historically to scout, and having scouted last fall and this spring for a suitable site in the Clearwater, Bitterroot, Nez Perce, Payette, Salmon- Challis, St. Joe, Coeur d'Alene, Priest Lake, Kaniksu, Caribou-Targhee, Snake River, Boise, or Sawtooth National Forests have agreed to postpone the spring council location release until June 2021.

A movement to Om From Home this Fourth of July

Many gatherers are trying to encourage people to #OmFromHome this summer instead of traveling outside of their local communities.  This page is asking people to sign on to the statement that was crafted with love from many people.

To learn more, visit OmFromHome.org. 

What is going on with this year's gathering?

Updated Wednesday, July 2 at 9:00 a.m. California time

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

That's not an easy question to answer.

I beg you to read this entire post and the links before you decide if you still want to go to Idaho.

As part of gathering participants response to COVID-19, there have been conference calls taking place alternating nights (odd number dates) at 6 PM West Coast Time / 9 PM East Coast Time.

Discussions include the unfolding on-the-ground situation, our concerns with damage being done to cultural resources belonging to the Nimiipuu/Nez Perce, and how to create a peaceful resolution.

Dial 425-436-6350  access code 377587#.   This is a toll call if your dialing from a phone that charges by the minute.

Some individuals are moving ahead with holding a gathering and other individuals are strongly encouraging people to refrain from attending due to COVID-19 and cultural concerns raised by the indigenous people.  This gathering is expected to be small.  Probably 500 people total give or take is my guess but I could be wrong.

As best I can tell, the majority of kitchens, camps, and individuals are choosing to Om From Home. Please note that many people who are oming from home do not have any information listed on the link because they have privacy concerns.

Indigenous & Permit Issues

There are Nimiipuu/Nez Perce at the site of the 1982 Gathering west of Council, Idaho called Skunk Cabbage Flats. Additional info is "Near New Meadows, in Boise National Forest. It's rumored to be on a combination of the following quadrangles. Crokked River Point, Peck Mountain, Rush Peak, Goodrich" (roughly 44°45'11.6"N 116°36'03.6"W). The Nimiipuu/Nez Perce plan to set up a kitchen at this location on Thursday, July 2nd and are trying to provide support to get people to move to this location.

• The Forest Service received an INQUIRY about a permit for this site, and was considering it, but NO ONE followed thru with an actual application.
  
• The  Nimiipuu/Nez Perce protested the possibility of a permit and were told that way fewer people would be attending than the hypothetical 5-10,000, so they (the Tribal Gov't people) let it go at that and will not take legal action against the Gathering there
• The Forest Service also told the Tribal Government that it was going to be more like 2-300 people, not 5000, 10000, 20000 etc., and the Nimiipuu/Nez Perce Tribal Government decided because of that info not to contest the gathering.
  
• The Nimiipuu/Nez Perce Tribal Government also asked that the people up there DO NOT dig in the meadows, DO NOT dig any more holes for anything in the meadow because that is a place where they have had sacred herb ritual gathering ceremonies for generations; and that was their prime request: avoid digging any holes in their meadow.
• None of this addresses what the young 'warriors' of the Nimiipuu /Nez Perce will or won't do; but the 'official' Tribal Govt of the Nimiipuu/Nez Perce has passed along its request, and isn't going to take any further action to block what's happening.

So what is happening?

There are many people calling for micro gatherings in your region. Get 10-20 people together from your local community for a few days over July 4th and hopefully join in the morning of silence and the prayer/meditation for world peace and the healing of the plant. Make sure to include easy access to hand washing and masks/bandanas for close quarters.

There are some virtual gatherings for people who want to stay home but still gather virtually for July 4th. I will try to find the URLs for these and share them here.

Wash your hands!  Wash your hands!  Wash your hands!

How to help those who are choosing to gather in any fashion stay safe

Bring masks to share. Bring lots and lots of hand sanitizer.  Ask people to sanitize their hands frequently. Make many soap and water hand wash stations and bring them to the gathering. Ask people to wash their hands frequently. Make creative signs on social distancing.

