By DAN ABERNATHY

Council 75 Organizer

Oregon AFSCME city, county, health care, social service and retiree members joined 10,000 other citizens in support of Occupy Portland on Oct. 6. Chanting, "We are the 99 percent," protesters came from a variety of backgrounds and demanded an end to the overwhelming influence of money and corporations.

"This was one of the biggest, if not the biggest, rally I've ever attended," said Local 328 President Matt Hilton, whose local represents over 4,000 OHSU employees. "I'm proud of Portland, I'm proud of all my union brothers and sisters, and I'm proud of everyone who joined us today in cities all across America. Let's keep the momentum going!"

Local 328 Vice President Chinetta Montgomery hopes the protests will inspire more to participate.

"The 'Occupy Portland' event was a great rally not because of the number of people who showed up — which was awesome — but because of the number of people who remembered they have a voice," said Montgomery. "It was great to see so many people from all the different unions and community groups mobilized! I hope people continue to feel they can be a direct part of change and stay involved."

Occupy Portland will continue and AFSCME members will be mobilizing to support and rally with the 24/7 protests. Several locals are expected to vote to endorse Occupy Portland soon. Please come out with us."

[Editor's note: You can e-mail Abernathy directly for updates on future Occupy Portland events.]