Meetings - 2003
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Central Ohioans for Peace was established in 2003.

Minutes from Monday, December 15, 2003

Central Ohioans for Peace Minutes, for December 15, 2003
Met at Columbus Mennonite Church, 7-9 p.m.

Reminder: Peace Rally, Saturdays @ noon, Candlelight Peace Vigil, Sundays @ 6:00-7:00 pm, Corner 161 & High

Gatherings: Mondays 7:00-9:00 pm at Mennonite Church - 35 Oakland Park]

Call to Order by Bill Barndt, Greetings, Information, and Concerns:

Mary Davis brought Beautiful Cards for people to take and donate to COFP (with photos of birds that she took herself).

Art Strauss: Copies of important articles on pesticide tactics of chem industry, Bush-Cheney energy bill, and other environmental concerns.

Time of Mourning/Moment of Silence: Deb Hoover said she meant to read "Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus," but forgot it. Followed by Moment of Silence for all the victims of war.

Review of December 8 Meeting and Announcements:

Tonight's Visitors: Dave Lore of Granville Friends, plus five others: Greg and Karen, Linda, Lee, and Eliana.

Silent Auction: A few items were put up tonight; main auction is on January 5th.

Announcements on Upcoming Events:
January 5, 2004 COFP meeting: Discuss membership dues, new officers begin terms.
January 10, 2004: Statewide Peace Network Meeting, Northwood Bldg., 1:30 p.m., contact John Wallace,
January 13, 2004: Ellen Baumgardner, SOA protest.
February 24, 2004 COFP meeting: One Year Anniversary Celebration.
January 31, 2004: Center for Community Change meeting, Columbia, SC, includes concerne for low-income people, Dem. candidates debate.

Educational Presentation: A stimulating talk on "Election Corruption and Redistricting" was given by Cliff Arnabeck and enjoyed by all.

Summary: Cliff discussed the fact that, contrary to popular belief, we DO know how to have a fair election. You have to have open debates (as the Dems have been doing lately) and you have to have them covered by all news media. Cliff encouraged us to organize ourselves to accomplish this in one local election as a test case (for example, a congressional election). The "cure" Cliff suggested was: 1) Realize that citizens care about issues, not money, games, incumbency, etc. 2) Get our OWN candidates out there. 3) Sponsor REAL debates. 4) "Shame" incumbents and media to show up. Cliff also discussed Instant Runoff Voting, Proportional Representation, and the possibility of a "Citizens' Revolution" as happened with the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe. Many questions and discussion followed.

Election of Board of Directors: Report of Nominating Committee by Christa Gharbo, who presented the slate of officers to be voted on:
President - Les Stansbery
Vice-President - Robert Holmes
Secretary - Bonnie Awan
Treasurer - Janet McLaughlin
Program Coordinator - Richard Rehl
Membership/Public Relations Coordinator - Sue Simon

Purpose of COFP and Summary of Consitution and By-Laws:
The purpose of COFP is to promote and support education on non-violence; there are two classes of members: "voting" members who pay dues and "associate" members who don’t pay dues and have no voting rights; COFP will have a governing board consisting of 6 officers, as listed above.

Before we voted, Christa presented Bill and Laura Barndt with gifts of appreciation for all that they have done to bring into being and foster the Central Ohioans for Peace: a scarf and a "Peace-nic" Santa to Bill, a rose for Laura.

Elections: The slate above was approved by all those present (motion for approval by acclimation made, seconded, and "aye" votes won).

Refreshments provided by all were enjoyed.

Closing Song: I Am One Voice, led by Bill Barndt.

Minutes from Monday, November 24, 2003

Central Ohioans for Peace Minutes
Date 11/24/03

Call to order by Bill Barndt
Greetings/new members/visitors
Samir Gharbo brought baklava to share to mark the end of Ramadan
Victim count:
Time of Mourning: Bill Barndt shared a poem he had read earlier in the day

Announcements on upcoming events (Date, Day, Time, Location, Specifics)
December 1: Education presentation regarding voting machines from Lynn and Barbara Taylor. Meeting topic for vote: By-Laws
December 8: Julianna Donofrio on nonviolence, history and peace-maker perspectives. Meeting topic: Present slate of officers
December 15: Education presentation from Cliff Arnabeck on voting redistricting and corruption. Meeting topic: Vote on officers. End of year party. (Last meeting for 2003)
January 6, 2004: Discuss membership dues, new officers begin terms
February 24, 2004: One year Anniversary Celebration

Reports on the prior weeks events

Reports from liaisons: No reports.
 - United for Peace and Justice
 - NION
 - Move-On
 - Code-Pink
 - Common Cause
 - International ANSWER

Local groups:
 - Central Ohioans Peace Network: Are working towards March 20 with a march from Goodale Park to the Statehouse. Planning Meeting at 1 pm at the Community Organizing Center on Lakeview. The Network welcomes suggestions for this day marking a year since the beginning of "Operation Iraqi Freedom."
 - Council on American-Islamic Relations (Ohio)
 - CodePink
 - Columbus Campaign for Arms Control
 - Student International Forum
 - Progressive Peace Coalition
 - Community Organizing Center
 - United Methodists for Peace
 - Women in Black
 - Universal Rights Association
 - Ohio Green Party
 - Not In Our Name Ohio
 - Democratic Socialists of Central Ohio.

Other announcements/flyers
Les Stansbery announced that Blackwell, who opposes the services tax, is running for governor of Ohio.

Business addressed:
Motion: Bill suggested and a movement was made and seconded that we donate $35.00 per month for use of the Mennonite church building.
1st Ken Johnsen
2nd Sue Simon
passed by unanimous approval. (This is an increase of only $10 per month).

The steering committee suggested that we celebrate one year of Central Ohioans for Peace when we re-convene in January. The group saw this as an excellent idea but asked for more time to prepare for such an event.
Motion: We celebrate one year of Central Ohioans for Peace on February 24.
1st Debra Hoover
2nd Samir Gharbo
passed by unanimous approval.

Suggestions for this event included:
Joann Hachtel will write press releases and let newspapers and radio stations know that we are holding this celebration.
Robert Holmes suggested we produce an Annual Report, including budget, accomplishments, and reflecting on future goals. Be sure this is a stimulating meeting.

Request again the acceptance I Columbus of a Peace resolution.

Group Reports
Group 1 Education and reconciliation—Education committee continues to invite speakers for education presentations for meetings.
Group 2 Effective voices
Group 3 Victims
Group 4 Resolution

Suggestions:

The steering committee had discussed a holiday party but did not recommend it. Debra, not knowing of the outcome of their discussion, suggested it anyway. The group felt that it would be OK. Discussion followed. As a result of that discussion, after the education presentation and the election of officers, COFP will hold an End-of-the-year celebration on December 15. All are welcome. If you would like to, please bring some snack foods to share. (Deb and Lynn have napkins, servingware, and sugar and creamer from the Teach-in and will bring those items). Also, as a fund-raiser, we will hold a silent auction. Items can be related to peace (or not, especially since it is short notice). Any item you would like to donate will be gratefully accepted.

All who have attended meetings are invited to vote on the by-laws. If you will not be attending December 1, please call or e-mail Bill Barndt with your vote prior to the meeting time, 7:00 pm Monday.. Samir suggested that when we elect officers, we do not elect Bush.

Agenda items:
By-laws to be voted on Monday.
Officers: To be presented on Dec. 8 and voted on by December 15.

Thank yous:
To the anonymous donor who has been generously and quietly paying for our use of the Mennonite Church.

Closing:
Bill lead the group in "We Shall Overcome"

Minutes from Monday, October 20, 2003

Central Ohioans for Peace Minutes 10/20/03

Call to order by Bill Barndt
Greetings - Dotty Turner
Victim count up to 9500
Mourning Bonnie Awan read letter from Rachael Corrie’s parents while they were in Israel

Announcements on upcoming events
Mon., Oct. 27 - Noon - Faith Communities Uniting for Peace - Interfaith Peace Service at Columbus Metropolitan Library (Main branch - Grant St.)
Oct. 27 - COFP Educational Presentation: Is the U.N. Relevant in the 21st Century? - Bob Holmes
Wed., Oct. 29, 7:00pm Michael Moore at Wooster College (you must acquire tickets in advance and typically only allowed 2 person, Mark Stansberry may have tickets if you are interested)
Thurs., Oct. 30 1pm Michael Moore at Ohio Union at OSU. Sponsored by SLEDGE(student labor organization).
Thurs., Oct. 30 8:00pm Michael Moore at Xavier College in Cincinnati ($10 at Ticketmaster or Kroger)
Sat., Nov. 1 - 3:15-4:00 P. M. Kucinich at Northwood Bldg. - Connie made arrangements to have Dennis Kucinich speak at the Northwood Bldg. on Sat., Parking in the rear of the bldg. Northwood & High. Connie needs help setting up chairs beforehand!!!
Sat., Nov. 8 (10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.) & Sun., Nov. 9 (11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) - Columbus International Festival
Tues., Nov. 25 - Noon - Faith Communities Uniting for Peace - Interfaith Peace Service at Columbus Metropolitan Library (Main branch - Grant St.)
Dec. 10 - Human Rights Day
Time of Sunday Candlelight Peace Vigils - as of Sunday, October 26, we will meet at 6:00 P. M.

Reports on the prior weeks events: none.
Reports from liaisons: none
Local group reports: COPN wants to plan a rally for next spring. Our group recommended it be on 3/20, the anniversary of the start of the war. If you want to help plan, contact Les. He would like two people from each peace group.

Other announcements:
Bill Barndt suggested we call or write "our representatives" to pay attention to the 10/25 rally.
Art briefly discussed and gave handouts for Nano technology and other new technology and mentioned our inability to contain it.
Lynn is compiling a list of all peace groups in Ohio. Please submit any that you know of to her as soon as possible.

Business addressed:
1. Accepted minutes from 10/13/03. Art moved, Sue seconded.
2. COFP By-Laws & Constitution - Janet McLaughlin handed out draft for perusal.
3. Finances: Lynn Roycroft - to date we’ve taken in $6,556.53; expended $5,842.75; 2 outstanding checks for $328.42; balance $340.46 (plus $45 10/6; $42 10/13; $36 10/20). Total available $463.46
4. Advertising: Group suggested a maximum of $50 to put ad in Suburban News for education list. Robert moved and Cliff seconded.
5. We decided not to table at PSMC as it is same time as International Festival.
6. We decided to purchase some bumper stickers and buttons to sell at International Fest as a revenue enhancer. Lynn will bring catalogue next week to let us choose favorites.
7. Future educational presentations (may change as needed)
 - 10/27 Robert- Is the UN relevant for the 21st Century?
 - 11/3 Sibley- media
 - 11/10 Art and Peggy Gish – Iraq
 - 11/17 Saleem- Who are the 7 axis of Evil and what is our history with them?
 - 11/24 Les- US Foreign Policies
 - 12/1 Lynn and Barb- Electronic Voting Machines
 - 12/8 Julianna- Non-violent approaches; Ghandi and MLK
 - 12/15 Cliff- Election corruptions and redistricting

Group Reports
Did not meet

Suggestions/Thank yous/Closing Bill Barndt lead in "We are One Voice"

Minutes from Monday, October 13, 2003

Central Ohioans For Peace Minutes
October 13, 2003

{Peace Rally - Saturdays noon-1:00 p.m. - Special 2nd Saturdays}
{Candlelight Peace Vigil - Sundays 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.} Note change!
{Gathering Mondays - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Special 1st Mondays}

Writing letters to Representatives in Congress on either 1) Roll back FCC Rules (SJS Res. 17) or 2) H.R. 2625 (a bill to establish a Commission on Intelligence about Iraq.

Call to Order - Bill Barndt (Cols. Mennonite Church 35 Oakland Park)
Greetings/new members/visitors - 1: Linda Taylor
Victim Count: 7,352-9,152 see www.iraqbodycount.org for updates
TIME OF MOURNING: Bill Barndt led us in a silent meditation about the human costs of war.
October 6, 2003 Minutes - read and accepted.

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATION: Lynn Roycroft showed a most informative video "Eleven Unanswered Questions to 9/11" produced by Guerilla TV. She will type and distribute a handout about the questions next week. (See www.unansweredquestions.org for more information.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (Date, Day, Time, Location, Specifics):
Mon., Oct. 20 - COFP Educational Presentation: Effect of Tax Cuts - Sieglinde Martin
Fri., Oct. 24 (7:00 p.m.) & Sat., Oct 25 (9:00 a.m.) - "Is the United Nations System Relevant in the 21st Century?" - OSU Drake Performance Center
Sat., Oct. 25 - Washington D. C. Peace Rally
Sat., Oct. 25 - Newman Center Peacemaking Workshop - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mon., Oct. 27 - Noon - Faith Communities Uniting for Peace - Interfaith Peace Service at Columbus Metropolitan Library (Main branch - Grant St.)
Oct. 27 - COFP Educational Presentation: Is the U.N. Relevant in the 21st Century? - Bob Holmes
Sat., Nov. 8 (10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.) & Sun., Nov. 9 (11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) - Columbus International Festival
Tues., Nov. 25 - Noon - Faith Communities Uniting for Peace - Interfaith Peace Service at Columbus Metropolitan Library (Main branch - Grant St.)
Dec. 10 - Human Rights Day

REPORTS ON PRIOR WEEK’S EVENTS:

"Open the Door to Peace" Update: - Connie Hammond -door hangers will be ready next Monday; 4000 ordered.

Earth Charter Summit - Oct. 11 - Bill Barndt reported that they had an excellent opener of drums and sticks; Harvey Wasserman spoke about wind power for energy and the need to close 103 nuclear plants; someone from the American Indian Tribal group spoke; someone spoke about emission gases; Bill spoke about projects he was involved with in the Philippines, Ukraine and Japan; Bill was dismayed that COFP didn’t have a display there; all in all, it was a good program, with about 35 people in attendance.
Les Stansbery stated a need for cities to adopt the charter before it can be adopted nationally.

Recent meetings in Sen. Voinovich’s office - Les Stansbery - a press conference was held outside the senator’s office; Bonnie Awan, John Wallace, and Yoshi spoke to the press - no TV. "Citizens left without info because elected officials don’t know."

STEERING COMMITTEE:

1) COFP By-Laws & Constitution - Janet McLaughlin - don’t know status, as Janet left before the end of the meeting.

2) Democratic Presidential Candidates (List of Central Ohio meetings) - See Business #7.

BUSINESS:

-- Finances -Lynn Roycroft - to date we’ve taken in $6,556.53; expended $5,842.75; 2 outstanding checks for $328.42; balance $340.46 (plus $42 collected tonight).

-- Time of Sunday Candlelight Peace Vigils - as of Sunday, October 26, we will meet at 6:00 P.M.

-- Frequency of Monday evening meetings - pros and cons discussed. Weekly schedule to be continued. See Motions. Lynn will take minutes while Jan is away for 3 weeks.

-- Columbus Peace Demonstration - Oct. 25 - Tekla reported that the Peace Network thinks there should be a send-off rally the night before the departure for D. C. Women in Black will do a send-off at their usual 5:30 - 6:30 rally.

5) Scholarships for Oct. 25 A.N.S.W.E.R./United for Peace and Justice Rally in D.C. (Send $50 scholarship check to Community Organizing Center, 1192 ½ Neil Ave., Columbus 43201. Phone #252-9255. Bill will not be attending the rally due to health problems; will provide $100 scholarship money instead. Connie thinks that as of last week, the bus from Columbus is only half-full. Smaller numbers expected in D. C. this year compared to previous rally.

6) United Nations Festival - 11/8 & 11/9/03 - sign-up sheet for volunteers passed around. Joanne will do a notice for the press.

7) Kucinich at Northwood Bldg. - Connie made arrangements to have Dennis Kucinich speak at the Northwood Bldg. on Sat., Nov. 1 - 3:15-4:00 P. M. Parking in the rear of the bldg. Northwood & High.
Connie needs help setting up chairs beforehand!!!

