Coordinating Group NOTES AND REPORTS
Subject: Notes from Coordinating Committee mtg September 11, 2023
Present: Stephen T., Bill H., Chris N, Jim A, Lucy G., Laurel Y. Janet made a guest appearance. Jim moderated. Jim has been in touch with Sheldon and he is still interested in being a part of the committee and attending mtgs in future. Doug Fogel is very busy caring for his wife in skilled nursing home.
Reminder: Coordinating Committee meetings will be held on second Mondays at 5 pm via Zoom. Next Coordinating Committee will be October 9th at 5 pm.
General Meetings are fourth Saturday of each month at 10 am. Next General meeting is Saturday, September 23rd at 10 am.
Editor’s Report:
Steve will send out a report about the general mtg on September 23rd to our full list, including the recap of our work during the last year.
Chris asked Steve to send out separate announcement regarding the Defuse Nuclear War action that she and Danielle are organizing. September 25th at noon. March onto campus with signs and then walk downtown. She will get info to Steve.
Discussion re agenda for future meetings and for September Mtg: Jim will talk to Keith Runyan re Environmental impacts/war and Chris will look around CSUC roster for professors who might be able to speak on topics at future meetings with an eye toward using the speakers/topics as a catalyst for action in our CPA work. Laurel suggested we bring a speaker on counter-recruitment/non-military alternatives to energize our plans to leaflet and table at schools.
We agreed to open up the future agenda-setting discussion at the September general meeting, so all ideas are received. And we agreed that Ukraine needed to be topic of October meeting. Bill H stated that, “Ukraine is the biggest issue in the peace movement right now.” No one disagreed with that, but we are stymied by what we can do about it, given the myriad of diverging opinions and impressions about the war, especially among peace activists. Chris advocates for activism as the answer and encourages attendance at local Defuse Nuclear War action as well as the Beele action featured on the CPA Facebook page as an event.
We agreed that the topic for our September meeting will be “Chico Peace Alliance at One Year: Retrospective and Prospective.” Our agenda will include:
1. Brief recap of work done in last year. An opportunity to include anything missed in the recap.
2. Planning for the future. Review any written input received from request for such input sent out on September 9th. Solicit input from those who have more to add or who didn’t previously reply. Then, discuss:
A) Ideas for future programs. Program Committee to work on speakers and events? Solicit interested participants.
B) Solicit participation in the Coordinating Committee.
Present: Stephen T., Bill H., Chris N, Jim A, Lucy G., Laurel Y. Janet made a guest appearance. Jim moderated. Jim has been in touch with Sheldon and he is still interested in being a part of the committee and attending mtgs in future. Doug Fogel is very busy caring for his wife in skilled nursing home.
Reminder: Coordinating Committee meetings will be held on second Mondays at 5 pm via Zoom. Next Coordinating Committee will be October 9th at 5 pm.
General Meetings are fourth Saturday of each month at 10 am. Next General meeting is Saturday, September 23rd at 10 am.
Editor’s Report:
Steve will send out a report about the general mtg on September 23rd to our full list, including the recap of our work during the last year.
Chris asked Steve to send out separate announcement regarding the Defuse Nuclear War action that she and Danielle are organizing. September 25th at noon. March onto campus with signs and then walk downtown. She will get info to Steve.
Discussion re agenda for future meetings and for September Mtg: Jim will talk to Keith Runyan re Environmental impacts/war and Chris will look around CSUC roster for professors who might be able to speak on topics at future meetings with an eye toward using the speakers/topics as a catalyst for action in our CPA work. Laurel suggested we bring a speaker on counter-recruitment/non-military alternatives to energize our plans to leaflet and table at schools.
We agreed to open up the future agenda-setting discussion at the September general meeting, so all ideas are received. And we agreed that Ukraine needed to be topic of October meeting. Bill H stated that, “Ukraine is the biggest issue in the peace movement right now.” No one disagreed with that, but we are stymied by what we can do about it, given the myriad of diverging opinions and impressions about the war, especially among peace activists. Chris advocates for activism as the answer and encourages attendance at local Defuse Nuclear War action as well as the Beele action featured on the CPA Facebook page as an event.
