[Peace-discuss] Re: AWARE Tabling Guidelines 12/2007

[Karen Medina]

Who updated these guidelines? 

Is not "IMPEACH" voicing a negative preference for a politician?

Who was on your original To: list? It made it difficult to participate in a discussion when we could not see the list and therefore talk to those who were original recipients.

-karen medina
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From Bob Illyes,
Like Stuart, I was surprised to read "AWARE representatives must be careful NOT to  express or impose personal political views." We should not have campaign literature and campaign signs on the table, of course, but this more general restriction has a couple of problems:

1) It is not possible to talk cogently about current US foreign policy without discussing the actions and possible motivations of the neocons, or the spinelessness and complicity of the DNC. This is definitely personal political speech and opinion. Are we to be silent?

2) There is an "official" AWARE position on very little save the undesirability of war, nor can there be, since consensus is required (there is certainly a much broader majority agreement). Once again, are we to be silent?

Am I missing something here? I wasn't at the Sunday meeting. Has the table been taken over by pseudo-Marxists, bent on violence aka "the Revolution", or Libertarians or other anarchists, or the (anti-)Christian right, or some such thing? A little explanation would be helpful regarding this Draconian restriction on speech.

Bob

---- Original message ----
>> As requested at the AWARE meeting tonight an update of the *AWARE Tabling Guidelines* are being sent to those who volunteer at the AWARE table (Farmer's Market/ Holiday Market in the Square).   This update is meant to assist you and help make the AWARE tabling experience easier and more productive for AWARE members as well as the public. These guidelines are an updated version from the original AWARE Guidelines of 2004-2005.
>
>> AWARE Tabling Guidelines 12/2007
>>
>> (These Guidelines are to provided to facilitate a positive and respectful relationship between AWARE representatives and the general public when serving as a volunteer of AWARE.)
>>
>> 1) Purpose of tabling:
>> •	To provide a visible and public presence regarding anti-war and anti-racism issues.
>> •	To provide timely information about these issues and related topics to the general public.
>> •	To provide an opportunity and the means for individuals to become 
>> involved.
>>
>> 2) Engaging the public:
>> •	Our purpose is to challenge and engage the public in a constructive 
>> manner.
>> •	Dialog and discussion are appropriate and to be expected, however 
>> these should remain civil.
>>      AWARE representatives should avoid being confrontational  or 
>> argumentative.
>> •	Make frequent reference to AWARE materials to discuss AWARE 
>> positions and detailed information on particular topics.
>> •	Cordially invite those interested or with questions to our weekly 
>> Sunday meetings.
>>
>> 3) AWARE items for sale:   (yard signs, buttons, bumper stickers and 
>> T- shirts)
>> *       AWARE Members  are usually asked to sell items at the AWARE 
>> table.  AWARE asks the public to donate the cost of the items.
>> *       On occasion AWARE may sell some items as a fund-raiser and 
>> make a small profit to help cover cost of AWARE programs..
>>
>> 4) Advocating for a particular political party or candidate:
>> •	AWARE does not endorse or advocate for any candidate or political 
>> party. .
>> •	AWARE is a diverse group with a variety of political views.
>> •	Although AWARE members may have strong views regarding individual 
>> candidates or political parties,
>>      AWARE representatives must be careful NOT to  express or impose 
>> personal political views.
>> •	AWARE members should refrain from advocating, endorsing or voicing 
>> personal preferences for political candidates for political office
>>      at the local, state or national level while representing AWARE at 
>> the AWARE table.
>>
>> 5) AWARE meetings:
>> *       Although not required,  attendance at the Sunday AWARE 
>> meetings may assist volunteers to understand and participate in the 
>> development of
>>         tabling guidelines and thus promote a more productive and 
>> positive experience as a representative of AWARE.
>>
>> 6) Remember to have fun and enjoy the time volunteering at the AWARE 
>> table.  Your time and effort are appreciated and do make a difference!
>
>JAN Kruse