8) Howard Bechtel Project - Howard will talk next week about his project "Your God Is Not Responsible." Distributed copies for study.

9) Updated List of COFP Members and Friends - Lynn distributed copies. Add Linda Taylor, 4841 Mockingbird Ct. N., Apt. #A, Columbus 43229, 614-430-3883, no e-mail address. Correction: Mary Davis, 1560 Cardiff Rd., Columbus 43221, no e-mail.

MOTIONS ACTED UPON: Motion made and seconded to keep weekly Monday meeting schedule - motion carried, so we’ll continue meeting weekly.

GROUP REPORTS: Didn’t have time to meet.
Group 1 - Education and reconciliation
Group 2 - Effective voices
Group 3 - Victims
Group 4 - Grass Roots - Mary Davis is working on questions for candidates - will bring them next week - questions need to be open-ended.

CLOSING: Bill Barndt led us in "I Am One Voice."

Minutes from Monday, October 6, 2003

Central Ohioans For Peace Minutes
October 6, 2003
{Peace Rally – Saturdays noon-1:00 p.m. – Special 2nd Saturdays}
{Candlelight Peace Vigil – Sundays 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.} Note change!
{Gathering Mondays – 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Special 1st Mondays}

Call to Order - Bill Barndt (Cols. Mennonite Church 35 Oakland Park)
Greetings/new members/visitors – 0
Victim Count: 7,352-9,152 see www.iraqbodycount.org for updates

TIME OF MOURNING: Bill Barndt led us in a silent meditation on continued killings

September 29, 2003 Minutes – read and accepted.

Samir Gharbo reported that at last night’s candlelight vigil, Bob Holmes scraped candle wax off the sidewalks on his hands and knees. A round of applause ensued.

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATION: by Janet McLaughlin and Brenda Newsom on the Global Renaissance Alliance conference they attended on Sept. 13-16. Discussed the proposed Dept. of Peace, which would be a cabinet level position, with a Secretary of Peace, and have peace as its organizing principle. House Bill 1673 was introduced on April 8 by Dennis Kucinich – currently 52 co-sponsors – 218 co-sponsors needed, or the bill will die. Janet and Brenda distributed numerous handouts, as well as postcards for us to send to our members of Congress.

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (Date, Day, Time, Location, Specifics):
Sat., Oct. 11 – Earth Charter Summit, Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St., 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (www.earthcharter.org)
Fri., Oct. ? – Noon - Faith Communities Uniting for Peace – Interfaith Peace Service at Columbus Metropolitan Library (Main branch – Grant St.)
Oct. 13 – COFP Educational Presentation: Election Reform/Redistricting, Corruption – Cliff Arnebeck
Oct. 20 – COFP Educational Presentation: Effect of Tax Cuts – Sieglinde Martin
Fri., Oct. 24 (7:00 p.m.) & Sat., Oct 25 (9:00 a.m.) – “Is the United Nations System Relevant in the 21st Century?” – OSU Drake Performance Center
Sat., Oct. 25 – Washington D. C. Peace Rally
Sat., Oct. 25 – Newman Center Peacemaking Workshop – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Oct. 27 – COFP Educational Presentation: Is the U.N. Relevant in the 21st Century? – Bob Holmes
Sat., Nov. 8 (10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.) & Sun., Nov. 9 (11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) – Columbus International Festival
Dec. 10 – Human Rights Day

REPORTS ON PRIOR WEEK’S EVENTS:
1) “Open the Door to Peace” Update: - Connie Hammond – it has gone to the printers and will be available soon.

STEERING COMMITTEE:
1) COFP By-Laws & Constitution – Janet McLaughlin – will be worked on Sat. for fine-tuning.
2) Democratic Presidential Candidates (List of Central Ohio meetings) - Bill Barndt – question raised: how do we deal with learning about candidates?

BUSINESS:
1) Finances – Bill Barndt presented an e-mail from Lynn Roycroft – to date we’ve taken in $6,511.53; expended $5,842.75; 2 outstanding checks for $328.42; balance $340.46 (plus $45 collected tonight).
2) Scholarships for Oct. 25 A.N.S.W.E.R./United for Peace and Justice Rally in D.C. (Send $50 scholarship check to Community Organizing Center, 1192 ½ Neil Ave., Columbus 43201. Phone #252-9255.
3) Participation in Earth Charter Community Summit – 10/11/03
4) United Nations Festival – 11/8 & 11/9/03 - sign-up sheet for volunteers passed around.
5) Programs for 2004 Candidates – possible Kucinich Forum on Nov. 1
6) Howard Bechtel Project – info on literature table
7) Updated List of COFP Members and Friends – Lynn’s still working on this.
8) Sponsoring Forum with Dennis Kucinich – Sat. afternoon 11/1 – should we sponsor?

MOTIONS ACTED UPON: None

GROUP REPORTS:
Group 1 – Education and reconciliation – staffing coming along?
Group 2 – Effective voices – Les Stansbery – re Spring Peace Rally: no planning going on in the Peace Network; should COFP push? Delegation going to offices of 2 senators re ending occupation, bringing troops home and timeline for doing so.
Group 3 – Victims – Jacques- in touch with Karen Glick Metzler, Regional Associate for Mennonite programs; she sent info to Jacques “Together - MCC and People in Iraq.” Group decided that sending money to get the projects started is more effective than collecting and sending items to Iraq.
Group 4 – Grass Roots – Kucinich at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Nov. 1. Mary will try to get something set up.

CLOSING:
Bill Barndt led us in “Let There Be Peace.”

Put on agenda for next week: when to change candlelight vigil time to 6:00 and when to start bi-weekly meetings.

Minutes from Monday, September 29, 2003

Central Ohioans For Peace, Minutes, September 29,2003

Call to Order: Bill Barndt
Greetings
Victim Count: 7,352-9,152

Time of Mourning: Art Strauss spoke of the Swedish Foreign Minister who was recently assassinated. She was an peace activist and environmentalist. Her interests included the history of bombing, and the scathing use of power by the west. There has been little press about it, and he is requesting information.

Meeting report:

The minutes were read and accepted.

Debra will drop off a $300.00 check to Jacques for Donna Hamilton and the Earth Charter.

Christa reported that the wall being built in Palestine isolates the Palestinians from water sources, schools and hospitals.

Art mentioned that recently there was a Citizens Action Reward Ceremony where Julie Rice was acknowledged for her work as an environmentalist, showing the importance of geology when developing a city plan. Also Theresa Mills was recognized for her work on pollution.

Jacques reported that the first meeting in Columbus for Heifer International was held and well attended. The future meetings will be the third Thursday of each month at the Unitarian Church at 7:00pm. Jacques is working toward receiving a grant to do an inner city project here in Columbus. He has made contact with the director of development in Columbus and has contacts with OSU Agricultural Dept.

Bill gave a most wonderful report on his and Laura's remarkable life of service. I felt honored just to listen. I do not have time right now to do his report justice- it will come in the future.

Closing: Bill led us in song.

Minutes from Monday, September 22, 2003

Central Ohioans For Peace, Minutes, September 22,2003

Call to Order: Bill Barndt
Greetings
Victim Count: www.iraqbodycount.org

Time of Mourning: Bonnie Awan, how hypocrisy reigned at the first shot of the war. Bonnie related the story of the two Iraqi children who were denied medical treatment of their severe burns by our US military doctors.

Old Business: FCC Roll Back S 1046 was defeated. Advanced Nuclear Weapons S 1424 was passed. Worthington Market Day, Sept. 20, ws a success. We passed out at 300 leaflets, with good response. Brian Griffan was there supporting us with his music. The candlelight vigil, Sunday, was attended by 22 people.

Treasurer's report: Sue Robinson donated enough money to purchase the last banner. Our balance with that amount included shuld be around $500.00. Bill noted there is an existing rule that all requests for money over $100.00 be submitted and reveiwed by the steering committee. Last week we voted to support the Earth Charter with a donation of $300.00. We will honor this. In the future all requests over $100.00 will be discussed by members of the steering committee.

Reports: Central Ohio Peace Network, Connie Hammond mentioned that the National Network to End the War Against Iraq is sponsoring a national campaign to purchase door hangers. After discussion we voted unanimously to put our group name as a contact, help with the distribution, and would purchase $60.00, or 1000 hangers.

Les Stansbery mentioned the Spring Rally for Peace. Also Partners for Peace is sponsoring on October 21, five women from Jerusalem. They are in need of housing. Lance said he might be able to help, or the possibility of a suite at a hotel ws mentioned.

Les announced that anyone wanting to go to the DC Rally needs to secure their place with a $50.00 check made out to "Community Organizing Center". Also anyone wanting to donate a place should do so soon. We have three seats donated so far. There will be a send off on October 24th.

Janet McLaughlin reported that she attended a conference last week in DC, for The Department of Peace. She is working on an educational presentation. Donna Hamilton mentioned the organizing meeting this Wednesday night, 7:00pm., for the Summit coming up. All are invited.

Education: "Take Back America Conference" June 4-6, 2003, WDC We watched and listened to several speakers including Jesse Jackson's call for a "Workers March". Others included Carol Mosley-Braun, and Dennis Kucinish. The theme was energize the people so they feel empowered and engaged in politics. Have a vision and be willing to take action to achieve it.

Closing: Bill led us in "Let There Be Peace".

Minutes from Monday, September 15, 2003

Central Ohioans For Peace Minutes
September 15, 2003

{Peace Rally - Saturdays noon-1:00 p.m. - Special 2nd Saturdays} Guitarist Brian Griffan played at Sept. 13 rally and will play again on the 20th.
{Candlelight Peace Vigil - Sundays 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.} Note change!
{Gathering Mondays - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Special 1st Mondays}

Call to Order - Bill Barndt (Cols. Mennonite Church 35 Oakland Park)

Greetings/new members/visitors - 3 (Mary Finke, Mennonite Church member; Dee Henry, political & environmental activist; Will ?, student rep. of "Not in Our Name"

Victim Count: see www.iraqbodycount.org

TIME OF MOURNING: Bonnie Awan - "Wartime" magazine doesn’t paint a rosy picture in Iraq - many still without electricity and water. U.S. soldiers getting 1 can of rations and 1 bottle of water/day.

Irva Taylor says Peggy Gish is back. Richard Rehl says that, according to a military "lifer", U.S. command structure is in disarray.

Bob Holmes says that we DO support the troops, but not the policies that put them there.

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATION: by Donna Hamilton, member of Interfaith Association of Central Ohio and the Buddhist Lay Community.

Discussed the Earth Charter, which is "a declaration of fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century." The Charter seeks "to inspire in all peoples a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for the well-being of the human family and the larger living world."

Donna also discussed the grassroots group "Earth Charter of Central Ohio" which meets every Wed. evening at 7:00 P.M.

On Sat., Oct. 11, the 1st Columbus Community Earth Charter Summit will take place in the Ohio Union lounge, 1739 N. High St. See www.earthcharter.org for details. The purpose of the Summit is to educate and gain support for the charter.

Les Stansbery suggested that COFP go to the Worthington City Council to urge them to support the Earth Charter. He also passed around a book entitled Christianity and Ecology, which has a section on the Earth Charter; it’s published by Harvard Univ. Press and edited by Dieter Hessel and Rosemary Rather Ruether.

Donna said that Vermont was the 1st state to support the Earth Charter.

See "Motions" for Jacques’ proposal re COFP and the Earth Charter Summit.

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (Date, Day, Time, Location, Specifics):

Thursday, September 18 - Heifer International Circle - 7:00 P.M. refreshments, 7:30 P.M. mtg. - Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd. Jacques mentioned that 20,000 trees have been given to 2000 families in Afghanistan - apricot, peach, apple, pear, nut, as well as fast growing Afghanistan varieties which help feed the families

Sunday, Sept. 21 - U.N. International Day of Peace

Sept. 26 - Women in Black - Les proposed COFP join with them that day.

Sat., Oct. 11 - Earth Charter Summit, Ohio Union, 1739 N. High Street (www.earthcharter.org)

Fri., Oct. 27 - Noon - Faith Communities Uniting for Peace - Interfaith Peace Service at Columbus Metropolitan Library (Main branch - Grant St.)

Dec. 10 - Human Rights Day - Interfaith Assoc. of Central Ohio proposing we join with them.

REPORTS ON PRIOR WEEK’S EVENTS:

1) Central Ohio Peace Network: - Yoshi distributed flyers for Oct. 25 D.C. march ($50/person) Checks to be made out to "Community Organizing Center" and collected here.

2) MoveOn - Bill Barndt urged us to call Senators re FCC Roll Back - S 1046 - see www.moveon.org for details.

3) True Majority - Richard Rehl- Advanced Nuclear Weapons S- 1424- call Senators local phone #

STEERING COMMITTEE:

1) COFP By-Laws & Constitution - Janet McLaughlin not present.

2) COFP Banners - Bill Barndt - COFP paid $57.57 for 3rd banner. Bob Holmes made plastic 3 ft. pipes for the banners.

3) COFP Actions at Old Worthington Market Day - Sat., Sept. 20 Bill spoke to John Butterfield, as well as to Carol Little of the Worthington Historical Society, both of whom denied our request for a booth. Therefore, we will stand on the NE corner of the green in front of the library with the banner, and pass out leaflets on all 4 corners.

4) Patriot Act - Educational Presentation in late Sept. or Oct. - Bob Holmes is starting to work on it.

BUSINESS:

1) Finances -

2) Education Presentations for Sept. & Oct. - Still don’t have list. Les suggested getting a Native American speaker; Yoshi mentioned a local A.C.L.U. chapter.

3) Scholarships for Oct. 25 A.N.S.W.E.R./United for Peace and Justice Rally in D.C.

4) List of Peace Groups in Ohio

MOTIONS ACTED UPON:

1) Jacques moved COFP donate $300 to get Earth Charter of Central Ohio started; amended to include that COFP supports the group and that COFP get a table in the lounge for Oct. 11 Summit - motion passed.

2) Les moved that Bill take COFP’s concern to Central Ohio Peace Network re developing a plan for a major statewide rally next Spring for World Peace - motion passed; Les to do a written proposal.

GROUP REPORTS:

Group 1 - Education and reconciliation - Sue Simon - mentioned that Rabbi Howard Apothecare (sp?) would speak to us in late Oct., early Nov. on "Shalom" and how it’s represented in his faith. Sue also mentioned that a teacher in Westerville wants speakers. Bob Holmes mentioned youth involvement - that First Link has some kind of community involvement with youth. Bonnie Awan knows someone in Upper Arlington. Bill Barndt received e-mails from campaign people for Dean and Kucinich - will pursue and see whom we can get to speak to our group.

Group 2 - Effective voices - Les Stansbery - see calendar for events he mentioned; also Motion #2. Les also suggested we mention U.N.-approved World Peace Day on 9/21 when we’re leafletting on Sat. at the Worthington Market Day.

Group 3 - Victims - Jacques- group focusing on Iraqi victims; we’re not doing the American Friends’ Infant Kits because of the large amount of postage. Becca Rossiter from the Mennonite Church is willing to take anything collected to the Mennonite collection point in her hometown; therefore, Jacques is compiling key points on Iraq from a Mennonite Church packet for our group to choose from for future projects. Bill Barndt wants Jacques to see if someone from the Mennonite Church could come to talk to us about the kits COFP had compiled for distribution in Iraq. Irva Taylor to contact Peggy Gish to see if she knows anything about our kits being distributed while she was in Iraq.

Group 4 - Grass Roots - Bill Barndt received e-mails from campaign people for Dean and Kucinich. We - will pursue and see whom we can get to speak to our group. Working on questions to ask cndidates.

CLOSING: Bill Barndt led us in "Let There Be Peace."

REPORTS FROM LIAISONS TO LOCAL & NATL. PEACE ORG.

