What is the Rainbow Family of Living Light?

Today's guest blog post is an oldy but a goodie, written by a long time gathering a long time ago but her wise words still hold true today.  Copied from the grandmommie of Rainbow web sites: Welcomehome.org filled with great hipstorical information. Enjoy!

 ~ ~ What is the Rainbow Family of Living Light? ~ ~ 

First of all, be prepared for a different answer from each person who responds. Rainbow is different things to different people.

Most of us, though not all, who consider ourselves part of the Rainbow Family, have attended the Rainbow Gathering of the Tribes, which takes place from July 1 - 7 every year. The first gathering was in 1972, the invitation to it reading as follows:

We, who are brothers & sisters, children of God, families of life on earth, friends of nature & of all people, children of humankind calling ourselves Rainbow Family Tribe, humbly invite:

All races, peoples, tribes, communes, men, women, children, individuals -- out of love.

All nations & national leaders -- out of respect

All religions & religious leaders -- out of faith

All politicians -- out of charity

to join with us in gathering together for the purpose of expressing our sincere desire that there shall be peace on earth, harmony among all people. This gathering to take place beginning July 1, 1972, near Aspen, Colorado - or between Aspen & the Hopi & Navaho lands - on 3000 acres of land that we hope to purchase or acquire for this gathering -- & to hold open worship, prayer, chanting or whatever is the want or desire of the people, for three days, but upon the fourth day of July at noon to ask that there be a meditative, contemplative silence wherein we, the invited people of the world may consider & give honour & respect to anyone or anything that has aided in the positive evolution of humankind & nature upon this, our most beloved & beautiful world -- asking blessing upon we people of this world & hope that we people can effectively proceed to evolve, expand, & live in harmony & peace. - Amen -

The 3000 acres never materialized, and the first gathering took place partly on private land offered for temporary use, and partly on National Forest land. As you can see, this was intended to be a onetime event. However, people liked it so much that gatherings continued to happen annually on federal lands, each year in a different state. The length of the gathering has since expanded beyond the original four-day span.

For many years, there was only the one gathering, and the spiritual focus was foremost in the minds of everyone who attended. Most folks were identified with the "hippie" movement of the times, engaged in establishing alternative social, economic, spiritual, political, and/or environmental consciousness. Many were involved either in the Peace movement in the cities or the communal, back-to-the-land movement in the country. In either case, exploration of alternative spiritual systems and states of consciousness was often a common theme.

Sometime around the mid-1980s, folks who felt it was too far or too long to the annual gathering started coming together for smaller, regional gatherings. People all over the country developed local and regional bonds.

In the past few years, the spiritual focus has been less obvious, due to the huge influx of people who may not realize the central purpose of the gatherings. These folks may come to party, to hang out, to find like-minded people, to gain support for their political causes, or whatever. Who knows? (I sure don't, since I haven't spoken with all of them.)

The interesting thing is that we all consider ourselves to be part of a huge, extended family, no matter what our reason for gathering, no matter what our spiritual or religious or political or economic or social views may be. And many people who have not yet had an opportunity to attend a gathering also feel they are part of this family.

Another interesting thing is that there is no formal organizational structure. There are no membership qualifications, no fees or dues, no leaders, and virtually no rules other than the one of "peaceful respect." Each year, individuals take personal responsibility and work together with others on whatever they are inspired to do, from office work, to scouting, to building the kitchens at the gatherings, to hauling in food and first-aid supplies, to peacekeeping, etc. Every project undertaken operates essentially on a consensus basis. Participation, communication, and cooperation are how things get done.

It is nothing short of miraculous.

The gatherings are free and non-commercial, and everyone is welcome. Each person is asked to bring their own camping equipment (this all takes place in remote areas of the National Forest), their own cup, bowl, and spoon, and whatever they might want to share to help the gathering happen (tarps, shovels, musical instruments, bulk food, etc.). No one will be turned away because of lacks in these areas, however. The Magic Hat is passed at mealtimes and around camp. Donations are used to buy food in bulk for the kitchens and whatever else may be necessary for the communal well-being (plywood covers and lime for the latrines, first aid supplies, etc.).

Besides the work that goes on to help the gathering happen, there's also lots of accoustical music, drumming, dancing, workshops, herb-walks, council circles, sister circles, brother circles, brother-sister circles, people hanging out, people bartering, people enjoying nature, people meditating, chanting, and praying, people talking politics, people talking spiritual and personal growth, people visioning the future, people doing bodywork and other healing work, ...

The list could go on forever.

For me personally, the Rainbow Family is where I have found my greatest opportunities to learn, to grow, to celebrate, to be one with my fellow beings and my mother Earth, to serve, to pray, to play. The gatherings for me are living theater, evolution in process, creativity manifest. I am passionately in love.

Picture twenty thousand people in a sunlit meadow, standing silent in prayer, holding hands in one huge, unbroken circle. Picture a parade of children approaching, singing songs, their countenances bright with enthusiasm and face paint, baloons and banners waving in the breeze. Picture the breaking of the silence with a cheer from the circle, then the silence returning once again, to grow slowly into a thrum of voices united in a single OM reverberating through the valley and on to the hills beyond. Hold the OM in your mind. Let it spread through and around and in you. Feel it pass from hand to hand and heart to heart.

The magic, the connection you feel is the essence of the Rainbow Family of Living Light.

Peace, love, and light,

Carla

Blasts from the Past

I started doing a yearly gathering-related blog in 2008.  Here's some of what I consider the better posts from 2008 to 2012.  Some of them were written by me, others by folks I know and admire.    Enjoy!

Counciling in 1972 by Garrick Beck

The Silent Prayer/Meditation for World Peace on July 4th

Sage Advice for First Time Gatherers

Tips for a Safe Journey Home & a Positive Gathering

Gathering with Kids by Info Karen (The other Karen who hangs @ Info)

Rap on Access

So You Want to Focalize a Kitchen?