Om From Home Movement

While we recognize and highly value our first amendment rights, we, the undersigned individuals, kitchens, and camps, having weighed the benefits and risks feel that, in light of the global Covid-19 pandemic, it would be unsafe to come together for our annual gathering at this time. Out of enormous concern and respect for the health and safety of the individuals who attend Rainbow Gatherings, the people of Idaho, and the local communities, as well as the people and the health care resources that may be impacted by those traveling to and from a Gathering, we agree:

    not to attend any Rainbow Gathering in Idaho this summer, to #OmFromHome, or to find safer ways to pray for peace.

    to send our prayers around the world to those who have lost loved ones and to those who are suffering.

We, the undersigned, invite you to join us in supporting this vision by adding your name to this agreement and by choosing not to gather in large groups at this time.

To see which camps, kitchens, and individuals have signed on to the above statement, Visit the Om From Home website.

Some people had a call with the health department on June 19. I have some notes from that call here.

For other perspectives, read Carla's Two Cents or Plunker's Two Cents.

If you plan on attending a micro-gathering, please, please, please wear masks, practice social distancing, bring your own food and water, camp in household units spread apart from those not in your household, don't share joints or pipes, and do not go into town in the local community. Any built structures should be disinfected frequently.

There are consensuses from spring council available here.

Idaho has a Stages of Reopening plan, which you should read for yourself. According to the plan, after June 11 AND as long as the plan stays on track "Gatherings, both public and private, of more than 50 people, where appropriate physical distancing and precautionary measures are observed can occur."  They also have a document outlining how to handle mass gatherings.

This year we have many people engaging in consensus by foot and opting to not attend for reasons of health and safety for themselves and the surrounding communities. We also have some people opting for consensus by foot and planning on attending what happens in Idaho.

Other Issues

The Nimiipuu/Nez Perce have made a statement opposing any gathering that takes place in their traditional lands in Idaho in 2020 or 2021.

Some people who are often involved in scouting have made a statement.

I will make a few quick points about some logistical issues to holding a gathering in Idaho in 2020 in the hopes of humbling requesting you do not attend.

From my humble perspective, there are two main issues on the table :

1. Is it safe and healthy for gatherers and Idaho residents for a gathering to happen in Idaho this summer?
2. If a small gathering happens, what do we do about Vision Council?  Does a group of 100 people decide where we go in 2021, or do we all agree to postpone this year's Idahoish gathering consensus to 2021 even if a small gathering happens in Idaho this summer?

I see those as two separate issues if the collective "we" wants them to be.

Some things to think about.

• Idaho is very rural and health care facilities are limited outside of the big cities. No surprise there. 
• There may be no or a very reduced amount of medical staff on site IF a gathering happens in Idaho.
• How do we handle spring council if we're not together on the land?
• How do we maintain social distancing and frequent hand washing on the land if a gathering takes place?

Personally I have never cared where we gather. What matters to me is HOW we gather.  I have concerns that people who are currently in Idaho are not practicing appropriate sanitation.  Remember Oregon 2017 when we had a little norovirus that made people vomit and have diarrhea for 24-48 hours?  We couldn't even keep from spreading those germs with all the hugging, hand holding, sharing of joints, etc.  And that was a minor drag. 

I know there is something happening in Idaho. My perspective is that it's safer to stay away but definitely no one with preexisting medical conditions, no older family, no small children should attend.

Would the end of the world come if these few people held vision council and reached a consensus that did not align with the "postponement of the Idaho gathering to 2021" camp?

If a small gathering reached a different consensus for 2021, would we end up with a split gathering in 2021?  It's happened before and we have survived. Just as we will survive this year.

Maybe we should think a bit more hipstorically and remember that once upon a time, no one knew what they were doing and collectively have figured it out, bit by bit.  This blog and other links are all attempting to share our collective wisdom. Find these links here. If you are planning on participating in a micro gathering or a small gathering in Idaho or anywhere else, educate yourself.  Knowledge is power!

If you want to understand people's reasons on all points of the circle so that you can reach an informed decision as a unique individual on this beautiful planet we call home, join in the Conference Calls that take place at 6 PM Pacific time alternating nights and currently happening on even numbered days. Starting in June it will be ODD numbered days. Dial 425-436-6350  access code 377587#.   This is a toll call if you are dialing from a phone that charges by the minute.

Or read the notes  from past calls, that I have posted here.

At this time, I am choosing not to share directions to what is happening in Idaho.

All this being said, I do have concerns about gathering this year and I will not be going because I agree with the Om From Home statement.