A.N.S.W.E.R. - Oct. 25 Mass March on Washington www.internationalanswer.org

Common Cause FCC Pull Back S#1046 - Nov. 7-9. Madison, WI www.causenet@commoncause.org

Faith Communities Uniting for Peace - www.dstickley@wocumc.org

MOVEON Commission on Iraq Intelligence www.moveon.org

Sojourners "40 Lies of Bush Administration" - 08.06.2003 www.sojo.net

True Majority - alerts@truemajority.org

United for Peace & Justice Campaign - www.unitedforpeace.org

Minutes from Monday, September 8, 2003

Central Ohioans For Peace Minutes September 8, 2003
{Peace Rally - Saturdays noon-1:00 p.m. - Special 2nd Saturdays}
{Candlelight Peace Vigil - Sundays 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.} 9/7: Worthington (14)
{Gathering Mondays - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Special 1st Mondays}

Call to Order - Bill Barndt (Cols. Mennonite Church 35 Oakland Park)

Greetings/new members/visitors - 0

Victim Count: see www.iraqbodycount.org

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATION: by Steve Abbott, assoc. prof. of communications at Columbus State "Understanding the Media"

What’s the media’s function? - contrary to popular opinion, it’s not to report what people say, but to raise questions where the citizens decide the answers, then make decisions.

Basic concepts how we look at media

Framing - how an issue is framed: e.g., Iraqis fighting American soldiers - is it "terrorism", or "people fighting against occupation?"The quality of an answer is in direct proportion to the quality of the question. Local reporters almost always ask "puff ball" questions - they want any answer to fit the story they’re reporting. We should ask open-ended questions of our newscasters and editors in order to force them to deal as "journalists." If the media backs off asking questions, they’re surrendering our liberties.

Herd Instinct - Since 9/11, the govt. has been frightening people into not speaking. We must not let go of our willingness to ask questions: e.g. "why don’t newspapers report Iraqi civilian causalities?" People contacting the news media does have an impact!

Access vs. Honesty - if reporters get honest, they lose access and journalism needs sources and access.

Much of today’s news is entertainment. Both education and the media are training us to be "children citizens" who don’t think.

Steve recommended the following: Neil Postman’s book Amusing Ourselves to Death; www.indymedia.org ; http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news ; Paul Krugman of the N.Y. Times; Bill Moyers’ "Now".

TIME OF MOURNING: Bonnie Awan - Stated that Americans seems to place no value on life unless they’re American lives. Also mentioned Diane Sawyers’ recent interview with Barbara Bush re Iraqi casualties - "Why should we hear about body bags (etc.)? It’s not relevant, so why should I waste my beautiful mind about that?"

Art Strauss mentioned reading a book entitled A History of Bombing which disturbed him, particularly a section about the fire-bombing of 68 Japanese cities before Hiroshima.

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (Date, Day, Time, Location, Specifics)

Fri., Sept. 12 - Noon - Faith Communities Uniting for Peace - Interfaith Peace Service at Columbus Metropolitan Library (Main branch - Grant St.)

Sunday, Sept. 21 - U.N. International Day of Peace

Sat., Oct. 11 - Earth Charter Summit, Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. (www.earthcharter.org)

REPORTS ON PRIOR WEEK’S EVENTS:

1) Central Ohio Peace Network: - Christa Gharbo, no mtg., but Les Stansbery contacted Greyhound and ordered 1 bus for $2,056 . ($50/person) for the Oct. 25 demo in D.C. Checks to be made out to "Community Organizing Center" and collected here.

2) MoveOn - FCC Roll Back - see www.moveon.org for details.

3) True Majority - Advanced Nuclear Weapons, not passed in committee.

4) Diebold produces voting machines; Diebold’s president stated that he "will deliver Ohio votes to the President." This needs to be looked into.

STEERING COMMITTEE:

1) COFP By-Laws & Constitution - Bob Holmes gave Janet McLaughlin 64 more pages to read - she’ll do another draft.

2) Purchase of another COFP Banner - Bill Barndt

We received the 2nd banner, but it was the wrong size - again 10 ft. We’ve ordered a 3rd banner - 8 ft. at a discount because of company’s mistake. Bob Holmes will try to make plastic 3 ft. pipes for the banners, instead of the current long wooden poles which are hard to store.

3) Concern about Aug. 25 Minutes e-mail being blocked; and Ashcroft invitation to speak in Nov. at OSU. The Justice Dept. is organizing conference. Question raised whether COFP wants to get on board if a letter is written to disinvite him.

BUSINESS:

1) Finances - Debra Hoover Deb has $38 from Pow-Wow, $20 toward the banner, and $48 from tonight.

2) Education Presentations for Aug. & Sept - Lynn Roycroft to mail schedule to Bill.

3) Scholarships for Oct. 25 A.N.S.W.E.R./United for Peace and Justice Rally in D.C. - discussed in "Reports of Prior Week’s Events"

4) List of Peace Groups in Ohio - Lynn’s concerned about this.

5) 2nd Saturday Peace Rally - Sat., 9/13 - PEOPLE, PLEASE COME!

6) Dispatch article in 9/5 "Faith & Values" section - Bill Barndt Concern about use of "Interfaith" Rally of Christians. We feel that it’s not a "faith" issue, but a "secular" issue.

7) COFP newspaper clippings to be saved for Joanne.

MOTIONS ACTED UPON:

1) That Bill indicate COFP’s concern about the Dispatch article at the next Metropolitan Church Council mtg. - passed

2) That COFP register for a booth at the Sept. 20 Worthington Market Day ($65 for 10 ft. booth). - passed

GROUP REPORTS: no time for small groups because of educ. pres.
Group 1 - Education and reconciliation
Group 2 - Effective voices
Group 3 - Victims
Group 4 - Grass Roots

CLOSING: Bill Barndt led us in "We are one voice."

REPORTS FROM LIAISONS TO LOCAL & NATL. PEACE ORG.

A.N.S.W.E.R. - Oct. 25 Mass March on Washington www.internationalanswer.org

Common Cause FCC Pull Back S#1046 - Nov. 7-9. Madison, WI www.causenet@commoncause.org

Faith Communities Uniting for Peace www.dstickley@wocumc.org

MOVEON Commission on Iraq Intelligence www.moveon.org

Sojourners "40 Lies of Bush Administration" 08.06.2003 www.sojo.net

True Majority alerts@truemajority.org

United for Peace & Justice Campaign -www.unitedforpeace.org

************************************************************

NOTES

1. Steering Commitee meets at 10 AM at Bob Hollmes on Saturday, September 13

2. Please make a special effort to come to the Peace Rally this Saturday, September 13 from noon until 1:00 pm

Minutes from Monday, August 25, 2003

Central Ohioans for Peace
Minutes of Meeting August 25, 2003

Call to Order and Greetings: Columbus Mennonite Church (35 Oakland Park)

Time of Mourning: Bill Barndt read the Peggy Gish report of the August 15 Memorial Service at Al Mahaweel, Iraq

Education Presentation: Deb Hoover did a superb job of explaining "tabling" as it relates to COFP booths at various events. Upcoming event is the Labor Day weekend Native American POW WOW. Deb explained the logistics of setting up and taking down and what exists with resect to handouts, brochures, educational materials, and other. T-shirts and other items may be available for sale and we have a suggested $ amount of "donation." We agreed to Deb’s suggestion to start another quilt at the POW WOW. The questions for this quilt relate to what we should be doing for peace and visions for/of peace.

Steering Committee Report:

Bill Barndt announced that there would be no meeting on Monday, September 1, Labor Day. There will be the regular peace rally Saturday, August 30 and Candlelight Vigil Sunday, August 31.

Janet McLaughlin reported that the group preparing the COFP By-Laws and Constitution has a draft. The Steering committee has offered suggestions and more work needs to be done with language. We will continue making progress.

Business:

Finances: Lynn Roycroft reported that the checking account has $681.78. There will be bills for the new additional banner and we want to give the Columbus Mennonite Church $25/mo for allowing the use of their space.

Upcoming Education Presentations: We are hopeful to get Steve Abbot for our September 8 meeting. His area of expertise is the Media.

Janet McLaughlin reported that Chris Putnam was in contact with Deborah Pryce’s aide to establish a meeting with the Rep Pryce regarding the US Department of Peace or her ideas on establishing a new department. Chris has also been in touch with Rep Tiberi’s office: his wife just had a new baby.

Les Stansbery announced the August 27 Conference, rally and lobbying on the topic People’s Roadmap in the Middle East.

Other:

Hampton Inn Airport sign "Support Bush/Support the Troops" discussion. All the hotels along the airport are owned by Cross Country Inn. Our concern is that a hotel establishment should not be endorsing politicians.

Bob Holmes discussed the Rotarian/First Link/Columbus Public Schools proposal - Columbus Public students ages 14 years and up can earn community service credits. There is a September 5 deadline for an agency or organization to submit a proposal on what projects would be available to a student. We could suggest research projects or help with tabling. Under Bob’s leadership, we will attempt to respond to the proposal by the deadline.

Closing Song: Bill Barndt led us in "We Shall Overcome."

Minutes from Monday, August 11, 2003

CENTRAL OHIOANS FOR PEACE
Minutes from Monday, August 11, 2003, 7-9 pm
Call to Order at Columbus Mennonite Church (35 Oakland Park)
Donations tonight: $41.25

1. Educational Presentation: Postponed until next week.

2. Report on August 6 Hiroshima Event: We discussed how it went. Yoshie did a good job comparing the occupation of Iraq to that of Japan.

3. Patriot Act: On August 6, there was an interesting presentation on the Patriot Act at the UU Church, presented by the ACLU. More than 100 people attended. The ACLU is planning to start a working group here in Columbus.

4. George Soros: Someone mentioned that this wealthy philanthropist has donated $70 million to a PAC with the purpose of defeating Bush in 2004.

5. Ad Hoc Executive Committee Report: Report by Janet. Others on committee: Jay, Bonnie, and Jacques. They are working mostly on the "Purpose" section (equivalent to "Mission Statement").

6. Candidate Peace Policy Survey: This is an idea put forward by the Steering Committee as a possible future activity. What questions do we want to ask candidates? We discussed some, and sent around a paper for people to write theirs down. What is the proper venue? Possibly Dem. Party meetup. Get help from League of Women Voters?

7. Debate on Ending the Occupation in Iraq: Another possible future activity was discussed. Possibly get two people to debate, one "Pro" keeping U.S. troops there, another "Anti." Call it a "forum," not a "debate"? Someone mentioned that even some peace activists don’t favor an immediate withdrawal since there aren’t enough police in place to keep order.

8. COFP Publicity: How to get the word out was discussed. Literature drops/neighborhood door-to-door outreach. Joann has put our name out there using a press release. Our meetings should be listed in several local papers (The Other Paper, etc.) as well as on the TV Community listings (Channel 3 & 21). The possibility of a newsletter was raised.

9. New COFP Banner: This was discussed (tabled last meeting). The one we have cost $180. Lynn has said we have enough to buy another (Bill said). Reasons: to have another for Worthington rallies; to have one for the people who go to the N. Broadway rallies (Jacques, Janet, Connie, Bonnie, etc.); to get a fluorescent one. We decided (moved, 2nded, passed) to get another one just like the first one (blue w/white letters), but with fluorescent letters if possible.

10. Victim Assistance: The question was raised, since we’ve done the School Kits for Iraq, should we now focus on Afghanistan? We decided instead to focus for the time being on collecting Infant Kits for Iraqis, working through the American Friends Service Committee. Each infant care kit consists of 2 receiving blankets, 1 pack baby washcloths, 1 bar baby soap (such as Johnson & Johnson), and 1 baby hair brush. See http://www.afsc.org/iraq/relief/kits.shtm for more details. The Friends are asking for a donation of $10 per kit.

11. Signs at Rallies: We discussed that signs should change and stay up-to-date with the latest developments. Some suggestions were given. We don’t need uniform signs. Encourage others to get involved and think and ask questions. Possibly have a sign with Iraqi dead listed, changing the total every week.

12. U.S. Department of Peace: Janet and Chris are trying to set up a meeting with Reps. Pryce and Tiberi to promote this, with 20-40 peace activists, preferably constituents and "peace" workers, i.e., teachers, pastors, etc.

13. Native American PowWow, Labor Day Weekend: We didn’t have much time to discuss this time, but we did pass around a sign-up sheet. The booth must be manned all 3 days, 8/30, 8/31, and 9/1.

14. Contribution to Mennonite Church: There was a motion, 2nded and passed, to contribute $25/month to the Church for letting us use their space for our meetings.

15. Upcoming Event: Prof. Howard Crane, OSU, will speak on Iraqi Antiquities and Art on Tue., August 12, 7 p.m. at the Whetstone Library.

16. Time of Mourning: Jan read from The Road to Hiroshima, a German missionary’s account of the Hiroshima blast. The reading was followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of victims of war.

17. Closing: Bill led us in "Let There Be Peace on Earth."

Minutes from Monday, August 4, 2003

CENTRAL OHIOANS FOR PEACE
Minutes from Monday, August 4, 2003, 7-9 pm
Call to Order at Columbus Mennonite Church (35 Oakland Park)
Donations tonight: $67

1. Greetings/Visitors/New Members: Bonnie’s daughter Nyla.

2. Promotion of August 6 Hiroshima Event: Organized by Columbus Campaign for Arms Control - 7:30 pm at Battelle Park. Phone calls emphasized. Bill found a book called The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb: “we’re still living with the myths, not the truth.”

3. Educational Presentation: “International Inspection and Control of Atomic Energy” by Bob Holmes. Bob discussed the International Atomic Energy Agency, www.iaea.org (IAEA), located in Vienna. Weapons inspectors Blix and ElBaradei work for them. Eisenhower had an “Atoms for Peace” plan. Dangers involved in nuclear energy: (1) Everyday safety concerns and (2) Bomb-making potential. Cuban Missile Crisis escalated perceived risk. Now, India, Pakistan, Israel, and possibly N. Korea have the bomb. China, Japan, U.S., and Russia are trying to get inspectors back into N. Korea. Iran has 2 nuclear reactors, but there are inspectors checking them. ICC = International Criminal Court, in charge of prosecuting persons for wrongdoing. Prototype was Nuremberg Trials. Examples: Bosnia, Rwanda war criminals. U.S. renounced ICC in May 2002. ICJ = International Court of Justice, in charge of prosecuting nations for wrongdoing. Example: Has forbidden U.S. to execute 54 Mexican nationals sentenced to death in U.S.

4. Quotations on Peace: Went around the table and read them. Supplied by Bill.

5. Reports on Recent Events:

Thursday, July 31 - "American Muslims: Who Are They?" - No one had a report.

Friday - Saturday, August 1-3 - SOS Protest Rally at the Pentagon's Nuclear Conference - Richard reported from info on the web. Protest against conference to discuss development of “low-level” nukes, attended by Cheney. Putin also wants to develop these weapons. Go to www.SOS2003.com for more info.

6. Ad Hoc Executive Committee Report: Report by Janet M. Others on committee: Jay, Bonnie, and Jacques. Draft Constitution. Purposes and Means by which we’re achieving them. “Voting Members” vs. “Friends of COFP” idea put forward by Jacques. The 6 officers, as described previously, would be: Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Program Chair, & Membership Chair.

Also discussed: CAN we require dues? Legal requirements of (c)3 will be looked into by Jay and others.

7. Iraqi School Kits: Total now stands at 383. Congratulations, Jacques!!

8. News Release: Joann has put this together with help of Angela Palazola of the Columbus Writers Conference, who will donate her disc with updated media info to our group 2 times per year.

9. Another COFP Banner? Samir suggested we buy another banner to have more people be able to view it on the corners (a banner on two corners at a time will double the people who see it – 3600 cars/hour see each banner). Also proposed it be luminescent so we could use it in candlelight vigils. We tabled this since there was no budget report tonight.

