We are a gathering of people from Erie and Crawford counties who are concerned that the US war on terrorism has become a permanent global war. We are committed to education and action to stop this "War on Terrorism." We want to stop the escalation and spread of such war and to work for true justice and peace.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

December 2, 2008

Erie Peace Initiative Meeting
Dec 2, 2008

1001 State St.

Bob Johnson called meeting to order
Attendance

Bob Johnson, Beth Rockwell, Anne McCarthy, Lora Caldwell, Mark Mateja, Jane Kirk
Agenda review
Mark added discussion regarding Status of Forces Agreement (you can Google English text status of forces agreement for more info). Anne e-mailed Pax Christi regarding this and it seems non-binding… also, the process of reaching the agreement was very secretive.

United for Peace and Justice National Conference is in Chicago Dec 12,13,14. Mark maybe going. Amtrak available for travel.

Evaluate last 2 weeks' actions

Mark and Jen were the only two at last street demo Nov 21st. Lora Caldwell, Bob and Kathy Johnson attended the Allegheny College round table discussion Nov. 22nd… good program.

Upcoming actions for discussion

Meeting with Pat Harkins is Weds. Dec 3rd at 10:00 460 E 26th St. Bob, Anne, Mark, Al Richardson and possibly Jane Kirk will attend. Discussion followed regarding ideas to publicly announce Harkins' support of National Guard legislation. Possible press conference…..will get Harkins' ideas.

Anne McCarthy will work on letter to editor as a follow through of Robb Frederick's National Guard article. This would be a letter representing EPI signed by Bob, Anne, Lora, and Barb.
National Guard conference call
Only three people participated.

Counter-recruiting in schools

Everyone agreed we can order brochures (Mark will follow through)

Rebecca will start gathering list of school counselors names/contacts

Beth will write cover letter which will be mailed with the brochures to schools…follow up phone calls will then be needed (need volunteer for this)

Anne suggested we contact Abundant Life with brochures and will get a note to Corbin Fowler regarding brochures

Ribbons

On display now at Allegheny College. Waiting to hear dates from St. Augustine, McDowell, Mercyhurst.
Website

Will update. Also looking for pictures and video to post on site. Ideas regarding article posting, discussion board, about us, etc for web-site were suggested.
Letters to the Editor (Erie Times-News) are needed and encouraged
Other

Mark will be standing at 8th and the Bayfront this coming Friday, 12/5, from 4:30 – 5 p.m. All are invited. Mark would like to add music/audio to attract attention.
Posted by About Erie Peace Initiative at 5:39 PM
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