The minutes of the July meeting were approved.
Treasurer's Report. Gene Rowland said that the books were audited this summer and agree with the bank statement. A printed report was available. The balance is $4135.97.
The agenda was approved with two added announcements.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Electoral/Campaign - Gene Roland reported that the committee is collecting information on candidates but there is nothing to report today.
Violence/Anger Management - John Amidon is in Damascus.
Criminal Justice/ARISE - Rev. Joyce Hartwell. The public meeting will be October 25, unfortunately conflicting with the Labor Religion celebration. The main topic will be the Rockefeller Drug Laws. Joyce pointed out that there is a lack of re-entry programs, and blacks are more likely to receive incarceration rather than treatment. These problems must be addressed. Most of the crime in New Orleans currently is from addicts unable to get drugs since the flooding.
Joyce gave us information about MicroBizNY, a newly formed association of organizations lead by Ronald Deutsch to help those starting small businesses. She suggested that we look at the material and consider supporting legislative proposals that would be helpful. Support and training for formerly incarcerated is important to get them started.
Clean Money, Clean Elections - Joe Seeman said the campaign has hired a staff person.
Cindy Sheehan - Camp Casey is coming to Albany Wednesday and meeting west of the Capital. There will be a rally in Washington, DC on the Sept. 24th weekend, with buses going from Albany. Info: 439-1968.
Lou I. made a motion that we support two bus tickets with a donation of $150. Seconded by Joe Norton, passed.
Motion by Joe N. was made to endorse the activities of the weekend. Seconded by Pat B., passed with one abstention.
Carol Tyrell, Coordinator of Faith Based Initiative, NYS Department of Health AIDS Institute.
The faith based initiative, started Nov. 2001, works through the churches to inform people, to encourage testing, increase community involvement, and to increase awareness of helpful programs. Testing can now be done with an oral swab with results in twenty minutes. The number of infections is growing still. There is no cure but with care life can be prolonged. Infection of babies can be prevented by prebirth treatment of mothers.
Executive Committee
Ann Marfey showed us the ad booklet for the Festival of Nations Oct. 30. The executive Committee recommended getting an ad. Motion was made to get an ad for $35, Motion seconded and passed.
Verizon costs have gone up. Motion was made to pay 50% up to $65/month. (Ed Bloch pays the other half for personal use of the line.) Motion was seconded and passed.
Deb Riitano proposed adding a peace component to the Stop The Hate program this fall. Also, the lack of response to Katrina makes one think racism should be addressed. Deb is talking with St.. Rose about availability of the center for the program. Lou Ismay suggested to include 'justice'. Talk to Deb if you have ideas or suggestions.
Universal Living Wage - Rabbi Wineman did some research and found they were recommending a variable amount based on the cost of living in different areas. They figured the cost of an apartment for a single person and child should not take more than 30% of income. The idea is to prevent homelessness. This level would not destroy businesses. The state legislators should get this information. Lou Ismay made a motion that we support this principle. Motion passed.
Ad in Labor Religion Coalition Program - Motion was made to add $75 to the previously proposed donation to make $100 which pays for an ad in the program. Motion passed.
John Amidon request for funds - this can be decided in October after he has given us more information on the trip. Ask him to talk at the next meeting. March, National TIA Leadership Conference - Attendees will divide the available money.
Grafton Peace Pagoda will celebrate their anniversary October 1.
Next meeting will be October 17th to avoid Columbus Day.
Executive Com. Meeting will be Sept. 26.
Meeting adjourned 10:50.
Respectfully submitted,
Florence Skiff
Next Executive Committee Meeting: 9:00 a.m Monday September 26th at Friendlys on Rte 7.
Next Membership Meeting: 9:00 a.m. October 17th at Latham Community Baptist church.
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