We agreed that the topic for our September meeting will be “Chico Peace Alliance at One Year: Retrospective and Prospective.” Our agenda will include:
1. Brief recap of work done in last year. An opportunity to include anything missed in the recap.
2. Planning for the future. Review any written input received from request for such input sent out on September 9th. Solicit input from those who have more to add or who didn’t previously reply. Then, discuss:
A) Ideas for future programs. Program Committee to work on speakers and events? Solicit interested participants.
B) Solicit participation in the Coordinating Committee.
Chico Peace Alliance
Steering Committee Meeting
April 24, 2023
Attending: Laurel Yorks, Jim Anderson, Janet Leslie, Bill Helmer, Lucy Gould, Chris Nelson, Steve Tchudi
1. Finances:
--Lucy Gould:$245 in the kitty plus $75 on the spot with a check forwarded by Chris: Total $320.
--Laurel will continue explore obtaining an EIN with some help from Bill.
2. Newsletter: Steve.
--Proposal to send out the newsletter closer to the monthly gathering met with agreement.
--Steve will work on ideas to supplement the “news” with a monthly calendar and “extras” to mesh with the monthly meeting.
3. Work Group Reports:
--Janet Leslie reported on a very successful meeting earlier in the month and plans to hold a potluck on May 18, 5 pm, with a focus on “The Culture of Militarism and the Power of the Military Complex.” We will send out a detailed “Event Alert” earlier in the month (May 10) including recent ER letters by Chris Nelson and Gayle Matson.
--Peace Education. Cindy was not able to attend, and Laurel reviewed plans for the Saturday General Gathering. An e-mail blast will go out shortly encouraging attendance and providing details.
4. Planning General Meeting for 4/29:
--Topic: Peace Ed work group as above. Refreshments coming via volunteers. Bring a friend. We discussed including time after the presentation for a taking action discussion: What can we do here and now to further the work of peace education?
5. Setting Future General Meetings:
--General Meetings will be scheduled for the 4th Saturday.
--May 27: will focus on the work of the Chico Advocacy Team and discussion of military budgets and the culture of militarization. Potluck picnic at a location to be determined.
--June 24—Chris will work on a speaker/workshop leader, perhaps Nikki Fox.
--July 22--We’ll explore a Counter Recruitment speaker and workshop.
6. Announcements. Bill Helmer reminded us of the value of Peace Action. He will cover the dues for the coming year (thank you) and will send out an email regarding the PA zoom workshops.
7. Next Steering Committee meeting, Wednesday, May 17, 5 pm. Jim, Laurel, and Steve will work on the agenda.
Respectfully and cautiously submitted,
Stephen Tchudi
Corrections and omissions to [email protected]
Steering Committee Meeting
April 24, 2023
Attending: Laurel Yorks, Jim Anderson, Janet Leslie, Bill Helmer, Lucy Gould, Chris Nelson, Steve Tchudi
1. Finances:
--Lucy Gould:$245 in the kitty plus $75 on the spot with a check forwarded by Chris: Total $320.
--Laurel will continue explore obtaining an EIN with some help from Bill.
2. Newsletter: Steve.
--Proposal to send out the newsletter closer to the monthly gathering met with agreement.
--Steve will work on ideas to supplement the “news” with a monthly calendar and “extras” to mesh with the monthly meeting.
3. Work Group Reports:
--Janet Leslie reported on a very successful meeting earlier in the month and plans to hold a potluck on May 18, 5 pm, with a focus on “The Culture of Militarism and the Power of the Military Complex.” We will send out a detailed “Event Alert” earlier in the month (May 10) including recent ER letters by Chris Nelson and Gayle Matson.
--Peace Education. Cindy was not able to attend, and Laurel reviewed plans for the Saturday General Gathering. An e-mail blast will go out shortly encouraging attendance and providing details.
