[Imc] steering group minutes 11/4

[Mark Enslin]

Steering Group Minutes 11/4

Attending: Mike Lehman (facilitator), Mark Enslin (recording), Paul
Riismandel, Travas Gunnel, Mike Feltes, Mike Walcher, Brian Hagy, Sascha
Meinrath

WORKING GROUP REPORTS

Space
There are shelves thanks to Mike L, Eric, Mike W. Cost was about $350.
There is wood left over for shelves in the production room--though wood
should not be cut (because it's to be returned...?) Librarians will
reshelve books at their regular meeting time. Mike L asks whether the
large rug should be cut to accommodate the new shelves--steering group
consents. Magazine rack will be moved and computer cart placed.
Brian spoke with one of the landlords--they "notice we're growing" and
will perhaps provide more space--expand the bathroom--they're supportive
of our being here--no word yet on a new lease.

Print
Today is Darrin Drda Day--the new Public I will be out next Thursday or
Friday. Brian urges print group to bring up the issue of subscriptions
given that there is someone who has already paid for a subscription. Form
letters inviting community groups to contribute stories to the Public I
have been written; half were sent out Wednesday.

Outreach
Did not meet

Librarians
met Tuesday. Ellen and James are writing an article describing the UCIMC
library for a zine that comes out in January. James picked up some books
from the U of I book sale. Will post to the website a review of a good
book on direct action. 

News
Still discussing whether to shrink to a half hour in order not to preempt
the Monday Free Speech Radio News. Discussion of fundraising appeal email
from FSRN suggesting it might not continue--Mark E suggests this might be
a fundraising strategy rather than a likelihood. Paul R asks to be sent
the schedule of upcoming IMC newshours so he can post them.

Tech
Did not meet (scared off by the haunted house)

Finance
Everything is OK

OLD BUSINESS
A new sign (given that the sandwich sign is not allowed by the city). Mike
L suggests paying for a professional vinyl sign to hang in the
window--would be translucent. Lamination of the paper sign that's there
not worth the cost. Still open for suggestions.

Haunted house fundraiser for the Prompting Theater--went well raised $940.

Bill of Rights poster for window--Mike L had trouble printing a usable
photo of the original--put up a printout of the text, appealing for
someone to find a better one.

NEW BUSINESS

Re Paul R's email message about Urbana subscriptions to global IMC
listserves--Paul is on video and global imc-tech; Brian is on
communication, proposed process, Sascha is on new-imc. Paul R asks that we
keep in mind broader global representation of Urbana IMC.

Mark E: at A.W.A.R.E. teach-in suggestion from Rob McChesney via Al Kagin
that we invite the news director of WORT community radio in Madison to
give a talk here. Al Kagin will make the inquiries [he has moved on this
since Sunday's meeting. 1/24/02 suggested date]. Some discussion of
intended audience--it could be useful for motivating increased volunteer
involvement in IMC.

Follow up on Sascha's email about FBI harassment of San Francisco IMC.
After much discussion, suggestions: 1) if for any reason such an agency
wants to question IMC, refer them to the steering group 2) post ACLU
rights pamphlet near the phones 3) read article "Security Culture" on
bulletin board

Discussion of Nancy Oden harassment story -- Green party national
coordinator who apparently was harassed at an airport because of her
political views. There is controversy about the accuracy of the story [On
Democracy Now! for 11/5, Amy Goodman interviewed Nancy Oden about this
story. The show is archived at http://www.democracynow.org.] 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ellen and Paul will visit the NYC and New Jersey IMC's; Sascha will be
visiting San Diego IMC.