Minutes with revisions
United for Justice and Peace
Meeting Minutes February 23, 2010
Present: Cole Harrison, Carol Coakley, Marilyn Levin, Ann Glick, Lois Mastrangelo, Duncan McFarland, Paul Shannon, and Virginia Pratt
Note Taker: Virginia
The meeting began with a discussion o f current events – freedom struggles in the Middle East and workers rights in Wisconsin. Observations included:
We finally have some good news and something to celebrate internationally and nationally.
Freedom struggles in the Middle East include support for Palestinians.
Question as to whether Egyptian army will follow will of the people.
Concern about US undermining the gains in the Middle East and reinstalling dictators
The success of non-violent struggle needs to recognized and celebrated
People in the Middle East are showing support for strikers in Wisconsin
We need a clear message- US out of the Middle East
Treasurer's Report – Duncan
Duncan circulated bank statements and a budget. The budget projects revenue at $6,650 and expenses at $5,350. Currently there is $5,583 in the bank with about $5,000 as cash on hand.
Fall Conference
Duncan began the discussion about having an all day conference in the fall and celebrating a 10 year anniversary. Paul suggested Chomsky as a speaker. Virginia suggested Gene Sharp. There is still a lot of time for planning. Chomsky was a big draw for the recent event in Arlington.
Chuck Turner
UJP leadership will meet with Chuck in Rebury on March 9, 2011 to discuss the wars abroad and the wars at home. Location to be determined by Chuck Turner
Letter to Governor Patrick
Ann reported on a letter sent to Governor Patrick urging him to visit the West Bank and Gaza while in Israel.
FBI Repression
Marilyn found the National Sport FBI Repression conference she attended in NYC to be very inspiring. There were approximately 250 people in attendance. The first panel dealt with Muslim repression and entrapment cases. The National Lawyers Guild encouraged everyone to know their rights and provided information. They talked about past Grand Jury witch hunts such as the targeting of Puerto Rican political prisoners along with current targeting of Palestinian activists. They are planning four similar events around the country.
Terek
Marilyn talked about Terek's case and need for support. More information is available through his Defense Committee.
International Women's Day
Lois urged endorsement of Code Pink's March 5th rally in observance of the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. The event's theme is BRING OUR WAR $$ HOME. The event will begin at the State House with testimonials from women affected by foreclosure, unemployment, and health care and social service cuts. Carrying bread and roses, a long-time strike theme, participants will march to the Boston Garden bridge to observe an IWD tradition of 'women joining women' on bridges throughout the world. UJP will endorse.
Safe For All
The statement was circulated Centro Presente. Members generally liked that they opposes service cuts. There was some apprehension about fully endorsed. It was recommended that we convey to Vicki Steintz our concerns that cuts be made to military spending as a solution to funding human needs.
UNAC
Duncan recommended that we explore ways to communicate and coordinate with UNAC for more unity in the Peace movement.
April 9th
Marilyn circulated pamphlets and stickers on the upcoming anti-war action in NYC. UJP will not be arranging buses, but will endorse, promote, and participate. We agreed to contribute $100 and post the event on the website.
9/11 Memorial Conference
Shelagh Foreman is suggesting a memorial concert for 9/11 with Military Families Speak Out and Families for Peaceful Tomorrows. There was debate as to whether we could do both a concert and full day conference the following day. It might be a time that we consider doing a Teach-in.
Adjourned 9 PM
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