The meeting was called to order by B. Fleishman and invocation was given by Rabbi Wineman.
Minutes of the April meeting were approved.
Treasurer's report: The balance as of 4/19 was $7922.14. The bill for the dinner has not been received yet.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Electoral Campaign reform. Joe Seeman reported no current action but groups continue to work for voting machines with paper trail.
The Fair Campaign Practices requested $100 for the coming year. So moved. Motion passed.
Economic and Criminal Justice/ARISE- Joyce is in an FBI class during which she has had the opportunity to express some of her concerns. FBI people are concerned about public relations but point out change would require change of president.
The law suit Rev. Drown has brought against the city has not progressed. Another problem has erupted with the Day Care program at the church and Rev. Drown has been accused of harrasment. There will be a hearing this Wednesday. Joyce points out that if the city wins it would set a dangerous precident where the city could require a permit for any program in the church building other than worship services.
Violence/Peace Activities: John Amidon reported that the Anger Management program was succesfully completed.
Executive Committee
Deb Riitano reported on plans for the "Stop the Hate" program Sept. 10th, and the Interfaith Youth Corp in the afternoon. Deb. Is seeking support. Motion was made to co-sponsor and contribute up to $1000. Motion passed. Publicity material should be gotten out soon. Benita Zahn said she would do a story on this.
Deb would like to add a second award to next year's award dinner. "Voices that Challenge". Dates in April are being considered.
TIA National Leadership Gathering: Harriet Warnock-Graham and John Amidon described their experiences there. Attendance was between 100 and 150. There were quite a few interested young people. They thought Rev. Gaddy spoke well. John said that a public relations program financed by the National IA was available that we could bring in, or if not, he might include it in plans for the event at Kateri Shrine. There is also a youth "camp" in Baltimore where we might support a kid. There also was an evironmental workshop. They all commented that the conference was isolated and in an unnecessarily expensive facility. It would be better to have less expense and better attendance.
In response to the shooting of the 3 officers and call for capital punishment, Rabbi Wineman was preparing a statement opposing Capital punishment, however this did not seem like the most effective timing to publish this. It was decided that we should work on the statement and have it ready for a time when it would be pertenant. Forword suggestions and ideas to [email protected]. Frank B. said capital punishment is not about deterence but about revenge (so called closure is realy revenge) We live in a world of violence where all problems are countered with violence. We need to think about what kind of world we are leaving to our children. Terrorism comes from the hopeless, helpless and "worthless". See "Why the World Hates Us" by Gore Vidal.
The Foodstamps program is runing out of money and more has not been voted. There is a demonstration organized where people eat only $1.16 worth of food per meal (the amount provided to recipients). Contact Ed for details.
Joyce will talk to Bob Gangi re speaking at our meeting or at a larger gathering, about evaluating prisons. She will also contact Barbara DiTomasso re her concerns.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Florence Skiff
Next Executive Committee Meeting: 9:00 a.m, Mon. May 21st , 2007, at Friendlys on Rte 7. Next Membership Meeting: 9:00 a.m., Monday June 11th , 2007 at Latham Community Baptist Church.
If you are not on the e-mail list go to [email protected] and get on the list to receive Interfaith Alliance messages.
E-mail The Interfaith Alliance of NYS
(via [email protected])