January 12, 2003 Minutes of Palouse Peace Coalition meeting

Kim Garland called the meeting to order. 21 people were in attendence. The next meeting will be on January 26, 2003 at 7:30 - place TBA. (possibly United Church of Christ or St. Mary's). Chris LaPaglia will be moderator.

1. Not In Our Name newspaper ad.

Bertie Weddell, Gerri Saylor with help from Dean Stewart and Kenton Bird have compiled 889 names with NION text and announcements for the next Teach-in. It will appear in Wednesday's edition of the Daily News. Bertie passed around the list of names so we could check for accuracy. We have collected nearly enough money to pay for the ad in its entirety. Thanks to all who helped and contributed!

2. The Teach-In committee reported. We have 4 confirmed speakers: Dean Stewart will speak on the topic, "Is it Just?", Carl Mickelsen will address the legality of the war, Leslie Hall will speak on media issues, and Dale Graden will address the U.S. motives for war. Ron Hatley agreed to take on the topic, "The threat of Iraq". We still have been unable to confirm Michelle Hazen for the "Alternatives to War" portion of the panel. Melynda Huskey has been confirmed as moderator.

3. Teach-in publicity/information for the public:

We will have printed information available as well as posters illustrating various aspects of opposition to the administration's push to war in Iraq. Bob Greene from Bookpeople has agreed to supply a table in the foyer with related books for sale. Kim will bring stamped postcards, so people can write messages to our "elected" officials on the spot. Connie will organize our sign-up sheets to standardize the forms and will put them in 2 or 3 notebooks so we can have them at tables for participant sign-ups. Kenton has 50 posters printed up so we can advertise the teach-in in our communities. Walt and Ron will cover WSU; Chris UI. Kenton has press releases ready to go - was just waiting for final word on teach-in participants. Dale and Kenton will contact faculty members at UI to urge student participation at the teach-in, Ron will do the same at WSU, and Bertie will contact Moscow public school teachers.

4. Emergency response in the event of a US invasion of Iraq:

Kenton brought up the need to be prepared for a large anti-war rally if/when the US starts a war, which may happen within the next 4 - 6 weeks. We should be prepared to respond and prepare for perhaps 1000 people. Gretchen has been our contact person with Moscow Parks and Rec for use of the Friendship Square location. A small group volunteered to work on this including Walt, Kenton, Chris, and Bertie.

5. Nancy reported on the initial Food Not Bombs activity. She prepared soup and bread and sat at a table on Friendship Square last Friday noon. She reported not much traffic or participation, probably due to the cold weather, and the fact that this was the first time out. She will continue possibly trying different locations.

6. Don't forget next Saturday noon vigil to coordinate with nationwide peace activities. We'll meet at Friendship Square; Chris will coordinate the tables, flags, literature. Thanks, Chris!

Correction: The repeat show Bill Moyer's NOW featuring Howard Zinn will be on Monday KWSU (channel 10), and it begins at 9 p.m., not 8.:00.

TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT THE TEACH-IN AND RALLY!! LET'S HAVE A LARGE VOCAL PRESENCE THERE! IT'S CRUCIAL THAT WE BE INFORMED AND ACTIVE!

PEACE AND LOVE

Sally