Campaign for a U.S. Department of Peace (DoP)
Michigan's 6th Congressional District
E-Mail: dop.mich6@yahoo.com

Meeting Notes
October 8, 2009

The Department of Peace (DoP), Congressional District 6 (SW MI), team meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Skyridge Church of the Brethren, Kalamazoo MI by Janice Lakers and Luana VanDam, District Leaders.

Ten members and a guest, Mary Armitage were in attendance.

Peace Pizzazz: Lowey Dickason presented a Powerpoint slide show prepared by Peg Bozarth. Wonderful job Peg. It will be used for promotional purposes. It was requested that the Peace Pizzazz Team develop a preliminary 2010 budget (including grant and supporter prospects) for the November DoP meeting. For 2010, it was suggested that the Peace Pizzazz planning team explore strategies to ensure sustainability including obtaining supporters and charging for booth space for art therapists and other related efforts.

Peace Alliance New Vision: National Strategic Plan (draft) for 2009-2011
These strategies will lead to a structural and program change for The Peace Alliance due to the lack of growth in support of HR808 in Congress over the last several years:
1. Legislation: Two fundamental goals:
a. Create a structure in the federal government at the highest level that makes peace a priority by inquiring from legislators about their concerns and what it would take to have them support the bill.
b. Establish and enhance peace-building programs both in the US and internationally. The Peace Alliance will actively pursue legislation that supports peace such as the H.R. 1064, Youth Promise Act (local violence and intervention programs). Goal is to pass this legislation by end of 2010.
2. Community Peace-building: Build coalitions and partnerships with peace-building organizations. Support Nonviolent Communications (NVC) and other training at a grassroots level.
3. Generating Media: Promote our message by working with local media resources at the grass roots level to help build a culture of peace. Research and disseminate violence statistics, prevention solutions and legislation.
4. Build and Empower Grassroots Network: Develop local plans to support key legislation & utilize social networking.
5. Ensure Financial Stability: Develop a sustainability program and all encompassing fundraising program.

Michigan Festival of Sacred Music: Team voted to advertise DoP and Peace Pizzazz in the program booklet: ¼ page $250 (50% discount to DoP). Ad due 10/16

ISAAC Membership – Proposal about DoP joining ISAAC to expand DoP's position in the community was presented and discussed. ISAAC membership requirements: Organization membership fee is $60 a quarter and must provide 2 people to be on the ISAAC board. An objection was made based on positions of GAMALIAL, the national organization, and ISAAC's start-up policies. To address these concerns a local representative will be invited to speak about ISAAC at the November DoP meeting.

Tabling Events: Holiday Parade – November 14 – registered to participate. DoP: Theme: Peace on Earth and doves.
Russian Festival – November 21 – Fetzer Center - $50 fee
Art Hop - December 4 – DoP display peace jewelry

Church Outreach: Friends and Unity are in support of DoP. Lowey will be approaching Skyridge.

Treasurer's Report September 30, 2009:
$ 1705 Income (Yard Sale)
0 Expense
$ 1705 Balance
$ 3270 Total Balance - Checking & Savings

Annual DoP Budget: Recommendation was made to create an annual budget for 2010 to ensure sustainability of DoP and the allocation of funds for ongoing programs and expenses before approving financial support for new programs.
2009 Yard Sale: Report was provided. Income - $1,705 (2007 yard sale income= $1577). Expenses= $0. Volunteer & Organizer Volunteer Hours = 290+ hrs. Supporters included: Skyridge Church of the Brethren, Canopeum, Unity Church, Cottage Inn Pizza, Nature's Connection and Ann White (sign maker).

DoP Leadership Support/Training:

• Michigan Peace Team Training, November 7: Event hosted by the DoP. Ten reservations filled. Five reservations are open and will be promoted to KNOW. Registration fees are paid by the participant.

• Proposed and approved the purchase of the Marshall Rosenberg Book Library, an 11-book Rosenberg series (Retail at $110) , for the sale price of $40.

Upcoming Events:

• Soldiers of Peace movie at Unity Church, Friday, Oct 16th at 7 p.m. Love offering.
• Peace Week at WMU – October 19 – 23

Next DoP Meeting: November 12, 2009, second Thursdays, at 6:30 PM at the Skyridge Church of the Brethren, 394 S Drake Rd, Kalamazoo MI. Bring an interested friend.

Respectfully submitted,

Bobbi Jo Gamache, Acting Secretary