The General Meeting was held on Monday, April 14th, 2003 at the Wallingford United Methodist Church from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM
There were 44 people in attendance, from a broad cross section of the Membership.
Facilitators: Janice Travin and Ruth Yarrow.
Note taker: Joseph Eisenschmidt.
New Webmaster
The new Webmaster was introduced. His name is Spencer Sundell, and can be reached at webmaster@snowcoalition.org. He was heartily welcomed!
News from the Hoods
Phinney
John Bito, of the Phinney Group said that they were now focusing on planning and strategy, and referred folks to the website (http://nowar.home.att.net/). Searching for vision, the group said "If you want peace, work for justice".West Seattle
John Reppof West Seattle SNOW noted the Depleted Uranium (D.U.) movie went well, and said the 'Function in the Junction' Saturdays at the Junction of California and Alaska from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM was still a must do in West Seattle.Edmonds / Lynnwood
Marsha McGlon-Morgan thanked the 6 folks, especially Bob Barnes, that turned out to assist in peacekeeping in Lynnwood as per the callout for allies. WEEKLY VIGILs -- every Friday 4:30-6:00 pm, at the intersection of 196th & 44th in Lynnwood are attracting about 20 folks or so a week. It was noted that the Edmonds Peace Action folks are very active, and that the Lynnwood people will begin serving an outreach arm of their efforts.Capitol Hill / Montlake
Will Rose noted that while 20 to 25 members show up at meetings, success at outreach has been wanting. He urged a focus on priorities, and said removing Bush was priority #1.Eastside Suburban Peace Network (Bellevue/Issaquah/Sammamish)
www.eastsidepeace.org
Ellen Bovarnick noted that an all Eastside action is coming and that April 15 Tax Day activities are planned by the group. Other Eastside groups continue to be very active with tabling, vigils and legislative actions. Eastside Suburban Peace Network sent out a survey to 280 members and received 20 responses to date. Additionally, they have a consultant who specializes in organizational vision/mission regeneration who has donated her services as they move forward with their planning process.Ballard
http://groups.msn.com/ballardpeaceactivists
Rich Lang was enthusiastic about the Ballard Peace Activists level of activism, and mentioned the Sunday May 4th party to celebrate Witnesses for Peace. Seattle city council member Nick Licata may attend, and other politicians as well. The group is asking "What direction now", and has discussed public shaming of the Media and politicians. Recent D.U. and Gulf War related activities have been successful, and noted the need for more Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical information is needed for public distribution.Rainier Valley Neighbors for Peace
The rep noted a great meet with State Representatives McDermott & Santos. Focus on budgeting was discussed, and the oppression of immigrants. A harrowing story of a man from Morocco was told, and he said to the group that he might move to a safer place for himself- back his homeland. He finds life here scary.Greater Madison Valley/Madison Park
The Rep. Noted the Joint Meeting with MCAW is set for Saturday 4/5 10 AM to 3 PM at Epiphany Church. David Berrian will be sharing with us at 11 AM, Pot Luck Lunch at 12 PM, Humanitarian Aid project and Singing in the afternoon.Bothell/Kenmore
David Berrian said their group brainstormed 3 areas: Education, Media, and Politics. Working groups were formed to support each area. Woodinville has shown interest in their work.Belltown/Downtown
The Rep. Said that the QA Group drummed up a storm-and it was good. Congrats!Ravenna/Bryant/Viewridge/Laurelhurst
Mary noted that meetings at 3rd place books, and said their group would work the Tax Day at the Post Office. She noted long-range goals are a priority, including education.Maple Leaf
The Rep mentioned a desire to have a potluck.Roosevelt
http://www33.brinkster.com/roosiepeace/
Work at Whole Foods Market was noted.Magnolia
Visual presence in Magnolia Village (near Post Office) on Saturdays, 11am - 1pm was lauded, a recent rally had 200 participants. Volunteer resources were said to be an area where focus was required. Also, the Psychology of fear in the Media was of great concern.Queen Anne
Don noted that the hateful attack and violence of the Fisher Communications radio station, KVI, was offensive. QA is doing impeachment work, looking into a citizen's college, and invites folks to an April 25th Potluck.University District
Sky said the group is small, does tabling on Saturdays, and is working to do outreach to the poor.
Coordinating Committee Report
Marsha Mullens asked Coordination Committee members to stand for identification. She gave the coordinating committee report.
A hiring Committee has been formed to evaluate the applications for Community Organizer. The Deadline for applying was extended to April 18th, and information is available from the SNOW website main page.
