Minutes of the June 1, 2003 PPC Business Meeting

I. Planning for future events:

1. Phyllis Van Horn brought information about a national and international economic boycott of U.S. corporations that make their profits either by producing military armaments (General Electric, Motorola, Boeing, Grumman), or by disabling the local products of countries in which subsidiaries of those companies exist (Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Starbuck's, Nike, Disney, McDonald's, for starters). A PPC promotion of an economic boycott, combined with a campaign to "BUY LOCAL, BUY SMALL", from producers located in the Pacific Northwest and unaffiliated with mega-corps could yield fruitful results. A group called For Mother Earth is calling for boycotts of arms companies, the oil companies that are under contract in Iraq's oilfields, and symbols of US economic imperialism. You can e-mail at boycott. Phyllis will continue to organize this locally. If you want to help, please contact her at Phyllis Thanks, Phyllis!

2. County Fair:
We discussed having a booth at the County Fair. Chris will contact Fran Mackey re having a PPC booth. Miriam will order some more buttons to sell at this and other venues.

3. Anti-Patriot Act resolution:

Renee McNally reported on her work toward presenting an anti-Patriot Act to the Moscow City Council. There are 3 other states that have passed this, and 104 other communities at this time. The ACLU has a support network, and Liz Brandt, who is on the state and national board, has agreed to help with this. Thanks, Renee!

4. July 4:
We decided as a group to join the Johnson parade the morning of July 4. Miriam will check to get a coordinator for this. Dean will get the band together.

5. Peace Fair:

We discussed having a fair or some other activity when the students return, and possibly to combine with PalouseFest, which occurs the weekend before classes resume at UI. John Morse will check on our getting a table for that.

6. Walt suggested that we have a picnic or gathering sometime this summer just to relax, get to know each other. It was suggested that we do this prior to one of our meetings in July or August.

Committee Reports:

1. Education Committee:

The committee has been meeting weekly, and have narrowed topics down to 9. They are: (1.) Human Rights (Do people have economic and social rights, such as the right to a job with a living wage and humane working conditions, to health care, and to an education, in addition to civil and political rights, such as freedom of speech and assembly?).

(2.) Media (What are the implications of the push to consolidate the media in the US?)

(3.) Trade/globalization (free trade vs.. fair trade; what are the effects of free trade on workers and the environment?).

(4.) Religion (why does religion sometimes promote tolerance and at other times intolerance and demonization of others?)

(5.) Militarism (weapons: nuclear, chemical and biological; effects of depleted uranium; our dependence on government military contracts to provide jobs--perhaps combine this with or move this to the discussion on the economy).

(6.) The economy (effects of militarism on social services; effects of tax cuts; how can we make the transition to a peacetime economy). Perhaps this one could be combined with trade/globalization.

(7.) Democracy--perhaps we could do this one around election day.

(8.) Civil rights--more on the Patriot Act--perhaps we could combine this one with the human rights panel.

(9.) Conflict and reconciliation.

(10.) Nationalism vs.. internationalism.

Please look these over and see if there's anything you'd like to participate in, either to help organize an event or to bring your knowledge/expertise as a speaker or presenter. We will be meeting on Thursday, June 4 at The Daily Grind in Pullman at 6:30.

2. Organization Committee:

Chris reported on the status of the by-laws report, and asked for input from the group. He will write up corrections, and will report back to the group at the next meeting. All decisions arrived at by consensus will appear in the minutes of the meetings.

3. Farmer's Market:

Tony will schedule the Market tabling on the website. If anyone is interested in helping with this, please contact me by return mail, or go directly to the website and add your name on the schedule. You be here at the PPC Web site Miriam will table next Saturday; we need a volunteer(s) for the following week, June 14.

4. Vigil report:

Dean reported on the Memorial Day vigil; it was successful, well-attended, and the music and words were inspirational! Thanks to all who participated! It was suggested that we repeat the memorial recognitions once a month, perhaps the last Friday of every month. Dean will reserve Friendship Square for the next three months. For the summer months we will simplify our presence and will not table unless there is a specific issue that we want to address. We will have at least 6 flags (more if the convener desires) and will have at least one half hour of silence during the vigil time (generally between 5:30 and 6:00). Chris is in charge of the vigil this week. There is a schedule posted on the website; or contact me by return e-mail if you wish to be responsible for a Friday.

5. Treasurer's report:

Dean will be out of town a lot this summer, so Chris will take over the treasurer duties. We received a check from the Coop for an addition $117. Thanks! We currently have a balance of $440.56.

6. Mission Committee:

Jerry reported on the Mission and Vision statements, and John has revised the second draft. They provided us with copies of the statements, as well as a narrative, written by Ron, describing who we are and what we do. We also discussed changing our name to include the word, Justice. We will discuss all of this at the next meeting.