Minutes of General Meeting
September 22, 2010

A general meeting for USC4P&J was held at the Café Letterario near Piramide on September 22, 2010. Attendees: Jack, Elisabeth, Ilona, Gene, Maria Chiara, Stephanie, Anna, Becky, Patrick. Anna chaired and Becky took the minutes.

1) Update on selection and scheduling of the Autumn 2010 Season of our documentary film series.

- Ilona came with a summary of the suggested films for the 2010/2011 season brought up at the informal meeting held in July. It lists the films, their price and availability. It was agreed that Ilona would order those deemed most appropriate and readily available asap so that there is at least enough films to start the series. Currently, there are not enough films available for a full series and the film committee (Ilona, Becky, Gretchen & Patrick) are doing further research for other worthwhile (and available) documentaries. Series will most likely commence in late October or early November.

- Becky brought photocopies of some further suggestions of films, using the U. of Montana Peace & Justice film series as inspiration. Note: follow up has been made on a few films from that series; showing shorts or classics has also been suggested.

2) Discussion on if and how we may want to contribute to, or echo here in Rome, the large demonstration – One Nation Working Together being held on October 2nd in Washington

- Group agreed to endorse demonstration, but thought that it is too close to organize anything. Moreover, No-B Day is scheduled for Oct 2nd. It was agreed that Oct 2nd could be good opportunity to promote activities scheduled for Oct 7th (9 th anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan; See announcement for Oct 7th event).

3) Organizing action on or around October 7 to mark/protest the 9th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan was discussed. It was agreed that we would endorse U.S. peace groups' International Days of Action to End the War in Afghanistan October 7-10, and to organize a “Rome-ing” protest to mark 9th anniversary of the war in Afghanistan. The action was scheduled to occur on Thursday, October 7, 5:30pm – starting at fountain in Piazza Barberini, then Rome-ing towards the U.S. Embassy and on to major tourist spots.

4) Discussions then turned to the possibility of organizing a fundraiser for the U.S. Boat to Gaza – The Audacity of Hope – to be part of the next Freedom Flotilla. A national movement has grown (see http://ustogaza.org/), aimed at launching the U.S. boat when the next Freedom Flotilla sails.

There was clear support from the group on having a fundraiser for the U.S. boat and the 2 nd Freedom Flotilla, and discussions revolved around how. Some ideas include: Palestinian evening fundraiser at Palestinian restaurant or with Palestinian caterers, talent show, raffle, concert (with musician friends playing on the cheap). It was agreed that at the very least, and alongside of whatever form of fundraiser is decided upon, the group could send out an appeal for donations to the members list. As for venues, Angelo Mai was mentioned as an option, as was La Casetta Rossa in Garbatella. There is a need to look into other socially conscious venues which may accommodate more people than ArcoBaleno. Elizabeth knows of Palestinian caterers and could get in touch with them. It was agreed that we would meanwhile send our endorsement, and the form a working group which would also attract Italian groups and gain their input. It looked like our event may not be scheduled before mid-November, but Stephanie pointed out that any contributions we can send could also be used to pay off debts incurred, even if sent after the ship's departure (launch dates for the Flotilla remain very unclear).

5) Miscellaneous business and suggestions from the membership.

-Support for Bradley Manning, the Army private accused of having leaked, to the web site Wikileaks, footage and documents revealing possible war crimes in Afghanistan, to assist in his defence. Patrick distributed leaflets explaining the arrest of Bradley Manning, and also reported that a support group had been created. The group is asking people to show their support by taking a group picture, with a sign demanding Bradley's release; he suggested could shoot such a picture during our next action, for example on October 7 th . Stephanie added that the support group needs money to pay for a lawyer for Bradley and it was agreed that 200 euros from the USC4P&J treasury would go to this cause, and that an appeal would also be sent to our members list. Gene announced a personal contribution. Patrick suggested that we show a film about famous whistle blowers -- such as Daniel Ellsberg of the Pentagon Papers -- as a fund raiser for Bradley.

-An email from Combatants for Peace asking whether we could host a fundraising event for them in late October was briefly discussed, but no decision made. The general feeling was that we may not have the time and resources, especially with the Oct. 7 action and the U.S. ship to Gaza fundraiser to organize, to take this on. Elizabeth suggested she could host such a fundraiser at her place, and that she, with help from other contacts she has, may be able to put it together. USC4P&J, although not directly involved, would publicize any such possible event through its mailing lists.

A toast was to celebrate Maria Chiara's 70th birthday!! Auguroni!

Next general meeting: date to be announced. Join our mailing list for updates.

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