Minutes Palouse Peace Coalition Feb 2 meeting:

Bob Johnson called the meeting to order. The next meeting will be on Sunday February 9 at 7:00, place TBA. Carmen Wilbourne will moderate.

We started by introducing ourselves and saying a few words about our concerns, then proceded with the agenda.

1. Teach-In Committee.

We had quite a lengthy discussion about last Tuesday's teach-in, particularly related to the skit presented by WSU's No Terror. The general tone was of concern that the skit may have been too confrontational. There was also the realization that we need each other and we need to work together. "We are all brothers and sisters working together to oppose this war", said Bob Johnson. "We're about coalition building, and it's messy", said Jim Weddell. "We're coming together around the issue of peace and justice". The problem was, that the last teach-in was an "oil and water" mix and made some of the presenters uneasy. We also talked about ways to broaden our base to include fence-sitters and moderates. We may need to provide a way to include "the other side" in subsequent events; ie. to have a pro-war proponent. It was also brought up that the polarization of the 60's was divisive, and that that's not our message.

Our next event is to present the film, Hidden Wars of Desert Storm, at 7:00 pm Thursday February 6 at the Whitewater room at the UI Commons. Bertie Weddell and Kim Campbell will lead a discussion afterwards. Jerry Swensen will write a brief history of Iraq and US involvement, so we will have a handout to pass out after the film. He invited input from the group. Kenton will get a press release out (see attachment), and Carmen has posters made ready to plaster around both communities. The group will have tables set up with posters, buttons, hand-outs, etc. and will also be available for one-on-one talk and support after the film.

2. Emergency Response Committee:

Chris wrote up an excellent summary of last week's discussion regarding our plans for a group action in the event of declared war. The committee was unable to meet last week, but will have in place a plan of action by next week's meeting. Kenton reported on his contact with Rusty and Nancy Nelson, of the Peace and Justice Action League in Spokane. They are very experienced in non-violence/civil disobedience, and are willing to come to the Palouse to meet with us and provide training for our group. They will also talk about establishing a local charter/steering committee/board of directors to plan for a sustained, organized peace movement here. The plan is to meet on February 23, tentatively at 4:00 for an introductory talk, break at 5:30 for a potluck meal, then continue with more complete training. Location will be announced.

3. Financial Organization Committee:

The checking account plan is on hold until we have a more structured group; we'll operate on a cash basis for now. The group has approximately $300 on hand. Dave Peckham is willing to get new bumper stickers printed up in the event of the outbreak of war. Suggested words are, "Support our Troops; Oppose the war". We will fund this from donations and cash on hand. Cost is $.50 per sticker; minimum order is 250 at a cost of $125.

4. Networking Committee:
Liz Paul, executive director of the Idaho Peace Coalition in Boise, would like to network with us to meet with Idaho's Congressional delegation. Check out their website. Idaho Indy Media It's fabulous! (my emphasis)

5. Other announcements:
a. Critical Mass Bike Ride: On Friday February 7 bikers are encouraged to meet at 4:00 pm at East City Park. The group will ride bikes to all the gas stations distributing leaflets stating, "No Blood for Oil". Bring signs and banners.

b. The Moscow Public Library's February choice for a book discussion will be Howard Zinn's Terrorism and War. We will meet on Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 at the library. We need a moderator for this discussion. Any volunteers from the group?

For Peace and Justice!

Sally Perrine, e-mail secretary