Occupy Chapel Hill/Carrboro will enter its second phase next week when the group removes its tents from Peace and Justice Plaza on Franklin Street, according to press release issued this morning.

Occupiers have been holding camp in front of the Post Office there since Oct. 15, but amid the coming cold, and safety and morale concerns drawn from sleeping on the street in close quarters each night, the group is shifting strategy.

Occupy will continue to hold general assembly meetings, teach-ins and other events at the plaza; it just won’t stay overnight. Members also will keep supporting the Chapel Hill & Carrboro Human Rights Center as it transitions to a new home after it was evicted from Abbey Court and plan to take part in an “Occupy the Courts” event on Jan. 20.

They have a full slate of events at the plaza on the transition day, Jan. 10. Tents will be removed at 3 p.m. followed by a 4:30 p.m. press conference, a 6 p.m. general assembly and an 8 p.m. dance party.

Here’s the group’s full press release:

Occupy Chapel Hill/Carrboro 2.0: The Next Phase

(Chapel Hill, NC) On Tuesday, January 10, 2012, Occupy Chapel Hill/Carrboro will make history by becoming one of the very few, longstanding Occupy encampments in the country to peacefully and voluntarily transition to a new phase in its evolution.

Members of OCHC are planning a special day in celebration of the power and potential of the 99% movement. And they have invited the whole community.

The day’s events will kick off at 3 p.m. with taking down tents and cleanup of the Peace and Justice Plaza, 179 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill. Press are welcome to attend. This will be followed by a press conference at 4:30 p.m., at which Occupiers will present plans for the future. A General Assembly will be held at 6 p.m. at the Plaza.

OCHC’s immediate plans for its evolution include: a Plaza presence consisting of General Assemblies, teach-ins, outreach, discussion circles, and events; roving encampments; participation in Occupy the Courts on January 20; and continuing active support for The Chapel Hill Carrboro Human Rights Center.

As part of the global Occupy movement towards economic justice, some of our long term endeavors will include an assistance program for people facing foreclosure; the establishment of central indoor space; further outreach to other Occupies, UNC students, the general public, and Triangle activist organizations; and the study of solidarity economy and its potential development in our area.

Following the General Assembly, OCHC will be hosting a dance party at the Plaza, starting at about 8 p.m.
The best is yet to come!