Members and visitors present: Liz Pearson, Barbara Murphy, Ed Bloch, Rev. Bob Lamar, Joe Seeman, Mussaret Chaudhry, Bernard Fleishman, Joe Norton, Pat Beetle, Rabbi Aryeh Wineman, Anne Marfey, Deb Riitano, Gene Rowland, Shirley Drake Byers, Jean Cowan, Rev. Wendy Van Orden, Florence Skiff.
The meeting was called to order by B. Fleishman and the invocation was given by Shirley Byers.
The minutes were approved with one addition: Jean Cowan was also present 8/9.
Treasurer's Report: The bank balance Aug. 22 was $3397.35. After that $500 was expended toward the program at the Kateri Shrine Aug. 27-28. Creating Peace in a word of War. The event was very succesful.
A grant of $500 was received from the national Interfaith Alliance to use toward the campaign for fiscal equity in school funding.
Deb Riitano said that she was not able to work on the Stop The Hate vigil because of health problems all summer. Although there was interest expressed in hearing Fr. Deer, not enough money was obtained to pay his expenses. After discussion it was decided that the event would be postponed until after the election. A local speaker, perhaps Rick Broderick, could be obtained. Electoral Campaign Reform Joe S. commented that in the current campaigning there has been more money spent and more dirty tactics than ever.
The Fair Campaign Practices Committee is not working on the primary. They are putting together a mailing to send to candidates.
Sojourners Magazine has put together a petition and are soliciting contributions to place adds in local newspapers headed "God is Not a Republican. Or a Democrat." Joe S. gave us copies of their proposed action. There was discussion as to what action we should take: sign and contribute as individuals, as a group contribute at least $60, contact local papers, letter to the editor, contact the National and urge their endorsement. It was decided to refer to the executive commitee to pursue this.
Violence Anger management, Kateri Conference: John Amidon was not present to report.
Criminal Justice/ARISE Joyce Hartwell was not present to report. A public meeting of ARISE is planned October 5 in the "Egg".
A news conference was held in front of the Albany County Jail. The TU said it was in support of Soares but Joyce H. corrected them in a letter to the editor. There was a good representation from the African Am. Clergy at the conference.
Dr. Chaudhry reported on the FBI Sting. The arrest was at night, the entire family, including small children, was brought out, the mosque was damaged by the search. The community people say that the imam was asked to witness a loan as is their custom. He is a Kurdish political refugee and a U.S. citizen. Donations are being collected to help the families.
Our letter was read by Imam Djafar Sebkhaoui to the Muslim community and was very much appreciated.
Pat Beetle read a statement of support for the Muslim community written by the Solidarity Network, who are asking groups to sign on. They plan to put it in the newspaper at some later date and will need some financial support but at present are just asking us to sign on. Some additions were proposed by Rabbi Wineman. Wendy VanOrden made the motion to support, and to authorize the executive committee to consider changes. Bernie F. said we approve in principle but should have a copy before we vote, and pointed out that to modify would require returning it to the writers for their consideration. We have to decide on approval of it as is.
The Fiscal Equity project received a $500 Grant to support the effort to get fair education financing. It must be spent before December. The committee would like help with the project.
The committee feels we should focus on explaining to people in upstate NY what the situation is. The Legislature must act to change funding as the law suit only involved NYCity schools. We must contact legislators. Possibly we can work through School Boards and PTA's and other groups. We also need to mobilize faith groups.
There will be a meeting on Oct. 1, 10:30-3 at First Presby. Church Albany convened by NYS Community of Churches. School funding will be one of the topics presented so it would be an excellent opportunity to speak about the issue.
There will be a meeting in NYC on the 21st of Campaign for Fiscal Equity state wide. We could support someone to attend.
Utica, Syracuse, and Yonkers have started law suits filed on school funding.
Respectfully submitted,
Florence Skiff
Next Executive Committee Meeting, 9:00 a.m Friday Sept.24 at Friendlys Rte 7 Next Membership Meeting 9:00 a.m October 11, 2004, Latham Community Baptist Church.
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