Meeting Minutes
VFPLI Meeting, September 9, 2008
Chair: Camillo Mac Bica, Chapter Coordinator
Present: Eve Sokol, Sheila Croke, Kimberly Wilder, Bradley Thunderbird Phoenix, Bill Kokell, Sue Donnelly, Peter Bronson, Ray Zbikowski, Jay Grosman, Karen Sackett
Presentation by Lionelle Hamanaka and Elaine Brower of Military Families Speak Out. Lionelle gave an overview of MFSO to indicate the group now consists of 3900 members; they have two new programs: On-base Spouse Program and Bring the Guard Home initiative. This national program points out the inappropriate use of the National Guard overseas and that the Authorization For Use of Military Force Against Iraq to include the Guard has expired. This is a state-to-state initiative to present to governors to pass legislation. Petitions were handed out and the chapter agreed to collect as many signatures as possible. Website: www.bringtheguardhome.org / www.nysavetheguard.com for more info and to download petitions.
Contact: Lionelle 646-262-8578; Elaine 917-520-9767
Presentation by Sue Tipke and Ken Snyder, Non-Violent Communication Workshop. A workshop will be held on Saturday, 9/13 at the UUF of Bellport and January 16 & 17 in Shelter Rock. The workshop is based on the teachings of Marshall Rosenberg and focuses on a "compassionate view" with one's learning to "communicate on a deeper level" and to be seen and heard. A discussion ensued about the continual confrontation by pro-war groups at peace demonstrations and how best to handle situations.
Peter Bronson: Report from the VFP National Convention as well as information about the Republican National Convention. Establishment of chapter of incarcerated veterans was created. Successful workshops were held focusing on Non-Violent Communication led by Thomas Brinson and Eli Painted Crow, which were valuable as VFP attended demonstrations at RNC. More info on convention can be found at www.Veteransforpeace.org
Presidential Debate at Hofstra on October 15th. VFPLI will be working with VFPNY and other groups to coordinate veteran participation. Possible guerrilla theatre by IVAW. Long Island Alliance presenting People's Agenda. Pre-debate events planned. Info at: http://www.hofstra.edu/debate/
Friday, September 19 - One year anniversary of the Iraq Moratorium. The chapter will support this effort on this date from 6:00-7:00 pm at the Armed Service Plaza, H. Lee Dennison Building on Route 347 in Hauppague. We will decide at this event if this will be a continuing action.
Truth in recruiting activites - Flyers are available in English and Spanish to hand out at high school Open House nights in Sept. & Oct. explaining the opt out procedure necessary for parents and students. Open Houses usually occur before the opt out letters are to be returned to the schools. Volunteers are needed for key low-income districts.
Jay suggested putting ¼ page informational ad in newspapers.
Further discussion on "truth in recruiting" vs "counter recruiting" to be held.
Sheila, Karen and Peter will work on obtaining a grant through the AJ Muste Fund.
Public Access time slot - Veterans For Peace Chapter 138 again has a one hour time slot on Fridays from 6:00-7:00 pm in the Brookhaven/Hauppauge cable television viewing area. Would like to get interviews with veteran members filmed and aired.
The need to build up Veteran membership was stressed. Business cards with chapter information were handed out by Mac.
Duly submitted by Karen Sackett
9/10/08
Peace!
 | ||||
