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AWARE Minutes November 23, 2003 Facilitator: Carol Inskeep Timekeeper: Lisa Chason Attendance: 26 1. Introductions 2. Paul King shared reflections on his life's journey and transitions from the time he enlisted in the army for four years after high school, his undergraduate years at ISU, his current enrollment in graduate school at the U of I, and his association with activists groups in the CU community. He took questions from the group and everyone appreciated his sharing the transforming experiences of his life. 3. News of the Week: Carl Estabrook shared the "News of the Week" which can be accessed at AWARE's webpage: www.anti-war.net 4. Daniel Pipes Demo: Senior Sara Bokhari shared plans a U of I student group is making to promote the Palestinian voice on campus and to encourage a boycott of Daniel Pipes's lecture at Foellinger Hall on December 3. The boycott will be held in front of Foellinger Hall from 7:30-8:15 pm and include speeches, the distribution of fliers, and an apartheid wall. AWARE agreed to donate $100 to the group and encourages individuals to attend the boycott activities that night. 5. Barack Obama For US Senate: Brandon Bowersox and Danielle Chynoweth distributed literature and addressed questions regarding Barack's candidacy for US Senate. 6. Hippie Joe: Al Kagan shared a request for information about Hippie Joe and his possible whereabouts as it may relate to the recent holocaust museum fire in Terre Haute. 7. Diedra Cobb: Al Kagan noted that Meg Minor has requested letters of support on behalf of Diedra Cobb be sent to Senator Durbin, Rep. Johnson and her commanding officer. She is seeking discharge from the army and CO status. Specific information regarding Deidra's case and how you can help is listed on the local IMC website: www.ucimc.org 8. Peace Bazaar: The annual Quaker Peace Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, December 6 from 9:00 - 3:00 at the Community United Church of Christ. Carol Inskeep reported that AWARE is welcome to have a table to sell items and hand out literature. It was agreed to setup a table and support the bazaar. At a future meeting it is to be decided if a financial contribution back to the bazaar would be appropriate or not. If you are interested in helping to man the table or with clean-up contact Carol. 9. Lost Film Festival: Linda Evans reported that AWARE has been asked to co-sponsor the Lost Film Festival being held at Allen Hall on December 8. This is a touring group whose films focus on issues of race, gender, corporate and government corruption, etc. More information about this group and its films can be viewed at www.lostfilmfest.com. AWARE will decide at its next meeting whether to co-sponsor and make a financial contribution. 10. FTAA: Al Kagan updated the group on the deplorable treatment and prison conditions experienced by those arrested at the FTAA protests. Special note was made of the threatening and physical treatment by the police of journalists and reporters covering the event. 11. WILL Working Group: Lisa Chason stated the group would continue to meet and report at a later meeting. 12. P4P: The protests on Prospect will resume on Saturday, November 29 and continue each Saturday through December 20 at its regular time of 2:00 - 4:00. A new banner and signs were recently made. Ricky Baldwin will handle press releases and contact the CPD. Everyone is encouraged to get the word out. If you are interested in assisting with phone calling, contact Ricky Baldwin. Remember, that's this coming Saturday!!!!! 13. Farmer's Market: We have not got our check back, but Linda E. will check with Jay M. who is out of town. Linda also agreed to contact the Urbana Business Asso. to see if we can rent space in the mall to sell our merchandise. 14. Benefit Working Group: Carol I. reported the benefit fundraiser is taking shape. It will be held on December 13 at "On The Job Consulting". More information will be provided at the next meeting. Funds will given to Oxfam Iraq and the Red Cross Fund for Veterans. 15. Finances: Linda E. reported a balance of $2279.17. It was suggested that buttons, bumper stickers, etc. be available and sold at each meeting. 16. Urban League Dinner: Charlotte Green and Karis Taylor attended the Urban League dinner. They will give a report at the next meeting. 17. Meridith Kruse Update: Jan Kruse shared recent information she received about Meridith's work in Guatemala. 18. Misc: Carl Estabrook has a video of Noam Chomsky on Charlie Rose's show. Contact him if interested in viewing. REMEMBER BUY NOTHING DAY IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28!!!!!!! Minutes submitted by Durl Kruse