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VETERANS FOR PEACE, Chapter 23, MINUTES of meeting 10/21/20

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Present: Marybeth Knowles, James Swarts, Adrienne Kinne, Danny Beever, Jack Spula, Jeremiah Knowles, Bruce Pease, Lew Montemaggi, Roger Griswold, Mick Cole, Dave Logsdon

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TREASURER'S REPORT

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Balance $1109.99. 17 chapter dues-paid members. Marybeth will get out reminders to chapter about dues, renewal. Dues payable in Nov. and Dec. for next year.

 

DEPORTED VETS--DONATIONS

 

Chat online with national VFP last week. Talked about deported vets and the Tijuana chapter support. Donations are needed now for food, clothing, etc. Donations can be sent to national VFP, with notation regarding Tijuana chapter. Marybeth suggested our chapter donate $500 from our treasury. Jeremiah urged $100 plus matching funds from members (voluntary). Roger moved we donate $300 and ask individual chapter members to donate, as well. Roger’s motion passed.

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ARMISTICE DAY

 

We’ll be demonstrating like last year: banner, etc., held on foot bridge over Veterans Bridge roadway (Ridge Rd.) in Maplewood Park on W side of Genesee River. Bruce has been working on a 3’x5’ banner that will cost $140. We approved the design and wording, wanting it to be as visible and legible as possible. Bruce will get it done. We will gather on or near the foot bridge (accessible from Maplewood Park near the pond just north of Veterans Bridge; parking lot available) at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

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ELECTION DEFENDERS

 

“Election Defenders.” MOVE-ON and VFP. An email invitation has gone out; members also can get involved in trainings via the national VFP website, where there’s a link to the project. National executive director is involved in trainings, which advise trainees how to defuse possibly tense situations at polling sites.

 

SUNDAY PEACE VIGILS

 

Every Sunday starting at 11:00 AM. In Rochester at corner of East Ave. and Goodman St., near Incarnate Word Lutheran Church. We urge everyone to participate as individuals, with or without VFP gear.

 

POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN

 

Marybeth noted “jam-packed” sessions lately, with a “rejuvenated” NY State section of PPC. “Racism and Poverty” is high on the agenda. Noted often that military budget is at odds with getting money for human needs and fighting poverty. Jeremiah started discussion on how we get other groups working together toward mutual objectives. Adrienne said she’s working on Facebook pages, among other things, to connect Binghamton, Syracuse, Rochester members/chapters for collaborations.

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T-SHIRTS

 

VFP national web store now has Black Lives Matter t-shirts for sale. Some members have already ordered theirs.

 

MEMBERSHIP (NATIONAL)

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Marybeth has been communicating with the national officers check up on memberships and renewals. We noted there’s also a sustaining membership level, with regular contributions made automatically, and a Lifetime Membership. These are explained on national website.

 

WORKING GROUPS/BOOK CLUB

 

Jim Swarts said national VFP now has various Working Groups, e.g. Climate Crisis, China Pivot, etc. See the national website for list. Also, SOA Watch collaboration is ongoing. Adrienne said there’s a new organizational book club, with VFPers from all over the country. Dave suggested we could have a chapter-based book club. Jeremiah specifically recommended “Road Map for Social Activism” as a reading choice.

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NATIONAL ELECTIONS

 

Jim referred to national board elections ongoing. Everyone is reminded to complete their ballots. Ballot questions: contact shelly@veteransforpeace.org.

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SOCIAL HOUR

 

Jim urged us to participate in Social Hour, Tuesday and Thursday each week. See VFP website for details given on the Calendar there.

 

LOCAL JUDICIAL CANDIDATE

 

Mick noted there’s a usurper on the Green Party line, someone running for a judgeship who is not running with actual endorsement of the Party. This is possible due to a quirk in NYS election law. We agreed it’s best to avoid unethical candidate.

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NEW YORK VET FACING DEPORTATION

 

Marybeth asked Adrienne about developments in Hans Irizarry case, regarding veterans facing deportation. The Immigration Defense Project, NY City, is working on this, in tandem with VFP et al. Adrienne said the project is getting signatures on a letter to A. Cuomo about this case.

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NEXT MEETING

 

Via Zoom, Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 7 PM.

 

Watch for email with link to join.

 

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