Austin Stands with Standing Rock – Bank Breakup Protest

From the Sierra Club’s Austin Environmental Justice Team (ATXEJ) and the Texas Water Protectors –

Taking a lunch break on Monday?
Do you have an account with Chase?
Next Monday: stand with #NoDAPL –and if you can, close that account.
Break up with the Bank — or come pack the bank lobby — to protest Chase’s $312M investment in Energy Transfer Partners.

Are you willing to help us pack the Chase Bank lobby to disrupt business as usual? WE NEED YOU. OMG, do we need you. We need LOTS and LOTS of people. At least 500. Preferably 1,000 or more. (We want any regular bank customer who isn’t divesting or protesting the bank to face a packed-like-sardines bank that makes them prefer to come back later.)

You can help us reverse Austin’s history of keeping public money in dirty investments.

Support Standing Rock activists and people fighting for clean water.

Invest in a renewable future for Austin and Texas. The City of Austin has at least $1 million invested with JP Morgan Chase, possibly more with others. Show them how it’s done.

#ResistinInAustin
#FixinAustin
#DivestATX
#LetsDivestATX
#AccelerateWithAustin
#DefundDAPLAustin
#StandForWater
#WaterIsLife
#BankExit

We saw a historic day last week when the Seattle City Council Finance Committee voted to advance an ordinance to end their city’s $3 billion financial relationship with Wells Fargo. The divestment movement in solidarity with water protectors got this major win with Seattle, and it will continue across the country in cities like Minneapolis – and, with your help, in Austin!

It’s the start of a movement to divest Austin’s money from Chase and other banks that back these socially and environmentally destructive projects. We instead want our money to be invested responsibly in the name of community development. In banks and credit unions that provide financial services to economically marginalized communities and individuals, whose loans support jobs, housing, and social services in these communities. In renewable energy that actually creates jobs.

Step 1. Fill out this form if you bank with Chase — we’ll help you close your account: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyZU5AT3_04IRCP2iWAmIhZAJ_NkTAWBMDWumQv3aT3mw9YQ/viewform

Step 2. Come to a training the Saturday before the event Feb. 11th. You’ll learn about nonviolent direct action where we’ll be making Valentines for our friends at city hall, thanking them for their work as part of this effort and sharing your hopes for the future.

Details & Location for Saturday’s Training Are HERE… check them out!!
What: Forum, Training, and Valentine-Making for Chase Bank Breakup Action.
**We will have facilitators, trainers, paper, markers, snacks, and glitter.**
When: 2-5 PM THIS Saturday, Feb. 11
Where: Fiesta Beach Park, south of Martin Middle School. Park on Comal near Haskell Street and walk towards the Hike and Bike Trail (see map).
Why: Review the plan for Monday then learn and practice how to put nonviolent direct action principles into action there. Connect with other people in Austin working to get city money out of dirty banks, in solidarity with Standing Rock and anti-fracking and -pipeline efforts in West Texas as part of the national #BankExit movement to #Divest.
Who: Anyone planning to attend Monday’s action at Chase Bank, or interested in participating in future actions
No RSVP Necessary. Wear weather-appropriate clothes you can move in and bring water and a snack. See you there… and please spread the word and invite your friends, family and neighbors! We can’t wait to see you.
#ResistinInAustin #RiseWithStandingRock #BreakUpWithChase#DumpChase #ItStartedWithSeattle #WaterIsLife #BankExit #NextToDivest

Step 3. Meet us at the Chase at Lavaca and 6th at noon on Feb. 13th. WEAR RED OR PINK. Bring your valentine for the city.