I think new questions are on the table:

How do we adapt to new circumstances in a way that encourages the positive evolution of the planet and creates peace and healing among humans?

How do we maintain love and positive dialogue with those whose opinions differ from our own?

How do we balance the needs of the individual with those of the community?
 
How do we walk our talk?



If you want to read the USFS updates from what is happening in Idaho, click here.

Conference Call Notes from May 18

As part of many gathering participants response to COVID-19, there have been conference calls taking place alternating nights at 6 PM West Coast Time / 9 PM East Coast Time.

Discussions include to gather or not to gather, how to hold spring council, and other things as well.

If you want to be join, the next one takes place on May 20 and then every other night from there.

Dial 425-436-6350  access code 377587#.   This is a toll call if your dialing from a phone that charges by the minute.

Thanks to a anonymous person for taking notes. If you want all the details, you'll need to join in the fun.

***********************Begin Notes*************************

Rainbow 2020 conversation circular conference call - 5/18/20--- #33

Note taker check in----------------This is the 33rd call, and there were lots of people speaking strongly in support of postponing the 2020 Annual Rainbow Gathering.  There were really very few on the call who were pushing for the annual gathering to happen.  

There were questions posed to those who are thinking of gathering. The questions posed were:   What are the plans for interfacing with USFS, Law Enforcement and Public Health Officials?  What plan or strategy are in place (or being developed) related to health and safety --- how people plan to keep themselves, each other, and the local community safe. And what are the plans to deal with sick people?  (there are some answers in the notes)

Please join in on the next call: 5/20/20 -- 9 PM Eastern time – 425-436-6350  Access 377587# Each person, as they enter the call, gets a place in the circle. A moderator will recognize them  form the stack/circle of other speakers.  Each speaker has 4 min 20 seconds to speak, and the electronic feather is passed to the next person on the circle/stack.

There are notes from the first 4 hours of the 33^rd conference call. The call went on for many more hours.  Some words and Ideas from the speakers on the call  via the notetaker. Italic words are of moderators. No names are used. No identifying factors are included. Consent was gathered verbally on the call to post these notes.  

Submitted by Sibling.

Looking forward to hearing from people who are planning on going to the gathering.
I want to hear from people that are going to spring council. 

I want to provide sanctuary for those who gather.

Are we sharing the notes on FB? 

Any notes taken, no names should be used.  If you chose to write it down, you can do it.

I really do not want to take notes at all. Are we supposed to be sharing?

Moderator advice --- – just take stack and call on people – people can talk for 4 mn 20 seconds.

I felt motivated to participate. I appreciate your help!

I have some concerns about what if… for people showing up.  What happens if people ignore the suggestions about social distancing and other things are not followed– What if someone gets sick? What happens when the ICT team shows up with their $500,000 budget – what are people going to do?  What if everyone goes to jail?  I am concerned that the call is going out to innocent people, first time gatherers – not feeling safe and feel like people are leading others into a trap. I want to hear a solid plan. What are you going to do about people taxing the locals?

I am a realist, I am talking real talk, I am waking up with anxiety over my family being led into a trap.

I want to hear some solid shit about how folks are going to keep my family safe this year.

I am with Camp Kitten, and we take care of cats.  What is most important to me is that my family is safe.  The RF is incredibly adaptable, and I have watched the gathering change over the decades, and I love that.  I want to point out one thing, I have not been home in three years. I have basically cried because I so miss all of you, my family. Not getting hugs, no drum circles.  So if it weren’t for the virus, I would find the next bus and go.

I was there through shigella and they were nothing compared to this corona. I do not know what is worse, the isolation or the virus,  I am keeping my family out this year.  I will be encourage those of us to shelter in place, we will find something to do.  We will study something, we will learn new things, and I will do what I can to help us feel connected.

I love and miss you all. I have food for family – I have supplies for regionals or annual. In Oklahoma.

The last two calls have been absolutely mind-blowing – the moderation and the respect – mute button your phone and respect the timer. Communication and Respect!

The gathering is not a protest. 

Thank you for moderation, time keeping and all! I am the notetaker, if you have concerns, please let me know.  I have written and posted notes from this call for the last 4 or 5 calls.

Herbal regiment:  zinc, elderberry, olive leaf extract, vit D3 .  Coq 10  - You need to protect your own bodies, rest, drink good water, exercise. Meditation, stress reduction, stay away from crowds.  We do not know how this virus really works ---

I want to hear the “solid safety plan” that those who are thinking of gathering have talked about.  It will be my pleasure to write it down.