Creating Community

Health and Hand Washing

On Shanti Sena by Medicine Socks

Parking Lot Crew

Workshops @ the Gathering

To folks worried about their loved ones

Why Gather? by Garrick Beck

Why I Gather (the 2012 version)

~~~  Please copy and distribute this information freely ~~~

Process Prevails

Today's blog post has been brought to you by a guest blogger (Sibling).  Enjoy!

* * * * * * * * * *

What follows is a brief summary of how the folks gathering and the Forest Service have dealt with usual issues related to gatherings: health and safety, environmental and ecological concerns, and the permit issue.  This covers the last three peaceable assemblies aka Annual Rainbow Gatherings in TN 2012, WA 2011, and PA in 2010. For the last three years, I have assisted with facilitating the manner in which the gatherers and the Forest Service interface.  The manner that works best for the long run of the gatherings is face-to-face communication, in a circle or council, with an invitation to all to all attend.  Using a feather to speak one at a time and listening to each other’s concerns, questions, and solutions. 

I will take you back a bit though. There was a regional gathering in PA before the annual gathering in 2010.  Planning for that regional, a few of us had a hunch that one-day the annual gathering would return to the Northeastern US.  We felt that the way we dealt with the Forest Service would become an important steppingstone to future interactions. The outcome of that regional was an Operation Plan crafted by all interested gatherers and a signed permit, but most importantly, it was the circle/council process where the FS was able to present the issue, the gatherers were open to ask questions and answer questions and an Operations Plan that was agreed upon.  We had open and transparent dialogue where all who were interested participated, and spoke for themselves.

If one does not know the legacy of the permit issue, it is worth looking into. Some years, permits have been signed and some years, they have not.  For the past three years, we have done the circle/council with the Forest Service and have agreed to an Operations Plan without the need for a permit signature!

Historically, the permit issue has strained the interactions between the gatherers and Forest Service Resource folks and Law Enforcement. Occasionally it has infringed upon the open flow of communication with local health and safety officials, FS Resource, tribal councils, the press, and other interested parties.  In general, most gatherers have faced the gauntlet of police presence at some time during their gathering experience.  Some gatherers have been harassed, ticketed and even imprisoned over the permit issue. For some of us, at times, it has felt like we were at war with the US Forest Service over the permit.

 During the times of heightened conflict over the permit issue, I estimate that probably a third of those attending the gathering were not even aware of what was going on, the importance of the issue, the risks certain individuals took to solve the problem, and/or the consequences of our non-compliance.  For many years, it seemed that there were a few dozen or so dedicated individuals dealing with the permit issue but not nearly enough were informed.  And unfortunately, the issue was usually dealt with in the parking lot; at roadblocks; at meetings held before the actual gathering where decisions were made; or permits signed from someone’s office a thousand miles away from those who were actually assembled. What bothered me was that the issue seemed so rarely be taken to circle or council for a full hashing out.  I wanted to create the opportunity to hash it out!

So that became our goal for facilitating the regional gathering in PA.  Briefly speak with the Forest Service before the regional and then insist that any further meetings happen at a circle, that we would be willing to facilitate.  Of course, it works, go back to basics. A circle that they attend, pass a feather, ask questions, answer questions, and everyone is welcome.  You know, like we do so well. 
For the past three annual assemblies, after initial contact with the FS, those who have initiated contact have insisted that the next exchange of information would be “on the land” with the goal of transparency thus leading to an increased input and understanding for all.

Despite the fact that nobody can or should try to speak for anyone but themselves, the Forest Service and others not accustomed to non-hierarchical decision making - ie. Group process, process or consensus decision-making - have a hard time seeing in this way.  This has led to sort of defacto leaders in the eyes of the FS who are accustomed to navigating in a hierarchical structure and it is often difficult for them to even imagine a community functioning via consensus as the gathering community does. But gatherings have no leaders; every voice is important and vital to the beauty and full spectrum color of the rainbow. All of us had to start somewhere and with patience and a willingness to listen we get it done. As challenging as it is, process prevails way after personalities have gone.

For the last three years, those attending spring council and seed camp for the annual gathering who were interested in participating have been able to be a part of a circle or council with the Forest Service Resource people and the Law Enforcement, when requested.  It has been the most efficient for the FS to speak for themselves and communicate directly with the community that has assembled regarding issues related to the health and safety of the land and the people gathered.

The Operations Plan used during that regional and the last three annual gatherings are worth looking at. Each one is individual are reflects the specific needs of the gathering location.  Hopefully they will be discussed in full at this years’ spring council/circle on the land. 

In service, Sibling 5/2013

A Brief Summary of Gathering/Forest Service Relationships (take 1)

I find it helpful to have a basic understanding of situations in order to make informed decisions going into the future.  While my understanding of the relationship between the gathering and the United States Forest Service (USFS) is just one perspective, I hope that putting together a brief summary of how things have gone may help myself and other to see the big picture.

As I wasn't around until the late 1980s, I will try to keep my summary focused on things I do know and let others fill in the rest.

At the first gathering of the tribes, the USFS told family that a gathering could not happen without a permit and that no permit would be issued.  The next several years, the issue disappeared from the radar. From 1976 to 1980 permits were signed, often under protest. If you're interested in the details, read Plunker's summary of the permit issue from 1972 to 1983: Permit Herstory.

In 1984, the Forest Service enacted a regulation requiring a permit for any expressive assembly of ten or more people on Forest Service lands. This was unenforced for a year and a half before the Service attempted to apply it to the gathering in Arizona in 1986.

