Resources > Meeting Minutes
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 Adminstration 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).