10. Columbus International Festival, Nov. 8–9, 2003: Bill passed around the application. He will fill it out with his name as contact person (deadline 9/29). We must pay $175. For this fee, we receive: 3 tables (6x10 each), 3 chairs, 10 Adult Passes, 2 Parking Passes. We decided to order 10 more Adult Passes in addition for our booth workers to use.

11. Central Ohio Peace Network: Christa had given us their mission statement last time, and asked for our response. Some people were not sure we wanted to endorse it, since it calls for an “immediate withdrawal of U.S. and U.K. forces” from Iraq. Some, however, had no problem with it, since they didn’t consider that statement a goal of the COPN, just a cause for them to form their group. Overall, we decided on the following response, written by Bob Holmes:

“A resolution was passed by the Central Ohioans for Peace expressing the appreciation of the COFP to the Central Ohio Peace Network for sharing its goals with the COFP. Further, COFP resolved that dialogue between the two groups should be encouraged, reserving to each group the right to act independently and to control the use of the group’s name in activities and position statements.”

12. Roberta Booth: Environmental activist in Columbus, died recently. She was remembered. Thanks for the information, Art.

13. Time of Mourning: 6086–7792 Iraqis have died. Janet McLaughlin sang a beautiful rendition of “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” followed by moment of silence.

14. Closing: Bill led us in “We Shall Overcome.”

Minutes from Monday, July 28, 2003

CENTRAL OHIOANS FOR PEACE

Call to Order at Columbus Mennonite Church (35 Oakland Park)

Donations tonight: $42.50

1. Educational Film on Depleted Uranium Use in Iraq, from Democracy Now!

Summary: DN’s commentator interviewed three people: Dr. Helen Caldicott, of the Nuclear Policy Research Institute; Thomas Fasy, MD, Mr. Sinai School of Medicine, and Dr. Geoffrey Sea, a physicist. In Gulf War I, the U.S. detonated 750,000 rounds of DU over Iraq, but the Pentagon continues to deny the resulting ill effects. Although Dr. Sea objected to their scientific validity, Dr. Caldicott said there are studies showing that congenital anomalies in Basra have tripled since 1991. Dr. Sea was the contrarian of the group and tried to protest that uranium’s radioactive effects would not be showing up this quickly. However, Dr. Caldicott said that children are 10-20 times more sensitive to radioactivity, and the latent period of cancer is much shorter in children. She also emphasized that U-238 has a half-life of 4.5 billion years, so this radioactivity is basically there forever. All participants also pointed out that uranium is in and of itself a highly toxic chemical, known to cause mutations in DNA and free radicals in the bloodstream (a cause of cancer). Dr. Caldicott also mentioned that, because of the sanctions, many children are still not receiving treatment.

2. Hiroshima Day Ceremony, Wed., August 6, 7:30 p.m. at Battelle Riverfront Park.

General Discussion: Bill Barndt described how he had once visited Hiroshima, and schoolchildren asked him what he thought of the U.S. using the bomb at the end of WWII. He described seeing the shadows on the wall, which were all that was left of some people. In Hiroshima, 140,000 people, and in Nagasaki, 70,000 people died instantly. Connie told us the story of A Thousand Cranes, which involved a little girl dying of cancer due to the Hiroshima bomb, who wanted to survive long enough to fold 1000 cranes, so her wish would come true, but the task had to be completed by her schoolmates. This is the source of the cranes we are using in the Aug. 6th ceremony.

Action Plan: The neo-cons now speak of "acceptable" or "limited" nuclear weapons, as well as "usable" nuclear weapons. This is the reason we need a good turnout! Bill passed out phone numbers to call, and we received a preliminary program for the event. PLEASE CALL PEOPLE AND SHOW UP on AUGUST 6!! Also, remind people of regular COFP activities (corners, 2nd Saturday of the month especially). It would be best to show up at 7 p.m. to hear music and get a view of the pictures that will be displayed.

3. Greetings/Visitors: We had four visitors:
Julianna Donofrio: Very involved in Gandhian non-violence movement. She shared the resource Soulforce.org. Please call her if you wish to learn more.
Doug Todd: Involved in citizens’ grassroots activities.
Ikechuku Temuru and his wife Lisa: Ikechuku needs educational materials (videos, etc.) for his work with the youth in the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church.

4. Victim Count/Time of Mourning: 6076-7787 Iraqis, as of today, according to www.iraqbodycount.net. Bonnie Awan read a poem called "Skies of Blue", followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of victims of war everywhere.

5. Constitutional Meeting, Next Meeting, Monday, August 4th, 2003 !!

This is a very important meeting, so please show up to discuss these vital issues.

We discussed what should constitute membership in COFP - whether there should be membership dues or not. One point raised was that, in order to obtain grants, we would probably have to show we have a stable membership that pays some sort of dues. Most people seemed to want dues to be low, $5-10/year. We discussed allowing those on limited incomes to possibly be exempt from dues on a case-by-case basis. One person raised the idea of voting vs. non-voting members - i.e., only those paying dues would be "voting members." We set up an Ad Hoc Executive Committee, consisting of Jacques Angelino, Bonnie Awan, Jay Maynard, and Janet McLaughlin. They will meet this week and discuss our organizational structure (By-laws, Constitution, Board of Trustees, etc.) and present their studies at the next meeting (August 4th).

6. Media Monopoly - FCC Ruling OVERTURNED by the House !! By an overwhelming majority (400-21), the U.S. House overturned the FCC’s ruling allowing media consolidation, and set the level back to the previous level of 35% of market share. We are grateful to all who wrote emails/letters. Please keep the letters coming as the Senate must also pass it, and Bush must still sign it. Other issues mentioned for letter writing: Head Start and Drug Price Control bills.

7. Educational Speakers: Lynn passed around a list of people who have signed up to give educational presentations at the meetings, and asked us to confirm/change our commitment to these activities, or add new ones if we wanted. Since education is one of our primary purposes, it is very important for all members to get involved.

8. NAICCO Labor Day Traditional Powwow, Sat., Aug 30-Mon., Sept. 1, 2003: We are scheduled to have a booth there all weekend. Lynn passed around a sign-up sheet - we need people to sign up in 2-hour shifts!! Come down to Grove City and enjoy Native American singing, dancing, music, arts and crafts, food, raffles, while helping out COFP.

9. Iraqi School Kits Update: By seeking the help of the Unitarian Universalist Church, Jacques was able to donate a total of 314 kits in the name of COFP!! Good job, Jacques, and thanks for everyone’s help in this effort. We helped the Mennonites fulfill a major portion of their total goal of 40,000 school kits!! Mennonites in-country and the Iraqi Red Crescent will assist in their distribution.

10. Art Strauss: Distributed some printouts of articles on peace topics. Thanks Art!!

11. Central Ohio Peace Network: Christa passed around their recently approved Mission Statement. We need to read it and decide if we want to be part of this effort.

12. Closing: "We Are One Voice," led by Bill Barndt.

Minutes from Monday, June 30, 2003

CENTRAL OHIOANS FOR PEACE
Minutes from Monday, June 30, 2003, 7-9 p.m. North Broadway United Methodist Church (48 E. North Broadway).

PLEASE NOTE: Due to other meetings at Columbus Mennonite Church on June 30 and July 14 our Monday gatherings will be at North Broadway United Methodist church (48 E. North Braodway). This church is just east of N. High Street and just around the corner from the Columbus Mennonite Church.

Call to Order at 7 p.m. by Rev. William Barndt.

Greetings/new members/visitors: Jan Fenholt.

Victim Count: 6011-7653 Iraqis (i.e., TWO SEPTEMBER 11th's) have died as of 6/27/03 - reported by Jack Groom from the www.iraqbodycount.org database.

Time of Mourning: Connie read the poem "Pray for Peace" by Ellen Bass (http://www.ellenbass.com/peace.html).

Announcements of Upcoming Events:

July 4 Protest rally in Philadelphia. Check www.unitedforpeace.org for more information.

July 8 "People and the Land, The Story of a People Under Occupation" {57 minute documentary film} at 7:00 pm at Whetstone Library (3909 N. High) Discussion led by Committee for Justice in Palestine.

July 17 Forum sponsored by the International Visitors Council, including CAIR, to explain Islam to the public. "Women in Islam" will be at the Sun Rise Academy, 5657 Scioto Darby Rd., 7-9 P.M.

July 31 Forum sponsored by the International Visitors Council, including CAIR, to explain Islam to the public. "American Muslims: Who Are They?" will be at The Columbus Metropolitan Library, 7-9 P.M.

August 1-3 SOS Protest Rally at the Pentagon's Nuclear Conference

August 6 Hiroshima Day event, organized by Columbus Campaign for Arms Control - 7:30 pm at Battelle Park. Need set up volunteers from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Info from Les Stansbery and Tekla Lewin (Bonnie and Salim also organizing): Janet McLaughlin will sing. Mohammed Donald (sp?) will be there again like last year. Is Said (sp?, African American poet) will be there as well. Quote from Paul Tibbetts who flew the plane that dropped bomb. How long will we be in Iraq? will be discussed. Candles will be floated in river at the end of the service. Les asked us to check if our church's national calendar recognizes Hiroshima Day as a way to get more church support/participation

August 9-12 North American Interfaith Network Annual Conference "Journeys of Faith, Freedom, Justice" to be held at OSU.

Finances: $435 in the coffers, but we took in some and spent some at Comfest last weekend. (reported by Lynn Roycroft); Amount collected tonight: $27.

OLD BUSINESS
- Reports from liaisons to Local and National Peace Organizations: ANSWER has No rides to Philly for 7/4 rally.
- Last week's business: There is no more public access channel (Channel 21) in Columbus, per Joann.

NEW BUSINESS

Presentation on "Nuclear Regulaion" by Jay Maynard:
- First thing to remember: "NUKE-LEE-AR" not "NUKE-LER"
- Jay’s career: AF Captain; Govt Procurement group; Contracting.
- Worked at AEC before it split (mid-70s) into DOE (govt) and NRC (commercial).
- Went to NRC when split occurred.
- Legal work on licensing nuclear power facilities.
- Developing agreements between foreign govts.
- Early 80s: Came to Battelle, Project Management Div., nuclear waste disposal.
- No one wanted it (shot at in Texas); ended up in federal site.
- Left Battelle, '87, environmental lawyer for cleanup of Fernald (SW Ohio Uranium enrichment plant).
- In the '90s, changed career direction to leave nuclear arena.
- Questions: Davis-Besse (Toledo area) leaks, continual monitoring needed.
- Japan has secrecy surrounding nuclear, much more so than U.S.
- Transport of nuclear waste accross state lines (terrorist target).
- Depleted uranium: 1/2-life of 4.5 billion years.

Evaluation of Community Festival (Comfest), led by Deb Hoover:

Good things about it:
- Signup sheets -- we now have a list of 45 prospective members signed up -- how to follow up?
- Penny display (Sieglinde/Jack), pie chart showing how federal budget spent.
- President's lies in State of Union address poster.
- COFP Banner.
- Cloth for people to write how we should spend tax $.
- Golden Rule for 12 religions poster.
- People thanked up for being there, some videotaped it to send to family.
- Passed out 1000 blue COFP leaflets.
- Gay Pride March, approx. 60 Peace people marched in it, Andy made banner.
- Voter registration forms.
- Thanks to Judy Richards for designing hanging system for posters.

Needs Work/Concerns/Suggestions:
- Signup sheet not clear where/when next meeting would be.
- Blue handout needs names/phones/email/correct meeting site info.
- Wanted printout of U.S. Budget info to give people.
- Booth too small/crowded – getting a double booth next year seemed to be a consensus.
- Peace Pavilion: combine all social justice groups.
- Organize better?
- Guy may have been spying on us/taking pictures, but we got his picture too.
- Orientation for volunteers?
- Shuttle, lights in booth, cell phone in booth?
- More publicity: send pictures to Suburban Papers.
- What to do with cloth people wrote on? Deb Hoover will make it into a quilt; then what? Someone suggested raffling it off. Also, someone at Comfest came into booth and wrote in big black letters: “War on Iraq,” covering up some other people’s writing… what to do with that? Ideas: Just leave alone, add “No”, cut it out.
- Motion: Split the cost of tent w/Pastors for Peace: 2nd-ed and passed.

Future Efforts:
- State Fair: Do next year? (too late this year)
- International Festival, Nov 9: Run by U.N. Assoc. (Connie is on their Board).
- Decided to look into it, Want double booth? Single booth = $135.
- Tabled until next week; Donnie will look into it.
- Other Summer Festivals: Deb and Joann will look into this.
- Polaris/Germain Concerts: Deborah Baker/Becca Rossiter will be at Lollapalooza.

Other Business:
- Pat Stover: wanted to send Birthday greeting to Pres. Bush, inc. prayer for peace/Copy to the editor?
- Also: Pat spoke of the effort to impeach Bush by Ramsey Clark at http://www.votetoimpeach.org/.
- Rev Barndt: Holly has to become inactive at the present time.
- Report from Steve Putka about restrooms at U. Methodists Children’s Home not being accessible to handicapped (Carla and Bob Lorz complained).

Set for next week (July 7):
- Discussion about COFP 501(c)(3) Tax exempt status.
- Deborah Baker & Becca Rossiter will provide information on tabling at Concerts.
- Participation in Hiroshima Day Event on August 6 will be discussed.
- NOTE: July 7 will be a sharing meeting by all members of COFP.

Closing: Bill Barndt - "We Are One Voice."

Minutes from Monday, June 23, 2003

Minutes for CENTRAL OHIOANS FOR PEACE, Monday, June 23, 2003 Columbus Mennonite Church, 35 Oakland Park, reported by Barbara Taylor.

CALL TO ORDER by Richard Rehl at 7:00.

NEW MEMBERS/VISITORS: 4: Jay Maynard, Erin, Stuart, and Rev. Melvin Schmidt of the Mennonite Church. Total present: 22

IRAQI VICTIM COUNT by Jack Groom: 5567-7241 as of June 18.

MOURNING: Bonnie Awan read an excerpt from Mark Twain's "Mysterious Stranger" (people avoid cognitive dissonance and sleep better by just believing that war is OK), followed by a moment of silence.

PLACE OF MEETINGS: NEXT WEEK'S (JUNE 30th) AND JULY 14th MEETINGS will be at NORTH BROADWAY UNITED METHODIST Church, just east of High St. on E. North Broadway. ALL OTHER meetings for the foreseeable future will be at Columbus Mennonite Church, 35 Oakland Park.

ANNOUNCEMENTS were made regarding upcoming events:

(1) COMFEST, June 27-29, Goodale Park: We will have a booth. Most of meeting focused on this festival (SEE BELOW).

(2) Candlelight Vigils. There WILL be one on 6/30.The COFP Banner should be at the 161/High St. corner from 8-9 p.m. Other ministers are taking turns closing the vigils to give Rev. Barndt a break. Last week 6/22 it was Fr. Vinny from the Newman Ctr.

(3) July 4: Protest rally in Philadelphia. Check www.unitedforpeace.org for more details.

(4) July 17: Forum sponsored by the International Visitors council, including CAIR, to explain Islam to the public. "Women in Islam" will be at the Sun Rise Academy, 5657 Scioto Darby Rd., 7-9 p.m. This is a chance to see this Islamic school in Hilliard (located across from the middle school).

(5) July 31: Forum sponsored by the International Visitors council, including CAIR, to explain Islam to the public. "American Muslims: Who Are They?" will be at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, 7-9 p.m.

(6) August 1-3: SOS Protest Rally at the Pentagon's Nuclear Conference in Omaha, Nebraska. Protesting so-called "limited nuclear weapons." See SOS2003.com for more details.