In 1987 at the North Carolina gathering, the state tried to tell us we need a permit for all public gatherings. After a lot of legal wrangling and an elephant, Judge Dave issued a consent decree that theoretically was not a permit, but .....Judge Dave was so taken with his experience in 1987 that he has written a book about it called Judge Dave and the Rainbow People. All didn't end so well as some of the cleanup crew where arrested. Click here for the consent order.

 In 1988 at the Texas gathering, the USFS demanded a permit and when family just said no, they blockaded the gathering and refused to allow ingress to the gathering site. Family walked around the blockade to bring in supplies. The situation wound up in court. The judge presiding over the hearing was Mr. Justice or as he is more commonly known in Rainbow Circles Justice Justice.   This regulation was deemed unconstitutional because not all groups of ten or more people were required to obtain a permit. In other words, if people attending the gathering were sharing information, fliers, beliefs, etc, then a permit was required. However, if they weren't, then no permit required.  For Plunker's rap on what happened, click here.


The USFS Group Use Regulations governing "special events" were struck down at the 1988 gathering in Texas --visit these sites for more info: 

• AP News article 
• Creative Philosophy Summary 
• Houston Chronicle Article

The USFS regrouped and tried to write regulations governing special events that would stand up in court.  It took them quite some time and if you're interested in a perspective on how that all happened, read the PC&U's article, From the Trenches.  (This article was written just after the Wyoming 1994 gathering).

In late 1995, a new set of group use regulations was published by the government that required any group of 75 or more people to apply for a "Group Use Permit" under the Non-Commercial Group Use Regulations.

In 1996, one individual signed a permit and then later tried to rescind it. For a summary, see the Ozark Gazette article.  Folks gathered and so it goes.

In 1997 at the annual gathering in Oregon, the USFS tried a new tactic: they came with arrest warrants for people they deemed "secret leaders"  and then these "secret leaders" counter sued. We had an amazing council for days on end with the USFS and worked out an unsigned operating plan on the land.  (You can find copies of a few of these plans here). Finally, the USFS bullied a woman in Portland who had a child at the gathering to sign a permit, which she did.

Wrangling over the permit continued at the Arizona gathering in 1998.  While a small victory was won by a gatherer, it was a technicality and had no great impact on the future course of events. 
For a summary of events, see the Arizona Republic Article or the New York Times article.

During the 1999 Rainbow Gathering in Pennsylvania, 3 individuals were chosen by the Forest Service's Incident Command Team as "secret leaders," and cited for not applying for a group use permit. As Rainbow is a leaderless, self-created temporary community, these charges were totally bogus. Unfortunately, due some legal maneuverings by the USFS, the "Rainbow 3"  lost their case (they weren't allowed any witnesses, among other things). An attempt was made to bring the case to the US Supreme Court, but the justices declined to take the case and the "Rainbow 3" spent time in the federal prison system for refusing to illegally sign a permit. For more legal information, click here,  here or here or read the article that appeared in Legal Affairs.

Moving out west for 2000 in Montana, a cat and mouse game played out between the "secret leaders" with some of them sneaking in and out of the gathering to avoid continued legal harassment and the USFS. Three people were picked out by the Forest Service as “Rainbow leaders” to receive tickets for camping without a noncommercial group use permit. One of the defendants challenged his ticket. The Forest Service replied, as they had in the previous cases, that the group use regulation was a constitutional time, place, and manner restriction that is narrowly tailored to fit the specific government needs of protecting Forest Service resources, insuring public safety, and deciding between competing uses in a way that leaves open ample alternative channels for expression. Furthermore the signature requirement was a valuable means of ensuring that the group would adhere to the terms of the special use authorization and of protecting against fraudulent statements. All three defendants were sentenced to jail time although the sentences varied.

The cat and mouse game continued in Idaho in 2001 with tickets for all despite the fact that a permit application was made and denied.   While I don't have the exact number of citations issued for being at a an "illegal gathering" (One with more than 74 people and no permit), there's a great article from the Boise Weekly on the issue and my guess is over 500 if not closer to 1,000 people received the magic ticket.   The governor issued a declaration of emergency. The USFS even went so far as to inform the local chapter of Trout Unlimited that they would be unable to perform restoration work in conjunction with gatherers.  By the 4th of July, USFS mounted officers were seen joining in the celebration for world peace and the positive evolution of the planet.

In 2002 the gathering was in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and drinking water was in short supply. The USFS tried to smoke us out by dumping drinking water en route to the gathering. but the local townsfolks  help out.  Then the USFS refused to issue a permit to an applicant.  Finally, the USFS decided that the illegal gathering could happen on one side of the river but not the other.  The infamous "west bank" of the river became off limits to everyone although every evening after they USFS LEOs went home for the day, we gathered there for dinner circle and for the silence on the 4th.

In 2003, a long time gatherer approached the USFS and promised to sign a permit for the gathering in Utah. He followed through on his plan meeting with officials before hand but the situation with the USFS was as bad as ever.  The USFS expected the permit signer to be responsible for every detail of the gathering and we all know that was doomed to failure.

Prior to the California 2004 gathering, meetings and telephone calls with the USFS took place in an attempt to find a workable solution for both sides - including a meeting with the head of the USFS in the Haight-Ashbury library in San Francisco.  Despite attempts to trying to work together, things didn't work out and the gathering was once again declared "illegal." Again someone not affiliated with the gathering signed a permit, but the USFS kept up it's campaign of intimidation, people were cited for being at an illegal event before the permit was signed, and the USFS declared the site off limits to nudity despite the fact that nudity was legal at this location before the gathering started.  People who were cited for being at an illegal gathering or being naked by their tent were treated to a visit to kangaroo court: a makeshift court just for us in some random building located in a small town near the gathering.

West Virginia in 2005 marks the first time the annual gathering relocated under pressure from the USFS.  A permit was signed for a location that the USFS wanted us to be on, many people received tickets for being at an "illegal gathering" and kangaroo Court was set up at the local visitor's center.