The gathering is not a protest. 

The ICT have some kind of minimum that triggers them.  If you see others gathering. Let us pray that we do not have more than 500 people  -- think really, really tiny.   TINY CAMP IS THE ONLY CAMP that should go.

I love hearing all you new people.  The gathering to me is not the party the prayer – the network of people that are crazy weird or dumb enough to do this.  We believe that that guy over there is pretty much going to do the right thing, and we put up the safety net when he fucks up. That network is not showing up at this gathering. 

I love the family and watched the process – pretty cool with the moderation.

I am not in agreement with those who want to gather, it is irresponsible. We need to come together in the next week or so and try to emphasize that.  Many of us believe that this is a health and safety issue.  CALM has a hard-enough time, and CALM pays for their own materials and I think there is a lot of danger this year.  One sick person can make themselves sick, the family can get sick, the communities around the site can get sick. I have lived in Idaho, and we are going to get back into the meadows and it may be about 3 hours to the closest city. I have lots of concerns, there are not lots of stores. People will have not bring in their supplies, I am concerned about health and safety, I will not be going. I hope the family decides to postpone until 2021.

I think family who blocks a consensus not to gather. (?) This is going to be a tough year.  It is not about politics, it is about health and safety.

I am not sure that I can speak without getting emotional.  I am for postponing, we need to inform these people of the challenge we are having.  When I get freaked out. I hope that whatever happens ….(moderated cut her off, and came back later to apologize)

I am giving my time to the last sister, for many were talking over her. 

I am good, I took up my time. I would like to breath and when my time is up it is up.

32 on the call.

Check to see if you are muted. Thanks

Moderators are doing a good job,  this is chaotic, and all we are is a reflection.

The people protesting in front of the capitals, the ones who want to gather in IDHO are the radical and ignoring the majority of those who want to postpone the gathering

This gathering is right in my back yard, I was looking forward to it. I am not going to enable it because I do not support it. It will be raining for the next week. All the city things have been cancelled. If we gather, we will run into a big wall. This town will block it if we do not.  They will look at us as a threat.  The USFS may also blockade, and do heavy arrests _ I think many well- meaning people are being led into a trap aummmm at home, scatter gatherings. Please do not gather it is not a good idea. 

I love you. listen to the doctors, have a good day.

I would like to say first – I have a new name.  I love you.  I have been in conversation with people that are not on these calls – their vision is that rainbow is not online.  Rainbow is outside of the spell of Babylon. We will not hear their heart songs  -- they feel sadness and fear about the long-term effects and the long-term grief.  They do not feel that we need to gather this year.  But they feel sad it is becoming technology driven. People are crying their hearts out – they want to follow tradition. The fact we have done this, and this is the process. But I want to say these people, the majority of them, are saying we should not do it.  For those who want to still go, look into their hearts they are in pain, too. 

The children and elders cannot come and that is causing pain. The sanctuary can happen in your back yard.  We do not have to go to Idaho to have sanctuary. There are enough people around us that need it.

I am new at this. I want to echo the idea that the beauty of rainbow –rainbow is in juxtaposition to Rome, Empire, Babylon.  To talk to the folks who used the word Protest – by nature without permit, that is a protest and it is a peaceful assembly and it is a protest. The most at risk is dirty kids, bus village, and those who travel from gathering to gathering. I would like to hear from anyone on the call who is helping those groups who have no place to go – the more at-risk folks who do not have a safe place to go.

Please take a breath. The conversation moved into a “ask question”  time – please hold answer until it is your turn to speak.  Along the way, on your time. Otherwise, it is too chaotic.

I have not spoken in a few day, I see that some are beginning to understand that the gathering is going to happen.  Now I appreciate what you all have to say what the gathering is – it is not only what you want it to be, the gathering is also what others want it to be.  There ae too many people – pretty legit people that are going – I do not know a single fool that is going. The people that I  -- consensus is not a rule it is our best advice.  I am going to answer any questions, I am on at least two chats with others thinking about scouts, spring council and we have a FB page a work group to think about how my guess is 400-500 people.

