[Bookstoprisoners] Notes from the February 1st IMC Steering Committee Meeting

[Jay Schubert]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: wmullins at insightbb.com
To: bookstoprisoners-bounces at lists.chambana.net
Date: Sat, 03 Feb 2007 13:41:12 -0600
Subject: Notes from the Feb 1st Steering Committee meeting

Notes from the February 1st IMC Steering Committee Meeting

[ Apology: I didn't get everybody's last name. Next time! –bill ]

THE PUBLIC I. Brian and Bob from The Public I reported that the February
issue will focus on Black History Month. They are considering either Women's
History Month or Iraq and Iran as themes for the March issue. The Public I
is also considering running a series of interviews with the older generation
of local activists. If you have any ideas for people who ought to be
interviewed or if you have any interest in conducting and writing up those
interviews, contact The Public I. Brian also expressed interest in any
poetry, fiction, or articles written by prisoners that we might be able to
pass on for publication.

STAFFING. Brian reported that there is a general shortage of staffing and a
need for volunteers to staff the IMC during its open hours. Volunteers are
needed to take charge of organizing and cleaning the main office/staff room,
including the time-consuming job of deleting messages from the excessively
backed up voicemail. The need for a better message system and the
possibility of a better phone system with more lines and voicemail boxes for
each working group was discussed.

SPACE. Christopher reported that work on the Kid's Art Space is progressing
nicely. A decision has been made to commission a sign for the front of the
building more clearly identifying us as The Independent Media Center. A
general reminder was given to be a little more security conscious, e.g.,
making sure doors are locked after hours.

WRFU. Dan reported that WRFU is planning a Capital Campaign to raise at
least $7000 before November for the erection of a new 100 foot radio tower
to replace the current 65-75 foot tower, significantly increasing the
broadcast range of the station. There was general discussion for some form
of cross-promotion between the WRFU campaign and the Books2Prisoners book
sale and other events, but no clear plans or ideas were proposed. Dan also
reported that new studio monitors are being installed. As always, anyone
interested in becoming an air shifter or proposing a show should attend WRFU
meetings. WRFU continues to fill several time slots with automated content,
and new show ideas are welcome.

TECH. Dan reported that various projects are in progress, particularly work
on increasing the bandwidth for the IMC web site and other upgrades.

SHOWS. Rory reported that there is almost no involvement in the Shows
meetings and people are strongly encouraged to show up 7pm Thursdays and get
involved in finding ways to book more events, to find groups to use the
space, and to boost our PR and event attendance. The ongoing classes early
in the week are doing well. There have been very few events booked for
Thursdays, Fridays, and weekends—except for Habari Connection. A WRFU
Capital Campaign kick-off event is coming soon—please check their web site
for info. The Boneyard Arts Festival is coming April 20-22, and will include
The Prisoner Arts Festival April 21 and swing dancing from midnight 'til 6am
April 20th and 21st.

FINANCE. Danielle reported that the 2005 audit is almost complete and went
well. The 2007 budget is currently being planned. There was discussion of
ideas for lowering the IMC's utility bills, including exploring the purchase
of energy from a power co-op, and research grants for solar panels and other
ways to "green" the building. Anybody interested in doing research to find
and/or write those types of grants should come to a Finance meeting (5:30
Thursdays). Danielle also reported that Books2Prisoners has traded 5% of our
income for bookkeeping services. Also, there are parking spaces for sale
($30-40/month), and two spaces currently available, one for $550/month and a
studio space for $175/month. A Draw Down The Debt campaign is also being
planned to pay down the IMC mortgage.

BONEYARD ARTS FESTIVAL. A guest coordinator from the Boneyard Arts Festival
attended to learn more about the IMC and to provide information about
various community art projects. The Urbana Public Arts program is currently
taking applications for serving on a 6-month committee that will make
brainstorm and make decisions about what kinds of public art the program
will sponsor in Urbana. The program hopes to focus on local and
multicultural themes, but the types and content of the art is completely
wide open at this point. Anna also discussed the benefits of having the IMC
registered with 40/North as an official venue for the Boneyard Arts
Festival, i.e., it would increase attendance at our events. (The IMC still
has space and time slots available for planning Boneyard events. If anyone
is interested, come to a Shows meeting.)

RESOLUTIONS. The Steering Committee passed a resolution for the IMC to be
listed as a co-sponsor of the Illinois Disciples Foundation's spring film
series. A resolution was also passed to co-sponsor AWARE's "Oaxaca—Witness
For Peace" presentation (February 13th, 7pm, at the Urbana City Council).
Danielle reported on her trip to the World Social Forum in Kenya and
introduced a proposal for helping fund a sister Indymedia radio station in
Nairobi, Kenya. No decision was made, but there seemed to be general support
in the Steering Group in favor of the proposal.

(P.S.  I plan to attend Steering Committee meetings as regularly as I can.
I'm not sure who else in Books2Prisoners will be attending, but I'm happy to
volunteer to take any questions you e-mail me and try to find out the
answers.  For the next few months, I'm hoping to learn as much about the IMC
as I can and the Thursday night meeting seems a good place to start.
--Bill Mullins)





-- 
Jay
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