  In 2006, the USFS put up road blocks at the Colorado gathering in a failed attempt to prevent people from entering yet another "illegal gathering," many citations were written to people at the gathering, folks walked in through the woods (just like in 1972), kangaroo court took place in the local Fire Station and someone applied for a group use permit, which the Forest Service denied.

Arkansas 2007 was an attempt to work with the upper levels of the USFS  on a cooperative solution and the USFS took an unsigned operating plan worked out with gathering participants on the land in lieu of a falsified signature on a permit.  Life didn't change that much and the LEOs pulled pepper spray guns at family when they arrested a young woman (without bothering to inform her that she was being arrested).

The tension escalated the following year in Wyoming 2008. Again, the USFS accepted an unsigned operating plan worked out with gatherers on the land in lieu of a permit.  Unfortunately, the tension between the heads of the USFS who agreed to the unsigned operating plan model and the LEOs on the ground played out in the LEOs shooting up Kid Village with the same pepper spray paint ball guns they pulled the previous year. For perspectives on this situation from gatherers, click here.   For the report from the federal government on this incident, click here.

And by my accounts, Wyoming 2008 marks the absolute low in the relationship between the United States Forest Service and the Rainbow Gathering.

The New Mexico gathering in 2009 was a strange one.  Again someone not affiliated with the gathering signed a permit.  Everyone was jumpy after 2008. The US Marshals were there to baby sit the USFS LEOs and despite some scary moments, the US Marshals kept the USFS LEOs peaceful (that's not the official party line but I spent a lot of time on that movie and myself as well as others I know believe this to be true). 

Then starting with Pennsylvania, 2010, gatherers on the land, working cooperatively with USFS resource and law enforcement personnel continued with the unsigned operating plan model.  The day we counciled on the actual operating plan, the head of the forest and the law enforcement incident commander sat in council with us, passed the feather, and worked together to address concerns, issues and problems.  :)

That relationship continued in Washington 2011 with really awesome USFS LEO leadership working with folks on the land.  An unsigned operating plan was worked out between gatherers and USFS resource personnel. 

Tennessee 2012 continued the unsigned operating plan model.

All this brings us to this year.  As I'm finishing up this blog post I started in early March, I just received an email from someone who was at the meeting today on the land with the USFS and I hear everyone is feeling really positive about a cooperative relationship for 2013.  Now keep in mind, when I say cooperative and mellow, I am referring to the situation inside the gathering, not on the road or when you're in your vehicles driving in.  To be adequately prepared for the road, read the right sidebar message.

I'll probably rework this post at some point to update it with more details.  if I do so, I will update the date.

Finally, if you're interested in my analysis of where we went wrong in how gathering participants responded to the conflicts between folks on the land and the government, click here.

If you've managed to read this entire post, you now have a clue.  If you managed to read all the links, you actually understand the journey we've been on with the US Government.  As far as I'm concerned, gatherers sharing love and acting peacefully took on the US Government and we're still standing - quite an accomplishment family.  I know many of us have had differences of opinions over the years on how to deal with this situation and I think this saga proves that we're on a good path, one with many perspectives, a bit of bickering, and more love than my heart can hold. 

Additional References

USFS Non-commercial group use regulations

Welcome Home's FS Regs page

Butterfly Bill's nice summary of court cases.

Butterfly Bill's stories of gatherings' past.

Karin's archive of FOIA Requests

Hipstory

Hipstory refers to gathering related stories based on historical experiences of past gatherings and gathering related stuff. Every year at the Annual Gathering of the Tribes, we share Hipstory with each other in many, many ways.  One of my favorites is the night of July 5th when, starting at dark thirty at the Hipstories, we share stories of gatherings past starting with 1972 and working our way through the years.

Of late, this has been happening at the Granola Funk Theater stage, but in years past I remember it happening at the Spot Tent (the big white tent near Kid Village in Washington 2011).We take turns getting up in front of everyone and sharing our individual story from a past gathering.  I strongly encourage everyone to plan on staying at the gathering through July 6 to enjoy the stories. Some of the storytellers are amazing, some not so great, but each story is a glimpse into a moment of our past - a moment as seen through the eyes of the teller or someone who heard the story from someone else.

I would especially invite my beautiful family in their teens and twenties. You are an amazing wonderful force in this family and I hope you take the time to learn the hipstory and use the wisdom and mistakes of the past to greate a brillant future.

As Georgy Santayana wrote many years ago, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

If you're in the mood know to read some hipstories, click here for a great selection written by some of the earlies (folks who have been gathering since the early 70s).

One of my all time favorite gatherings

What makes a gathering so special is the friends we make, the experiences we have, and the land on which we gather.  One of my all time favorites was Wyoming in 1994.  Best site ever.  Everything laid out like a wagon wheel.  My life was changed by this gathering and by the experiences which lead out of this gathering.

Here's a video someone put together - with footage from the Discovery Channel.  Enjoy!

Rainbow Documentary

As with many documentaries, the viewpoints expressed are those of the film makers and the people in the film. This is definitely the dream of the gathering.  The footage is from the California 2004 gathering.  Some great footage of Ram Dass as well. http://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/warriors_of_the_rainbow/

Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Council Notes

Updated 1/26/2013 - There are two sets of notes taken by two different people.  .

*******Notes #1*******

howdy,

    Understanding that CONSENSUS is only guidelines/recommendations for other individuals to accept or....  NO decisions, nor authority... rather...

    nothing is set in stone.,... however... good vibes, good insights, and good strong vision....

obviously when it reads 'all Gates, spaces and places, ARE family friendly'  it is for the IDEAL to be realized... therefore the positive vibration...

For Consensus to be realized individuals agree and then, LIVE the Consensus.... all Consensus [have] built-in "flexibility clause"

