The meeting was called to order by B. Fleishman, The invocation was given by Rev. Senley Jack.
Motion to approve minutes of Feb. 13. Approved.
Treasurer's Report. Carol Tyrell reported that the balance was $5044.34. A detailed report was available.
The agenda was approved.
Senley Jack thanked members who had attended the Black History Program and fundraiser for Mt. Moriah Baptist church.
Committee Reports
Electoral/Campaign reform: Joe Seeman said Citizens Action would have a planning meeting on Clean elections/electoral reform, and a Lobby Day would be held April 11. Work also continues on new voting machines.
We need a new representative for the Fair Campaign Practices board. B. Fleishman asked for volunteers. He said he would appoint someone.
Violence/Anger Management: Pat Beetle said John Amidon was in Alabama participating in a march that would end up in New Orleans.
There are 9 signed up for the next Anger Management program.
Sign on Campaign March 15. 1100 signs have been distributed which say "Support our Troops, bring them home now". There will be a press conference. Bernie Fleishman will carry a sign for TIA. They hope for enough people to extend all the way around the Federal Building.
Joe Seeman said there was a new improved site on the Internet for information: activistresource.org.
Economic/Criminal Justice. Joyce Hartwell said she had lost half of her possessions in the youth center because she had lost use of the building and had no place to move things. She is trying to get another place. She is very disappointed that she gets no support or cooperation from the city for her efforts to provide a good place for youth activities.
They were able to get The young Mr. Durham out of prison and now are making efforts to find employment for him.
Executive Committee
Statewide Senior Action - A donation of $75 was recommended. Motion by Gene Rowland, second Pat Beetle. Motion passed.
Communities & Congress Talk Darfur - Tabled.
Fundamentalism issue - Harriet Warnock-Graham: Meetings are informational and continuing.
There is a group "Network of Spiritual Progressives". Michael Lerner's new Book "Left Hand of God" was recommended.
TIA National Leadership Gathering March 3-5. The emphasis was to return to Civil Rights, End Poverty. We were one of four groups nominated for a local activism award and received $500.
At the April Dinner we will give Fr. Peter Young the TIA Robert Lamar Humanitarian Award. Tickets for the dinner are $40.
CFE Campaign - Gene Rowland represents us at the Citizens Action meeting (which includes several other organizations).
The Holy Land Through the Eyes of Every Church a Peace Church. Paul and Katja Rehm described their experiences in Israel/Palestine on a recent trip. They met with many groups working for peace. Groups sponsor nonviolence training: in schools, radio bulletins, videos. The Rehms said they did not feel in danger and everyone welcomed them. Our media focuses on the violence but they saw humanity on both sides. Rabbis For Human Rights objects to the route of "the wall" as it takes some strange detours around certain areas and does not follow the previous agreed upon boundary. This makes the boundary much longer and more difficult to defend. The "settlements" start as trailers that arrive during the night, the army defends them, and it eventually grows into a beautiful suburb. When the US takes a one sided stand, the peace makers are stilled. The religious far right sees this as bringing in the "end time" so support Israel.
In the US there are grass roots organizations for peace.
Next month: Joyce Hartwell will present a program on why children turn to violence.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40.
Respectfully submitted,
Florence Skiff
Next Executive Committee Meeting: 9:00 a.m Monday, March 27th at Friendlys on Rte 7.
Next Membership Meeting: 9:00 a.m. April 10th, 2006 at Latham Community Baptist church.
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