Saturday, September 6, 2003 Meeting Notes

Meeting notes, People for Peace, Justice, and Healing

September 6, 2003

Tacoma PJH met at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 6, 2003 at Associated Ministries. Present for check-in were Mark J., Kent A., Susan, Karen H., Al, Sheila, Kyle, Sharon. Slyvia came post-check-in. General Discussion. Check-in. Facilitator: Susan.

AGENDA:

EARTH CHARTER DISCUSSION:

4 a. Recognition that the freedom of action of each generation is qualified by the need of future generations.
b. Transmit to future generations values, traditions, and institutions that support the long term flourishing of Earth's human and ecological communities.

Some highlights of the discussion: Question: What is changed forever by what we do today? (Ecological.) Thinking about what we will live for rather than what we've been given in the past. Discussion: A culture of "what's in it for me". Kent: We have to catch up with the ethics of certain countries like France that has invested in the preservation of old buildings (rather than just building the new) and the creation of a "garden culture."

Al: We are (ruled) by Corporations hold on and use of natural resources....domination of Corporations through the World Bank.

Sheila: Necessity of being aware of the effects of current economical systems on children of the world: Children and others in "third world" countries are being deprived of the products of those countries (food and flowers) because much of it is exported for profit. Consequently children in these countries are often "underdeveloped."

Kent: New buildings are being built to consume as much non-renewable energy as old buildings do. (There are known alternatives to these practices which will prove economically sound in the long term.) Kent's example - the construction of Mason Middle School. No steps were taken to preserve energy such as south facing windows. We are sacrificing the environment and wise investment to the so-called "bottom line."

EARTH CHARTER SUMMIT: SHEILA

Mark passes out more news from the "right wing" press that has characterized the Earth Charter as "communist."

Lunch plans are progressing. Sylvia and Cassandra and David Pettit, (Unitarian Men's group) are planning a bio-regional lunch at about $3 cost per lunch. Planning is for about 125 for lunch. Lunch tickets will be purchased at the door. Participants will view Earth Charter webcast in the sanctuary for the first hour. Sheila showed us a beautiful poster being done for a discount by Kinkos. Three members order posters. Duane Niatum is doing press releases.

Discussion of "tracts." Chilren's tracks will be attended by parent(s) of children participating. Some offerings of break-out groups: Ecological integrity (bio-diversity, Washington State habitats, agriculture, CSA, slow-food projects, water shed issues); Social and Economic Justice (constitutional civil liberties, Bill of Rights, Patriot Act, Oppression in U.S.A.- gender, age, ethnic, poverty, homelessness, election reform, national security); Cultural Diversity (common threads across spiritual traditions - panel, safe environment for exploring diversity - race circles/dialogue); Introduction to Non-Violent Communication; Relaxation Track (arts and crafts, music, drum circle, chair massage.)

WHEELS OF JUSTICE: MARK

Mark has gotten a response from interested college students at PLU and with Adam Bray, UPS. They are planning 10/13 event. Mark is exploring idea of Sunday evening pot luck. He thinks the media will be interested in group - colorful bus, etc. WofJ people have living accomodations. Kent suggests picketing the Hummer at McCann's.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

United for Peace: They are now meeting the 2nd and 4th Thursdays instead of the lst and 3rd. Their next regular meeting will be September 25th.

Instead of a meeting on the 11th, there will be a potluck on 9/11 at 6:30 at First United Methodist Church.

There will also be a PEACE CONCERT on 10/16 at First United Methodist.

Guadalupe House: October 3, 7:30 Annual recognition of SOAW movement and six nuns killed in Central America. They are planning a large protest SOAW activity on 11/16.

Walter Wink: Will be at PLU on 10/29 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Kris Knutsen Hall. Subject of his speeches: Myth of Redemption; God as Human. No charge. MOEarth Charter Planning Group will meet every Tuesday until Charter Summit Day (10/11) at Tulley's on B'way at 6:30.

NVC: Kent's groups are meeting Tuesday at Wheelock Library at 3:00. The Wednesday group has some spaces due to illnesses but person will have to "catch up." This is a 10-12 week commitment. Wednesday group meets at 3:30 at Associated Ministries. Text is $12.50.

FOR next Business/Potluck 9/14 at 5:15. Program is at 7:00. Jean Buskin of Seattle FOR will speak about her time in prison. (She was jailed for refusing to leave Cantwell's office.)