     this tksgiving circle.... way cool !! with good folks attending, giving good sharings....

**** Finch gave an excellent presentation concerning "All Ways Free" (independent news rag with rainbow vibes) and asked for help and several folks volunteered to join in the effort.... good going... thanks Finch, et. al.****

   peace, love, just us, justice,
        bXXX aXXX, pXXX, montana, rainbow family tribe (imagi-creed)

p.s. these consensus have been posted on 2013 Gathering (site) on Facebook
------------------------------------------------


Consensus #1: Spring Circle begins the weekend of June 7-9, location to be announced.

Consensus #2: There will be an initial scout rendezvous to take place in mid April, on the 12-14 with a location and means of contact to be announced.

Consensus #3: The banking council (until Spring Circle) shall be:
Bri, Cory, Denise, Feather, Gary, Kaylee, and Otter.

Consensus #4: Thanksgiving Council for the Montana 2013 Annual Rainbow Gathering of the Tribes recommends that beginning on the first day of seed camp and continuing through July 7, 2013, there will be daily shanti-sena/firewatch training circles each morning, locations to be announced.

Consensus #5: For the safety of our family and the safety of the sacred ground we gather on, Thanksgiving Council for the Montana 2013 Annual Rainbow Gathering of the Tribes recommends and humbly asks that every kitchen who is able, provide 24/7 roaming firewatch to provide mutual support for all the firewatch workers.

Consensus #6: For the safety of our family and the safety of the sacred ground we
gather on, Thanksgiving Council for the Montana 2013 Annual Rainbow
Gathering of the Tribes reaffirms that we are all shanti sena, and that all gates and places in the Rainbow Gathering are safe, healthy, and family-friendly spaces.

Consensus #7: We, the individuals assembled as Thanksgiving Council for the Montana 2013 Annual Rainbow Gathering of the Tribes request that all relevant government entities continue to work with gatherers in order to find a solution to the noncommercial group use regulations that does not erode or infringe on the Constitution of the United States of America.

Consensus #8: We, the individuals assembled as Thanksgiving Council for the Montana 2013 Annual Rainbow Gathering of the Tribes reaffirm that a permit is unnecessary for individuals to peaceably assemble, and that the Constitution of the United States of America is all that is necessary, and we remind all individuals that it is unlawful to sign a noncommercial group use permit application unless every single individual assembled gives explicit consent.

Consensus #9: The second scout council will be May 10-15 or thereabouts, and hopes that the early scouts will recommend locations and send representatives to advise them what has been scouted and where they should scout.

*******Notes #2*******

Thanksgiving Council Notes/Minutes
as scribbled by FXXXh

November 21, 2012:

-We dug and lit the heartfire in the space given to us across the street from the Tribal
Nutrition center. Dug in the shape of a heart, and fed by huge bundles of wood donated by
local family.

-Lots of food was arriving and being sorted.

-There were 30 people present at the OM circle for dinner, and about 35 total on site for
the day.

-There was snowfall overnight.

November 22, 2012 (Thanksgiving Day):

-All morning and early afternoon was spent cooking and preparing for our thanksgiving day
feast.

-The Thanksgiving meal's OM circle was at 2:50 pm and contained 71 people.

-At 3:15 we were informed that while we had been saying OM, a baby had been born to our
Rainbow Family in another part of the country, after twelve hours of complications. Our
new arrival weighed in at 5 pounds 6 ounces, and was 19 inches tall.

-Thanksgiving dinner was sweet, over 100 total people were present over the course of the
day, and we had something on the magnitude of 96 prepared food dishes. There were meat
options, but the majority was vegetarian with several vegan options as well.

November 23, 2012:

-We began circling at around noon and began with a discussion on whether we should council
inside or outside. Though there was enthusiasm for going outside and reserving the tribal
center as a refuge for children to play, many of the family felt it would be too cold
outside, and might make counciling difficult for any elderly or infirmed family present.
The council ended up staying inside, though on principle, a few folks went outside to do
an OM around the heartfire before the council circle began.

-We had a brief recounting of some of the hipstory of rainbow gatherings and Thanksgiving

Council. Stories included
*The first TGC in 1972
*The story of the 1972 Gathering, and the police roadblock. This came with a video passed
around the circle with footage from the 1972 Gathering. It was mentioned that the video
had an incorrect portion in it. The video contained a portion that claimed that a judge
eventually removed the police roadblock. This was false; the courts upheld the roadblock,
but it was dissolved by necessity in the face of the veritable sea of hippies that stormed
the entrance.
*Anecdotes about the white buffalo seen in both the clouds and the snow on the mountains
at the 1972 Gathering.
*Showing of a scanned and reprinted copy of the Rainbow Oracle, penned in 1970 by early
gatherers. Both a work of art and an instruction manual for intentional community, the
Oracle featured poems, stories, and the blueprint for the early gatherers' vision of a
PEACE Village.

-At 12:30 PM, everyone assembled indoors circled and said OM. 35 were present. We began
with a pass of the feather and introduced ourselves and brought up agenda points to write
down, or things we would like to discuss or focus our energy on this council or at the
2013 Montana Gathering. Items and points raised included
*Consensus means coming to KNOW decisions rather than make them. Actions make consensus,
not just words. If we agree to do something and I actually DO it, I am living the
consensus. The circle is always open, so each of us can place our own god or goddesses in
if we wish, or each of us can be in the center of the circle ourselves if we so choose.
*Unite the divisions in the family between the young and the old.
*Establish Spring Council dates.
*All Ways Free newspaper
*Here to move mountains. Discuss firewatch, security, tools.
*Be here now
*Discuss Magic Hat, scout dates, our relationship with government (including Montana
Government), shanti sena. Water is our most important priority. Would like to see a
Montana gethering that isn't just rock and sagebrush.
*A local 10-acre farm was offered as a site to hold Spring Council or for people to land
at on the way to Spring Council.

-We began discussion on item 1: Spring Circle dates.
*Some family felt that an earlier start would be better. Washington was difficult because
of the late announcement leaving us with a shorter schedule. Additionally, with more
people in solidarity in the woods sooner, it would be less likely that family would be
targeted by LEOs with harassment or arrest. We were reminded that last TGC we agreed to
start Spring Circle on the 10th of June, but family agreed to start informally on the 2nd.
Consensus was finally reached on June 16th that year. A 2013 Spring Council meeting date
