[Peace] AWARE Minutes, Nov. 2

[Jan & Durl Kruse]

AWARE Minutes November 2, 2003
Facilitator: Carol Inskeep
Timekeeper: Lisa Chason
Attendance: 17   1 Puppy for Peace
1. Introductions: Everyone shared a memory of their first political awareness 
or activism event. A variety of very interesting responses were related.
2. Presentation by Bill Taylor:
Bill talked about his radio project for indigenous communities in Honduras 
entitled "Primary Communications Project". The severe isolation of indigenous 
communities makes it difficult for people to organize, communicate and hear 
alternative news. The goal of this project is to collect old yet useable 
computer and radio equipment to construct a working prefab radio station in the 
US and then take it to the people in Honduras to enable them to setup their own 
community radio station. Assistance is given only to those communities who have 
requested it. Locally individuals can support and assist this project by helping 
with fundraising, clerical work, electronic work and webpage design. If 
interested contact Bill Taylor at btaylor at prairenet.org  or call 762-9561.
3. News of the Week: Carl Estabrook shared the "News of the Week" which can 
be accessed at AWARE's webpage. In short, it was not a good week news 
wise!

 

4. P4P: Lois Steinberg reported that approximately 30 people attended this 
week's protest. Numerous brochures where distributed to passing vehicles. A 
small group of young girls showed up holding signs and singing anti-war/Bush 
chants - a refreshing addition to the usual group. Because of the high traffic 
volume and upcoming shopping season discussion was held whether to hold more 
Saturday protests than the 1st of each month. It was agreed 
this was an excellent idea and that weekly Saturday protests will be held from 
2:00 - 4:00 pm beginning November 29 and ending on December 20th. 
Individuals are encouraged to attend as they are able.

 

5. Farmer's Market: Linda Evans reported that next Saturday would be the 
last outdoor Farmer's Market and that volunteers are still needed to help from 
7:00 - 12:00. Beginning on November 15 the Farmer's Market will move inside of 
Lincoln Square Mall. Jay Mittenthal will be coordinating the table for the first 
two Saturdays. Help is needed. More info at next week's meeting. "Peace Is 
Patriot" yard signs are now available for sale at the table for $5. A brief 
discussion was held concerning the appropriateness of the UN flag hanging behind 
the AWARE table. General consensus was this was not a problem.

 

6. Finance: Linda Evans reported our current balance to be $2007.02 Also 
AWARE purchased a table for eight at next week's NAACP's annual banquet at the 
Chancellor Hotel and Convention Center. Tickets are still available for 
individuals who are interested in attending. They should contact Linda Evans. 
AWARE will cover the cost of tickets but accept reimbursement of $35 if they 
wish to pay. Social at 6:30. Dinner at 7:00. Dr. John H. Johnson will be the 
keynote speaker.

 

7. Electronic Vote Fraud: A local group is planning to leaflet the next 
Illini home football game regarding concerns involving new electronic voting 
machines and the increased possibility of fraud. An informational sheet was 
distributed at the meeting. If interested in helping contact frazin at uiuc.edu  or call 373-8282. 

 

8. Video Group: Durl and Jan Kruse offered to host an AWARE 
video discussion group on timely topics of interest to participants. A positive 
response was received. The first video will be the PBS documentary produced by 
Frontline about the current situation in Iraq. The exact date and time will be 
announced, but it will be on November 14th or 21st at 7:00 
or 7:30. 

 

9. AWARE Fundraiser: Carol Inskeep raised the possibility of 
having an AWARE fundraiser similar to one held last year at the Bread Company. 
After a brief discussion it was felt that it merited further discussion at our 
next meeting and that the fundraiser might focus on assisting with unique 
activist projects by local AWARE members.

 

10. Misc Items: Mort Brussel informed the group that 
individuals can contact CNN via its webpage to submit questions to be posed to 
Democratic candidates on its Candidates Forum program. 

Impeach Bush rally is being held on the Quad this 
Tuesday.

Leigh Estabrook recently spoke on the Patriotic Act and her 
comments were described by some as scurrilous!!!! 

Korean Candlelight Peace Vigil will be held Thursday, Nov. 6 
from 5:00 -6:00 on the Quad.

This Monday the Campus Democrats are having a recall Bush 
rally on the Quad at noon.

Carol Inskeep shared her recent experience of attending the 
Moroccan meal at the mosque as part of Ramadan. Monday, Nov. 10 an Indonesian 
meal is being served at 5:15. All are invited and information is available at 
the CIMIC website.

Reminder that next Sunday, a presentation and discussion 
led by Jan Nederveen Pieterse on "Neoliberalism - What Does It Mean?" will be 
held from 3:00 - 5:00 pm before the AWARE meeting. Public is 
invited to attend.

 

Minutes submitted by Durl Kruse

Corrections/additions are accepted by posting to 
website.

 

---Jan    Durl Kruse

--- durljan at earthlink.net 

 
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