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Meeting Notes - July 26, 2003

Present: Abe, Catherine, Charles, Eric, Gunnel, Janet, Judy, Kay, Tim

Abe & Tom Roadshow:

Gunnel went to visit the church to check out setup, sound system, etc. She has the key. Judy offered to direct people into the parking lot and suggested a directional sign to be posted at the event. Meet at the church at 6:15 PM on 07/29. Janet will bring non-permanent tape for posting pictures. Eric will bring the Conversation Caf? posters and some supplies.

Literature For Event:

Judy suggested smaller amount of literature presented so as not to overwhelm people with information. Abe will select a few books to bring for display. Gunnel announced that we will have the following materials on hand: 9/9 event flyer, a few books, North Seattle website flyer containing select Israeli-Palestinian references (to be reviewed and chosen by Abe), voter registration forms (provided by Charles and Eric). Tim will bring photo album stands to pass around at the event containing photos of the wall, etc.

To offset potential sound system limitations, Eric suggested that questions from the audience be repeated by the speakers so that all can hear what has been asked. Eric passed around a prototype of the USA PATRIOT Act event flyer, requesting feedback. Gunnel will confirm with Eric the full names of the three confirmed speakers (Rita, Doug Honig and Lourdes Fuentes) as well as address information for the event.

USA PATRIOT Act Event September 9th:

Gunnel spoke with Rita who informed her that the Hammouis are not available to speak at this time. Gunnel met an Arab-American gentleman named Jeff who might be able to speak at the event.

Kay offered to contact a Japanese-American friend from JACL who can provide a personal and historical context to the subject of lost civil liberties.

Kiwi Bob Candidates Event:

Judy and Kay felt that enough groups were taking on the election candidates issue and that we should concentrate on our own upcoming events.

New SNOW Direction Evolving - USA PATRIOT Act:

Gunnel and Tim attended. Handford initiative, U.N. Peace Day, prison reform were topics of discussion. Gunnel observed a lack of focus and a sense a floundering. Tim noted that new people on board the committee could shift the council to become more organized. He felt that the strength of SNOW is in not having to wait for an agenda to be passed down from a hierarchy--that the beauty resides in each neighborhood group pursuing its own agenda.

Gunnel felt that SNOW has needed a new focus and was excited to report that a new coalition of 5-6 SNOW neighborhood groups, an Arab-American coalition group and another activist group is collectively pursuing a King County USA PATRIOT Act resolution. SNOW chapters include Capitol Hill, Lake City, Shoreline. Next coalition meeting at Keystone Church on 7/31 at 7:00 PM. Plans for a USA PATRIOT Act teach-in at U.W. possibly 9/21, coinciding with Freedom Rides but will probably be changed to October or November. Abe proposed incorporating Poets For Peace into the teach-in event.

Discussion of possible USA PATRIOT Act speakers for future event proposed. Eric suggested that a follow-up PATRIOT Act event could focus more upon citizen impact of the legislation rather than upon immigrants. Eric suggested a resource in former King County Councilman Brian Derdowski, a Republican who is respected on both sides of the Left and Right. Janet suggested former FBI Chief Charles Mandingo. Catherine offered to research a U.W. library representative to speak at a future event.

DU Update:

Abe reported that 250 copies of the Doug Rokke video have now been distributed, including the American Legion of Bainbridge Island and a nuclear physics professor who will be showing the film. Catherine reported that she and Gunnel are developing an FAQ for the website on DU.

Various thoughts about the Kucinich event were shared. Meeting adjourned.