Peace and Social Concerns Committee, 5/15/2019

Present: Diane C, Roger C, Jane J, Frank G, Ka R, Cat C-B, Geoff L, Daniel G.

 

We began with a time of silence.

 

We acknowledged the long service of Beth Adams in our Meeting and Committee, and our sorrow at her death.  She was a very important member and contributor to our committee, and much loved.

 

1.Ka reported on her thoughts about anti-semitism and how to encourage Friends to talk about this and related matters, such as our relation with the local Jewish communities. An 11:40 hour with the worship-sharing format might be useful.  At another time, a visit with some speaker(s) to talk about the issues may be appropriate.  Ka, Frank, and Geoff will work on a context for the worship sharing and will try to find a time for an 11:40 for it.  Others may join them.  Eva, one of those giving child care on Sundays, was mentioned as a possible collaborator.

 

2.We took up the matter of  “timely action” (empowering the Clerk to speak for the Meeting on rare but crucial occasions) but without resolution.

 

3.The “Minute for Gaza” was discussed.   It seems too early to bring this to the meeting for business and some wording was suggested to strength and clarify the minute.  Jane suggested that since we will be considering support for the Jewish community, it is time to consider also the Palestinian issue and support for them.  Roger was asked to consult with Scott to revise the minute, particularly the last paragraph, for reconsideration at our next meeting.

 

4.Roger is charge of letter writing on May 19; David A has agreed to create materials and make the announcement on the nuclear issue, and Roger will help with the table, etc.

 

5.Geoff spoke of a plan which Peter B put forward, for a program  about islamophobia.  ION would make the arrangements for it, and it may be held at MtToby with the public invited.  We approve.

 

6.The Immigrant Solidarity Group will handle letter writing in June.

 

7.We agreed to give up to $100 for transportation of the clothes for Pima.  Roger will contact Eleanor Alden about this.

 

8.We considered having a meeting using Zoom technology and agreed to a one-time trial Zoom meeting, at our regular June 20 7pm meeting, to see if it seems satisfactory.  Roger will send instructions on how to use Zoom.

 

We closed with a time of silence.