Elizabeth Brant and Marcia Mullins – facilitating Tish Korbly – timekeeper Diana Forman – notetaker
13 organizations and neighborhood groups were represented. 28+ people in attendance
The meeting opened with introductions and brief comments about reasons for attending. An affirmation of SNOW's existence as a coalition of peace groups, in addition to neighborhood groups, was followed by a reading of the Points of Agreement.
RESPONSE TO RECENT ELECTION – Many expressed dismay at the results, wanted "answers" to what happened, felt like members of a "fringe group," regretted John Kerry's decision not to make the Iraq war an issue in the campaign, and stated a need to "find our own way" as a result. Others knew that neither candidate would bring peace but felt a great sense of involvement in the electoral process and declared that progressives still constituted half of the electorate regardless of the outcome. Some wondered aloud how to understand and then bridge the divide between red and blue state thinking. Two books were recommended for the insights they offer: What's the Matter with Kansas, by Thomas Frank, and George Lakoff's Don't Think of an Elephant, which focuses, in particular, on progressive planning rather than reacting.
FOCUS ON THE WAR IN IRAQ – The question "Can we build a series of events to keep us focused on the issue of the war?" served as the catalyst for a spirited discussion.
Topics raised included creation of a committee to focus on Iraq to avoid being caught off guard by events such as those in Falluja, MAP training, the cost of the war, supporting the young people returning from the war, reaching out to churches with anti-war views, watchdogging the media, boycotts, a way to grieve over recent events, visual representation of the numbers of war dead, protesting shipments to Iraq out of the Port of Olympia, divestiture, opposition to military recruiting, joint ventures with Jobs with Justice and other groups, reduction of gasoline consumption, continuation of vigils, and distribution of anti-war DVD's.
The detailed list of topics was given to Gunnel Clark who will chair a SNOW Working Committee on Iraq.
INITIATIVE 318 INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING – Jody Haug and Jim Muller from Progressive Change for Washington, a coalition of progressive Greens, Democrats, and Independents, described Initiative 318, which is also endorsed by SNOW. Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) allows voters to rank candidates they support for a given office in the order of preference. The candidate with 50% of first-choice votes wins, but if none receives a majority, the candidate with fewest votes is eliminated and second choice votes are counted. This takes place on down the line until some candidate receives a majority of applicable votes. Under this system no vote is wasted, and the spoiler factor is eliminated.
To be placed on the November 2005 ballot, Initiative 318 must receive 200,000 signatures of endorsement by December 21st. Supporters hope that 5000 interested individuals will take petitions to events and gather 40 signatures apiece. Roughly 75% of the necessary signatures remain to be collected.
REPORTS - Steve Ludwig, in cooperation with Garfield High School faculty and staff, is starting a new working group on military recruitment efforts in high schools.
Jody Haug encouraged participation in Progressive Change for Washington as a way to assist the poor in progressive urban areas.
John Bito announced that the Phinney neighborhood group has been bannering for two years on Aurora and that they had their first counter demonstrator last week. Marcia Mullins followed up on John's report by thanking the neighborhood groups for the many vigils they sponsor that have also been going on for years.
Shannon Turner-Covell reported that SNOW has received a check for $500 from the Wallingford group and $100 from the University Friends Meeting.
Announcements related to bumper stickers, holiday cards, peace shirts, and an up-coming benefit followed.
WORKING GROUPS – While meeting time for individual groups was not available prior to adjournment, the five working groups briefly called interested participants together afterward. The current working committees are focusing on nonviolence, consumption and its role in war, Iraq, military recruitment, and outreach.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM. The next SNOW General Meeting will be on December 13th.
Minutes by Diana Forman