(7) August 6: Hiroshima Day event at Battelle Park. Setup begins at 5:30, event begins at 7:30 p.m. Info from Les Stansbery and Tekla Lewin (Bonnie and Salim also organizing).
(a) Janet McLaughlin will sing.
(b) Mohammed Donald (sp?) will be there again like last year.
(c) Is Said (sp?, African American poet) will be there as well.
(d) Quote from Paul Tibbetts who flew the plane that dropped bomb.
(e) How long will we be in Iraq? will be discussed.
(f) Candles will be floated in river at the end of the service.
(g) Les asked us to check if our church's national calendar recognizes Hiroshima Day as a way to get more church support/participation.
(8) August 9-12: North American Interfaith Network Annual Conference, Ohio Union, OSU campus. The first night will consist of an interfaith concert at the Newman Ctr. on Lane Ave.

REPORTS ON PRIOR WEEK/NEW BUSINESS:

(1) Finances: Report by Deb Hoover for Lynn who was absent: Current balance = $450. (Nominal balance = $700; Committed funds = $250).

(2) MoveOn.org: Reminded all members of Democratic "Primary", voting to take place online June 24-25. Also mentioned FCC Rules letter-writing campaign.

(3) TrueMajority.org: Richard reminded us of letter-writing campaign relating to revealing the truth about intelligence leading up to the war. Go to: http://www.truemajority.com/

(4) Cable access: Can we get on Columbus's Community Access channel? Issues raised: Channel 21 in Time Warner seems to be all public announcements anymore? Joann said she'll call a friend who used to appear on there. Can we play our own videos or possibly get Democracy Now broadcasts ("War and Peace Report", see democracynow.org)? Stuart (visitor) said we have a right to public access. Les brought up Pacifica radio and possibly getting it on local station in Columbus. Said there are two parts to the process: apply for FM access, and get transmitter. Evan Davis is working on it.

(5) Hiroshima Day. Details were discussed (see above).

(6) PEACE GATHERINGS on Saturdays, noon, at 161/High ISSUES:
(a) Should we decrease frequency to 1 gathering/month (Tekla)? Stands taken: NO: Jacques et al: as long as 8+ people are there, it keeps the issue alive in people's minds. YES: It dilutes message. VOTE TAKEN: NO, we will NOT decrease frequency. We will keep it every week for now.
(b) Agenda item: Should we make one Saturday per month our "strong showing" day (Richard)? Discussion was limited. VOTE TAKEN: YES, we WILL ask people to focus on one particular Saturday per month.
(c) Make 2nd Sat. of each month the "strong showing" day? Issues: Farmer's Market weekends? Joann said Worth. Library expected lots of traffic on July 5 at that corner. VOTE TAKEN: YES. JULY 12th and AUGUST 9th will be the next "STRONG SHOWING" days.

(7) REMINDER: No Steering Committee meeting this week (Sat 6/28) due to Comfest.

COMFEST: Main topic of rest of the meeting.

(1) Letter-writing campaign at Comfest Booth: Richard Rehl wrote a letter to send to Sen. de Wine who's on the Intelligence Committee. It highlights three areas in which we need an independent investigation to get at the truth: (i) Bush said Iraq purchased uranium from Niger -- not true. (ii) WMD Bush said were there have not been found. (iii) Al Qaeda links Bush talked about (hinted at? we said it's the same thing?) are untrue, but nevertheless ~70% of Americans believe them. Bob Holmes motioned we get Comfest to reimburse Richard for costs of the letter-writing campaign, and this motion passed.

(2) Sieglinde Martin provided a Comfest update. She will not be present due to her daughter's baby being born. Booth times have been pretty well filled but they passed around the schedule for people to sign up. Want more people to do "policing" as that decreases the cost of the booth. Reminded all to bring jug of water. Reminded that parking is bad: leave early/take bus if possible. To locate our booth, look for Blue COFP banner which is above our booth or look in Comfest guide (this turned out not to be a help -BT).

(3) Gay Pride Parade: Lots of discussion of this. Les and his 15th & High group had been invited to march and planned to. After much discussion pro and con, we voted NOT to allow the COFP banner in the parade (issues discussed included affiliation w/non-related issues, physical problems of removing banner from booth, etc.). We decided not to confuse the issue for the moment. Les nevertheless said anyone wanting to march in the parade should meet him and his group at 12 noon setup for the 1 p.m. Saturday march (ball diamond).

(4) Central Ohio Landmine Coalition: wants to put info and brochures in our booth. Agreed to by vote/acclimation. Group started at Unitarian Church in Columbus to fight landmines and support Adopt-A-Minefield.

(5) Other groups in our booth: Pastors for Peace & Faith Community Uniting for Peace.

(6) COFP T-Shirts: Deb said we can order them to be available by time of Comfest if we have 24 orders, and passed sheet around. Cost: Tees: $7 S-XL, $8 XXL, $9 XXXL. Golf shirts: $13.75 S-XL, $14.75 XXL, $15.75 XXXL. She said they would be white w/black print (they actually turned out to match our sign, being deep sky blue w/while logo for COFP. They also cost more at the booth: $12 for the Tee and $18 for the Golf. -- BT).

WORK GROUPS: No time for them tonight.

ART STRAUSS: Gave handouts on the war and other topics of social justice. Trying to find people to help w/his and his wife's leafleting activities which they have been doing for 10+ years.

JAY: Was asked to discuss his work w/Nuclear Regulation next week.

DONATIONS: $20.

CLOSING: Les Stansbery led in WE ARE ONE VOICE.

REMINDER: Next week meet at NORTH BROADWAY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

Minutes from Monday, June 16, 2003

Central Ohioans For Peace Minutes
June 16, 2003
Call to Order by Bill Barndt at Columbus Mennonite Church {35 Oakland Park}

Greetings/new members/visitors - 1

Victim Count: as of 6/13/03: 5542-7216 - reported by Jack Groom from the www.iraqbodycount.org database

Time of Mourning:
Laura Barndt read these words of D. Carl Menninger: "People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway... If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today, will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. People favor underdogs but follow top dogs. Fight for some underdogs anyway. What you spend building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway..."

Announcements of upcoming events (Date, Day, Time, Location, Specifics)

June 21 No Noon Peace Rally because of Worthington Arts Festival Go to Rally at in Clintonville {N. High & North Broadway}

June 22 COFP Steering at 10 am at Robert Holmes {88 Rockwell Way}

June 27-29 COMFEST at Goodale Park. Community festival with focus on alternative lifestyles. Features Price parade. Music, entertainment, food, and sales and information booths.

July 4 Protest rally in Philadelphia. Check www.unitedforpeace.org for more information.

July 8 "People and the Land, The Story of a People Under Occupation" {57 minute documentary film} at 7:00 pm at Whetstone Library (3909 N. High) Discussion led by Committee for Justice in Palestine.

July 17 Forum sponsored by the International Visitors Council, including CAIR, to explain Islam to the public. "Women in Islam" will be at the Sun Rise Academy, 5657 Scioto Darby Rd., 7-9 P.M.

July 31 Forum sponsored by the International Visitors Council, including CAIR, to explain Islam to the public. "American Muslims: Who Are They?" will be at The Columbus Metropolitan Library, 7-9 P.M.

August 6 Hiroshima Day event, organized by Columbus Campaign for Arms Control - 7:00 pm at Battelle Park . Need set up volunteers from 5-7:00 pm

August 9-12 North American Interfaith Network Annual Conference "Journeys of Faith, Freedom, Justice" to be held at OSU.

Reports on prior week’s events/New business
PLEASE NOTE: Due to other meetings at Columbus Mennonite Church on June 30 and July 14 our Monday gatherings will be at North Broadway United Methodist church.

Finances: No report. June 16 Contributions $55.

There were 7 people at the Corner Rally on Saturday, June 14 and 9 people at the Candlelight Vigil on Sunday, June 15.

No Reports from liaisons to Local and National Peace Organizations

Business addressed:
  • Report on COFP Yahoo Group delayed
  • Discussion about COFP 501 (c) 3 Tax exempt status set for July 7.
  • Deorah Baker & Becca Rossiter will provide information on tabling at concerts.
Samir Gharbo distributed his response to "Unveiling Isalam", a book by two Baptist pastors.

NOTE: July 7 will be a sharing meeting by all members of COFP

PRESENTATION ON "INTERRELIGIOUS FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION {IFCO}/ PASTORS FOR PEACE" - Bill Barndt.
Since 1988 Central Ohio Pastors for Peace has been waging peace (1) by providing humanitarian aid for persons in Chiapas, Mexico; Central America and Cuba; and (2) by working for changes in United States foreign policy in this region of the world. Humanitarian Aid Caravans are planned for Cuba on July 6 and for Chiapas and Central America next November.

Group Meetings
Group 1 - Education and Reconciliation
Group 2 - Effective Voices
Group 3 - Victims
Group 4 - Facilitating Peace by Restoring Democracy

Group Reports:

Group 1 - Education and Reconciliation
Planning for the COMFEST booth continues. Posters, literature, 10 questions Peace quiz. Three tables in our tent, one will go to "Faith Communities."

Group 2 - Effective voices
COFP approved letter to Vineyard Church expressing concern about its June 28 DETOUR program. Discussed Hiroshima Observance on August

Group 3 - Victims.
Exploring what humanitarian groups are doing to do in Iraq & Afghanan.. Jacque Angelino shared info about Heifer Project.

Group 4 - Facilitating Peace by Restoring Democracy
Discussing how to work with elected legislators

Suggestions:

Closing
Bill Barndt led us in "We are one voice."

Minutes from Monday, June 2, 2003

Central Ohioans for Peace Minutes 06/02/03

Call to order by Bill Barndt
Greetings 2 visitors
Victim count 5430-7036
Mourning Saleem Awan gave a talk on personalizing Iraqi sorrow caused by war

Announcements on upcoming events
June 8- open mike at capitol
June 7- town meeting

Reports on the prior weeks events:
· Tex Kohles & Bob Holmes reported on the May 28 meeting at the Unitarian Universalist Church.
· Bill Barndt reported on the Mennonite Radio Peace Call. See www.peace.mennoloink.org
· "What the World Needs Now is Love" is the theme for Janet McLaughlin’s Choir performed on the Worthington Green Sunday, June 1 prior to the Four Corner’s Candlelight vigil at 8:00 pm. All went well.

Reports from liaisons:
Wednesday, June 11 7:00 pm "Department of Peace" - Chris Putnam, Janet McLaughlin, Brenda Newsome

Local group reports:
Perry Sloan from Ohio Center for Social Justice spoke to us about Town Meeting to be held at 7pm Saturday, June 7 to discuss "Ongoing Issues Surrounding Iraq" .91 Jefferson Avenue (2nd floor Thurber Center)

Other announcements:
· Andy Reed presented a short video on the campaign against depleted uranium, "The Invisible War: Depleted Uranium and the Politics of Radiation." Discussion and questions followed.
· Seiglinde is looking for volunteers to help with Commfest booth.
· Connie Hammond plans to attend National United for Peace & Justice Conference June 6-8
· Steering Committee ( Open to everyone - Saturday, June 5 at Robert Holmes 88 Rockwell Way Worthington) Communications to Steering Committee by Friday evening before Monday meeting.

Business addressed:
· Presented for thought: should we have a yahoo group?
· A letter from COFP to GreenPeace Group in Dresden , Germany was approved and signed by persons present.
· Recommend COFP Seek 501 (c) 3 Non- profit status

Group Reports
Group 1 Education and reconciliation
Looking to offer teach-in on Palestine conflict in September or October. Center for Peace will have a presence at Commfest booth. Will work on posters this coming week during group time.

Group 2 Effective voices
Discussed writing a letter to Groves City Church about trying to convert Muslims. The Dispatch did not run the story, but the New York Times did.

Group 3 Victims
The Guard’s food pantry is stocked. Discussion on helping UUSC help Iraqis. Discussed writing letters to Editors and support Heifer.

Group 4 Resolution
Organizing Department of Peace June 11 (Wednesday) at 7 p.m.

Suggestions/Thank yous/Closing Bill Barndt lead in "We are One Voice"

Minutes from Monday, May 26, 2003

Central Ohioans For Peace Minutes
May 26, 2003

Call to Order by Bill Barndt at All Saints Lutheran Church

Greetings/new members/visitors
Victim Count: as of 5/26/03: 5425-7041
Time of Mourning:
Bonnie Anwar read "No Man Is An Island" by John Donne and talked briefly about the unity of all. Mentioned a saying in Islam that if you take one life, you take all life, and if you save one life, you save all life. Also remembered Rachel Corey, an American citizen, who was run over by an Israeli bulldozer. Read an e-mail from Rachel, which stated that we are "one human family desperately in need of peacemakers."

Announcements of upcoming events (Date, Day, Time, Location, Specifics)

May 31 Steering Committee meeting will be held at Robert Holmes’ home at 88 Rockwell Way, Worthington, at 10:00 am before the corner rally. The meeting is open to all.

May 31 Central Ohioans Peace Network meeting at 1:30 P.M. at 14 W. Lakeview (south of Como, in Clintonville) in the Community Resource Center.

June 1 Janet McLaughlin’s Choir will perform on the Worthington Green on Sunday, June 1 at 7:00 P.M. prior to the Four Corners’ Candlelight Vigil.

June 2 COFP meeting will be held from 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 93 W. Weisheimer Road. During the meeting, Andy Reed will do a brief educational presentation on depleted uranium.

June 7 Perry Sloan, from the Ohio Center for Social Justice, called Bill to announce a meeting of various peace groups from 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. at their offices at 91 Jefferson Avenue.

June 27-29 COMFEST at Goodale Park. Community festival with focus on alternative lifestyles. Features Doo-Dah parade and Price parade. Music, entertainment, food, and sales and information booths.

August 6 Hiroshima Day event at Battelle Park (possibly at 7:30 P.M.)

Reports on the prior week’s events

Finances:
Lynn Roycroft said that $109 was deposited last week.
We have not yet received a bill for the web site ($10/month).

Steering Committee decided on May 24th to use Bill Barndt’s home address for COFP mailings instead of a Post Office Box.

There were 9 people at the Candlelight Vigil on Sunday, May 25.
John Wallace, a United Methodist Church minister, led the closing prayer.

Reports from liaisons
  - United for Peace and Justice - Andy Reed says they have a very good informational site.
  - NION
  - Move-On - good site for pro-liberal activism
  - Code-Pink
  - Common Cause joined with Move-On to contact the FCC before June 2 meeting
  - International ANSWER Local Groups: (no reports this week)
  - Central Ohioans Peace Network
  - Council on American-Islamic Relations (Ohio)
  - Code-Pink
  - Columbus Campaign for Arms Control
  - Student International Forum
  - Progressive Peace Coalition
  - Community Organizing Center
  - United Methodists for Peace
  - Women in Black
  - Universal Rights Association
  - Ohio Green Party
  - Not In Our Name Ohio
  - Democratic Socialists of Central Ohio

Other announcements/flyers:

Business addressed:

Has anyone been in contact with Renee Huddleston? She has our mailing lists and hasn’t returned phone calls or e-mails.

COFP has prepared a letter to Dresden in solidarity with them and Clintonville Peace group. Our group will sign the letter at next meeting. Andy Reed has prepared a letter of his own, as well.

Need to applaud members of Congress who stand up and disagree with President Bush’s policies. They need to know they have citizen support.

Robert Holmes to look into Howard Dean’s presidential campaign receiving $ contributions via the Internet.

Jane Trucksis will write to a Japanese friend in Worthington’s sister-city in Japan to see what Japan is doing for peace.

Motions acted upon:

$100 to be given to Richard Rehl for his trip to Washington, D.C. on May 17-19.

Group Reports:

Group 1 - Education and reconciliation

Planning for the COMFEST booth continues. Sign-up sheet sent around for volunteers to staff the booth and to work for the festival in general to work off the booth fee (adding up to a savings of $96.)

Suggested we develop a Speakers Bureau based on our educational presentations at our meetings.

An e-mail about our group was sent to Alvin Hadley, the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Church Council, which deals with school, housing, and racial issues (membership of 1300 churches).