4. Planning General Meeting for 4/29:
--Topic: Peace Ed work group as above. Refreshments coming via volunteers. Bring a friend. We discussed including time after the presentation for a taking action discussion: What can we do here and now to further the work of peace education?
5. Setting Future General Meetings:
--General Meetings will be scheduled for the 4th Saturday.
--May 27: will focus on the work of the Chico Advocacy Team and discussion of military budgets and the culture of militarization. Potluck picnic at a location to be determined.
--June 24—Chris will work on a speaker/workshop leader, perhaps Nikki Fox.
--July 22--We’ll explore a Counter Recruitment speaker and workshop.
6. Announcements. Bill Helmer reminded us of the value of Peace Action. He will cover the dues for the coming year (thank you) and will send out an email regarding the PA zoom workshops.
7. Next Steering Committee meeting, Wednesday, May 17, 5 pm. Jim, Laurel, and Steve will work on the agenda.
Respectfully and cautiously submitted,
Stephen Tchudi
Corrections and omissions to [email protected]
Sunday, January 29 via Zoom
Topics:
--We discussed aving more people join in on ideas for agenda-setting for the Coordinating Committee meetings and how to bring more people into leadership roles to chair those meetings.
--The General Gathering on Saturday, Jan 28thwas valuable; the speakers from CC4J were very informative and organized and we would like to have speakers at future meetings as well.
--We liked the AVP concentric circle exercise at the December meeting and thought we should explore doing more AVP in the future. Laurel will contact Anthony to see if he is interested in helping us with that.
--We agreed to start future winter General Gatherings a bit later (10:30 am) to avoid the early cold. The next General Gathering has been set for Saturday, February 25th with an hour meeting and open discussions and socializing afterward. Laurel will contact possible speakers on local housing issues for that meeting.
--We discussed the approaching one-year anniversary of the invasion and war in Ukraine on February 24th. We agreed to share our proposed concise statements that we can adopt as a short, clear position statement from CPA on the Ukraine war, emphasizing negotiations and desire for the war to stop immediately. Jim Andersonwill start the process and we can comment via email. We will agree upon a statement well before February 24th this year.
--Chris Nelson is organizing a demonstration in front of Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s office at Philadelphia Square on the Esplanade on Friday, February 24th starting at 4:30 pm. Signs urging negotiations and immediate cease-fire and end to the war are encouraged. The new banner, unveiled at the General Gathering, will be in use at the demonstration on Feb 24th.
From notes by Laurel Yorks
Topics:
--We discussed aving more people join in on ideas for agenda-setting for the Coordinating Committee meetings and how to bring more people into leadership roles to chair those meetings.
--The General Gathering on Saturday, Jan 28thwas valuable; the speakers from CC4J were very informative and organized and we would like to have speakers at future meetings as well.
--We liked the AVP concentric circle exercise at the December meeting and thought we should explore doing more AVP in the future. Laurel will contact Anthony to see if he is interested in helping us with that.
--We agreed to start future winter General Gatherings a bit later (10:30 am) to avoid the early cold. The next General Gathering has been set for Saturday, February 25th with an hour meeting and open discussions and socializing afterward. Laurel will contact possible speakers on local housing issues for that meeting.
--We discussed the approaching one-year anniversary of the invasion and war in Ukraine on February 24th. We agreed to share our proposed concise statements that we can adopt as a short, clear position statement from CPA on the Ukraine war, emphasizing negotiations and desire for the war to stop immediately. Jim Andersonwill start the process and we can comment via email. We will agree upon a statement well before February 24th this year.
--Chris Nelson is organizing a demonstration in front of Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s office at Philadelphia Square on the Esplanade on Friday, February 24th starting at 4:30 pm. Signs urging negotiations and immediate cease-fire and end to the war are encouraged. The new banner, unveiled at the General Gathering, will be in use at the demonstration on Feb 24th.
From notes by Laurel Yorks
Chico Peace Alliance Steering Committee
Notes from November 20, 2022
Present: Laurel Yorks, Bob Van Fleet, Sheldon Praiser, Lucy Gould, Stephen Tchudi, Jim Anderson, Chris Nelson, Janet Leslie.
