Bend Occupiers Train for Spring Protests

Occupiers filled Innovation Theater Works in Bend on Saturday, preparing themselves for another round of protests, rallies and marches all throughout this spring, part of a national movement.

The 99 Percent, as they are called, is getting ready for 60 days of action, all aimed at what they say is confronting the power, greed and influence of America’s top 1 percent.

Occupiers were given a training guide filled with information including their vision, goals, strategy and tactics.

New participantss were taught how to do their own protests and activism, and learned more about the issues they are fighting for.

The Bend Occupy Movement did sign up some new faces Saturday, and organizers say this movement will only continue to grow.

“We have to continue down this road for a just economy,” said Barbara Fontaine. “We have to figure it out how to go forward, before its too late, for our planet, for our country, for our people.”

Organizers of Saturday’s training say they hope some future events were generated.

The movement says it will also be holding large rallies in every major city on Tax Day next Tuesday to call out the 1 percent who they say refuse to pay their fair share.