Mentioned the need for listening and reading alternate sources to get a more comprehensive worldview of events. E.g., what really happened to Pvt. Jessica Lynch: both her injuries and her rescue?

Group 2 - Effective voices

Samir Gharbo suggested that we should be turning to the Palestinian situation, that we have a need to educate ourselves on this issue. Christa Gharbo is preparing a teach-in on this for sometime this summer or fall. It was suggested that libraries were a good place for presentations on this issue.

Group 3 - Victims (no report this week)

Group 4 - Resolution (no report this week)

Suggestions:

Proposal to meet on the 1st and 3rd Mondays each month during the summer.

Proposal to develop a 10-15 minute educational sharing time by members on different topics. May use articles or original offerings.

If developed, possibility of doing a calendar to be advertised on web-site, listing the talks.

If anyone has their peace signs missing, please call local police to report the vandalism.

Closing
Bill Barndt led us in "We are one voice."

Minutes from Monday, May 19, 2003

Central Ohioans for Peace Minutes May 19, 2003

Call to order by Bill Barndt, 7:10 pm at All Saints’ Lutheran Church

Victim count: as of 5/19, 12:30 p.m. 4065-5223

Lynn Roycroft read the letter from the Mayor of Hiroshima to President Bush urging discontinuing the production of "small" nuclear weapons, and all nuclear arms. She then played Calling All Angels by Jane Sibley from the soundtrack of the movie Pay it Forward.

Announcements on upcoming events (Date, Day, Time, Location, Specifics)

Andy is preparing to return the banner to Dresden, and has drafted a letter to accompany it.

A teach-in will be held in DC on May 31, and we would like someone to represent us there.

Cliff Arnabeck and Bill Barndt will be attending a meeting Thursday night, as will others from COFP.

Next week’s Steering Committee meeting will be held at the Community of Christ Church, 8128 Africa Road. North of Westerville by about half a mile-Africa Road is called North West Street in Westerville, and it is half a mile south of Polaris Parkway on Africa Road. Call Deb Hoover, 891-6062 or email at hoover.88@osu.edu for more directions, if needed.

Teach-in went very well. Twenty-five people attended, and learned the history of Islam from Joe Simon, and beliefs and religious practices from Samir Gharbo. The film The Hidden Wars of Desert Storm was screened. Deb and Lynn have it if anyone would like to borrow it. Also, the teach-in was taped and will be available for circulation shortly.

Ten people attended the rally on the corners.

International ANSWER:
      Richard Rehl reported on a very busy weekend, May 16-18 in C in which he learned of more events that ANSWER will be sponsoring. He will provide more info on protests in Miami May 19 and 20, and one in Philadelphia. This one is to protest building on the site of Washington’s slaves’ graves. More information is available on the website: SOS2003.com. Richard also told us of a radio station which can be accessed through the web at WBAI.org.

Local groups: (no reports this week)
  - Central Ohioans Peace Network
  - Council on American-Islamic Relations (Ohio)
  - CodePink
  - Columbus Campaign for Arms Control
  - Student International Forum
  - Progressive Peace Coalition
  - Community Organizing Center
  - United Methodists for Peace
  - Women in Black
  - Universal Rights Association
  - Ohio Green Party
  - Not In Our Name Ohio
  - Democratic Socialists of Central Ohio.
  - United for Peace and Justice
  - NION
  - Move-On
  - Code-Pink
  - Common Cause

Flyers announcing Janet McLaughlin’s choir performance on the Green on June 1, prior to the vigil were available.

1st Jackie moved to buy Art Gish’s book for $18.00 from Seiglinde Martin. 2nd. Passed by lack of objections.

Group 1 Education and reconciliation

Robert Holmes reported that the teach-in was well-received. More teach-ins will follow with Sue Simon and Hollie Wendell coordinating them. They will send an announcement to the Metropolitan Church Council newsletter which reaches 1300 churches. They will also be coordinating other speakers and expand our repertoire of subjects and speakers. Planning for the Comfest booth continues. This event goes all weekend and is labor-intensive. Many volunteers will be needed June 26, 27 and 28 to staff the booth and to work for the festival in general to work off the booth fee (adding up to a savings of $96).

Group 2 Effective voices

Christa Gharbo reported that Effective Voices is moving towards Palestinian Justice issues. She suggested the film The People and the Land by Tom Haynes, who is local, and other speakers could be combined for a teach-in.

They are working with other groups to coordinate a rally August 6.

Hiroshima Day at Battelle park downtown Columbus

Group 3 Victims

Bill Barndt reported that the victims group discussed Landmine victims and families of veterans as ongoing concerns Humanitarian aid groups are being contacted to learn what they are doing or plan to do in Iraq..

Group 4 Resolution

Cliff Arnabeck reported that first, they would like to change their name to "Facilitating Peace by Restoring Democracy," as suggested by Mary Davis. Tom Brownfield reported on Building Responsibility, Equality and Dignity (B.R.E.A.D.), a group which fouses on people interacting with politicians, and holding them responsible for their actions, and inactions. They have about 1600-2000 members. They are planning a Rethinking Justice Conference soon.

Closing/Announcements

A tape of Peggy Gish’s presentation at the Unitarian Universalist Church is available for Loan. Seiglinde suggested we have a sign-up sheet so we know who has it. So Seiglinde will be doing that.

Funds collected: Saturday: $32.00. Tonight: $37.00.

Bill Barndt led us in "We are one voice."

Minutes from Monday, May 5, 2003

Minutes from Monday, May 5, 2003
Central Ohioans for Peace
Held at United Methodist Children’s Home 7:00- 9:00

Statewide DAY of PEACE rally on Sat. MAY 10, 2003 from 2-4 on the Statehouse lawn.

INTRODUCTION
a. Time of Mourning The poem Believing in Someday by Mattie Stepanek, was read by Missy Lawson as music by Robert Gass played in the background. The current civilian body count of the Iraq war is estimated between a high of 2197 and a low of 670.
b. New Members
Six new members introduced themselves.

SPEAKER
Dr. Chad Algers came with his wife and spoke about the United Nations. Dr. Algers stated that to develop a civil, peaceful society all institutions must take part. The UN has many aspects to the organization that promote long term peace building activities, it is not just the UN Security Council. Just to mention a few of the specialized agencies that support a global cooperation include the International Civil Aviation Organization that sets standards for safety, security and efficiency of air transportation, the World Health Organization aimed at solving health problems and International Telecommunication Union that fosters cooperation to improve telecommunications of all kinds. In 2001, 9.4 billion dollars was spent for peace building activities by the UN. In the same year the US military spent 343 billion dollars on defense. Yet 60% of the world’s population supports the concept of the UN. Unfortunately most people have very little understanding of all that the UN does and its tremendous potential to build a world of peace. The US tends to look for unilateral support on issues vs. striving for multilateral cooperation. Algers also mentioned the book The Arrogance of Power by Sen. Bill Fulbright. Dr. Algers then answered questions.

We are grateful for Dr. Algers sharing is insight regarding the United Nations.

HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS
a. Minutes of April 28, 2003 were approved.
b. Finances - Lynn Roycroft reported a balance of 466.09 after the expense of transportation to DC and COFP supplies are paid. $84.00 was collected tonight.
c. Relief Kits for Iraq
Kits will be assembled and sent.

STEERING COMMITTEE
Lynn Roycroft encouraged everyone to be a piece of the puzzle of peace. Think about your gifts and talents and commit to being an integral part of the picture. The following are current items that need you.
1. COFP needs someone to stay connected to other peace organizations locally, nationally and internationally. There are a lot of good articles and activities that are happening and there is a need to coordinate the information.
2. COFP needs someone to look into setting up COFP as a nonprofit organization.
3. COFP needs people who enjoy fundraising to find support for COFP.
4. COFP needs people to do public relation activities.
Lynn also mentioned the possibility of having a stamp made with our logo for mailings.

CLOSING - Song “ I Am One Voice” led by Bill Barndt

UPCOMING EVENTS
May 10, 2003 Sat. 2-4 pm OHIO PEACE RALLY, a major statewide rally on the Ohio State house West-side Lawn, Broad and High Streets, Columbus, Ohio
May 17,  2003  Sat. 9:00-11:45 AM  Teach-In  "MIDDLE EAST FALLOUT' - United Methodist Children's Home Chapel
Next Meeting: May 12 at 7:00 at United Methodist  Children's Home Chapel.

Minutes from Monday, April 28, 2003

Central Ohioans For Peace

Monday, April 28
All Saints Lutheran Church
Meeting began at 7:00 p.m.
Rev. Bill Barndt called the meeting to order.

Janet Mc Laughlin read a poem from Maya Angelou that preceded a moment of silence.

Iraq body count was reported as 2050-2514 on April 28.

Announcements were made regarding upcoming events:
  • May 5: Chad Alger of the Mershon Center will speak at the Central Ohioans for Peace on Monday, so DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Dr. Alger will speak regarding the UN, and the presentation will be more effective if everyone has the background provided in the chapter distributed by Robert Holmes, who made the arrangements for this guest speaker.
  • May 10: Andy Reed read the list of speakers for the Saturday, May 10 Peace Rally at the statehouse. The rally will be from 2-4 p.m., although there will be activities as early as noon at the statehouse.
  • May 17: Saturday morning Teach-in at the United Methodist Children’s Home. Samir Gharbo and Joseph Simon from the local area will speak, and The Hidden Wars of Desert Storm will be screened. Registration begins at 8:30. We will finish in time to attend the rally at the corners.
  • June 1: "What the World Needs Now is Love" is the theme for Janet McLaughlin’s Choir concert. The choir will perform on Sunday, June 1 at the Four Corner’s Candlelight vigil.
  • June 27-29: Comfest at Goodale Park. Community festival with focus on alternative lifestyles. Features Doo-Dah parade and Pride parade. Music, entertainment, food and sales and information booths.

Reports were made regarding the week’s events:

Andy Reed reported that Bush’s appearance in Lima was protested by about 100 activists from around Ohio. When Bush was speaking at the factory of death, Andy and others were there pushing for peace. Reporters from three newspapers and three different TV stations were present and took notice of the demonstrators for peace. Andy was able to mention Central Ohioans for Peace several times, besides prominently displaying the banner. He also told people about the May 10 Rally. Thanks Andy!

Lynn Roycroft reported on Dr. Howard Zinn’s presentation at Capital University on April 24. The speech was informative and Zinn was both knowledgeable and personable. Following his presentation he answered questions, one of which was: What should we do to bring about peace?" Zinn encouraged people to organize, keep pressure on politicians to urge for peace, and continue to be active. Several of our members were present for this presentation.

Other announcements:

Seiglinde Martin urged all to call Voinovich to encourage him to remain steadfast against Bush’s push to sway him on the tax cuts.

Arthur Gish has recently published the Hebron Journal.

Financial report: Lynn reported that there is about $500 available currently. Largest expenses to date have been the bus for Washington D.C. (for which there sponsors) and the banner for COFP. Lynn will have a complete accounting available for perusal next week.

Business:

Robert Holmes moved that Bill Barndt be given $100 from COFP to cover ink, paper and other supplies he has generously used from his personal cache for the group. It was seconded and passed unanimously.

Samir Gharbo moved that COFP hold no rally in Worthington on May 10 so that everyone can participate in the Rally at the Statehouse in the afternoon. It was seconded and passed.

Work groups met for an hour.

Group Reports:

Education and Reconciliation

Jack Groom and Seiglinde Martin reported that homework reports revealed that that the U.S. withdrawal from the U.N. is ill-advised since the U.N.’s goals are effective and have been adopted for the good of humanity.

The Teach-in plans, as announced earlier, are taking shape. Please encourage all to attend, and plan to attend yourself. The more knowledge we have, the more effective we can be in spreading peace.

The group discussed a possible speakers’ bureau, but nothing has been finalized.

Seiglinde’s suggestion last week to produce a booth for ComFest and other festivals was discussed further. Those interested will meet at Lynn and Deb’s on Friday evening at 7:00 pm to work on the plan. (Brownies anyone!)

Effective Voices:

Tekla reported that Andy and others will be hanging the May 10 promotional banner over the highway. Sue Simon had volunteered last week to help hold the banner, since it must be hand-held rather than hung freely.

One way to get the word out regarding particular events is a phone tree. Doug Tichtenal has found this to be effective in other organizations and would like to have many people take about five names each, and in this way be sure that the entire membership is contacted for large actions or significant information.

Since Iraq war is over, focus could change to coming wars. Focus needs to change to other countries such as Palestine, Iran, or Cuba.

Developing street theater and doing a "get out the vote" campaign at Comfest was discussed.

Supporting Victims

Richard Reuhl: Victims’ Committee wants all materials for the victims’ boxes, so Richard can deliver them on May 10. Richard will try to arrange some publicity for the efforts to assist victims. Items can be brought to meetings or delivered to the receptionists’office at the United Methodist Childrens’ Home during regular business hours.

Peaceful Representation

Mrs. Arnabeck reported that Chris has written a letter to Deb Price’s office. She will be trying to get on Rep. Price’s calendar in Mid-May.

Since military recruiters are going to high schools, Andy suggested that COFP provide conscientious objector information to high schools.

Closing

Bill Barndt led us in "We Are One Voice"

Next week’s meeting (and the next three) will be back at the United Methodist Children’s Home Chapel at 7:00 p.m.

(Note: A check was written for rent for $30 to the All Saints’ Lutheran Church meeting space).

Donations were $75.

Minutes from Monday, April 21, 2003

Minutes from Monday, April 21, 2003 Central Ohioans for Peace
Held at United Methodist Children’s Home 7:00- 9:00
***Next meeting to be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, 6770 N. High St. Worthington, at 7:00 pm on Mon. April 28, 2003

INTRODUCTION
a. Time of Mourning
After the poem “In Flanders Field was read by Bill Barndt, one minute of silence followed in mourning for all those who have perished as a result of the war - Americans and Iraqis.
b. New Members
Five new members introduced themselves. One new member, Mary Davis has been taking pictures at the COFP events for documentation. Thank you, Mary!

HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS
a. Minutes of April 14, 2003 were approved.
b. Finances - Lynn Roycroft reported a balance of ?
Additional banner expense $80; donation to Peggy Gish 248, money for posters ?
c. Peace Gatherings and Vigils will continue each Sat. at noon and Sun. at 8:00pm in Worthington
d. COFP Flyer - corrections and copies will be made for distribution
e. Relief Kits for Iraq
Please continue to being needed items to the Peace gatherings and the meetings. A list of needed items is located on the web site.
f. Sponsorship fund Christa Gharbo reported that we have 252.00 remaining. A motion to earmark it for future trips was approved.
g. Letter Writing ,Tekla Lewin passed around paper and envelops so that members could once again write letters to key people in political power.
h. Regarding United Methodist Children’s Home - Steve Putka requested that no lancets, needles be deposed of in the restrooms because they do not have the proper disposal methods in place.

SHARING
Elizabeth Merkle (OSU college student) shared her deep appreciation for being able to attend the Peace rally in DC on April 12, due to sponsorship from COFP members. She said that being a part of this very moving experience validated and opened her eyes to new possibilities.


TASK GROUPS
a. Rotate Roles Lynn Roycroft encouraged that the task groups rotate the various responsibilities each week. That would include the leadership role, the note taker, and the spokesperson. The goal is to stimulate greater involvement and commitment from all members.
b. Supporting Victims Group
Continue on course with the Relief Kits to Iraq. Veteran families are being hurt financially, how can we help? Add to the letter writing campaign about this issue.
c. Making our Voices Heard Group
May 10, 2003 - Sat. from 2-4pm Huge peace rally on the state house West-side lawn, Broad St. and High St. Get the word out.....Print flyers from the COFP web site and distribute. A motion to spend $160 for an ad publicizing this event in the Columbus Alive paper was approved.
d. Education Group
Teach-In will be May 17, Sat. 9:00 - 11:45. The topic: Middle East Fallout, Islam, Iraq, and the UN. Various members volunteered to read about Un issues and report back next week.
It was suggested that a COFP booth be set up at local festivals and fairs promoting peace and educating people on relevant topics.
e. Holding Leaders Accountable Group
Resolution Statement is in a final copy. Discussion of a new Dept. of Peace campaign. Questions were raised about the needed resources and the draw from other necessary resources.