1. Work Group reports
--Economic Justice (Lucy) met on Friday, November 18. Felt a need to be dormant. (Sheldon hopes that the idea of having such a group can continue, thus the word “dormant.”) Bob: Economic justice is topic is so huge that we may need to find a different way of organizing our efforts. Laurel: This might be the place to work on low income housing--and housing generally. Thus, though dormant, interest in the group is high.Bob will contact Addison Winslow to ask if there is a Tenants’ Rights Org. in Chico.
-- War and Militarism (Janet:) This group will have the first session of its group discussion of the Dismantling Racism booklet and its study guide. Zoom. December 8 (Thursday), 5-7 pm. Documents can be downloaded from www/ncls/drm. Will focus on US foreign policy as well as domestic issues, such as policing.
--Peace Education, Laurel: Met Tuesday, Nov 15. Working on alternatives to the military (counter recruitment). Will go to Paradise HS for a recruitment meeting in the spring. Bob: Learning for Justice is a magazine with abundant good ideas.
--Coalition Building and Communication. Bob: Working on allies, sister organizations. Need for us to describe who we are and how other groups could ally. possibly a mission and vision statement. Jim: We have not been clear on what we would do as we contact people--starting point might be just letting them know what we are doing. Include updates from allied groups in the newsletter.
2. Newsletter. Deadline: Monday, November 28. Will include report on AVP training, Jim and Janet on Palestine, working group reports, coming events, and a link to an article by Andrew Licternam. Jim: Suggest inviting readers to comment.
3. Banner Kathy and Charles are working on the banner.
4. UN Human RIghts Day (Dec. 10) - Chris Nelson . Past events: meeting at the hands, standing on a soapbox. This can be a day to honor the document. This is the date of our next general meeting, so it might be coordinated with human rights. Idea evolved: Include discussion of the document at the genereal meeting; walk through the market to the vigil. To be detailed at the next steering committee meeting.
5. Is CPA's Work Group structure working? General agreement that the working group structure is effective.
6. Thank you to lucy and Anthony for the AVP presentation. Perhaps we can do more AVP work at a general meeting.
7. Next Steering Committee meeting. Monday the 5th 5 pm via zoon.
Submitted by
Stephen Tchudi
Notes from November 20, 2022
Present: Laurel Yorks, Bob Van Fleet, Sheldon Praiser, Lucy Gould, Stephen Tchudi, Jim Anderson, Chris Nelson, Janet Leslie.
1. Work Group reports
--Economic Justice (Lucy) met on Friday, November 18. Felt a need to be dormant. (Sheldon hopes that the idea of having such a group can continue, thus the word “dormant.”) Bob: Economic justice is topic is so huge that we may need to find a different way of organizing our efforts. Laurel: This might be the place to work on low income housing--and housing generally. Thus, though dormant, interest in the group is high.Bob will contact Addison Winslow to ask if there is a Tenants’ Rights Org. in Chico.
-- War and Militarism (Janet:) This group will have the first session of its group discussion of the Dismantling Racism booklet and its study guide. Zoom. December 8 (Thursday), 5-7 pm. Documents can be downloaded from www/ncls/drm. Will focus on US foreign policy as well as domestic issues, such as policing.
--Peace Education, Laurel: Met Tuesday, Nov 15. Working on alternatives to the military (counter recruitment). Will go to Paradise HS for a recruitment meeting in the spring. Bob: Learning for Justice is a magazine with abundant good ideas.
--Coalition Building and Communication. Bob: Working on allies, sister organizations. Need for us to describe who we are and how other groups could ally. possibly a mission and vision statement. Jim: We have not been clear on what we would do as we contact people--starting point might be just letting them know what we are doing. Include updates from allied groups in the newsletter.
2. Newsletter. Deadline: Monday, November 28. Will include report on AVP training, Jim and Janet on Palestine, working group reports, coming events, and a link to an article by Andrew Licternam. Jim: Suggest inviting readers to comment.
