[Peace] AWARE minutes

[carol inskeep]

October 26, 2003 AWARE Meeting – Facilitated by Al Kagan; Lisa Chason did the time-keeping. 23 in attendance. Notes by Carol Inskeep, including most certainly, a few mistakes which you can forward to the list!

1. The meeting opened with a performance by Darrin Drda of three new songs, as well as a really nice version of "Imagine".  Watch for Darrin's new CD, soon to be released.

2. Introductions were made with folks mentioning other progressive organizations that they are involved with. Groups mentioned included several unions (AFSCME, Union of Professional Employees, Illinois Education Association), religious organizations (Quakers, Unitarian Universalists, Buddhists, Roman Catholics, Channing Murray), media organizations (IMC, Public I, WEFT), Political Parties/Organizations (Greens, Socialist Forum), and the NAACP, Urbana Adult Education, and CCHCC.

3. A member of Champaign County Health Care Consumers (CCHCC) circulated two petitions on health care issues.

4. Prospect for Peace – Ricky reported that around 80 people showed up to protest on a rainy Saturday afternoon. There were no counter-protestors. Folks reported a generally positive experience including the presence of some new folks and general approval of Ricky’s artistic puppet head. Unfortunately there was no press coverage. Jan and Durl posted a report to the IMC website. And thanks to Randall for keeping the website updated with news of these events. We will be protesting again next Saturday, so spread the word, and watch for information about a banner-making party one night this week.

5. Linda reported that Farmer’s Market Tabling ended early due to inclement weather. Volunteers for next week are still needed. Email Peter Rohloff or just show up next Saturday. 

6. Literature – Ken Urban has put together two flyers for AWARE; one which includes Robert Byrd’s speech "The Emperor Has No Clothes" and the other a piece on the Phillipines. Several folks expressed appreciation to Ken for helping keep AWARE literature current and relevant.  (And, this just in - Congratulations to Ken and his family on the birth of their son, Emerson, today at 12:15!!)

7. Finances – Linda reports that we have $2,330.02 - Jan Kruse mentions that we even got a donation from a passer by at Prospect for Peace!

8. Karis reported on the Champaign County Diversity Network – AWARE is considering sponsoring a luncheon which would be attended by the participants of this group. Folks agreed that an upper limit of $300 could be budgeted for this event. A working group will follow up with planning.

9. Events of the Past Week

US Labor Against the War – Al Kagan reported on a day long national conference of this group in Chicago which he attended on Saturday. The well-organized and energetic group plans a petition drive to support Iraqi unions as its first action.

NAACP – Ricky attended the annual meeting of the NAACP this week. Despite much internal strife, the group is planning its annual banquet and does have some plans to do voter registration and work on some education issues. AWARE may attend the banquet (Ricky will explore costs) and may have an ad in their program.

Bob McChesney did a presentation this past week which Carl Estabrook reported on; folks may want to consider attending the upcoming conference on independent media in Madison at which McChesney and Amy Goodman (among others) will be speaking.

Jan and Durl Kruse were interviewed by Channel 3 about Meridith's work and the general situation in Guatemala.  The interview was prompted by a reporter reading their letter to the editor in the newspaper.  

10. Announcements 

Spread the word that AWARE is sponsoring an educational event entitled "Neoliberalism – What Does It Mean?" with guest presenter Jan Nederveen Pieterse. The event will take place on Sunday, November 9 at the IMC from 3 – 5 pm. 

Karis mentioned a conference called "Get Up: Grassroots Educational Training" which will take place in Bloominton, Indiana on the weekend of November 8 – 9. The conference emphasizes grassroots organizing skill-building. See www.getupconference.org for more information.

Carl Estabrook mentioned that Dan Rabinowitz will speak on campus at the IPRH on Friday at 2 pm about the relationship between Palestinians and Jews in Israeli society.

Leigh Estabrook will speak on Tuesday at the YMCA at noon about the impact of the Patriot Act on libraries and individual liberties.

"Growing Up Chocolate," a play written by a Palestinian American will be performed at the Krannert Art Museum on Monday night at 7 pm. The performance is free of charge.

Several events celebrating the life and musical legacy of Herbert Brun will take place this week on the campus. International performers as well as our own local favorites the Prince Myshkins, Susan Parenti, and Michael Holloway will be participating.

Discussion continues about the possibility of AWARE sponsoring programming on WILL.

Carl Estabrook raised the possibility of participating in some activities (fasting, educational activities, etc.) around Ramadan as suggested by Kathy Kelly and Voices in the Wilderness. At the very least we will post the link to Voices and to local activities at CIMIC on our website.

Meeting Adjourned.



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