Anti-War Anti-Racism Effort

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AWARE Minutes December 21, 2003

Facilitator: Linda Evans    Recorder: Durl Kruse

Attendance: 17

- Introductions

- News of the Week: Carl Estabrook shared the "News of the Week" which
can be accessed at AWARE's webpage:  www.anti-war.net

- Martin Luther King Day Celebration: Peter Rolhoff suggested AWARE buy
a full page ad in the official Celebration program set for January 16th
at the Holiday Inn. The ad costs $100. It was agreed this was a good
investment and Peter volunteered to design the ad and submit it to the
Celebration committee. Also Peter is thinking about developing a new AWARE
flier to handout at the King Scholarship Program held at the Krannert
on January 18th. AWARE did flier this event last year and distributed
several hundred fliers.

- P4P: Ricky Baldwin reported that about 16 were present for the Saturday
protest. No significant incidents to report except that it was chilly. This
was the last of the weekly December Saturday protests. The next P4P protest
is scheduled for Saturday, January 3 from 2:00-4:00. This will begin the
new schedule where protests will be held only on the first Saturday of
each month. Everyone should note the change in the protest schedule and
pass along the word. We would hate to have people show up and no one be
there. Hot or cold, rain or snow - plan to be there on the 3rd.

- CPD Update: This past week Ricky Baldwin visited the CPD to discuss with
Lt. Gallo the failure of Officer Hawkins to follow-up on the complaint of
the Toyota driving up on the sidewalk and threatening protestors during
the P4P protest several weeks ago. He was told that THEY knew about it
and were working on it. He did not talk directly with Lt. Gallo. AWARE
members felt Ricky should make a formal complaint with the CDP so that an
official record of the incident is on file and to emphasize our concern
with this type of threatening behavior. Ricky agreed to follow-up on this
suggestion from the group. It was also decided to write a letter to the
editor about this incident to make it more public. Ricky B. and Linda
E. agreed to work on this.

:

  Just a little correction, folks.  I think I wasn't too clear about
  the police department.  I did speak with Lt Gallo on the phone about a
  week and a half ago.  He was very concerned that Officer Hawkins had
  not reported the Toyota driving up on the sidewalk and with Officer
  Hawkins's behavior.  He asked me if I knew which officer it was before
  I could tell him.  He took the info on the Toyota and reminded me I
  could file a complaint against Hawkins if I wanted.  Folks didn't seem
  to think that was necessary.

  When I went into the police department this past week, it was only to
  make a formal complaint about the Toyota -- and that's what the officers
  there already knew about and said that Lt Gallo was investigating.
  It's my reading of Lt Gallo that he is sincere in this, as he has been
  in the past.  But I am willing to go back and fill out the paperwork
  since that is what folks asked me to do.  Hope that clarifies it.

- WILL Update: Linda Evans reported that a group from AWARE met with Les
Scholte at WILL. There was no progress regarding either the wording of
an AWARE ad or sponsorship of a program slot.

- AWARE Benefit: Linda Evans reported that the Benefit raised about $1500
to date with a few donations still trickling in. This will be divided
between Oxfam Iraq and the Red Cross Military Assistance program. Everyone
agreed the event was a lot of fun and a great success.  Thanks to everyone
who made this possible.

- Treasurer's Report: AWARE has a balance of $2315.92.

- Potluck at Ricky's: Everyone is invited to a 6:00 pm potluck on Tuesday,
December 23 hosted by Ricky B.  Address: 801 E. California. Bring any
type of dish you want and join in the celebration of any and every holiday
tradition or festival you like. Just plan to have a good old time!

- Postcards for Peace: Sandra Ahten is considering having another Postcard
for Peace fundraiser for AWARE. More information to follow.

- Big Noise Productions: Peter Rolhoff informed the group that Big
Noise Productions offers screenings of its video documentaries as
fundraisers. Peter will e-mail for more information to bring to the
next meeting.

- Future Guests: Mike Walcher and Ralph Langenheim have asked to speak
at a future AWARE meeting; Mike about the Kuncinich campaign in Iowa and
Ralph about his campaign for the 18th congressional seat.

- HAPPY AND PEACEFUL HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!