of June 7-8 was floated.
*Other family suggested that later might be better. Early in June means that the snow
won't be melted and those out scouting will still have to wait before reporting back to
Spring Council. Those of us who work in kitchens (about 15 of the 42 assembled) were
reminded not to exhaust ourselves too early and burn out. A June 7-8 beginning of council
was floated, with the intent to take care of other business like banking and cooperations

first while waiting for folks out scouting to arrive, and then discuss site selection on

June 14-15
*It was suggested that we allow the weather to determine the time of the Spring Circle rather than planning this far ahead.

*Anecdote told about the 2000 Montana Gathering... we had no consensus about which site to use, for days and days. The Forest Service had people present as well and they kept objecting. Finally some of the kitchens got fed up and went to their favorite site. The masses of people followed the food and people voted with their feet, and the Montana Gathering happened at that site.

-Language for the consensus was proposed, including the phrase "BEGINS on June 7-9", to allow time for folks out scouting to arrive, and for the council to take as long as needed.

-Consensus #1 was reached at 1:40 PM.

CONSENSUS #1: SPRING CIRCLE BEGINS ON THE WEEKEND OF JUNE 7-9 LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED.

-We took a smoke break.

-Circle reconvened at 2:34 PM. We did another OM, with 35 present.

-We began discussion on item 2, date of scout council, with some touching on site criteria. Here's a summary of the comments as the feather passed from hand to hand.

*Must try to avoid private land, gather in a space with water, meadows, a parking lot close by. We have to look at sites in the spring, even if we know in the winter where we'd LIKE to go. The Big Hole site from the 2000 Gathering is not usable. The land is not yet ready, and shitters and compost pits are not all gone yet. Additionally, Cheney and Rumsfeld own land there, so it would be a big battle.

*At the Prineville regional we held this summer at the 1997 site. some camps set up on little inclines. When folks dug 3 feet deep, it was 90 degrees down there - still a compost pit working its way into the earth from 1997. It takes a long time for land to recover.

*Suggested: May 1. But we still have snowdrifts and fallen trees to consider.
*First weekend of May is May 3-5
*Mid-April suggested. By May you only have a solid month to find a site for Spring Council
*May is wet and muddy and cold. But if young folks out scouting want to tough it out,
right on!
*How about an announced and memed council, and if we want to informally meet up before

then, thats fine too.
*This is similar to New Mexico '09 when three young dedicated folks who planned to scout

weren't at TGC. I see lots of the more experienced family aren't here.
*Regardless of when we meet, anyone can get together and scout and look at maps.
*Every couple weeks the folks scouting should touch base.
*We have lots of young energy but they are green and will look up to our older experienced

family for scouting help. I request that some of these folks be at the scout council to

bounce ideas off of.
*Remember that sisters scout too, and are welcome and encouraged to join the effort.

Remember to background check the land - no private land, wilderness, etc. Don't let ego

make you too attached to one site.
*We should aim for a tentative April date
*Be self-sufficient if you scout!
*We can stay connected and look at maps on the computer.
*Proposed dates: April 12-14
*Dates can be limiting, why not let weather conditions determine dates and aim for mid-

April?
*Even if it's just a meeting in the map room of a university, we should set a date so

people can plan for it.
*Mid-April sounds good. There are four good sites to look at near Livingstone. We can talk

locations around the fire tonight.
*We should set a date so folks not plugged in will know how to get in touch
*Consensus language proposed, consensus was called for.

-Consensus #2 was reached at 3:50 PM

CONSENSUS #2: THERE WILL BE AN INITIAL SCOUT RENDEZVOUS TO TAKE PLACE IN MID APRIL, ON THE

12-14 WITH A LOCATION & A MEANS OF CONTACT TBA

-We began discussion on item 3, site criteria:
*Be mindful of threatened ecological plants and animals.
*Quallity and placement of water, and a peaceful site
*Swimming hole
*Nice locals, accessibility for elders and youngers
*Suggested: Town hall meetings for sharing our information and criteria with locals,

including any necessary councils with natives. Find out which local ma and pa stores we

could make wealthy.
*The land resource allocation website is our greatest resource on what resources are

allocated to natives and when in the year. Also, nearly every community has a web page

about local land use. Finally, sites for hunters and 4-wheel drivers can give good info

about places not to go.
*Easier to define what we DON'T want, watch out for dealbreakers.
*Elevation can prevent some folks from gathering safely. Low elevation could be better.

Water still the most important thing. On delicate areas: In 1997 we had a rare plant in

Oregon...we roped off a huge area, and folks stayed away. In 2001 Idaho, there were salmon

6 miles away, and local tribes wanted to ensure we were cool people.

-At 4:10 we took a smoke break.

-5:00 PM we reconvened and said OM with 29 present.

-Proposed agenda item #4: TGC Magic Hat. Began discussion on agenda item.
*We have paid for this tribal nutrition building from 11/21-25. We also have to cover any

coffee cups etc. that go missing. We have to consider our relationship weith the tribe.

Pick up all our cigarettes, clean up properly. Let's pass the hat to pay for cups,

napkins, trash bags, and the rental of the building.

-Hat was passed, collected $121.44

-We began discussion on the agenda item #5, Firewatch
*Once the snow dries, it dries fast. Empty fire extinguishers can be filed with water.
*I recommend carrying a five-gallon "shooter" filled with water. Each kitchen should have

a filter and a shooter. Please don't have personal fires! The Okanogan Barter Faire this

year managed without any fires and 19,000 people attended.
*Suggest to each kitchen to have one male/female pair doing all night firewatch and hug

patrol.

-Story about the '84 Gathering, and adventures at the councils.

-5:45 PM Held hands and closed the circle with an OM with 26 present.

November 24th, 2012

-Before the OM, a young boy at the council who was from Idaho was invited to draw a Tarot

Card to set the tone for the morning. He drew the card "Openness," which said "I am open.

When we open ourselves to truth then the real miracle happen."

12:25 We open the circle with an OM, 25 people present.

-The Magic Hat money was counted, all the money was still accounted for. The hat was

passed again.

-Begin discussion on item #6, Banking Council
*Hipstory of banking council. 1978 Oregon was the first one. Calling it a 'banking'

council may have been a poor choice of words. The word 'bank' gives people on the bank a

feeling of power/ownership.
*We need volunteers to hold the bank until Spring Circle. Asked for volunteers, and called

for consensus after all the names were written down.

-Consensus #3 was reached at 1:00 PM