I would love to be a part of your chat. And there is a site 2020 Idaho Supporters of the 2020 Gathering – That site will not let you join if they do not like you. They are not letting other rainbows in –the site you want, open for all is ---  RFOLL 2020 Workgroup (probably) ---

What happens when someone comes down with COVID?

The moderator stepped down and the civil conversation broke down.  With 34 people on the call.  Who is the moderator…please mute your phones. The whole call was muted.

We have real things to do, and it is my fucking turn.  It is not her call. 

We got back on track with ____.

I would like to direct to all of you that plan to gather.  This conf call has been used to postpone the gathering, it is not a pro gathering call.  I have done lots of scouting, seed camp and clean up – and if you are talking about going, I have not seen any of these people at seed camp nor cleanup.  I do not think that the people who are now scouting, have never been scouting. And most of the kitchens that I have seen and worked with are not going to get there.  The gathering, be prepared, because those who have done much of the gathering preparation will not be there. The normal support structure will not be there.  The kitchens that are going are ones that set up and do not clean up after themselves.  I say good luck, I am not planning on going. Stay where you are. Know if you are going that you are absolute responsibility  and that if you are leading this you have responsibility for all those who follow you.

I really do not want to waste my time with this crap. These are being sabotaged. The majority of the blab, blab, the arrests, the fear , blab, blab whatever, we need to block those people from talking. Are you a naysayer, if you are not helping, you will be excluded from the conversation.

We need to talk about the water.  We need to get the supplies of right water.  And the magic hat situation, if someone wants to donate now, it is a sketch ball situation. This whole thing is the elders fault, this is not funny, it is not about ego, or it is for some people. I hear the naysay, and the micro-gather, I am over that crap. There is the other group and it is not up for discussion, they are actively trying to sabotage.  We need to weed these people out. I have heard everybody’s’ spiel about how selfish we are for wanting to gather. I say fuck off.  This is family bitch, if I have to get my own water line,  this is my fucking. If you can’t do what you can to get us pipe, filters, and you need to step the fuck aside.  We know, we have heard it.  WE are supposed to want to be like you, fuck off.

We need to .2 micro filter.  POINT of process, sorry to interrupt.  I do not think it is ethical for the moderator to makes point between people.

Dear ___ please feel free to come to me with your tears, and the other sister nobody should be afraid to come to the family.

We should change the name of the gathering to a regional, just a recommendation.  There has been talk of letting these kids step up, nobody is going to deliver what you need. You cannot demand and get agro with others to get what you need.

We all want to evolve,  (speaker interrupted)

You can make demands on others to use their gear. I want you to understand that you can’t say that if you do not let me use it, you are not family.

We are on the call for each other.

It seems really irresponsible….(interrupted)

Please do not interrupt, unless you are asked a question

Let us ask what is going on. WE are all adults and responsible for ourselves. I have been excited by Idaho for years, am I going this year –no, because it is a gathering of the tribes, if everyone can’t go then it is not a gathering. If we can’t do it, in a sanitary, I know what it takes to do sanitation, and I don’t see it happening.  A tribe of the family has no place to go.

Sending equipment to this train wreck is enabling.  I find it very disturbing that we cannot have a civil conversation. With all the screaming.

I would like to hear from those who have nowhere to go.

It is going to be harder without the infrastructure, and the elders.  Many people complain about drain bows, but we do nto want to be the cause of the second wave”, I think the reality is that Idaho is not going to be able to handle people if they get sick. I do wish you well, folks going will need to do lots without draining

There is a FB group Travelers with literally no place to go – folks are connecting. And maybe someone should bring food to those place.

If it anything like this call, it will be chaos. Let us try to keep people safe.  If this gets worse, that is when we really need to get together to rebuild civilization.

Aummmmm from home.

I think we have been working very hard for 40 plus years, in the middle of anything, and to go into the woods and set up the systems that we need. Love and share with thousands of people, with as little contact with Babylon as possible.  But still need  food, gas, and supplies.  We have told the courts and president so the US that we can show them how this needs to be done so when the shit hits the fan out there, we can set it up and it they pay attention, they can do it too.

(interrupted by Alex Jones, maybe?)

So…I think that maybe, this pandemic is our opportunity to prove to ourselves that we can to it safe – not anger and frustration, not tears, and not illness.  If we are going to continue to do what we do best and love and support each other then it is pretty obvious that we cannot bring thousands of people together now.  But what we can do bring it local, online, on the phone and talk about how we can help each other and what we can do to celebrate interdependence. I can tell anyone who wants to know how to set up CALM, a kitchen, and there are lots of people that can tell you how to do things. Some of the knowledge has been written. But screaming and yelling at each other is not helpful. I hate the idea that anyone needs to scream.

