April 14, 2011 Department of Peace Meeting Minutes

Present: Peg Bozarth, Lowey Dickason, Carolyn Dixon, Marilyn Eccles, Chuck Harmon, John Kinch, Janice Lakers, Scott Spicer, and Luanna Van Dam.

1. The meeting was called to order at 6:39 pm.

2. Peace testimonials referenced recent successful gatherings of peace activists.

3. Scott Spicer's services were discussed in terms of our ability to pay. Marilyn Eccles referred to our treasurer¡¦s report to look at funds available. Ways to reduce Scott¡¦s hours were discussed as well as contracting him for a limited period in the future.

We decided to limit our payments to Scott to $100.00 per month for five hours of work a month for the next four months and try soliciting some funds to pay him from collaborating peace groups. Scott found this proposal acceptable.

4. A banner was proposed for local peace groups to use collectively in the Kalamazoo Memorial Day parade. Peg Bozarth will work on the design of the banner. The banner will announce the marchers as People for Peace and Justice.

5. John Kinch reported that we are scheduled to take part in the June 4 Kalamazoo Doo Dah parade.

6. A new Non Violent Communications (NVC) study group will begin the evening of May 15 at 7 pm at the Kinch residence. This is for the benefit of new students of Rosenberg;s book, but past students are welcome to attend.

NVC training for children was proposed using assistance from Kalamazoo College students.

7. Lowey Dickason reported on work being done for this year's Peace Pizzaz event on May 22. She introduced the periodical called Teaching Tolerance published by the Southern Poverty Law Center. It will be distributed to teachers involved with Peace Pizzaz.

Volunteers are needed to work for Peace Pizzaz from 1:00 to 4:30 pm in Bronson Park on May 22.

8. Save stuff for our August 27 yard sale.

9. The new officers slate was introduced for the coming term. New officers will start serving next month. They include Chuck Harmon and Luana Van Dam for co-chairs, John Kinch for secretary, Marilyn Eccles for treasurer, and Peg Bozarth, Lowey Dickason, and Janice Lakers for trustees.

Lowey moved the slate be accepted. Peg Bozarth seconded the motion, and it passed.

10. Janice Lakers announced various peace related entertainment events taking place in the future. More information is needed about the Moveable Peace Concert proposed by Kevin Szwala.

11. The meeting adjourned at 8:22 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

John Kinch