CONSENSUS #3: THE BANKING COUNCIL (UNTIL sPRING cIRCLE) SHALL BE: BRI, COREY, DENISE,

FEATHER, GARY, KAYLEE, AND OTTER.

-Magic Hat was recounted. New amount in the hat: $197.86. Banking council called for later

in the evening to discuss disbursement.

-Returned to firewatch conversation.
*If you see a water tank in a local's yard, couldn't hurt to ask if we can borrow it -

same as a truck - or ask to rent it.
*Suggest that Nik@Nite be walking firewatch and shanti sena. People are offended by

overauthoritarian fire watch.
*I agree, I've been hooking up road warriors with walkie-talkies.
*We should have brother/sister pairs, as many sisters as possible for firewatch.
*Remember, we can't appoint anyone.
*Suggest one pair from each kitchen do firewatch gathering-wide.
*Need more in-depth firewatch training...most people only know the standard wisdom "5

gallon bucket and a shovel"
*Don't build fires on roots, keep a safe perimeter around the pit clear of brush.
*Community fires tradition began after a six year old child came to council in 1972

complaining "The smoke is burning my eyes! Too many fires!"
*More signage is good. We can all make at least 3 signs each with stuff from Rap 107.
*Craft Share camp will be near Welcome Home, will have a Sign Facilitation Station.
*We need to meme and spread the raps as far and wide as possible ahead of time.
*Bring extra buckets!
*This will be more extreme fire danger, unlike the last few years - must reconcentrate the

effort for educating new gatherers.
*Every day we should have shanti-sena/firewatch training, announced each dinner the night

before, starting at Spring Council.  I think we should consense on it.
*A call for the feather to go around once before calling for a consensus.
*Encourage talking in your own private camps about firewatch
*Breakfast circles will be back this year with morning workshops including firewatch.
*We should craft a consensus about firewatch/shanti sena workshops
*Suggest breaking into two consenses to address each issue.
*Language for consensus #4 proposed

-Consensus #4 reached at 2:13 PM

CONSENSUS #4: THANKSGIVING COUNCIL FOR THE MONTANA 2013 ANNUAL RAINBOW GATHERING OF THE

TRIBES RECOMMENDS THAT BEGINNING ON THE FIRST DAY OF SEED CAMP AND CONTINUING THROUGH JULY

7, 2013, THERE WILL BE DAILY SHANTI-SENA/FIREWATCH TRAINING CIRCLES EACH MORNING,

LOCATIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED.

-Language for consensus #5 proposed and discussed

-Consensus #5 reached at 2:50 PM

CONSENSUS #5: FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR FAMILY AND THE SAFETY OF THE SACRED GROUND WE GATHER

ON, THANKSGIVING COUNCIL FOR THE MONTANA 2013 ANNUAL RAINBOW GATHERING OF THE TRIBES

RECOMMENDS AND HUMBLY ASKS THAT EVERY KITCHEN WHO IS ABLE, PROVIDE 24/7 ROAMING FIREWATCH

TO PROVIDE MUTUAL SUPPORT FOR ALL THE FIREWATCH WORKERS.

-Smoke Break.

-Reconvene at 3:25 PM, circle and say OM with 21 present.

-Begin discussion on item #7: Shanti Sena

*For some time, the Rainbows have been dealing with the government so much that they lost focus on teaching 'being rainbow'. I heard about at least 3 beatdowns @ the Tennessee Gathering. We need to meme or spread the RAP that we are all shanti sena.

*Shanti sena can be viewed as a loosely affiliated series of affinity groups created on the spot, more efficient and useful the more the people working together already know and trust one another. Remember to call "Shanti Sena Fire" in case of a fire, so people will know to start grabbing buckets and water. Good to walk anyone new you bring into the woods around and talk nonstop for at least a full day, teach them the basics. Remember that pre-deescalation can be more useful than conflict resolution, it nips problems in the bud.Be ready with a joke or a smoke or a hug if you see someone looking sad or irritated or about to start getting angry. After a shanti sena movie, stop and get to know the folks you have just worked with in the heat of the moment. These are the family you will know
better as you work with them again and again.

*Occupy has caused a shift, lots of new faces that want to plug in, keep meme-ing peace, it's a self-selective filter for the Gathering.

*Shanti Sena is not "Peace Army", in Rainbow language it means "Peace Scene". In 2011, Marie Hanson went missing after the Gathering, She was found, dead, months later. She went to pee in the dark, fell 20 feet, crawled over toward the river and died. Awful cooperation with cops and searching. They wasted time searching for 8 hours in A-Camp 14 miles away. When she went missing, instead of sounding the alarm, people spread rumors that they thought they saw her leaving with somebody. If there is a report that anyone is missing, every kitchen and camp should raise a red flag until the person is found.

*In dealing with serious shanti sena movies: Always try to resolve it on site. Support the
victim. If necessary, an individual might make a citizen's arrest on another individual.
If this happens, be careful. Forcing someone to go somewhere by touching them can be
considered assault and kidnapping. Know all the ramifications of any action you take.

*Suggest each kitchen have a spot with a sign for shanti sena and firewatch issues.
*Michael Niman's website has the Freedom of Information Act on the Rainbow FBI file, it

contains references in 1986 of "child selling". I suspect this was Jose [Antonio Ramos],
a dangerous predator who has plagued our family for years and has recently been released
from incarceration.
*No alcohol should be on the front gate!
*Ideally every kitchen should send one rep at all times to the front gate.
*How to do shanti sena workshops- suggestion of circles about personal shanti sena
experience, with 6 points to discuss.
1. Work together
2. Pre-deescalation
3. Be calm
4. Be unbiased
5. Be nonviolent
6. Aim for peaceful solution

*Discussion of the front gate versus the tribe that calls itself "Front Gate": 12-14 years ago, about 15 people got tired of pacifist responses to things like attempted murder, molestation, and rape. Originally called UPO, this group will not change its name from Front Gate.

*Discussion aimed to reaffirm the safety of the parking lot, and promote safe spaces throughout the whole gathering. Wording for a consensus discussed, altered, proposed.

-Consensus #6 reached (with one abstention) at 6:00 PM

CONSENSUS #6:  FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR FAMILY AND THE SAFETY OF THE SACRED GROUND WE GATHER

ON, THANKSGIVING COUNCIL FOR THE MONTANA 2013 ANNUAL RAINBOW GATHERING OF THE TRIBES

REAFFIRMS THAT WE ARE ALL SHANTI SENA, AND THAT ALL GATES AND PLACES IN THE RAINBOW

GATHERING ARE SAFE, HEALTHY, AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY SPACES.

*Reminder that Rainbow Warriors do not SEEK conflict.
*Please have no visible alcohol.

Closed the circle at 6:05 PM with and OM and 18 present.

November 25th, 2012

-Opened the circle at 10:45 AM with an OM, 18 were present.

-Report back from banking council. Now there is $248.54 in the magic hat. Breakdown as

follows:
$68.54 to Tribal Center
$40 to reimburse one brother's expenditures for the council
$40 to reimburse another brother's expenditures for the council
$45 to the community member who donated her land for the firepit
$10 to the ranch that provided wood for the heartfire
$35 to the Symes Hotel
