The meeting was called to order by Will Rose and Linda York, facilitating. We began with introductions and reports of neighborhood activities. 28 people were present, representing 12 neighborhoods. A wide range of activities was reported and there was some report of rather moribund groups.
Tom Barnard was introduced and welcomed as our new organizer! He'll be making the rounds to neighborhood groups in coming weeks to assess how they can be strengthened and their work coordinated.
Draft by-laws were reviewed and discussed. Feedback centered around the issues of defining "membership" and voting/decision making (relative "power" of the CC versus general membership (at large or in the form of neighborhood and member group representation). All SNOW members are invited to send further comments regarding the by-laws to bylaws@SNOWcoalition.org. Will Rose will work to further develop the by-laws based on feedback and will submit revisions in the next several weeks. Members are also invited to come to the next CC meeting (9/15 at the SNOW office) to give input, particularly on the issue of "membership".
Brenda Collier, our treasurer, submitted the 2003 budget for review. It had been approved by the CC in order to submit it to the state. The major issue arising from the review was the awareness of the importance of fund-raising in order to continue to be able to pay our Webmaster and Organizer.
A fundraising pitch was then given, suggesting that neighborhood groups and/or individual SNOW members begin a program of monthly tithing or pledging. Other fund-raising ideas were suggested. A fundraising committee will continue to think about and promote ways to continue to fund SNOW. Members are invited to sent suggestions on this topic to fundraising@snowcoalition.org It was also suggested that individual neighborhood groups continue to discuss this.
The discussion of the National Security Strategy was postponed until the next meeting.
Ellen Finklestein reported on the activities of the USA Patriot Act Comminute. 160 counties and states have passed a resolution similar to the one we are promoting to the King County Council. We continue to need neighborhood groups to collect signatures on the petition to the King County Council. Liaisons and Tom Barnard will continue to promote this. A flier is being developed which will be available for tabling and for distribution at other events. A logo for buttons, bumperstickers and T-shirts is being developed. There was an announcement of a challenge and prizes for individuals or neighborhood groups who collect the greatest number of signatures by the end of the month. Prizes include a video about the Spanish Civil War and Abe Osheroff and T-shirts. Those present were asked to sign up to volunteer to collect signatures for the petition at the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride Send-off on 9/20 and at other specific, non-neighborhood events. Educational programs will be promoted to neighborhood groups.
John Repp reported on the activities of the End the Occupation of Iraq Committee. This group is usually meeting on Thursdays at the SNOW office. Everyone is welcome to come to the meetings to help. It has been difficult to develop a succinct title for the campaign but two leaflets have been prepared and will be ready for distribution soon.
Liza Wilcox from Hate Free Zone reported on the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride and asked for volunteers, including peacekeepers for the event at the Seattle Center on 9/20. She noted the many activities planned for the day in addition to the rally and send-off.
The meeting ended with short announcements and reminders. No date for the next SNOW meeting was set.
Minutes submitted by Marcia Mullins.