CLOSING - Song “ I Am One Voice” led by Bill Barndt

UPCOMING EVENTS
May 10, 2003 Sat. 2-4pm OHIO PEACE RALLY, a major statewide rally on the Ohio State house West-side Lawn, Broad and High Streets, Columbus, Ohio

Minutes from Monday, April 14, 2003

MINUTES APRIL 14, 2003
CENTRAL OHIOANS FOR PEACE

Letters to Deborah Pryce

Tekla Lewin organized letter writing to Deborah Pryce requesting her support on the US Department of Peace legislation.

Time of Mourning:

After a poem was read by Jean Wertz, one minute of silence followed in mourning for all those who have perished as a result of the war - Americans and Iraqis.

Housekeeping:

Minutes of March 31, 2003 were approved.

Finances - Lynn Roycroft reported a balance of $718.88.

The Central Ohioans Banner exceeded the estimated cost of $180 by $80, to $260. This increase was do to getting the banner ready for the Washington DC Bus trip last weekend. Andy Reed reported that the extra expense was well worth it because of all the media, news and TV coverage we got as a result of the banner being carried in the rally. The people attending the meeting approved this extra expense.

Other expenditures are for the Iraqi children $85.

The recommendation that this evening’s donations be given to Peggy Gish was approved.

Continue Peace Rallies and Vigils? - The steering committee raised the question as to whether to continue the Saturday noon peace rallies and the Sunday evening candle vigils. Bill Barndt asked the group to give it some thought and we would entertain comments at the next meeting.

COFP Flyer - the bright blue flyer created by Shawna Burkham and Missy Lawson identifies our mission and the four goals of the organization. Our small group activities and discussions will be organized around the four goals.

Reports:

April 10 Bill Barndt meeting with Worthington Area Ministers
Bill reported that his purpose was to inform the area ministers of the Central Ohioans for Peace mission and activities. The ministers group was slightly interested.

April 11 Mansfield OSU Branch “War and Our World Forum”
Bill Barndt who attended this meeting, reviewed some of the topics and speakers with the group. Topics included Is the war justified?; War and rhetoric; Personal reflections on accepting, rejecting and surviving war; the aftermath of war; the war in Iraq and international Law, Security and freedom; war and religion.

April 12 Washington International Peace Rally
The rally was great and it was good to see so many young people taking part. There were over 200 from Ohio and 51 on the bus from Columbus. Our Central Ohioans banner was a great asset to the march. One of the most memorable things was walking past the White House and it is enclosed as though it were behind a cage. No one can visit or go in. This is freedom?

April 6-8 Washington Conference on US Department of Peace
Janet McLaughlin and Chris Putnam reported that they went to the conference on US Department of Peace in Washington DC. The conference was beyond all expectations. When ordinary citizens come together with a vision and they come from the heart, then extraordinary things happen. Highlights of the conference was meeting with Deborah Pryce’s Foreign Affairs aid on Capital Hill regarding the legislation to create a US Department of Peace and discussing the bill the evening of April 7with Dennis Kucinich who introduced the bill into congress on April 8. This bill is important because it is our future. Central Ohioans for Peace will help with publicizing the bill, writing letters and becoming an endorsing organization.

SPEAKER: PEGGY GISH

Peggy Gish returned recently from Iraq where she was a member of the Christian Peacemaker team. Her role was to stand with the Iraqi people against military violence. She was part of a vigil at a water treatment plant because “to bomb this site is a war crime.” Peggy shared these things: the power of love cannot be taken away by any military might; the Iraqi people recognize the American people is not the same as the American government (which is waging the war); medicine is very lacking; depleted uranium from US military bombing has caused deformities; certain military devices were found that are designed to hurt people; our news in America is sanitized.

DISCUSSION ON FUTURE SATURDAY NOON PEACE RALLIES AND SUNDAY EVENING CANDLELIGHT VIGILS

It was voted to continue the Peace Rally on Saturdays from noon - 1:00 pm and the Candlelight Prayer Vigil on Sundays from8:00 - 9:00 pm

CLOSING - Song “ I Am One Voice” led by Bill Barndt

Announcements

1. Peggy Gish will be on WOSU Open Line at 100 pm on Tuesday, April 15.
2. Persons interested in making Rally Signs will meet with Lynn Roycroft and Deb Hoover (8970 Worthington Road) at 7:00 pm on Friday, April 18.
3. Central Ohio Peace Network will meet at 1:30 pm on Saturday, April 19 to work on plans for May 10 :”Ohio Day of Peace”

Minutes from Monday, April 7, 2003

Central Ohioans for Peace
4-7-03 Minutes
Held at United Methodist Children’s Home 7:00- 9:00
Presided by Bill Barndt
Registration by Renee Huddleston - attended
Minutes by Missy Lawson

1. Time of Mourning
Deb Hoover shared a poem called In a Dangerous Winter. This was followed by a minute of silence for all the fallen people of war.

2. Introduction of 5 New People

3. Financial Report
Bill Barndt reported that we currently have 893.58. We collected 90.00 tonight.

4. Website
Many thanks to Lisa Staggenborg for creating such an informative and appealing website for COFP. Lisa requested that if you have something to place on the website to please give her all the specifics. She mentioned that if something is copyrighted it cannot be directly placed on our website but must have a link. Lisa would also like guidelines in regards to determining what should be included on the site. Bill mentioned that we should include the following items: Suggestions for Reducing Verbal and Physical Violence from the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Dennis Kucinich’s April 1, 2003 speech, and Discussion Points on the War by Bishop John Spong.

6. Peggy Gish
Peggy Gish, member of the Christian Peacemaker Teams, will be the speaker on Sunday, April 13, 2003, at 12:45pm for the "SUNDAY FORUM" at The First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 West Weisheimer Rd, Columbus, Ohio, 43214. Peggy is just back from Iraq and we are hoping that she may be able to stay over a night and join us at our Monday night meeting.

7. Body Count
Deb Hoover reported that as of 6:00pm 4-7-03, 899 -1072 Iraq civilians have been died in the war.

8. Personal Sharing
Samir Gharbo shared with us a troubling, verbal confrontation he encountered at the Peace Gathering on Sat. with another person. He apologized for his behavior and suggested the idea of a chain of people. It raised the question of how to react when others who come to the gatherings are angry and confrontational.

7. Action Groups
Bill Barndt organized us into action groups of our choice. The following is a summary of each group.

Ways of Helping victims of War - led by Richard Rehl
At this point many agencies are requesting monetary donations vs. items.

It was decided that we would focus on three organizations. We will help the Mennonites by collecting the following items for relief boxes that will be sent to the people of Iraq:(NEW items only),4 bars bath soap, 1 plastic bottle shampoo (450-830 ml / 13-24 oz; place in plastic bag), 10 cups of powdered laundry detergent (Double bag in 4 liter / 1 gallon re-sealable plastic bags), 1 squeeze-tube toothpaste (minimum 100 ml / 6 oz), 4 adult-size toothbrushes (leave in packaging),4 bath towels (medium weight, dark color), 1 hairbrush, 1 wide-tooth comb,1 fingernail clipper,1 box adhesive bandages (minimum 40, assorted),1 package sanitary pads (18-24 thin maxi or ultra thin). Please bring items to the Peace Gathering or the Mon. meetings.

It was also decided to help military families here in Columbus, especially the young families and families that are dependent on the income of their military spouse. The National Guard is collecting gas cards, phone calls, Kroger gift cards, diapers, household items, and diapers for these families. Finally, we will continue to encourage people to donate blood to the Red Cross in the name of COFP.

Ways to Making Big Visible Actions -led by Robert Holmes
Our representatives are not paying attention so lets get our message to the people.
Support the idea of getting the United Nations to once again become a part of the International Festival. Political action can include letters to the editors.

Resolution Group- led by Cliff Arnebeck
Changes have been made to the resolution. We were urged to take the resolution to other gatherings to promote dialogue about the issues. To make a political difference Cliff stated that we need to gather larger numbers of people, at least 1000. At that point politicians are more willing to come to a gathering. Dennis Kucinich and George Voinovich were mentioned.

Iraq and Beyond - led by Les Stansbery and Renee Huddleston
It was approved to financially support a family of five on the April 12 bus to DC. It was also approved to spend 180.00 to have a banner made that has our name on it and then to bring it to the peace rallies and gathering.

Teach In (Critical Thinking about Peace and War)- led by Deb Hoover
April 26 from 8:30AM-noon in Worthington, Ohio at the Methodist Children's Home Training Room. The program will include speakers, the video "Hidden Wars of Desert Storm" and a discussion. It will finish in time for the weekly peace gatherings at noon. Youth are encouraged to join us--these significant topics are appropriate for high school and college students, as well as citizens of all ages.

COFP Flier - led by Missy Lawson and Shawna Burkham
A logo designed by Shawna was voted on by the members and will be added to the flier. The flier will include our mission, goals/intentions, and ways of getting involved.

8. Open Agenda

Sunday, April 13 at 8:30 pm - Candlelight peace vigil on the Statehouse lawn in addition to the weekly neighborhood vigils.

Saturday, May 10 from 2-4 - The Central Ohio Peace Network is organizing a peace rally and march to the Statehouse.

9. Meeting Place
Steve Putka stated that the United Methodist Children’s Home will be available through April 21 and then again in May. We will meet at the All Saint’s Lutheran church on April 28. Many thanks to Steve and his continued support.

10. Closing - Song, I am One Voice led by Bill Barndt


11. Next Meeting
April 14, 2003 7-9pm
UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME CHAPEL
(1033 High St. across from the Fire Station)

Minutes from Monday, March 31, 2003

Central Ohioans for Peace
3-31-03 Minutes
Held at United Methodist Children’’s Home 7:00- 9:00
Presided by Bill Barndt
Registration by Renee Huddleston - 85 attended
Minutes by Missy Lawson

1. Financial Report
Lynn Roycroft reported that we currently have $738.88. We collected $130.00 tonight.

2. Peace Gathering
At the Sat. peace gatherings Worthington had 113 people, Bexley had 10, and Clintonville had 200. At the Candlelight Vigil in Worthington on Sun. 60 people attended. The next vigil will be at 8:00 pm due to the time change.

3. Service of Mourning
Lynn Roycroft and Deb Hoover shared music by Joan B.

5. Letter Writing
Tekla Lewin reported that 53 letters had been written to Deborah Pryce. Write letters to congress leaders at congress.org

6. Possible Speaker Mary Yoder, Art & Peggy Gish, Christian Peace Makers

7. Action Groups
Lynn Roycroft organized us into action groups of our choice. The following is a summary of each group.

Sat. Peace Gatherings - led by Jeff Thorn. They discussed ways of being more effective. Suggestions included; welcome people, be friendly, don’t engage in conflicts, share information about COFP, handouts fliers, encourage people to spread out (don’t double line), wear white ribbons vs. yellow, make new signs, encourage on the spot letter writing, and make sure to clean area before leaving. They also discussed: what are the questions that people are asking and the need to find sources so we have ways of answering appropriately.

Mission Statement - led by Missy Lawson. The following document was discussed and approved. Central Ohioans for Peace Mission - Our mission is to bring together people who believe in using nonviolent methods to build and sustain a peaceful world. Goals/Intentions 1. To create environments for study, action, reconciliation. 2. To generate effective ways of making our voices heard. 3. To help victims of war, military and civilian. 4. To hold leaders accountable for advancing peaceful solutions to conflicts.

Resolution Group - did not meet

Ways of helping the victims of war - led by Richard Rehl. Suggestions included: bringing in items each week to put in care boxes, supporting families in need through donations especially young families, donate blood in our name COFP, write letters about not cutting veteran benefits, support victims thru Red Cross, World Vision, Salvation Army, OXFAM, Channel 4 and Mennonite Central Committee.

Networking with Other Local Groups - led by Renee Huddleston and Les Stansbery. It was approved to financially support a bus to DC., call the Community Organizing Center for details 252-9255. Consider sponsoring an individual who cannot afford to go to DC.

Teach In - led by Lynn Roycroft and Deb Hoover. 175 people. Two rooms will be needed, one for students, the other for adults. Have speakers rotate. Need to check dates.

8. April 12 bus trip to DC for Peace rally.
Eight people are going and 15 people offered to sponsor someone.

9. Day of Prayer
Connect with faith community for dialogue and a day of prayer.

10. Closing
Song, I am One Voice led by Bill Barndt

11. Next Meeting
Monday, April 7, 2003 - 7:00 pm
United Methodist Children’s Home Chapel (1033 High across from Fire Station)

NOTES:
1. Rally on Saturdays from noon - 1:00 pm at Route 161 and N. High
2. Candlelight Vigil on Sundays from 8:00 - 9:00 pm at Route 161 and N. High

Minutes from Monday, March 24, 2003

Central Ohioans for Peace

3-24-03 Minutes
Held at United Methodist Children’s Home Chapel 7:00- 9:30 pm
Presided by Bill Barndt
Registration by Renee Huddleston - 48 attended
Minutes by Missy Lawson

1. Financial Report Lynn Roycroft reported that we currently have $700.88. We collected $129.74 tonight.

2. Peace Gathering There were 137 people at the gathering in Worthington which included approximately 6 people that were there in support of the Bush and the troops. There were 80 people at the candlelight vigil. In the future we hope post reports from other areas of Central Ohio that are holding peace gatherings, such as Bexley, Clintonville, Delaware, and local neighborhoods.

3. Future Meetings Steve Putka (pastor at the United Methodists Children’s Home) graciously welcomed us to his chapel whenever the calendar was open. We are especially appreciative that he offers us this space without cost. We are hopeful that this can become a consistent meeting place. Thank you Steve. He also invited us to become a mentor for one of his youths. His youths are victims of abuse and neglect and are often without positive role models. If you are interested please contact Steve. {E_mail sputka@umchohio.org}

4. Service of Mourning Bill suggested that we have a moment of silence for all the causalities of this war. Tom Brownfield then read a moving poem related to the cost of life in war.

5. Letter Writing Tekla Lewin shared with us the impact of massive letter writing campaigns. She said that it is important to keep your letters, emails, faxes, short and to the point. Tekla gave us a sample of what we could write and then lead us in a letter writing campaign to Representative Deborah Pryce. 221 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515

6. Broadening our Message From experience Cliff Arnebeck shared was us the importance of broadening our support and connecting with other organizations such as the Metropolitan Area Church Council and Columbus Interfaith Council. In order to move forward with greater numbers and strength we need to educate ourselves, educate others, and take constructive action.

7. Action Groups Lynn Roycroft organized us into action groups of our choice. The following is a summary of each group.

Corner Captains - led by Jeff Thorton Welcome people, be friendly, don’t engage in conflicts, share information about COFP, handouts fliers, encourage people to spread out (don’t double line), have table for handouts, making signs on the spot, letter writing, etc, finally make sure to clean area before leaving. Jeff also shared a handout from the Fellowship of Reconciliation about how to handle violence if it should arise.

Misson Statement - led by Missy Lawson. The following document was discussed and agreed upon. Central Ohioans for Peace Mission - Our mission is to bring together people who believe in using nonviolent methods to build and sustain a peaceful world. Goals/Intentions 1. To create environments for study and action. 2. To generate ways of making our voices heard that are nonviolent yet unique enough to be noteworthy. 3. To help victims of violence, military and civilian. 4. To hold leaders accountable for advancing peaceful solutions to conflicts.

Resolution - led by Cliff Arnebeck. This document was discussed, revised slightly and agreed upon. A final copy will be forthcoming.

