FOR Meeting notes, January 5, 2004

Nine members were in attendance at our meeting. Our Kootenay FOR meeting began, as we often do with song and friendly laughter.

Following our treasurer's report, we decided that $150 is to be paid to Nelson United Church for use of their facilities for 2003. Another $150 cheque will be issued in 6 months to cover use of our meeting room at Nelson United Church for the current year (2004).

We have several hundred dollars in the bank, so Isaac suggested that we discuss sending a donation to some organization, such as Doctors Without Borders, at the next meeting.

Grant presented a detailed report on the US Ballistic Missile Defense System. Included was a very good analysis that provided those attending with important information for furthering our understanding and ability to work effectively on the issue.

We discussed putting on a Jewish-Muslim Interfaith peace walk with Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb and Muslim Leader Abdul Rauf Compose Marquetti, perhaps in the Spring or Summer.

A potluck is scheduled at Ernest and Margaret's for January 17, 2004 at which Bud and Grant will be speaking about the School Of the Americas Watch (SOAW), and Leila Martin will be speaking about her experience at the protests in Florida at the Free Trade (FTAA) meetings recently held.

Kootenay FOR will be hosting the Regional Peace Conference in April. Trish is to talk to Natalie Voykin about the arrangements.

We discussed the possibility of bringing a speaker from Iraq in for an event. A speaker that has been on tour in the USA for the last 2 months with Fellowship Of Reconciliation USA. Isaac will get back to the group with further information, once he hears more on this from FOR USA's Patty Ackerman.

Isaac reported on the success of the recent peace table activity. Over 600 letters were collected and sent to Prime Minister Paul Martin and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bill Graham regarding keeping Canada out of any agreement with the US on Missile Defense.

(See our homepage for instructions on printing off a letter to send to Paul Martin and Bill Graham, saying, "No" to participation in the US Missile Defense Program.).