Saturday, May 3, 2003 Meeting Notes

Check-in: scattered notes on remarks by those present.
- Tilly said it was good to be attending.
- Sara said that one could feel discouraged these days, but that this is the time when the hard work really begins. She said we need to connect with other groups here and abroad, that we need to break the grip of the corporations on the media and the government. The FCC is contemplating changes in media ownership regulations that will change the media landscape.
- Linda said she doesn't like this sense people have that the U.S. has won and is liberating Iraq, which isn't so -- she said she has a daughter and couldn't live with herself if she wasn't doing something.
- Mark described working with a student who's doing a research project on why it was hard for the pre-WWI peace movement to hold together.
- Dorothy went on Wednesday to a family systems theory and spirituality workshop; as a retired marriage and family therapist she's very interested in family systems theory. Yesterday Dorothy was honored at a celebration of women in University Place, organized by Ruth Ann Reim.
- Sallie felt very honored to be invited by Dorothy to attend the event in University Place. She's very busy with the Associated Ministries auction & dinner this evening.
- Barb is graduating in June from TCC. She feels her work on domestic violence is related to the peace movement. She think the media should drop the story of the Brames, that it's harmful to their children.
- Kyle reported that WB22 was announcing the fish-friendly carwashes today at the Life Center on Union between 12th and 19th.
- Sheila watched David Grossman on Bill Moyers's program last night, who spoke in favor of resolving the Israeli settlement issue -- she feels hopeful but apprehensive about the current talk of the new "roadmap."
- Marilyn has developed a new motto: "Bring the Peace Home." Because of her friend's Patricia's loss of three brothers in two years, she has felt very involved in the drama of the Brames. She went to the memorial in Gig Harbor yesterday and is going today both to David Brame's funeral and to the City Council meeting at 4:00 p.m. to argue against closing the proceedings to the public (in agreement with the editorial in today's News Tribune.
- Rob spoke of his interest in engaging "the other side," and is looking forward to the Associated Ministries banquet.
- Sylvia was present for the first time, and is involved with the Earth Charter.

AGENDA

1. For the good of the order. Sallie informed those who hadn't heard that Colleen's son Michael, in Oregon, has been diagnosed with inoperable brain and lung tumors.

2. Fear of death. The group discussed the fear of death as a source of violent behavior. Sallie recommended Ernst Becker's The Denial of Death.

3. Nonviolent Communication. Dorothy has told Elaine that she needs to go ahead, and the group agreed that Dorothy should proceed to set the date, time, and place of the training event previously discussed. Dorothy noted that changing to an emphasis on the "gifts of inner processes" and "intrinsic benefits" rather than external rewards and punishments can to far to achieving "common ground" with those who differ with us.

4. Common ground update. Rob and Sallie described the plan (developed by them as well as Marilyn and Colleen) to propose that Associated Ministries organize a series of conversations between invited persons interested in finding common ground despite their differences over the Iraq war. About a dozen people would be invited, and the conversations would be mediated by an experienced facilitator. PPJH will not be involved with the process or identified with it.

5. UFPPC update. A subcommittee of 7 UFPPC members met on Thursday evening to begin working toward an event to inspire and refocus the peace community. The form of the event: speakers, then break-out into groups. PPJH agreed to co-sponsor. One date currently contemplated is June 12, about 6:30 p.m. Various speakers are being considered.

6. FCC update. Consider contacting your congressman to oppose lifting present limits on corporate ownership of multiple media venues.

7. Earth Charter. Next week Marilyn will introduce a discussion of EC principle 1a: "Recognized that all beings are interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its worth to human beings."

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Sheila will lead a meeting to discuss an Earth Charter event in the fall at the Tacoma Public Library (host name: Chips and Salsa) on May 6 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

2. Sallie reported on United for Peace of Pierce County's continuation of its "fact campaign."

3. Sallie urged people to attend the Wednesday afternoon vigils at the Federal Courthouse.

4. Mark announced that the PLU Division of Humanities will be staging Aristophanes's "The Birds" in the Greek theater in front of the Mary Baker Russell Music Building at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7.