While clashes between authorities and Occupy movement members might make headlines in other cities, the relationship here has apparently been free of such strain.

Indeed, at a news conference Occupy Lancaster members held Thursday to dispel misconceptions about the movement, Angela Nitchman began by commending authorities here.

"We have worked to build enabling relationships with police and City Council," Nitchman said. "We are grateful to City Council, our mayor and the police, who have respected our civil liberties and our right to peacefully assemble."

The group's members and supporters attributed the respectful relationship to the region's historical ties to religious groups that oppose violence, the city's tradition of nonviolent protest and Occupy Lancaster's efforts to cooperate with authorities.

Lancaster "is the most peace-connected place in the United States. And I think that that attitude has carried through in our operations," Faith D'Urbano, a supporter, said.

Member Ryan Overly said trouble in other cities could stem from more apparent inequality.

That the relationship locally has been respectful "is a great example of why our town is such a great place to live," he said.

Overly also sought to dispel what he sees as the erroneous stereotyping of Occupy members, locally and elsewhere, as jobless, homeless fringe members of society.

The Occupy movement "is a very diverse and dynamic group of people that are involved in creating social, economic, and environmental change in this country," he said.

Though attendance at the news conference was sparse, some 40 people turned out for a town-hall meeting afterward, many of them looking to be in their 50s or older.

Nitchman said it was ridiculous to claim the Occupy movement has no goals.

She said she was drawn to the movement because she's interested in environmental and social issues. The movement, she said, is large enough to encompass a range of concerns.

Occupy Lancaster members have been camping at the Art Park at Prince and Chestnut streets, but their permit from the city expires Jan. 1.

Member Natasha Herr said members could apply for another permit, or they might move elsewhere. The group, she said, is constantly re-evaluating what actions and what tactics will support it.

The encampment has been "hugely successful" in attracting interest in the movement, she said.

People have donated food, money, clothing and camping supplies, she said. In turn, Occupy Lancaster has passed what donated items it has received to other community support organizations.

"The outpouring of support that we have seen we've been able to spread throughout the community, which is amazing," she said.

Antonio Callari, a Franklin & Marshall College economics professor and Occupy Lancaster supporter, said the Occupy movement won't be going away as long as the country's economic troubles and economic disparity continue.

"People are demanding a voice, and they will continue to demand a voice," Callari said.

The movement, he said, is "the American experiment in democracy today."

dnephin@lnpnews.com