Vibeswatcher: Jeremy
Timekeeper: Julie
Note taker: Chandler
Note transcriber: Mike
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-Monday, September 19: Kent Living Wage Coalition meeting 6:30 PM KSU Student
Center, 3rd floor.
This is a VERY IMPORTANT meeting! CHANGE started the living wage campaign and
we must be well represented at this milestone event.
-Tuesday, September 20: Amnesty International candlelight vigil for PEACE.
Email Jessica at jpaull@kent.edu if you can help.
-Wednesday, September 21: "Global Village or Global Pillage" video 7PM Kent
Presbyterian Church. Free vegetarian dinner preceding movie (come at 6 PM).
For complete schedule of weekly globalization video series visit
www.kentchange.org
Introductions
Solidarity Message to Muslim Student Association
-Julie (Jules) and Pat Gallagher delivered message of support from CHANGE. We pledged to help out in any way they need us to help combat anti-Arab/anti-Muslim backlash due to last Tuesday’s attacks.
Sweatshop Report (Megan)
-Fair Trade project: Our prospective employees in Oaxaca, Mexico are looking
into buying 100% cotton thread to make clothing that is marketable to
Americans. We will try to make sure cotton is cropped and processed in
compliance with our Code of Conduct.
-Code of Conduct: University is planning to outsource the administration of
the Code to a licensing company. CHANGE is looking into issues of concern but
as of yet there is no reason to believe that Code is being thwarted.
Licensees will be required to accept or reject new contract within a month of
being notified. They will not be notified until licensing company is hired
(our code is NOT yet affecting licensees but WILL). Kent State HAS signed
with Workers Rights Consortium.
-Watson has been warned that he will receive weekly calls/visits from CHANGE to
follow up on sweatshop issues.
September 28-30
The terrorist attacks on Tuesday, Septmber 11th, have fundamentally changed
the landscape of activism. The World Bank and IMF will almost certainly
postpone/cancel upcoming meetings.
Many events have already been cancelled, many others are sure to follow.
There is talk of a National Peace March as well as local marches/vigils for
peace and anti-racism around the country. IMF/WB must not be forgotten, but
we must focus on the new reality and be aware of the impact our protests have
on our movement and on others.
NEO-RAN has not yet decided what to do. Updates will be announced on the
listserv.
Nike Speaker
-Emily LaBarbara Torog (sp?) touring Midwest December 1-7.
Shows videos about Nike sweatshops and workers who organize for rights in
factories.
$300 plus meals and lodging.
We decided to wait until next meeting to decide on whether to bring her. Pat
G. is contacting another speaker.
Muslim Student Association prayer vigil
-Muslims and Arabs facing harassment on campus. MSA will hold Muslim prayer vigil next week (date/time to be announced). Peace Marshals and Peace Marshall trainers are urgently needed. Please contact Chris at cmfox@kent.edu to help.
CHANGE Statement about Tuesday’s tragedy
-Concerns raised
"Group therapy session" helped to air sentiments
Was to be sent to working group, but no-one was able to stay.
Modified version will be emailed to listserv and discussed online. Working
group at next meeting will edit and produce final draft.
Homecoming Parade
-CHANGE will participate in parade and build float/puppet. Working group to begin planning project next week.
Spitfire Tour-Oct. 30
Tour of musicians, artists, and activists to come to Kent State via May 4th Task Force. CHANGE will co-sponsor.
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