It was noted that 8 neighborhood liaisons will be chosen soon, to allow wider Coordination Council Participation and move to a more permanent CC structure.
A proposal for fundraising was work was encouraged, and it was suggested that a balance between the central organs of SNOW, such as the CC, other staff workers, and organizational resources, and the Neighborhoods acting autonomously is key to success.
New Mission Statement
SNOWs new mission statement will be discussed at the FOR office Wednesday 4/16 at 12:30 until 2PM-all are encouraged to attend.
Some good ideas for inclusion or consideration were put forth, such as the following:
- Dissent is Patriotic
- SNO'W'
- Ban D.U.
- Repeal the Patriot Act
- Make NBC Illegal (Not sure which toxic substance, TV or Weapons)
- 'Building'
- Who's next
- Focus on the Broad Bush Admins Strategic Plan
- "If your not doing it, it's not democracy"
- History of U.S. foreign Policy
- Monitoring the Homeland Security administrators
- Make safe spaces
- Focus on elections
- Building real security one neighborhood at a time
- Local Action for Global Peace
Mothers Day
Ellen put forth a callout for folks interested in doing Mothers Day related events and suggested contacting Women in Black, others for input/collaboration
Formal Proposals
** It was adopted, by a vote of 33 out of the 44 present that an event including all neighborhood groups, like the December 8th Garfield event, be held.
** It was rejected, by a vote of 24 of the 44 present, a 3/4 super majority being required, to hold a concert for Peace. Susan Friedrich, who proposed the concert, will move forward on getting non SNOW resources assembled, and may make another formal proposal at a future date.
Finances
For The Love of Hair. What's the magic word, and why must I know?
Fred Miller reminds us that the magic word is LOVE: Specifically, if anyone buying tickets from Ticketmaster says the magic word (What's the magic word?), $10.00 will go to SNOW. If you like Peace, you'll LOVE Hair!
[Full details here on the SNOW web site.]Brainstorming session for fundraising:
The meeting was split into 2 groups, one facilitated by Fred Miller, which worked on the organizational side, one by Mike Yarrow, which stayed focused on Neighborhood possibilities. The Organizational group came up with action items, after doing a moderated 'Popcorn' session, where ideas were thrown out on the floor to live or thrive. Among the ideas:
- A SNOW website link for Credit Card donations - Spencer can do!
- $100 Club…4 folks pledged $100 right there at the meeting and one actually gave $100!
- Merchandise sales
- Sponsor donations, both corporate and other, cash and in kind
- Theater or concert benefits
- Open mike café talks
- PCC Receipt collections for the 5% cash back
- PCC solicitation of them (Us, it's a COOP) for funding
- Phone canvass/Door to Door
- Collection Jars at Firms, elsewhere
- Grant writing
- Ethnic Benefit Donations (Restaurant, or Ethnic interest?)
- Corporate Sponsors
- A drawing for a prize
- Dining out for Peace
- Sell Snowflakes for Peace, like COH does with Balloons
- Solicitation of the fortunate-much is given and much is expected of them
- Food sales at demonstrations
- SNOW member donations, or voluntary dues.
Last, but not least, the joining of a group (3 at meeting) of dedicated members who have already donated $100.00 A name for these folks/this program (New Century club or something) was not established, although the $100 Club was suggested.
Not finis, just a start - Fred has a list of about 10 actionable items and contacts that will work on them. Call him. Write him. Or call the SNOW office to jump in. fredisfree@contribunet.org
The neighborhood group came up with several ideas as well, which will be appended to these minutes at a later date.
It was mentioned that we keep our mission in mind when considering fundraising.
It was mentioned that SNOW fundraising efforts are greatly assisted by the $15,000 matching grant from the Mennonites.
Additional Announcements were also made:
Spencer (New Webmaster), noted that it was necessary to ban some (4) posts or posters for reasons including threats of violence. There was a concern, though time did not allow for discussion, this is a sensitive issue.
Checkout seattleactivism.org a great site
The PBS Series Avoiding Armageddon this week - by Ted Turner & PBS & WETA
Nonviolent Civil Disobedience Training (Nonviolence Trainings)
$20 to $50 (no one turned away for lack of funds). Bring brown bag lunch. Space is limited. Please register (include your phone number) at jiberus@yahoo.com Training will be held at Richmond Beach Congregational Church.
Sat Apr 19, 11 am to 5 pm, 1512 NW 195th St (Shoreline)A showing of Gulf War Syndrome at UW Kane hall, Wednesday May 21st at 7PM
An impeachment kit can be obtained from the Queen Anne Neighbors for Peace
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