I am not going to any regional, I am at high risk. I do not think we should try to have any large gatherings anywhere, but I think we can talk about how we can talk to each other and our communities. I can tell you how to protect parts of your body.

We should be communicating in a positive manner.

I want to be clear. I don’t go -  auhmmm at home.  I am an original gatherer, we had problems, but the purpose of our gathering, -- these people that want to go but please do not call it a rainbow gathering –people are gonna get sick, people will be arrested, it has turned into a Trump fest.  We are not a protest gathering, it was a prayer for peace.  The fact the original gathering was a celebration. As an original gather I block this gathering.

Give thanks.  I hear so many people speaking, voices that constitute one of two choices – love or fear.  The perspective is critical to the outcome  the family speaks for itself, and we, are finding amazing things with micro gatherings and conf calls. I hear that there are those that will gather in Idaho and just try to offer up how this may very well just happen.  I do believe that there is a part of the family going to Idaho, and those who wish to support can. For those who do not wish to support that is good.  We need to talk about how to do it.

ROFLL workgroup FB page.  We started it as private, and it is now open to all those who want to talk about it. This time is IMHO really really special, super special and we all know why.  I am not proposing to know your why.  I know that the kinds of focus, and the people will gather in the ‘red road’ way, we will be a shining example for the people.  I just want to offer up that perspective for the family.

I came to this call , and it was a screaming mess, I was sorry to hear that. It is not a good year to gather, aummmm from home, gather with your friends and family in your neighborhood.

And this is not out of fear, postponing is out of love, so remember that , it is out of love. We will have our chance to gather again.  If people are determined to go, do it on your own, take your bucket – water pipe is not good that has been sitting around anyway. Use your heads, listen to others who are talking with their hearts – taking out of their wisdom

We all love each other, and everyone is disappointed – it is not a good year to gather.

There is a silver lining to all of this, and reach out to people you do not know well.  No time for bickering, we need to take care of ourselves – do your yoga, take your ganga meds…

Aummmmmmmm from home.

Thank you for stacking,  this is the 33^rd call –

Two months we have been doing this.  So I really appreciate everyone who has stepped up to moderate—thank you for calling, thanks for moderating, thanks to team host moderators.

Oh, yeah, Aummmm from home.

I do not know what the hollering was about, I don’t go – 2020 Don’t go.

It is not the end of the world.  We do have to do things with some alarmist reaction.  People demanding resources- it is not a re et to do.  If you want to do something with people, you should be do that on your own.  Welcome home says come prepared - -very few people do that.  From the light line, I will not be broadcasting any locations in Idaho.

Hi Family,  I am sad.  It has been a rough day. Watching people on FB, but we seem like we are really divided.  I like the idea of aummmmm from home, micro gatherings seem good, I am really, really,  really  sad about this.  I am worried about the fallout from the cops, I think this is the perfect storm,  I know how blood thirsty they are for us. I hope we can meet up next year

fourth annual gathering.  Please save the annual gathering for when the whole family will be safe.  It is the big picture, there are so many people calling out to not have the annual gathering – do something smaller. I do not want to fight there is so much ugliness in the world and I am just want us to shine. I am really sad and disheartened. 

I am concerned about calm.  One of the things that is good Osha Root, Eucalyptus Oil for opening lungs. Coffee is good, bronchodilator.  Colts food, vit C and Vit D – raspberry leaf. Horehound when there are fires. Pine tea.  Lots of garlic and onion. Keep yourselves healthy.

2 hosts and 31 participants

I really agree with everyone.  If you can aummm at home, stay at home. I am willing to go to support people at the gathering.  Small gathering in ____.  We should not be mooching off of foodbanks, and get in touch with local folks – seed catalog, and the direct of seed savers. I am growing things, I think we should postpone Idaho.

For those who have not been on the previous calls, there has been lots of discussion about the traveling people and helping them connect with places to go.   On FB there are a few pages that are helping to network and connect people and places.  If Idaho could be a small gathering and folks could pull it off in a safe and heathy way, that is what is most important.  It is important for everyone to express themselves and please, get a reign on yourself before you speak.

