Notes from Kootenay FOR meeting, February 2, 2004

Trish suggested that we devote a few minutes at the beginning of our meetings to sharing information that we have acquired since the last meeting. We did this with good results and will continue.

Trish also suggested that we consider fund raising for the children's hospital in Baghdad, which is suffering from lack of supplies. Isaac suggested Kootenay FOR look into providing a donation from donations received at our Kootenay FOR peace table.

Hanna reported that Keith Keel, a peace activist who was jailed for 3 months for his participation in the demonstrations against the School of the Americas at Fort Bennings, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Grant report on the news conference FOR held on Canada's involvement in the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense system. Information is now up on the website, including photographs. Five radio stations and one T.V. station attended the news conference. We were success in our media outreach beyond our expectations.

Isaac reported on the peace table activity. We have collected about 700 letters to go to Paul Martin on missile defense system, and JJ Verigin's group has sent about 1000 letters and phone calls. The peace table will continue each Friday.

Isaac also reported on his meeting in Grand Forks with the Peace Initiative group. Twenty-five attended his presentation regarding their becoming an affiliate of FOR. Isaac and JJ Verigin also talked about collaborating on a nonviolence training program.

Isaac reported on the possibility of Lynn Gottlieb and Abdul Rauf Compose Marquetti doing a peace walk in Nelson and then going to Grand Forks then to Osoyoos Interfaith Builders to join the Mother's Day march peace event on May 9th.

Grant reported that he has been accepted to go with the FOR Peace Delegates to Jordon, Israel and Palestine on March 20th for two weeks.

Trish reported on the B.C. Southern Peace Coalition meeting, which is to be held in the West Kootenays this year. Joyce Clubine, Natalie Voykin and Trish are organizing the event. (Grant agreed to print a membership list for the next meeting.)

Bev reported on the March 20 Rally to demonstrate against the continuing occupation of Iraq. She emphasized the need to get people onto the streets. It was suggested that Kootenay FOR bring folks together to organize this and that we contact the Radical Cheerleaders and some people to do some music. The meeting is set for Feb. 17.

A new work group for the School of the Americas Watch has been formed and will meet on Thursdays at 7:30 at Rosemary's house.

The Kootenay Jewish Peace Fellowship website is up (www.KootenayJPF.org). The Fellowship will be organizing a peace Passover event.

The meeting ended with each of us sharing how we stay centered in the midst of news and events that are often overwhelming. A wonderful, meaningful sharing took place.