$10 toward a water filter for deserving community members

-Discussion on item #8, All Ways Free newspaper
*All Ways Free is an independant newspaper with a rainbow theme. It was brought back after a several-year hiatus.
*Hopefully there will be a spring issue, a run of about 500 copies, followed by a summer issue of 2,000 copies.
*Looking for new family to do the paper after this summer.

*Idea proposed for All Ways Free cycle: Traditionally, AWF has changed hands every two years. Unfortunately, this results in new focalizers learning to publish an independant publication from scratch every two years. Proposed change: A three year cycle. Year one: Previous focalizer(s) and new focalizer(s) work together on an issue. Year two: Previously new focalizer takes on AWF alone. Year three: Focalizer takes on new focalizer and works with them. This way there would be a constant cycle of mentorship and skillshare.

*Suggestion to have a birth, death, and ceremonies/unions section, rather than spending multiple pages on long obituaries.

*Request for names and addresses of incarcerated family who would like to receive letters from rainbows. These addresses will go in the Behind the Walls section (to email names and addresses for incarcerated family, email rainbowtopkat@yahoo.com and make sure to check with the inmate first, and mention any restrictions on letters imposed by the jail or prison)

*Request for donations to help publish the paper
*For all inquiries related to AWF, email rainbowtopat@yahoo.com

-At 12:15 PM we took a smoke break

-At 12:45 PM we reconvened, said an OM with 14 present.

-Opened discussion on item #9, Government
*Some hipstory on rainbows and the government. In 1991, the Rainbow Family was listed at the #1 terrorist group. In 1993 Texas took everyone to court; US vs. Barry Adams. They entered a document from another brother in his Idaho case, calling the brother "Keeper of holy water, eagle feather, fiduciary officer for rainbow". In 1993, a quarter pound of contraband seized from a brother was enough to put the Rainbow Family at #1 on the International Drug Cult Watchlist. In Washington, 2011, we refused to sign a permit. The cops then insisted, "We have to set up informational stations". One long-time gatherer saw these as blockades and responded by threatening to shut down the I-5 from Portland to

Tijuana. That was the first year since 1987 that we haven't had cops with visible guns at Main Meadow. That year, Obama administration sent an emissary, Ranger Bob, who has been working favorably with us since 1981. Ranger Bob was with NY Steve when he passed away at Lovin' Oven in WA, and gave him CPR for over an hour to try to save his life. He unfortunately was not assigned to Tennessee in 2012. In 2011, Billy Ball (ICT Commander from Texas '88) was actually on our side. He sent the message that he respects us, and the feds backed off considerably. Dave Ferrel, who started in 1987, is now director of Law Enforcement of Forest Service. There used to be an Incident Command Study Team, which set policy for the ICT. It has gone underground. In 1976, the first permit was signed. In 1984 was the first 36CFR Permit Request for a gathering of 9 or more. In 1996 a brother got consensus in a silent circle with the Forest Service and signed the permit. In 2003 Utah, the permit was signed as an experiment, to try and get evidence against the permit. In 2004 California, there was a ghost signer - a secretary signed from offsite. After the permit was signed, the FS fenced off main meadow, brought the Indian tribes to complain about the land use, ticketed a kitchen for "being too close to a spring". In 2005 Michigan, a signer tried to sign a permit on the 4th of July from a hotel room, the application was rejected.

*At the Oregon Cascadia gathering, working with the FS was helpful. We had them warn us about protected wildlife and plants, and they respectfully met us on the bridge outside of the gathering boundary each day of the gathering and did not come inside.

-Smoke break at 2:30 PM

-Reconvened at 2:56 PM, said an OM with 13 present.

-Back to Rainbows and Government discussion
*We used to do peaceful stuff with the FS, we would avoid labelling 'organizers' by sending them to a PLACE, not a person. In 2009, New Mexico, 2 new folks signed a permit.It was the last straw. There was a lawsuit against the signer. There was a lot of discovery and a lot of subpoenas - The Forest Service, their Internet Service Provider...it was enough information to put several Forest Service officers to jail and expose a real mess - which was not the intent of the discovery. The ruling had an effect in the FS the following year in 2010, thought he case was still pending. It influenced the new woman in charge to write an order to keep forest service in vehicles out. In the New Mexico email
discovery was found premeditated orchestrated illegal actions by members of the forest service. 1995 was when the new permit regulations began, and the first crackdown was in the Florida federal court.  Regarding this gathering - We cannot have a year of stupidity or a "last stand" scenario. 2010 was the first truly peaceful Gathering I have ever attended. I can rest easy now, knowing the vision is being carried on.

*Discussion of a consensus wording, consensus proposed.

-Consensus #7 reached at 4:55 PM

-CONSENSUS #7: WE, THE INDIVIDUALS ASSEMBLED AS THANKSGIVING COUNCIL FOR THE MONTANA 2013ANNUAL RAINBOW GATHERING OF THE TRIBES REQUEST THAT ALL RELEVANT GOVERNMENT ENTITIES CONTINUE TO WORK WITH GATHERERS IN ORDER TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THE NONCOMMERCIAL GROUP USE
REGULATIONS THAT DOES NOT ERODE OR INFRINGE ON THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

-Consensus #8 reached at 5:05 PM

CONSENSUS #8: WE, THE INDIVIDUALS ASSEMBLED AS THANKSGIVING COUNCIL FOR THE MONTANA 2013ANNUAL RAINBOW GATHERING OF THE TRIBES REAFFIRM THAT A PERMIT IS UNNECCESSARY FOR INDIVIDUALS TO PEACABLY ASSEMBLE, AND THAT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IS ALL THAT IS NECESSARY, AND WE REMIND ALL INDIVIDUALS THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO SIGN A NONCOMMERCIAL GROUP USE PERMIT APPLICATION UNLESS EVERY SINGLE INDIVIDUAL ASSEMBLED GIVES EXPLICIT CONSENT.

-Opened discussion on item #10, second scouting circle.
*Some older rainbows who couldn't attend TGC requested that there be a second scouting
council that would allow newer folks doing scouting to have access to the words and
experience of folks who have done lots of scouting.
*Consensus wording discussed, consensus proposed.

-Consensus #9 reached at 5:55

CONSENSUS #9: THE SECOND SCOUT COUNCIL WILL BE MAY 10-15 OR THEREABOUTS, AND HOPES THAT

THE EARLY SCOUTS WILL RECOMMEND LOCATIONS AND SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ADVISE THEM WHAT HAS

BEEN SCOUTED AND WHERE THEY SHOULD SCOUT.

Circle closed with an OM at 6:00 PM.

Flashback to 2000

The last time the annual gathering of the tribes took place in Montana was in 2000. Just to get you in the mood, here's some of our family freely sharing their gifts.

Fantuzzi - I'm In You, And You're In Me
Camp Zipolite Humor - Rainbow in My Mind
Double Dose - Bringers of Dawn.


Thanks to Tenali for recording these songs and Rob for hosting them. For more songs from the 2000 gathering, click here.