February 10, 2011 Minutes for Department of Peace campaign

Present: Peg Bozarth, Lowey Dickason, Carolyn Dixon, Marilyn Eccles, Bobbi Jo Gamache, Chuck Harmon, Carol Higgins, John Kinch, Janice Lakers, Scott Spicer, and Luann Van Dam

1. The meeting was called to order at 6:40 pm by Luann Van Dam.

2. Peace Testimonials: Bobbi Jo spoke of Season of Forgiveness activities at the Portage Public Library and their book choice called Strength in What Remains. Marilyn spoke about the public resistance to library closures in England. Lowey spoke about the movement for democracy in Egypt and an article she wrote for Tikkun magazine about Peace Pizzaz. Carol spoke about the apparent political comity during the recent State of the Union address and about an editorial she wrote to promote more of this kind of political courtesy.

3. Scott Spicer led us on the vote for a group mission statement. The majority voted for one saying : As a catalyst for a Department of Peace, striving to build a culture of peace through our personal and cooperative actions, our mission is to be a community resource for conflict resolution and nonviolence. We support the passage of peace related legislation.

4. Luann spoke to the need for new officers who will start their terms in May, areas of responsibilities that individual group members have assumed, and opportunities for networking with other peace groups in the state to reach common goals. Officer candidates will be discussed further during the March meeting.

5. Bobbi Jo moved that we review the bylaws to determine if we have two consecutive one year term limits and if so that this be changed to two consecutive two year term limits. Peg seconded the motion, and it passed.

6. Luann spoke about our relationship with ISAAC. Scott, Luann, and Janice met with Jomil Wells to discuss our future role in ISAAC. Jomil indicated that ISAAC is becoming more receptive to input from constituent members like ourselves. Our current ISAAC membership ends this month, and we must decide on our continued involvement in ISAAC.

7. Lowey moved we take out a DoP ad in the ISAAC banquet brochure for $75.00. Peg seconded the motion, and it passed.

8. We discussed placing a listing of our group purpose and meeting information in the Wellness publication for $162.00. Peg moved we place this listing, and Lowey seconded the motion. It passed.

9. Also, we could place an ad in the Peace Jam conference program. Peg moved we take out a half page ad in this program. Carol seconded the motion, and it carried.

10. Hosts are needed to provide lodging for singers and sponsors of the visiting Uganda Children's Choir who will perform in the annual Sacred Music Festival on March 23.

11. Lowey reported on our success in fund raising for Peace Pizzaz and on our promotional pizza party on February 23.

12. John reported on NVC. The presentation of non violent communications techniques to the AWARE group was cancelled for February 2 due to the blizzard and has been rescheduled for March 2. There are also plans being developed to make a similar presentation to students at Phoenix High School in the early spring.

13. Marilyn gave the treasurer's report. She gave the 12 month 2009 statement which resulted in total funds available of $3,418. Also, she presented a budget for 2011 and suggested we adjust it and approve it at the next meeting.

14. Scott Spicer mentioned Don Cooney's Committee for New Priorities and its involvement in promoting democratic reform in Egypt.

15. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

John Kinch