Ways of Supporting our Troops led by Richard Rehl. Richard mentioned that when he was in the Vietnam war he needed to hear from people back home that they did not hate him for being there. He appreciated hearing about the people who supported and rallied for peace. Donate blood in our name-Central Ohioans for Peace, Link with families of military, (oxfamamerica,org), Make care packages, Write letters, Purchase and send  newspapers.

Ways of Connecting with Other Local Groups - led by Renee Huddleston and Les Stansbery
1. Suggestions and Support for Local Groups.
2. Clearing House
3. Coordination of effort.
4. Empowerment of individuals in actions.
5. Big political, visible actions

8. Teach In Lynn Roycroft and Deb Hoover are putting together the details for the Teach In which will include CEU credit. It was mentioned that we need to include young people in this and other activities.

 9. FYI - This internet site keeps an up to-date record of the minimum and maximum civilian deaths of this war and reports related information. <www. iraqbodycount.net > . 1

10. Closing - led by Bill Barndt Song "I Am One Voice"

11. Next Meeting
Monday, March 31, 2003 - 7:00 pm.
United Methodist Children’s Home Chapel (1033 High across from Fire Station)

NOTE:
1. Rally on Saturdays from noon-1:00 pm at Route 161 and N. High
2. Candlelight Vigil on Sundays from 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Minutes from Monday, March 17, 2003

Central Ohioans for Peace
3-17-03 Minutes
Held at All Saints Lutheran Church, 6770 N. High St. Worthington, at 7:00-9:00
Presided by Bill Barndt
Registration by Renee Huddleston - 68 people in attendance
Minutes by Missy Lawson

1. Financial Report
Lynn Roycroft reported that we have $ 699.63.  A motion to allow the steering committee to spend under $100.00 without the bringing it to the meetings for a vote  was passed. Tonight's donations totaled  $136.25

2. Website
Lisa Staggenborg is creating a website and hopes it will be up and running by Wed. A proposal was passed to spend $10.00 a month for the monthly fee. The address is: centralohioansforpeace.org

3.  Channel 4
Special thanks to Channel 4 for coming to our meeting tonight.

4.  Mission Statement
Richard Rehl read the current mission statement.  A motion was passed that we implement it as a working document.

5.  Corner Captains
The idea to have someone make sure the corners are safe, clean  and...each week. Mike K and Richard Rehl said they would get together to discuss the role of the corner captain.  It is noted that this person would not be a censor to signs and actions but rather a friendly voice of dialogue.

6.  Code Pink pictures were shared by Barbara  Avery. 

7.  Name Tags
In an effort to get to know each other and encourage dialogue reusable name tags were made.

8.  Mike Ferner - Guest speaker from Toledo, Ohio
Mike recently spent the month of Feb. in Iraq learning first hand the welcoming nature of the people and the strength of the human spirit.  He believes strongly in civil disobedient  and shared ways in which people can participate depending upon their comfort level.  He encouraged creative nonviolent ways to gain attention and to contact ACLU and local attorneys for support. Contact Mark Stansbery or  Yoshi  Furuhashi if you are interested in doing civil disobedience at   299-3313  or 668-6554. Mike believes this is the beginning of a new phase in the peace movement, one that echoes Ghandi's dream of trained and prepared teams of people that promote nonviolence to resolving conflict.

9. Small Group Discussions
We divided into small groups to discuss two questions.  1. How can we get the word out about COFP?  2. What can we do if/when US starts bombing Iraq? People were asked to commit to things they knew they could do.

Responses to #1.  Getting the word out about COFP
  • Make large posters with our name, web address, and a phone number (for people without internet access).M
  • Get the website up and running by Wed. if possible - include more infor
  • Create a flyer with key information on it to pass out to the media and new people who come on Sat.
  • Put a sign in your yard.
  • Create dramatic/creative signs that draw attention
  • Place our name and website in church bulletins
  • Talk with local seminaries, the church councils, etc
  • Contact the alternative papers, Columbus Alive and The Other
  • Make a commitment to tell at least one person about our efforts
Responses to #2.  If war commences....
  • Make calls and emails  to senators, congress people, president -- George Voinovich 469-6697, Mike DeWine 469-5186, Debra  Pryce 469-5614, Pat Tiberi  523-2555
  • Conduct a "sit in" at media outlets and local governmentt offices (prior training was suggested at our next meeting)
  • Disarm opposition by engaging in friendly dialogue
  • Talk with clergy  and the faith community to remind them to lift their voices and stay the course for peace
  • Share info regarding conscious objectors
  • Call city council members to vote for the Cities of Peace declaration
  • Humanize the Iraq people by creating pen pals and finding pictures of the people
  • Thank you letters to the editor stating our appreciation for their coverage
  • Constantly remind people that we support our troops but not the war
  • Create a list of places where there are  prayer vigils and always open places to pray, like the Newman Center every Wed from 12-1 and at 7-8:30.
  • United for Peace is suggesting candlelight vigils, rallies, march though populated areas of the city, meetings at various places, walkouts from schools and place of work, vigils or picket lines,  civil disobedience
  • Establish in various centers round the clock for intercessory prayers for peace.
    •    
  • Believe that miracles can happen and that like Saul became Paul, leaders of the US and Iraq can be  transformed.
10. Candlelight Vigils on March 16 draws groups of people
The following communities reported in: Bexley 100, Circleville 16, Clintonville 500, Newman 200, Shiller Park 100, Worthington 300

11. Washington DC
Tom Brownfield reported 200 thousand people peacefully walked around the White House.  There were about 100 counter demostrators.

12.  Closing
Bill led us in the song,  I am One Voice.

Next Meeting:
     March 24, 2003 - 7:00 pm
    St. John's Church  161 and High St. in Worthington (southeast corner)

Minutes from Monday, March 10, 2003

Central Ohioans for Peace
3-10-03 Minutes
Held at All Saints Lutheran Church, 6770 N. High St. Worthington, at 7:00 pm
Presided by Bill Barndt
Registration by Renee Huddleston
Minutes by Missy Lawson

1. March 8, Peace Gatherings
The March 8 Peace Gatherings in Clintonville and Worthington attracted hundreds of people. A few were there in support of Bush and a war in Iraq. Bill Barndt and others made an effort to engage in peaceful conversations with the opposing views, remembering that to create peace, you start from within yourself. Channel 10 was at the Clintonville gathering. Washington DC - Lynn Roycroft and Deb Hoover went to the Code Pink (Women for Peace) rally last weekend DC. They reported that thousands of women and men gathered for peace. Their mobility around the White House was restricted and numerous people got arrested including Alice Walker(writer/poet).

2. March 15, Peace Gatherings in town
  • Clintonville at Broadway and High St. 12:00-1:00
  • Worthington at 161 and High St. 12:00-1:00
    Please bring a friend, signs, and flags. Let’s remember to spread out so that the people in the passing cars can read all the signs.
  • March 15, Blackburn Park - 1:00 corner of Main St. and 18th St. - March on the Franklin County Courts
3. March 15, Anti-War Rally in Washington DC
A bus will leave from OSU Student Union on Friday March 14 at midnight and leaves DC at 8 PM on Saturday. The cost is $43.00 by Wed. Contact Daniel Ingwersen 266-7647.

3. Financial Report
Lynn Roycroft reported that she deposited 534.38. Checks will need to be written for the renting of the church space. Tonight's donations totaled 170.00.

4. Publicity
Holly Hollingsworth was contacted and may come to our next meeting.

5. Ideas and Actions
Numerous people shared a variety of ideas, actions and comments. The following is an attempt to include the essence of what was shared.

Bill Buckel - Support/action is needed to pass the House Joint Resolution 20. See details on the internet.

Shelby Conrad - Inspired by Bill Moyers and the UN color of blue created a patriotic symbol to wear. Blue ribbons looped over with a American flag pin in the middle. She generously handed them out to anyone who would like one. Thank you Shelby.

Dorothy Cameron - Reproduced the colored No Iraq War signs at Kinkos for only $.98 a piece and shared those with others. Thank you Dorothy.

Lee Lybarger - Brought bumper stickers that state “ Americas problems won’t be solved in Iraq” $1.00 each.

Janet McLaughlin has been faxing messages to various people and places that include healing messages of peace, support for your troops and bringing the Pope (the ultimate shield) to Iraq .

Shawna Burkham is concerned about people thinking we are not in support of our troops. She mentioned the Global Renaissance Alliance http://www.renaissancealliance.org/ Click on to Peace Circles for more information.

Joanne Hachtel mentioned that there were 3 generations of Stricklands at the corner on Sat.- a great news story. She has also been very active with writing letters to Bush and getting in contact with key people.

Harold Kohn shared an inspirational letter he wrote to congress.

Christa Gharbo stressed the importance of placing signs in your yards. More and more are being seen throughout Worthington.

Renee Huddleston received permission to copy and enlarge the Peace is Patriotic sign and showed us how to cut and paste it on to red poster board.

Connie Harmon said that we could use the cpa.news.org website to post any or all of our minutes. She also mentioned a “Cities for Peace Resolution” that was introduced at the city council meeting. A draft is on the website. The idea of town meetings needs volunteers to get set up. Contact Connie or the website if you are interested.
v Jane Truckis mentioned a wonderful article to read from the Nov. 2000 National Geographic titled Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Lisa Staggenborg is a software consultant and offered to create a website for us. Her email is lstaggenborg@brains4business.com

6. If war occurs.... there will be a peace vigil at the First Congregational Church on Broad St. by the art museum. There will also be a gathering at the Federal Building at 1:00.

6. Declaration of peace, prosperity and democracy
Cliff Arneback promoted the idea of constructing a declaration/resolution of peace, prosperity and democracy. He read a draft and shared his conviction of the political importance and power such a document can have on our political landscape. A motion was proposed and passed that a group of people would spend the next half hour word-smithing the Cliff’s draft. When they returned the revised document was read, discussed, revised slightly and voted on. It passed 58 to 3.

7. Mission Statement
Richard Rehl and others been working on the wording for our mission statement. The mission of Central Ohioans for Peace is to promote and support peaceful solutions to conflicts. Exact wording of the draft will be forthcoming.

8. Closing
Bill led us in the song One Voice and as stood in a large circle of peace hand in hand.

Next Meeting
March 17, 2003
7:00pm
All Saints Lutheran Church, 6770 N. High St. Worthington


Agenda Sign Up - If you would like to be on the agenda please sign up as you enter next weeks’ meeting. It will really help me with note taking.

Minutes from Monday, March 3, 2003

Central Ohioans for Peace
3-3-03 Minutes
Held at All Saints Lutheran Church, 6770 N. High St. Worthington, at 7:00 pm
Presided by Bill Barndt
Roster update by Renee Huddleston
Notes by Missy Lawson

1. Peace Gatherings
182 people came to the first Peace Gathering at 4 corners in Worthington on Sat. March 1, from 12-1:00. It was a terrific turnout and it was decided to continue to meet each Sat. at the same place and time. The Clintonville group also gathered on Sat. at High St. and North Broadway with well over 200 people. Father Vinnie from the Newman Center is also trying to organize a group closer to campus.

2. March 8, Peace Gathering
Please bring a friend, signs, and flags. A comment was shared that we also need to show our support of our troops but not the war.

3. Publicity
Publicity in the newspapers, TV, and radio is vital. We need to generate of ways of making our voices heard that are nonviolent yet unique enough to be newsworthy. Thank you to the willing people who volunteered to contact different media sources. Betty Sundry, Joanne Hachtel, and Christa Gharbo offered to make phone calls.

4. Hands Down High Street
This idea of forming a human hand to hand chain down High St. was discussed. We need to talk with other groups and determine a date and a time. It would also be helpful if we knew who many people were required to form the chain from point A to Point B, say from Lane Ave. to 161.

5. For The Healing Song
A special thank you to Janet McLaughlin for leading us in a song about healing for all nations. It was shared that we be conscious of making all people feel welcome and comfortable at our meetings by remembering that there are people of all faiths as well as people who do not choose a faith.

6. Sr. Thoma Swanson Presentation
Sister Thoma was a part of a 10 member delegation that went to Iraq in 2001 to view first hand the consequences of the US sanctions and to humanize the people of Iraq. She also shared letters from Kathy Kelly and others who are currently camped in between Iraq and the US troops. Their organization is called Voices In The Wilderness http://www.nonviolence.org/vitw/ We were encouraged to “show the same courage for peace as the soldiers show for war”.

7. Finanical Report
Bill reported that we have collected 350.38. Lynn Roycroft offered to be treasurer and will set up an account at the Huntington Bank. As a means for pubiclity we could use the money for different causes; such as an ad in the Dispatch, money for the children of Iraq, etc.stating that the contribution is given by the Central Ohioans for Peace. Donations on Mon. were 149.00. 50.00 was given to Chrita Gharbo for signs. Balance of 449.38. Special donations of 85.00 were given for the Iraqi Children’s Fund. We may want to give something to Sr. Thoma Swanson.

8. Ideas
  • Get on the agenda at local city council meetings
  • Write short yet powerful letters to key people in congress, the security council, etc.
  • Write letters to the editor
  • Tell people about this group, Central Ohians for Peace whereever you go
  • Give people a copy of the small flyer that Bill put together
  • Make personal phone calls to key people
  • Learn more through the Teach In videos (contact Deb Hoover)
  • Purchase Free Speech TV- a lifeline to progressive ideas & ideals (contact Lynn Roycroft)
9. Next Meeting
March 10, 2003
7:00pm
All Saints Lutheran Church, 6770 N. High St. Worthington
Agenda Items:
Letter Writing - Please bring paper, envelops and stamps.
Mission statement
Hands Down High Street

Minutes from Monday, March 3, 2003

Central Ohioans for Peace
Minutes from Monday, February 24, 2003
Bill Barndt presided

What a terrific turn out of 102 people coming together to find out how peace is being promoted in Central Ohio and how to show their support.
The following are peace gatherings, events, and ideas that were shared and ways to show your support. Please note that this is not a complete list but a step forward in getting us connected. I apologize for any incomplete information.


1. Peace Gathering
PLACE - SPECIFIC LOCATION - TIME
Clintonville - North High St. and North Brodway - Every Sat, from 12-1
Worthington - North High St. and 161 - Sat. March 1 from 12-1
Delaware - In front of the college - Every Wed.
Faith Community - State House - Feb. 28 from 12-1:30
Women in Black - 15th and High St. - Every Fri. from 5:30-6:30

Note: Please bring home made signs and American flags to the gatherings.

2. Notify the Media
Call the local TV stations, Dispatch, and local newspaper. Tell them what events are taking place.
Take out full page ads in local papers and the Dispatch

3. Established Peace Movements that were mentioned
Columbus Progressive Alliance cpa.news.org or http://www.service.ohio-state.edu/students/CPA/
Move On http://www.moveon.org/
Women in Black
Victoria’s Midnight Cafe
NION - Not In Our Name, local group at OSU http://www.nion.us/

4. Suggested Readings
Creating A World Peace by Christine Northrup, MD <http:www/drnorthrup.com/creating-world-peace.php

There are Alternatives to War in Iraq http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/103014_sean7.shtml


5. Educational Videos
Teach In - 3 one hour videos to view and discuss

6. IDEAS
“Hands Down High Street” A take off on “Hands Across America” when people lined High Street hand in hand to show the world was one This time it would be to show our support of peace.

Rice packets send to President Bush with the message: If your enemies are hungry, feed them. Romans 12:20 Please send this rice to the people of Iraq; do not attack them.

A Million Dollars for the Iraq children

Contact members of the Security Council - a handout titled Make a Difference for Peace was distributed with the members of the Security Council and their email addresses

7. Posters, Signs, Bumper Stickers,...
www.peaceproject.com
Signs - 1-800-536-8501
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/

Next Meeting:
Date: Monday March 3, 2003,
Time: 7:00-8:00
Place: TBA

Copyright © 2010 Central Ohioans For Peace. All Rights Reserved.