Veterans For Peace, Clarence Kailin Chapter 25, Madison, WI www.MadisonVFP.org
	          November 16, 2020, General Membership Meeting Minutes
		           		      Zoom Meeting on-line
		
Meeting Chair John Fournelle started the meeting at 6:00 PM.  A COVID-19 check-in was directed with most members doing fine. However, Fran Wiedenhoeft mentioned that her niece was currently not feeling very well.  Daryl Sherman read the VFP Statement of Purpose. Others attending in the meeting included Paul McMahon, Judy Minor, Brad Geyer, Joan Kemble, Judy Minor, Tom Glassel, Larry Orr, and Steve Books.  Daryl Sherman read the VFP Statement of Purpose.  The VFP October virtual meeting minutes were read, and approved.  The VFP “hat” is now passed via Pay Pal virtually, and is available at MadisonVFP.org.

Treasurer’s Report – Paul shared his report on zoom. He reported a $100.00 bonus refund for the cost of the 2020 National VFP Convention annual Chapter 25 program ad from National VFP. Paul also reported the checkbook balances doing well, and reported the June fund drive ended with the largest fund drive results ever. The checkbook and savings balances are about $ 10,000 combined.

Committee Reports
Counter Recruiting & Scholarships – Paul reported that David and Fran are to work on making a video regarding military recruiting for High School students. (David reported via e-mail due to connection issues that he supports the continuation of the scholarships.  He has received 30 essays annually in the last years with the rural schools – Richland Center, Muscoda, River Valley, Spring Green, Boscobel, Dodgeville, and Baraboo.  Phil Fransen also had issues with the zoom link.) As far as the scholarship, Paul reported that he’s working with 5 Madison High Schools coming up in the future, and could use help with the responses, if any from the students.  A discussion ensued regarding student motivation with the scholarship, or lack of, and many issue with the schools
Memorial Day/Memorial Mile –  No report at this time.
Planning Committee – Fran reported about planned October 25th  Panel on-line event that John and Brad also helped on.  Many positive responses of feedback were received with one person from the Fox River Valley expressing interest in  joining Chapter 25.  Both Fran and John said that more events could take place via Zoom, and maybe in February with possible topics of endless war, the war economy, the war mindset, environmental impacts of war, the environmental impacts of war, and drones.  As far as the Panel participation, 45 people signed up, with 25 people showing up. Casey from National VFP sent out a regional VFP notice about the Panel. A short discussion about Drones came out with that the Drone Model used by VFP members for vigils was a 1/5th model scale size.
VFP Websites – Brad reported adding posts to MadisonVFP.org. He will add the Volk Field protest on the website. Brad also reported that the Back From the Brink effort nationally has a program that’s available and on YouTube channel.  Judy reported that Milwaukee’s VFP Chapter has a very good Veterans Day event available on-line. Some members were on the e-mail list that Judy sent out.
Tabling/Outreach – Steve mentioned a possible membership flier to be sent out with the next fundraiser.

New Business
WNPJ&S and VFP Secretarial Duties funding relationship – Paul reviewed his document that was e-mailed regarding the possible scenarios and models that VFP could have and use to disburse funds for VFP secretarial work. A discussion regarding the best model to use across the VFP membership ensued. Historically in VFP,  Dr. James Allen personally funded WNPJ at the time with a yearly 2,000.00 donation. The amount was disbursed to the VFP Secretary monthly as an employee of WNPJ.  Currently, reported by Judy, WNPJ&S has no paid staff. After much discussion a motion by Fran was made and 2nded to find a way to fund the executive secretary. An amendment by Larry was added with at the same level, or more compensation  The motion passed with one abstention.
Select December meeting Chair – Daryl Sherman. Thanks to Daryl for volunteering.
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Any other New Business – Judy Miner or Fran reported the WNPJ&S Fall Assembly for Saturday, December 5th at 5:30 PM.  A time will be set aside for an Organizational Report from WNPJ&S members. Judy also reported that with WNPJ membership, there are good notification opportunities withe-mailing noticing of events. The report is to be sent to Vicki Berenson, and, or to info@WNPJ.org. A person can register for the Fall Assembly via instructions in the New WNPJ&S Newsletter that will be sent out soon. WNPJ&S has a new Treasurer and that is Charles Uphoff.  Fran makes a Motion to Join WNPJ&S with a $50.00 donation.
The motion passed unanimously.

Old Business
Signs for VFP Visibility – John mentioned that a committee should be formed to pursue the on-going possibilities with the signs. A new Sign Committee was formed with Brad, Tom, Steve, Fran, and John on it.
Donation for solidarity with a relevant organization – (Fran reporting) Discussion on the donation possibilities. Fran made a motion, was 2nded, to give a local organization a financial contribution.  A discussion ensued about how much to give, and how often to decide who to give it to. Larry added a friendly amendment that the contribution is a one-time donation. The motion passed unanimously.  The criteria for the organization is that they “work for racial justice, harmony, and peace.” The vote talley would be supervised by John.

Announcements
A list of announcements were read as noted on the agenda of future meetings.
Judy Minor announced WNPJ&S is seeking board volunteers.  Please contact her for an application. Voices for Creative Nonviolence in Chicago, headed by Kathy Kelly,  unfortunately closed down.

Adjournment -  The meeting ended sometime after 7:30 PM.

Minutes by Books and Wiedenhoeft