Respectfully submitted by Lyn Sperry

Meeting Date: Thursday, October 11, 2007
Meeting began at 6:30 p.m.

Our Objectives: To lobby our 6th District congressperson to vote for legislation to establish a Department of Peace

Our Activities: To engage persons in the DoP campaign by providing information at public event, writing letters to the editor, making speeches, obtaining supportive resolutions from local governments, and communicating with media, military and veterans.

Opening Remarks: Bob Weir briefly reflected on the recent success: the yard sale and Swami show.

Introductions: Fifteen people were present (names omitted).

Correspondence:Monthly letter to Fred Upton was passed around for signatures. Copies will be sent to Stabenow and Levin, as well.
Thank you cards to St. Joseph Co. Latin Festival, SW MI Harvest Fest, Tillers Int'l, were distributed to sign and send to those organizations.

Reports:
Leadership
Finance—Carol Higgins gave Treasurer's Report.
Political Liaison—No personal contact with Upton during the past month.
Public Outreach—Tablers were active at Kalamazoo Southside Block Party and SW MI Harvest Fest. Harvest Fest took place at Tillers, International. Carol Higgins reported on the successes for DoP at that festival.
Public Outreach—Unitarian Church Portage, Mother's Trust Ganges – Bob Weir, Karen Chadwick
Merchandise—Carol Higgins reported having 10 long sleeve tee shirts. Carol put forth her idea to send email to group list to order merchandise for gifts. We would ship if buyers pay for shipping cost.
Media Outreach—Lea Kunze, Bob Weir, Karen Chadwich and Carol Higgins had letters to editor. Swami coverage in local paper. Lowie reported inviting a letter to the editor writer to our meeting.
Kalamazoo City Resolution—Bob Weir gave update on progress. Seven people are calling City Commissioners. Bob will attend the City Commission pre-meeting. Lansing recently passing a resolution for DoP. Meeting begins at 7:00, Monday, October 15th.

Current Projects: 10 questions for the Dali Lama movie – Luann Van Dam distributed flyers for this Unity of Kalamazoo event. Two showings on Oct. 21st at 1:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Bylaws —drafted not yet adopted
Web site—Pam Rups recently updated the site activities being uploaded
Veterans video and cable TV—Martha Dahlinger is searching for veterans through local VA hospital to tell of their experiences.
Banner acquisition—not purchased yet

Upcoming Outreach Events: Table at Green Peace global warming town hall meeting, Wed. October 24, 6:30 – 8:30 at Kalamazoo Public Library. Request was made for tablers. Marilynn Eccles and Chuck Harmon will table.
Cartographer from Palestine will be visiting Lowey Dickason. He will speak at Friendship Village with Lowey on Oct. 25th at 3:00.
Peace Week at Western MI University—No organized events yet. Lowey will find out about getting a table for DoP as outreach event.

Lea Kunze reported on a phone conversation with a Kalamazoo City Commissioner regarding the resolution before them.

New Projects—Suggestions from those at the meeting:

• Rocket Star Café: leave literature
• Water Street Café: put information on bulletin board
• Letter to the Editor
• Calling people not on email list for meetings. It was suggested making a phone tree to share the responsibility.
• Bring in other religions or ethnic representation.
• Homeless Drop in Center—Share information there. Bob mentioned article Encore regarding those on verge of homelessness.
• Coordinating various groups working on peace concepts.

There was considerable discussion on Fundraising opportunities and possible positions our group might want and need to fill. These discussions are not included here.

Meeting ended at 8:10 p.m.