Meeting Notes Schenectady Neighbors for Peace
 – December 11, 2006
Next meeting slated for January 8, 2007 at 7 p.m.

 The meeting began as a Peace on Earth Potluck Dinner.  Dinner was enjoyed by all and gratitude expressed.

 The invitation to begin the meeting by suggesting and sharing peace songs was postponed until after Terri Roben was able to get her guitar from her car. 

 Anita Paul began the meeting with a reminder about bumper stickers she had printed and a passing of the donation can.  

Thanks were given to Lisa Fine for creating an attractive large and colorful Schenectady Neighbors for Peace banner.

  Elizabeth Villalobos gave a report of a Peace Action gathering she attended at the Quaker meeting House in Albany.  There had been representatives from various groups who told about their efforts. One group had a monthly “floating” vigil, another raised money through the sale of t-shirts, bumper stickers, etc.

The NYS annual meeting will be held at the Quaker Meeting House in Albany on February 24^th – snow date March 3^rd.

 There was discussion about presenting the Mark Twain War Prayer, and generating a list of discussion questions.  When ready the group will present the prayer on Channel 16.  A practice session was scheduled for December 14^th at Maxine’s house.

 The next topic of discussion was the leafleting/counter recruitment effort at Schenectady High School.  Prior to the leaflet date Elizabeth had attempted to speak to school administration without any response.  A group including John Amidon, Bertha, Pete, Elizabeth, Dave, and Martin – perhaps others (?) met on The Plaza to speak to students as they left school.  Although they were on the sidewalk (city property) the counter-recruiters were told they did not belong on school property and were requested, via messenger sent by the “Associate Superintendent,” to move to the other side of the street.  At one point police questioned what they were doing and at another point Martin was threatened by a bus driver, who was held back by a fellow bus driver.      

 One of the counter-recruiters had an ammunition box and toy soldiers - each soldier with the bio of someone who had died because of the war -  The intent was to share the individual stories and ask for prayerful remembrance.  About 12 students were interested enough to take the soldiers.  Some students were not interested and did not necessarily appreciate the leaflet materials, but the group felt the effort was worthwhile for the students who did listen and did take the literature.  There was one student in particular who said she was being pressured by the recruiters and was actually considering enlisting.

   Elizabeth told of being contacted by Fox News for an interview and deferred to David Easter.  She wished to speak with the group first before speaking to a news agency.

Discussion ensued about how to handle Media.  It was decided the Steering committee would work on clear statements.

 It was decided that before the next leafleting the Truth in Recruiting Committee of SNP would send a registered letter to the School Superintendent to request a table inside the school.  It would also give notification of intent to return on January 8^th.  A press release about the letter and leafleting was to be sent as well.  Terri mentioned that Vets for Peace had the right to be inside the schools.          

 A question was raised about contacting Carl Strock.

 The last item discussed was the Peace Vigil scheduled with the SCCC Student Government Association for December 21^st between 4:30 and 6:30.  Mary Clare said the school was onboard and would provide candles and put out a press release.

 The meeting came to a close in the joyful sound of peace songs beautifully accompanied by Terri Roben.