Resources > Meeting Minutes
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@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@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.