[Peace] AWARE Minutes, March 19, 2006

[David Green]

AWARE Minutes (with apologies for tardiness)

March 19, 2006

Facilitator: Durl Kruse
Minutes: David Green

1.  News: In Carl’s absence, it was reported that 30
towns in Wisconsin will be holding referenda on
withdrawal from Iraq. Also, many small communities in
New England, especially Vermont, have used their
democratic process to support withdrawal.

On March 28, Francis Boyle will be speaking in favor
of impeachment at 213 Gregory Hall, 7 p.m.

2.  New Ideas:

It was agreed to co-sponsor a talk by Professor Robert
McKim, March 29th, on understanding religion as a
means of understanding rather than division.

In regard to upcoming N.O.W. (National Organization of
Women) upcoming campus events relating to Women’s
History Month, it was agreed that more information
about the nature of those events was needed prior to
consent to co-sponsorship.

A working group was suggested towards staffing a table
on Progressive Quad Day, April 18th, Tuesday, 11-3,
sponsored by a coalition of progressive campus groups
(Andrea Brandon). 

Consent was given to sponsoring an ad for $65 in the
program for the annual dinner of the Coalition of
Champaign County Healthcare Consumers. The deadline
for submission is April 17th. Last year’s ad will be
updated.

A discussion of the Religious Voices Against War event
came to no consent regarding about co-sponsorship,
with concern expressed regarding inclusiveness—waiting
to hear from Brian ???

Illinois Coalition for Peace and Justice will be
having a one-day conference on April 1st at the
McKinley Foundation, and Mort Brussel and Jan Kruse
will represent AWARE. Others are also welcome to
attend.

3. Working Groups:

Finances (Jan Kruse): $2577

In lieu of an ad in the News-Gazette in response to
UPFJ campaign, it was decided that the mentions of
AWARE and the Urbana City Council Resolution in
Sunday’s paper, including a letter from Jamie Storm,
was more than sufficient for recognition. 

Jamie also reported that the cost of a billboard for
one month would be $350. 

AWARE Presents: Jamie reported on a generous response
from Noam Chomsky regarding a possible visit in the
Fall of 07. On a more expensive note, she reported
that Cindy Sheehan charges $10,000 per visit. The next
AWARE Presents event will be Anna Pillar,
Jewish-American activist, reporting on her experiences
in the occupied Palestine on May 11-12 (see
www.annainthemiddleeast.com).

Church Presence: On March 26, the presence will be
held at the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, on
Church St. in Champaign. On April 2, the Crusader
Church in Urbana (???), and on April 9th, the last
Sunday before Easter, the presence will be at St.
John’s and the Newman Center. The theme of these
presences will be “Give up war for Lent.”

The Urbana City Council Resolution was passed on
Monday. Perhaps someone can let everyone know when it
can be seen on UPTV, if at all.

The Anti-Racism Courtwatch event has also occurred,
Wednesday at the courthouse, in defense of Patrick
Thompson, and was well attended. An effort will
continue to be made to support defendants who have
been probable victims of racially-motivated charges.

CROW: Committee to Reform WEFT, will continue its
efforts to begin what is now an embryonic movement to
promote voices from our community at our community
radio station, following up on recent dis-empowering
events.

4. Events of the Past Week: Bob Illyes reported that
the SDS historical film shown at Channing-Murray as
part of a revival effort was well worth seeing, but
poorly attended, and therefore worth showing again. In
relation, Laura Stengrim is organizing a panel at
Allen Hall.

5. Upcoming Events:

Tatman’s hotel protest: Friday noon to 1, Kirby and
Neil.

AWARE potluck at Kruse’s home, 2007 S. George Huff
Drive, Saturday, 6:30.

Folks are also encouraged to see Paradise Now at the
Art Theater, if it continues to play this weekend. If
not, try Dave Chapelle’s House Party.

On March 28, Francis Boyle will be speaking in favor
of impeachment at 213 Gregory Hall, 7 p.m.



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