Saturday, January 3, 2004 Meeting Notes for People for Peace, Justice, and Healing

Tacoma PJH met January 3, 2004, at Associated Ministries at 10:00 a.m. in the snow and ice! Discussion. (You had to be there.) Present for check-in: Vivi, Mark J., Karen H., Nancy (from Vermont), Kyle and Sheila.

AGENDA:

GENEVA ACCORDS: Discussion. Vivi told us Robyn Lundy, of TIKKUN, is looking for gigs around the country in order to discuss TIKKUN'S perspectives on this latest Palestine/Israel issue/focus. Group discussed inviting Lundy to Tacoma and places we might try to rent or reserve for a public meet: auditorium at History Museum, library, First United Methodist and Hillside. Discussion of local persons most acutely involved in this issue: Middle East Forum, Eli Beniker of PLU, Burt Walker, David Teeter. Discussion of Refugee issue/ return of land to Palestinians and Sharon position on this issue. Discussion of Wall. Discussion of Israeli fire on peaceful protestors. Discussion Jewish Peace Groups.

Group decided to keep Lundy/TIKKUN offer on the Agenda for future decision/action.

Note: Current issue of TIKKUN has printed entire Geneva Accords.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

BURT SACKS: A silent auction to raise funds to help with Burt Sacks recent gigantic one-day medical bill will be in Seattle on January 24th. More info coming on web from Mark.

EARTH CHARTER SUMMIT: Sheila announced that October 9, 2004, has been chosen as time of the next Earth Charter Summit. Sheila, who is going to Palestine in August, will not be able to head the activities this year but is holding a meeting this month to begin organizing for this October's activities. (Discussion.)

FOR: Vivi announced that Mike Yarrow and his wife are leaving as FOR coordinators so this position will soon be open. She characterizes the job as "lots of work and not much pay."

GUADALUPE FUNDRAISER: Nancy Farrell is planning a fundraiser for Guadalupe House, struggling mightily, on February 14. Details to follow.

LEONARD PELTIER: A benefit in the form of a spaghetti dinner for Leonard Peltier will be held February 7 at 4:00 p.m. at First United Methodist. There will also be a rally and march. Details coming.

UNITED FOR PEACE (http://www.ufppc.org) will meet on Jan. 8 (regular meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month) at 1st United Methodist.