MINUTES – COORDINATING COMMITTEE     3/10/2003

CC Members  Present:   Karissa Loewen, Howard Gale, (facilitator) Ruth
Yarrow, Ellen Finklestein, Ellen Bovarnick, Brenda Collier, Carl Meyer,
Marcia Mullins (notetaker)

Guests:   Torrie Arnold, Bob Glanzman, John Gilbert, Tom Harriman

The meeting began with introductions, review of meeting norms and of the
proposed agenda.

John Gilbert distributed a paper for our consideration regarding the
importance of proactive measures to avert further wars or acts of aggression
by our government.  He will send this to CC members as an electronic
document for further review.

POTLUCKS

Tom Herriman asked for endorsement of another “Potlucks for Peace” event
on 4/19.  One focus for these potlucks will be to reach out to a broader
base of participants, particularly those in parts of the state which
aren’t already connected to SNOW.  The project was approved by the CC as a
SNOW endorsed event.

MISSION 

We took up the question of SNOW’s “mission”.      After some
discussion, we agreed that our mission is essentially stated in the Points
of Agreement.

The question of tactics for achieving our mission was discussed.  We agreed
that some of the tactics are: continued development and support of
neighborhood groups and their activities (consonant with the SNOW Points of
Agreement), resistance to war in the form of direct action and continued
consideration of new and creative ways to reach out beyond the “converted
core”.

DECISION MAKING

CC:  We discussed the need for clear decision making procedures both for the
CC as well as for the SNOW body.  After reviewing options, we agreed that we
would always work for consensus on the CC.  Although there might be some
lack of enthusiasm for a proposal by some member(s) of the CC, it would take
a “block” to keep the proposal from moving forward.  We agreed that
“blocks” should be used very judiciously and only in cases where the
proposal under consideration would go against a core value.

GENERAL SNOW MEETINGS:  We affirmed that the current agreement with the SNOW
body is that we will come to general meetings with proposals from the CC and
that a “super majority” at a SNOW general meeting will constitute a
final decision.  Since this is often a cumbersome way to make decisions and
since the people gathered at a SNOW general meeting are no more
representative of SNOW members than are the members of the CC, we think it
is reasonable to consider some revision of this procedure.  It is important
that we get this relationship between CC and SNOW general meeting attendees
more clear.  This will be taken up in more detail at the next CC meeting.

EMAIL:  We agreed that there are times when decision need to be made
quickly, between CC meetings.  We agreed that if any one wanted a decision
made by email, they would email the full CC beginning the subject line with
DECISION.  For approval, the proposal would need ½ of the SNOW CC members
voting in favor with no “blocks” and no responses indicating that the
proposal needs discussion at a CC meeting.  3 full days would need to
transpire before movement forward.  Phone calls could be made to CC members
to let them know that a vote is pending but votes would be registered only
by email response using “Reply All”.

(Brenda will send out the last document outlining the Coordinating Committee
responsibilities and it’s “constitution” to the end that we are clear
about who is actually a voting member of the CC at the present.)

FUND RAISING LETTER

It was agreed that this would go out electronically and that approval of the
wording could be done by email.

MEDIA SPOKESPERSON

After consideration of several possibilities, we agreed that until further
discussion, no one would identify themselves as the official spokesperson
for SNOW.

SEATTLE ACTIVISIM.ORG

Carl will contact the creator of this site to inquire about the purpose and
methods of operation and will inform other CC members about response.

HIRING COMMITTEE

Carl M., Mike Y., Ellen B., Rad C., are on the hiring committee.     More on
the next agenda regarding next steps in the hiring process.

ENDORSEMENTS

Approved:
4/19   Potlucks for Peace (see above)
3/16   Hands Across the Water – Greenlake
3/31   Gerri Haynes presentation at the Sammamish Public Library

Pending:
5/9 Concert Fundraiser – Ruth will get more details so that we can make a
decision at our next meeting.

DIRECT ACTION

There was a lengthy discussion regarding the proposed direction action for
3/13 at the Federal Building.  Significant concerns were raised regarding
the wisdom of proceeding with the plan as outlined.  Other significant
concerns were raised regarding the wisdom of canceling or revision the
nature of the event.  It was decided that this action, as outlined, would be
sponsored by the SNOW CD Working Group rather than by SNOW as a whole.


DEFERRED OR CONTINUED TO NEXT AGENDA

Decision Making at the SNOW general meetings
Structure of SNOW
Incorporation
5/9  Fundraiser – Endorsement?
Media Spokesperson
Hiring