I have been listening and it is my second turn to speak!

I am having anxiety right now, and I am talking to the planners of this. I want to know, What is somebody comes up sick with COVID at the gathering? I am asking people who are planning this.  I do not want to hear about conspiracy, to say this is not real is a slap in the face.  There are people who listen and do not speak on this call. What if a dozen people get sick? What if someone comes and makes the locals sick?   What is the plan anywhere? 

I want to ask – the two people --- and we allowed for the answer from two folks:  

Person #1----1. What do we do protect ourselves?  As the healer, take care of yourself.

2. How do we prevent the others from getting sick? We need to ISOLATE them from everyone else.

3. How do we help the person? There are things that we can do to help ourselves and others – to prevent the problems.  Homozone, osha, mullein, vit d3, grapefruit seed extract, zinc – posted on FB.  There are things you can get and bring to the gathering. And do not say IF it happens, if 100  people show up you can be sure that 10 people will be carrying the virus.  The reason I am telling people they should not go to Idaho – 10-15% of the people travelling to Idaho have it, it is very contagious.  If you had it, you may get it a second time – first time is respiratory -------the second time it goes for the lungs.  We do not know this virus well enough, the CDC has been wrong just as much as it has been right.  It appears to attack the respiratory, and then goes for the heart and the brain.   All the people thought that were safe are not.

Person #2----   I am not a CALM person.  We want to be taking temperatures, and I pray that there will be somebody that will have some CALM vibe, I thought I heard that there are some supplies coming. That is why we are creating the site for things we need. We have been talking casually and now we are going to talk about the important things.   Along this having teas that were suggested – Osha root Raspberry, Pine Tea, we should have it there and at the same time, if there is someone with symptoms, we would have to refer to the people with professional skills and we may need to bring them to the hospital.

I am still adamant that I want to see the family postpone the Idaho Gathering. Aummmmmm at home. I am putting together a consensus.  

The people who are actually going to Idaho are talking and hard questions are being asked and answered. 

I think the real thing about this call – it is a place where people just got together for people to just talk to each other.  Just get “it” off our chests, whatever “it” may be.  I spend time on this call admonishing those that want to gather.  It is so God damn selfish for those who think it is ok to gather. It makes me question why I care so much about rainbow, but you think that during at time of death and disease, and it saddens me to think that people are so egotistical and gathering in these times.

It is our right to peaceful assembly, our gatherings are not a protest.

I stand I solidarity with postponing the gathering.

There is a shanti sena skill share 5/21 – Thursday night at 9PM. 

I have been listening to the phone calls. I believe in a few things.  I believe in Shanti Sena, I do not think it is a good idea for people to gather.  I think we should pray from home and not go.

I hope others can see our example. I am befuddled so many different minds and attitudes, I do not know what to say. I only know how to deal with conflict on the land. You guys are on to something, everyone should be really careful this year.  I wish only blessings on you all.

I was part of the chaos and I apologize for it.  I am sorry.

The gathering could be called a “spreading event” ultra-risk scenario. When there is pandemic – we do not gather.

And if there are 10 % of the people arrive sick – I did not hear a satisfactory answer.  What about the asymptomatic – it would be a really disrespectful , despicable thing to do and then pass it to others.

What if some go to spring council – and should we go and block the gathering. Would we be able to block it at spring council? 

Contact Tracing – we should try this.  At these mini-micro gatherings, we would be able to track – trusted person with paper, put their name and contact on it.  That paper gets held for 30 days, and give out a number and folks can contact if they are sick.

I was on earlier, and heard someone say – it is our right.  And that is not correct.  The first invitation to the gathering is --- ( insert invite)  --It was never a protest, it was an invitation.

Please do not go to the gathering.  Please pray from home. 

Lots of discouragement, I think we can agree 99% on the call, and we had a moderator gung-ho on doing a gathering in Wyoming. 

We need to block this gathering, and we can have small gatherings.

There is not much harmony on this call. Continuing to discourage, is not working.  There are people out there with no internet, and lets’ stop trying to beat each other.  There is lots of light and love and it nice to hear the olders on the call. Remember to shine. 

Go out and smile with your eyes.

A poem was shared.

I hope the people have common sense and stay home. Grapefruit seed extract awesome stuff.

I love you all. Aummmmmmm at home!