8 June 2004

Meeting of Local Group # 642
Amnesty International
Chester Creek Cafe at 7 : 00 PM  

PRESENT: Amy Schuler, Hal Bertilson, Richelle Caya, Mayra Gomez, Warren Howe, Nick Netland, Travis Powell, David Stamps, Bret Thiele and Diane Yefanova. 

PRESENTATION TO THE DULUTH CITY COUNCIL.  Travis reported that now time had yet been set for the presentation.  

STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN CAMPAIGN.  Amy and Mayra reported on the   5 - 23 - 04 meeting of the Local Group # 642 SVAW Campaign Planning Committee.  Representatives from the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project were there.  Mayra and Amy will go into women’s groups and mothers groups to enlist participation and get some cohesion.  Dads and Daughters and  Women’s Transitional Housing might be good, too.  They are preparing an Open Memorandum about the Campaign and will make the memorandum available to all of us.   

Mayra reported that we received good feedback from the Midwest Regional Office on our grant application.  The grant meets the goals of regional grant resources SIF (Special Initiatives Fund).  The request is for $ 1,900 focused on the October event.  Bill Schultz will be coming to Duluth on 24 October to help launch the event.  Perhaps the video “It’s in our hands-stop violence against women” Amnesty International Campaign Video 2004 can be used.  The Midwest Regional Conference is on October 15 ^th.   

Mayra listed five videos.  She has the ability to get copies for us.  They include Trafficking in Thailand and Honor Killing.  The intent is to have discussion afterwards.  Amy suggested the Pillsbury House Theatre.  Auburn has suggested readings.  Hal has a copy of Speak Truth to Power.  For those unfamiliar with Speak Truth To Power see http://frontpage.uwsuper.edu/psychology/317/stp_317.htm for notes Hal has prepared for his classes.   A planning committee has been established.  Others are encouraged to join the planning committee.  

(CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE SVAW CAMPAIGN IN DULUTH )  

DEATH PENALITY WORK.  The group discussed death penalty work.  It was announced that tomorrow at Northern Lights, author John Bessler will be talking about his book on lynch mobs and executions.   

FUND RAISING.  David suggested a wine glass with a story or a vota with text on the back as a fund raiser for the local group.  Seed money is needed for this project.  Is the group interested?  All group members should buy at the sales price.  We would sell at the regional conference.   We would commit to buy at $ 5 per piece.   

DISTRIBUTIIONS.  Stand UP For Human Rights and Outfront Legislation were distributed.  A petition was signed.