3. Banner Kathy and Charles are working on the banner.
4. UN Human RIghts Day (Dec. 10) - Chris Nelson . Past events: meeting at the hands, standing on a soapbox. This can be a day to honor the document. This is the date of our next general meeting, so it might be coordinated with human rights. Idea evolved: Include discussion of the document at the genereal meeting; walk through the market to the vigil. To be detailed at the next steering committee meeting.
5. Is CPA's Work Group structure working? General agreement that the working group structure is effective.
6. Thank you to lucy and Anthony for the AVP presentation. Perhaps we can do more AVP work at a general meeting.
7. Next Steering Committee meeting. Monday the 5th 5 pm via zoon.
Submitted by
Stephen Tchudi
Chico Peace Alliance Steering Committee
Notes from 8-28-2022
Attended on Zoom- Steve T, Bob VF, Laurel Y, Jim A, Doug F, Sheldon P, Janet L, Chris N (notes)
Notes from 8-28-2022
Attended on Zoom- Steve T, Bob VF, Laurel Y, Jim A, Doug F, Sheldon P, Janet L, Chris N (notes)
- Announcements- Chris wrote to Pageant Theater collective to ask about using the theater for a mini-film fest on the risks of nuclear war and put up an Event page on FB for Opportunities for Peacemaking Forum.
- CPA structure - Roles/responsibilities of: CPA General Meeting; Steering Committee; Work Groups Also describe communication among the various parts of CPA.
- Jim reviewed a document he completed called “How We Work” which will be on the web page. It addresses these roles/responsibilities.
- Discussion on getting a 501C3, Who would decide? Loosely agreed that the Steering Comm would decide that. Right now we see the value of not having it.
- We discussed how rocky email is as threads get lost and people forget or miss aspects of issues then have trouble finding them. Laurel suggested texting as that subject line stays true but for now it sounds like having a dedicated subject line for each conversation was generally agreed to.
- We also discussed consensus a bit and decided to move a fuller discussion to the next meeting. There were statements about how cumbersome strict consensus process is and how off-putting.
- How do we decide who is on Steering Committee. Is it just by who is working hard for peace and contributing a lot or should we actively set a size and seek diversity since the SC is equivalent to a BOD? (Move to next Agenda.)
- How does/could Pace e Bene program fit with CPA? The Season of Nonviolence has been observed by some in the Chico peace community for years and the Interfaith Council has also participated. Chris presented on the dates (9/21 to 10/2) and that over 3000 nonviolent actions are already planned. It is one way to connect us to the larger peace seeking community of peace groups. She sent the Opportunities for Peacemaking Forum information to Campaign Nonviolence (Pace e Bene) for inclusion although the date is 9/18 since it did not appear we are able to organize anything for the time frame.
- Status of CPA website and newsletter. Steve presented the current status of both the website and newsletter. The launch is planned for 9-1-2022! Steve is conferring with Laurel and the SC on appearance and content. The first edition focuses on explaining the organization but after that he can do themes and more links (describes putting up a teaser, with a “read more” which is different than past wholesale reprints.)
- Reviewed that working group notes will be archived. He plans to set up a separate email for submissions and editor correspondence.
- Laurel points out that people want to know what happened to the CPJC. Steve will include Jim's explanation which we had approved some months ago.
- Submit emails of people who might be interested to [email protected] (goes to Laurel and Steve.) We currently have 115-120 emails. There will be an opt out option sent with the first Newsletter. Let Steve know if it went to your Spam Folder please. Submit articles or announcements to Steve with the Subject Line: “Submissions for CPA Newsletter/Website.”
- For the next edition the Deadline is ____.
- Facebook page? Reservations resolved. OK for Chris to post the page with the administrative controls already mentioned in an email post. (IE. Not allow negative or hateful or non productive/unrelated content.)
- Reports from Working Groups:
- Peace Ed.-- Laurel reports. (Cindy C will chair the committee in future.) Looking at counter-recruitment materials, speaking with C. Witthuhn who coordinated Career Builders, looking into school board candidates, identifying teachers who have peace interests. Kathy F is sending info to Steve (did not record what, CN) Current members- Laurel Y, Cindy C., Jasper E, Ambrosia K, Kathy F.
- War and Militarism-- has not met. Janet reviewed the study group that was agreed on which will be based on the FCNL 5 module booklet (download at wwww.fcnl.org/DRM) Dismantling Racism and Militarism in U.S. Foreign Policy. Meeting info pending as well as date to start study group. Agenda to include Action component. Updated members: Jim A, Janet L, Chris N, Bill H, Laurel Y. Chris announces Occupy Beale Air Force Base monthly protest will take place Friday, 9/2, 6-8 am Wheatland Gate on So Beale Rd. All Welcome. Economic Justice- Sheldon presents, Lucy Absent. Other member is Sue _. Suggestions made to follow issues in news like student debt forgiveness.
- Jim suggests the book Sum of Us about how racism makes conditions worse for everyone and the case for reparations. Janet suggests Howard Zinn's recent 100th Birthday and said she will send the Democracy Now segment to Steve for the newsletter. Bob mentioned the many subheadings that can be worked on, including the environment.
- Coalition and Community Group. Doug presents. Bob is in this group w Diana F. Laurel will attend. Next meeting is 9/3. Doug has researched tabling at the Sat. Farmers Market. Bob has spoken w the head of the Unitarian committee and talked to Charles W regarding a (free) banner. Bob is going to organize a table at CSUC and wishes to meet with 3 student groups. Jim will help if music is planned at any venue.
- We again discussed the pros and cons of a 501C3.
- More on Media- Outreach through FB and Mail chimp. Who in the media can we collaborate with? Grant Opportunities- Bill not present but he sent us grant information and we discussed our financial needs, which are few other than outreach materials which are more expensive unless purchased in bulk.
- We are encouraged to review the Muste Grant and consider speakers, signage, brochures, printing costs. Grant deadlines are Oct and Dec respectively. Jim thinks we don't need much financial support.
- Sept. 10. Large Group Meeting 10AM, Friends Meeting House, 16th and Hemlock. Laurel, Bob and Jim will work on agenda and will send around the draft agenda to the SC for comment. Next Steering Committee Meeting, Sept. 11th 4:30pm by Zoom. Agenda additions, follow up from this meeting: Consensus or what other form of decision making? How do we add people to the Steering Committee?Do we wish to add more working groups? How do we add or recruit for specific groups
Chico Peace Alliance―
Steering Committee meeting August 16, 2022 (on zoom)
Present: Jim Anderson (facilitating), Bob Van Fleet, Doug Fogel, Lucy Gould, Bill Helmer, Janet Leslie (note-taking), Chris Nelson, Laurel Yorks.
Regrets: Cindy Carlson, Sheldon Praiser, Stephen Tchudi.
1. Discussion: Time-sensitive action and roles of Steering Committee/Working Groups/others--Suggestions included the working groups as action groups, authorizing the Steering Committee to respond, coalition model with working groups identifying collaborating peace groups for action together, setting up a small and trusted committee as another work group for communication and action. This will be brought back to the next Steering Committee meeting.
Chris Nelson will send out a proposal that we join in Pace e Bene's "Week of Nonviolence" (https://paceebene.org/action-days)
2. New meeting time
Next meeting is Sunday 8/28 at 4:30 pm. Several Steering Committee members are unable to make a Tuesday meeting. We settled on Sundays at 4:30 pm every two weeks, ending before 6 pm. Working Groups should send their reports electronically to Steve Tchudi for the website/newsletter before the meeting so we can use meeting time effectively.
3. Working Group reports:
4. Decision-making and Group Roles: Deferred to next meeting due to time constraints. See notes attached to the agenda for 8/16 (today's meeting).
5. Outreach
6. Website and Newsletter: Laurel and Chris are working with Steve Tchudi and emphasize that we need to keep this simple. Working Groups need to send their self-description, events, etc. as soon as possible to Steve ([email protected]) for the website and newsletter. There will be a web page for each working group's purpose, meeting dates and notes, outreach events, etc. Steve hopes to get something out by the end of August. Laurel is adding emails and will get the email lists transferred to the server.
Steering Committee meeting August 16, 2022 (on zoom)
Present: Jim Anderson (facilitating), Bob Van Fleet, Doug Fogel, Lucy Gould, Bill Helmer, Janet Leslie (note-taking), Chris Nelson, Laurel Yorks.
Regrets: Cindy Carlson, Sheldon Praiser, Stephen Tchudi.
1. Discussion: Time-sensitive action and roles of Steering Committee/Working Groups/others--Suggestions included the working groups as action groups, authorizing the Steering Committee to respond, coalition model with working groups identifying collaborating peace groups for action together, setting up a small and trusted committee as another work group for communication and action. This will be brought back to the next Steering Committee meeting.
Chris Nelson will send out a proposal that we join in Pace e Bene's "Week of Nonviolence" (https://paceebene.org/action-days)
2. New meeting time
Next meeting is Sunday 8/28 at 4:30 pm. Several Steering Committee members are unable to make a Tuesday meeting. We settled on Sundays at 4:30 pm every two weeks, ending before 6 pm. Working Groups should send their reports electronically to Steve Tchudi for the website/newsletter before the meeting so we can use meeting time effectively.
3. Working Group reports:
- Peace Education (Laurel) group had a good meeting and will send info to the newsletter; working on talking about peace with educators, promoting peace poles and voices for peace in schools, electing good school board members. Jim has materials about Peace Day at elementary schools
- War and Militarism (Janet) We're a small group (currently Chris and Janet, but Jim and Bill are joining) with two projects: (1) Public outreach event on September 18 bringing together Chico Peace Alliance, Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) Chico Advocacy Group (working on ending U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen), Chico Friends Meeting's Witness and Service Committee and liaisons with FCNL and Friends Committee on Legislation of California (FCL). We'll send information to the CPA list, website and newsletter, have flyers, etc. Bob suggested doing outreach at SCUC and, Butte and inviting those who signed up at the Unitarian-Universalists. (2) Forming a study group using "Dismantling Racism and Militarism in U.S. Foreign Policy" (www.fcnl.org/DRM). Janet will send out information.
- Economic Justice (Lucy) this working group is Lucy, Sue and Sheldon until Corky returns in October. Looking at the role of power and money and the interconnectedness of everything. A question asked was if the environment should be a separate working group since it's such a large and urgent concern.
- Coalition Building and Communication (Doug Fogel) This 5-person group is adding "and Communication" to their name since this is a big part of their work and Bob will resend the Chico Peace Alliance summary with that change. Steve is working on the newsletter and website, Kathy Faith is sharing the "Cooperative Culture Handbook: A Social Change Manual to Dismantle Toxic Culture and Build Connection", and they plan tabling at the Farmers Market.
4. Decision-making and Group Roles: Deferred to next meeting due to time constraints. See notes attached to the agenda for 8/16 (today's meeting).
5. Outreach
- Bob and Jim spent Sunday morning with the Unitarian-Universalists and 25-30 people were present. Good connection with the UU Social Justice Committee and outreach experience: Bob asked "Do you think this Peace Alliance has merit? If so, is it something you can get behind?' and 16 signed up. Bob suggests exploring sharing the UU's 501(c)3.
- Tabling at CSUC and Farmers Market is planned. Bob is aware of three on-campus organizations to connect with and has the information re: how to get tabling permit.
- Coalition-building is important, and the group has information and connections with other groups like Black Lives Matter, Butte Environmental Council, Native American Rights, Stonewall Alliance, Planned Parenthood.
6. Website and Newsletter: Laurel and Chris are working with Steve Tchudi and emphasize that we need to keep this simple. Working Groups need to send their self-description, events, etc. as soon as possible to Steve ([email protected]) for the website and newsletter. There will be a web page for each working group's purpose, meeting dates and notes, outreach events, etc. Steve hopes to get something out by the end of August. Laurel is adding emails and will get the email lists transferred to the server.