In its first month, Occupy Nashville received over $3 thousand in donations. That may not seem like much compared to the half a million raised by the group’s counterpart in New York. But in a movement questioning money and fairness, Occupy Nashville is having to figure out how to manage its own finances.
Last week Occupiers marched on Nashville Electric Service, after Channel 5 reported officials there had spent public funds on lavish breakfasts and alcohol. When protesters met afterward, Johanne Greenwood pointed out occupiers should be wary of their own dealings as well.
“If we are going to criticize other organizations for things like that we better have our house in order.”
To that end – and to avoid being fined – occupiers take donations through the shelter of an established nonprofit: the Nashville Peace and Justice Center. Greenwood says that lends Occupy Nashville a way to deposit its money, while still controlling its use.
Greenwood says the funds are for everything from food to tents to printing costs. After arrests late last month, she says the protest group enjoyed a burst of attention – and donations – but that may be cooling off now.
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