[Peace] AWARE meeting minutes 10/12/2003

[Randall Cotton]

Minutes for AWARE's 10/12/2003 meeting

facilitator: Al Kagan
attendance: 15
minutes recorded by: Linda L. and Joe P.
minutes typed, edited and supplemented by: Randall Cotton

Presentation: School for Designing a Society, led by Susan Parenti, presented
skits on the topics of Columbus Day and White Privilege.

News Notes: presented by Carl Estabrook (to be posted separately by Carl)

Discussion after News Notes included comments on the roots of U.S. favoritism
towards Israel. Reasons put forth included the corrupt U.S. campaign-finance
system which allows pro-Israeli lobbies to contribute heavily to and thus
heavily influence those in power, the prospect of being accused of
Anti-Semitism by supporters of Israel if one were to speak out against Israeli
policy, and the use of Israel by the U.S. government as a "cop" on the
Middle-East beat, working to protect U.S. interests in that region.

Working Groups:

Anti-Racism: 10 people met last week. Not all attendees were in agreement on
all issues, however agreement was reached on some courses of action,
specifically an effort to increase networking with groups such as NAACP, Urban
League, Sisternet, etc. and specific actions are being undertaken to make
these contacts. Al had offered to contact Geraldo Rosales to explore a
possible speaking engagement with AWARE and is waiting for a response. All
agreed to propose that AWARE co-sponsor the upcoming conference "EDUCATION OR
INCARCERATION? SCHOOLS AND PRISONS IN A PUNISHING DEMOCRACY", An
Interdisciplinary Conference hosted by The University of Illinois's Center on
Democracy in a Multiracial Society Thursday, 22 January-Saturday, 24 January
2004. A handout describing the conference was passed out and details have been
posted to the peace list. The proposal to co-sponsor will be put forward
during next Sunday's meeting.

Speaker's Bureau: Linda Evans is working on a contact list and cover letter
that will to go public school teachers in the area bringing their attention to
speaking opportunities, in light of the two recent positive classroom events
involving Kathy Kelly and Peter Rohloff

Farmer's Market: Good crowd, nice weather, folks stopped to talk. Both
Kucinich and Dean tables were nearby. This year it turns out that Farmer's
Market will continue indoors inside the Mall after the usual outdoor closedown
in mid-November. The indoor season is from Nov. 15 through Dec. 27 (skipping
Thanksgiving). All were in favor of continuing attendance after the move
indoors. There may be a $25 charge for a 10x10 space, but perhaps not for
actual vendors. Jay Mittenthal will investigate paperwork and fee issues and
report back.

Literature: Ken Urban put together a tri-fold pamphlet based on a searing
article about the Israeli "separation wall" in the Nov/Dec issue of Adbusters
magazine. The magazine itself and copies of the pamphlet were passed around.
Ken asked all for feedback on the pamphlet.

Prospect for Peace: The impending special October 25 P4P event was noted.

Finances: approximately $2200 AWARE funds available

Events of the past week:

Oct. 10 - PRC's anti-"chief"/anti-Columbus day event included a march of about
60 people up to the Henry Administration Building 3rd floor to demand the
"chief" be retired. Officials could not be reached in person (surprise,
surprise), but messages were left for all pertinent University officials.

Oct. 7 - Chomsky speech at ISU. A recording was made by Paul Mueth and,
apparently, CD's with the recording will be given to folks who pledge to WEFT.
It may be possible to receive a CD if you already pledged to WEFT (details
unclear).

Announcements/Upcoming Events:

Jay: American Friends Service Committee will have a non-violence workshop in
Chicago (2 weeks away).