After demonstrators occupied Wall Street and Indy, Ball State students and Muncie residents are planning to Occupy Muncie.
The plan to Occupy Muncie is scheduled for Oct. 19, gathering at 3 p.m. and starting at 4 p.m., leaving from Shafer Tower on campus.
Last night 40-plus individuals, including students and local residents, made the consensus decision while meeting at Be Here Now in the Village.
The Occupy Muncie march will travel through campus to downtown where the demonstrators will end at city hall, Kai Bennett, supervisor of Students for Creative Social Activism, said.
"We're not getting a permit because we're staying on public grounds," Bennett said. He said plans would be peaceful and nonviolent.
Occupy Muncie Facebook group page was made to disseminate information and collect public comments. A Twitter account will also be created, organizers said.
Working groups and thematic groups are currently being established.
Some believe the movement is necessary but want input from local government officials, while others don't want government involved.
"I'm for it [Occupy Muncie] if it's necessary, and the more I look around, the more I think it is necessary," freshman political science major Paul McGowan said. He said struggles he has endured include paying high gas prices, as a result of oil companies that he said have "posted record-profits."
McGowan said he would like to see local Congressman Mike Pence (R-Columbus) involved. Pence's coverage area falls within the location which demonstrators will occupy.
Muncie resident Debra Gindhart Dragoo dislikes McGowan's suggestion.
"We don't want politicians involved in any way," she said. "This is a movement for the people, it's not political. Basically our brothers and sisters have occupied Wall Street because of the corrupt government."
Students such as McGowan don't see how any change can be executed by ignoring the political system, if the system is the problem.
"I think it would be good for us as a group to come up with three or four demands to given to Congressman Pence's office," McGowan said.
Where the march hits was also a topic of discussion.
Bennett said his hope is that they stick to businesses, educational and economic centers in Muncie.
Another organizational meeting will take place Saturday at noon outside city hall to discuss ‘Occupy' working groups.
On Oct 18. at 7 p.m. working groups will meet at Doc's Music Hall in Muncie.
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