Notes August 2009
Democratic Republic of Congo Committee
August 2, 2009
Present: Coleen Houlihan, Samba Halkose, Jean Miller, Maman Jeanne, Margaret Bohati, Pat Aron
The Democratic Republic of Congo Committee held another enthusiastic meeting on August 2, 2009. The meeting began with check-ins. Pat announced that WILPF has just formed a PanAfrica and Diaspora Issues Group - Jean, Marie, and she will be involved. The group then discussed the Enough hand-out that was prepared by Coleen.
The group began to plan two activities designed around Breaking the Silence/Congo Week II (October 18 – 24) – an informational house party and a public event. Jackie will probably host the house party - if not at Jackie’s, it may be at Pat’s. We are thinking of having a film followed by Samba’s presentation on VICO. Samba gave a presentation at her church that was well-received. She is looking into setting up a local bank account for VICO. Because of WILPF policy, we may not be able to directly raise funds for VICO. Samba will work with Jackie on the house party with help from Pat.
In discussing a public event, it was felt that a vigil would be effective and would require less work to plan than a march. Locations considered were Park Street and Harvard Square. Two dates were discussed – Oct. 10 (Saturday) or 11 (Sunday). Samba will tell us when her class schedule becomes clear. The Raging Grannies may be able to perform – Jean will let us know. We don’t know if we’ll have time to get tee shirts made, but Maman Jeanne will show us the design of the Shalupe tee shirt at our next meeting. We will need to look into permit requirements and identify media. Jean and Coleen will work on planning the vigil with Pat’s help.
The group was very impressed by the work Coleen has done on our website. We looked at the format and suggested tabs and links. Coleen has developed copy that we can add to or amend. Coleen took pictures and tried to make us all look photogenic. We’re asked to send Coleen a 2-3 sentence blurb about ourselves for the website.
We began to brainstorm a name for our group. Congo Connection or Congo Connect were favorites. People will continue to think about possible names. The group then discussed our mission statement. A tentative mission statement was proposed. Coleen will add it to the website.
The next meeting of the group will be on Sunday, September 20, at 3:00 at Pat’s house in Jamaica Plain. Our agenda will include a report from Mary on the Manchester Independence Day march, planning and making signs for the vigil, planning the house party, and follow-up on calls people have been making.
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
August 2, 2009
Present: Coleen Houlihan, Samba Halkose, Jean Miller, Maman Jeanne, Margaret Bohati, Pat Aron
The Democratic Republic of Congo Committee held another enthusiastic meeting on August 2, 2009. The meeting began with check-ins. Pat announced that WILPF has just formed a PanAfrica and Diaspora Issues Group - Jean, Marie, and she will be involved. The group then discussed the Enough hand-out that was prepared by Coleen.
The group began to plan two activities designed around Breaking the Silence/Congo Week II (October 18 – 24) – an informational house party and a public event. Jackie will probably host the house party - if not at Jackie’s, it may be at Pat’s. We are thinking of having a film followed by Samba’s presentation on VICO. Samba gave a presentation at her church that was well-received. She is looking into setting up a local bank account for VICO. Because of WILPF policy, we may not be able to directly raise funds for VICO. Samba will work with Jackie on the house party with help from Pat.
In discussing a public event, it was felt that a vigil would be effective and would require less work to plan than a march. Locations considered were Park Street and Harvard Square. Two dates were discussed – Oct. 10 (Saturday) or 11 (Sunday). Samba will tell us when her class schedule becomes clear. The Raging Grannies may be able to perform – Jean will let us know. We don’t know if we’ll have time to get tee shirts made, but Maman Jeanne will show us the design of the Shalupe tee shirt at our next meeting. We will need to look into permit requirements and identify media. Jean and Coleen will work on planning the vigil with Pat’s help.
The group was very impressed by the work Coleen has done on our website. We looked at the format and suggested tabs and links. Coleen has developed copy that we can add to or amend. Coleen took pictures and tried to make us all look photogenic. We’re asked to send Coleen a 2-3 sentence blurb about ourselves for the website.
We began to brainstorm a name for our group. Congo Connection or Congo Connect were favorites. People will continue to think about possible names. The group then discussed our mission statement. A tentative mission statement was proposed. Coleen will add it to the website.
The next meeting of the group will be on Sunday, September 20, at 3:00 at Pat’s house in Jamaica Plain. Our agenda will include a report from Mary on the Manchester Independence Day march, planning and making signs for the vigil, planning the house party, and follow-up on calls people have been making.
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom