Meeting Minutes
                             
                               8-18-2018

 

Next meeting: September 15th, 10 a.m./ Tom Mair said they are also having a state Green Party meeting at the cambria from 9-5 and people can show up any time (discussion will occur at that meeting about the November election).

Members present: Bob, Lydia, Nick S, Rich B, Bernie, Tom, Pete, Sharon, Ann and David; Tom Mair

MOMENT OF SILENCE

SIGN IN AND WELCOME

THOUGHTS, MESSAGES AND STATEMENTS OF ATTENDEES: Pete opened a discussion on the increase in militarism and the cost of war; How do we build a culture of peace (building a culture of peace requires building up communication, including communication cross culturally; Tom brought up civil disobedience as a way to engender peace; Tim wanted to know if anyone was bothered by what Tim said (overall the group concensus was favorable but the medal of honor comment may have gone too far); Caroline and Penny’s dance party was mentioned; Rich and Tim attended the Grand Traverse Area Veteran’s coalition.  Ann discussed the culture of violence and Pete concurred, stating it is not easy but difficult; Pete mentioned a 20 hour course in building a culture of peace, bringing a facilitator to teach us-Pete will bring more information about this at the next meeting; Dave brought up that we could do a course in peace at the college and told about the picture of flowers in muskats out in California and how powerful those images are

 

OLD BUSINESS:

SCHOLARSHIP

-Tim sent a thank you letter to our donor for the scholarship; Karoline Davis is the recipient

-Bob said we should still should get a picture in the Record Eagle of our group presenting the scholarship

-Bob talked about putting the scholarship app in a more prominent area, in the internal side where they ask questions; they can then give us a spreadsheet for those that have applied; also talked about a stipulation that accepting the scholarship would allow for publicity of the recipient; Ann talked about the fact that the foundation does mention other scholarships and that we could do an article for the White Pine Press/maybe the recipient could even write the article

5. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

-Meeting on the 22nd of the subcommittee

-Two days, Friday September 21st; Sunday the 23rd –Please look at the website for information

6. IDEAS FOR DOLLARS IN OUR BANK

-Bob will call the college about a class regarding lifelong learning

-We also talked about pondering what we should do and bring ideas next meeting

-Tom brought up that we need to let young people know; Bernie followed up by saying that he sent material to all counselors in the local high schools regarding what young people should think about before they sign up for the military

-Ann mentioned that at the entrance of the NMC library are many pamphlets for the military; Ann talked to the librarians and they don’t have any authority; she also wrote to Tim Nelson; Nick S mentioned the billboard idea and the internet (google) to find ways to earn money for peace; he also mentioned Central High Schools peace party for elementary peacemakers

7. PICNIC

-It was great!

-Parking was difficult but we all made it

-Discussion about the group photo ensued. Phil’s wife took it.

8. HIROSHIMA CANDLE FLOAT (Thoughts)

-Good turnout, less than last year

-IT IS ALWAYS ON AUGUST 6TH

-Some problems with the candles in the bags in that they ended up in the trees-possible fire hazard

-It was meaningful to have different groups work for peace together;

-Recently there was media attention to the pain of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors; Pete

Further discussed the museum to honor these survivors

9. Tom Mair BROUGHT HIS SIGNS: John spoke about sign rules and where one can put up his signs

10. JANE FONDA EVENT: Tom asked the question as to people’s opinions regarding all the police presence and barricades at the State when she spoke. His opinion was that the barricades were a possible fire hazard. Nick mentioned that it was wise to have a permit for a protest at the open space to keep the space in front of the State Theater in order to keep the theater free from dispute

11. NATIONAL CONVENTION: No one is going but several of us got phone calls from the national chapter.

 

12. COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Library-Just finished watching the first season of THE LAST SHIP. It can teach one about the US Navy’s procedures: propaganda, basic training,

-Library is up and good and the teepee is there to have a conversation

13. PUBLIC RELATIONS-No report

14. SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE-SEE ABOVE

15. NEW BUSINESS

16. ISSUES AND CONCERNS: Front cover of Vets for Peace National has crosses and Tom noted they are using crosses in Southern Michigan.

17. We decided not to walk because of lack of flags/signs.