Date: August 11, 2003
Present: (CC) Linda York, Will Rose, Jay Gerring, Ric Power, John Bito, Mike Yarrow; Treasurer: Brenda Collier; Ex officio: Ellen Finkelstein, Howard Gale; Visitors: Hanna McFarland, Mike Caldwell, Doug Nielson, Denise Mannino, Marsha Morgan, Joan Weisenbloom, Emmia Caldwell, Torrie Arnold, Jim Goettler, Robert Hill
Meeting called to order at approximately 7:15.
Discussion of proposal for Aug. 22-23 (Bush visit) started the evening, with focus on A23: members and friends of MVP were present, soliciting support and organizational expertise from SNOW to help organize a peaceful, positive rally and march on August 23 to hopefully coincide with a visit by Bush to Seattle.
A proposal has already been made and a decision made by CC to "sponsor" the event. Questions are: what does sponsoring mean, and what is needed immediately to begin pulling this event together?
Mike C. of MVP provided an overview of the concept and his belief that Seattle is ready to get behind an event of this kind. Mike projects a large turnout, possibly in the 100,000 range. This was met with some skepticism, the consensus being that whatever size the event, it is worth pursuing, but that we should, if possible, refrain from projections of any kind, particularly with respect to the permit.
The permit application has been submitted, with an estimated size of 25,000 participants. It may be possible to revise this at the permit review meeting on Aug. 13. The size of the event may influence the cost, in particular the cost of providing toilet facilities for the projected crowd, which the city could require as a condition of the permit.
Jim G. suggested waiting for the permit hearing to conclude before making further concrete plans, but once the permit is granted proceed immediately to publicize and spread the word about it.
Torrie A., Mike C., Hanna M., and John B. are an ad hoc organizing committee.
After most of the MVP visitors had left, discussion continued about budget. Brenda C. presented the Financial Report and 2003 remaining budget. With this information, the CC was able to agree to allocate $800.00 for the A23 event – this figure, after some discussion, was proposed and approved by unanimous vote.
Proposals for SNOW actions were discussed. Those that had been received in response to the call for proposals were listed. Discussion followed about how to narrow these down for discussion at the next General Meeting. It was agreed to try to eliminate those subjects that are already clearly covered and funded by other organizations. Through much discussion, the following 4 proposals were selected for presentation:
It was decided that these four subjects be distributed via email for consideration by membership before the next general meeting.
There followed discussion about how to present these topics and manage the discussion in the context of the next general meeting. It was decided to allow each topic to be presented by the person who submitted it or another designated "champion", and that each presentation should be limited to 2 minutes and be pithy. Each presentation is followed by up to 8 minutes Q&A. Following this is a general discussion of any or all of the topics. Then a vote in which up to 2 of the topics can be selected as the formal primary focus of SNOW for the coming period of time. The voting system will be done either by a paper "ballot" on which each participant may select up to 2 topics; or using a "sticker" system where people can post their favorites by placing a sticker on a sheet of paper listing the four topics.
Hiring Committee report followed: one organizer candidate has been selected and the committee is checking references on this person. The committee should be able to announce a decision soon.
Aug. 22 event which is planned on the eastside to coincide with Bush' visit was presented by Ric Power on behalf of eastside groups who wish to participate in protest events in Bellevue and request SNOW endorsement. Ric also presented signature sheets with various wording, which CC members were encouraged to take, duplicate, and gather signatures, with the plan to present these to Jennifer Dunn at the time of or near her meeting with Bush, if it happens.
After discussion it was voted and unanimously approved to endorse actions by eastside SNOW groups on August 22 that are undertaken with the clear intention to remain in accordance with SNOW's non-violent points of agreement.
Fund-raising proposal: Mike Y. returned with pictures of Dave Berrian that he says have been the most popular. Of these 8, six were selected by the CC members to be presented at the General Meeting for approval by membership, and as an opportunity for individuals and groups to order at that meeting. It was also suggested that the pictures be featured on the website and offered as premiums for donations. A figure of $20.00 was agreed by consensus would be an acceptable donation figure for one of these pictures. Dave B. will provide us with 24 matted prints in plastic case; he will provide additional prints and materials at cost for mounting as needed
Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00 pm.
Minutes by Will Rose