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Attending: Claire Cafaro, Jim Fulmer, Jeffrey Halpern, Beth Johansen, Lee Lakritz, Pete Looker, Michael McGraw, Joe Seeman, Michael gave a presentation on Socialism. A local (Saratoga Library?) forum on Socialism was suggested. Jeffrey offered to help. A proposal will be brought to the next SPA meeting. Jim reported in the Martin Luther King day event planning. Plans call for a an event honoring MLK from 2 – 4pm on 1-21-08, including a potluck meal, at the Saratoga Library. Event organizers are considering involving students in grades 6 – 12 to participate in an essay writing project about the core values of MLK’s teaching; essays to be read at the event. The event will also include music, & perhaps a video. We agreed that SPA should co-sponsor. Skidmore will also have activities honoring MLK later that evening. Jim will get info on MLK day planning meetings to Patti, to be announced on the SPA Announcement email list. Jeffrey reported on some recent activities & future plans of the Upstate Anti-War Network. On 9-24-07, there was an anti-war march & rally in Syracuse involving active duty soldiers from Ft Drum which some SPA members attended. There was a 10-27-07 anti-war rally in NYC organized by United for Peace and Justice which many of us also attended. The Upstate Anti-War Network is planning a Jan. 08 weekend with a Conference (speakers, workshops, etc.) on Saturday & a Retreat on Sunday, to be held somewhere in the Albany area. The Civil Disobedience and Direct Action committee/caucus is planning actions for the 5th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq (3-19-08), with possible coordinated actions in a number of cities/towns. There will be an all day planning meeting in Syracuse 12-1-08. There was a review & discussion of some of the ideas we had brainstormed in the last meeting. Ideas included: A Service Project to help provide
medical treatment to war-injured Iraqi children (see
http://nomorevictim Door to door voter registration &
education, including flyering & promoting the Voters for
Peace Pledge (see
http://www.votersfo Some “minimal effort” activities were discussed: Showing videos – such as “The Ground Truth”, “Camden 28”, “Yes Sir, No Sir” in the Saratoga Library or other public place. Arranging speakers, such as May Saffar, to speak to local congregations. “Guerilla” chalk drawings on sidewalks. Victorian Peace Walk contingent in Saratoga Victorian Streetwalk (11-29-07), carrying signs with peace quotes from noted Victorian personalities. “Being Peace” talks, held at Jim’s house the 4th Saturday of each month. Other possible activities discussed included: Pressuring elected officials to stop funding Iraq war. A Panel Discussion on How to End the War in Iraq. Educations events, to educate the general public & ourselves. Outreach, to draw in new activists to SPA. We agreed that these ideas would only be successful if individuals stepped up to take leadership, and more SPA members participated. Claire offered to take the lead on a Video series. Beth offered to help with publicity on various activities. Michael & Joe offered to take the lead
on door to door voter registration/ Claire offered to participate in organizing, but not take the lead on a Panel Discussion on How to End the War in Iraq (we need someone to take the lead to make this happen). Jeffrey offered to be the contact for the Upstate Anti-War Network & take the lead on efforts opposing War Funding. Jim offered to be the contact on Martin Luther King day activities. All SPA members & friends are encouraged to volunteer to lead & participate in any of the activities discussed. We are all encouraged do what we are moved to do and not feel guilty if we can't do it all Our next meeting will be Thurs. Dec. 20th 7pm in the Saratoga Library. Joe will facilitate. |