Veterans For Peace, Clarence Kailin Chapter 25, Madison, WI 
     			  www.MadisonVFP.org 
         Wednesday, January 2023, General Membership Meeting Minutes
	 
 Chair Larry Orr opened the meeting at 6:00 pm, and checked for any adjustments to the agenda. One addition by Paul McMahon to new business, and one addition by Brad Geyer, also for new business, and one announcement by Joan Kemble.  Then, Larry proceeded with the agenda with the adjustments. Volunteer Jeff Froh read the VFP Statement of Purpose.  The VFP “hat” was circulated around the table.  The November minutes (No December meeting) were reviewed and approved. Other members included Tom Glassel, Daryl Sherman, Phil Fransen, Jeff Froh, John Fournelle  and Steve Books.
 
Treasurer’s Statement Report – Paul reviewed his green sheet financial statement-end-of-year-2022 report citing new revenue of $ 2,030.00, and expenditures of $ 600.00.  So, another good month with the Treasury sitting well! There were 6 more contributions to report up to date. Regarding the 2023 Budget, Paul plans to go through it at the February meeting and encouraged members to think about budget items for, or before the Feb. meeting.

Committee Reports
Counter Recruiting -  Paul was invited to a LaFollette H.S. History Class and spoke. Luke Gangler was the teacher.  The VFP Scholarship was mentioned.  The class paid attention as well as they could.
Memorial Day – Yes, VFP should have the Peace Rally, agreement.  Main speakers for the event? Possible speakers mentioned were Brian Becker, Medea Benjamin, John Nichols, and Rep. Mark Pocan.
Memorial Mile – A “yes” and attempting to figure out where to have it. 
Planning Committee/Book Club – John mentioned the book Becoming Abolitionists by Derecka Purnell for January 31th at the Dryhootch via Joe, The Politics of Resentment by Katherine Cramer for February, and David Couper:  Beyond the Badge by Rob Zaleski for March.  And, Rob Zaleski Event with his book about David Couper on Saturday, April 1, starting at 1:00 PM at the Urban League on Park St.
VFP Website – Brad is making continued updates to the website. Send items in.
Social Meeting – Larry is monitoring the Regional Zoom meetings for a possible Regional Summer Meeting/Convention near the Twin Cities.  Discussion on the next meeting - deciding to be at Culver’s on Cottage Grove Road on the 2nd Thursday February 9th, for the month of February, at 5:30 PM.
Tabling/Outreach – Books mentioned calendar items for planning for 2023, adding the Catholic Worker Weekend in March, and The Grassroots Network Festival also for March.  The Farmer’s Market permit has been obtained for 2023 at the Square on Saturdays.  The Planning Calendar for 2023 will be on-going/monthly.

New Business
Book Club event – The book discussion of Rob Zaleski’s book about David Couper discussed earlier.
Social Justice room share – Larry, Joan working on looking into a room share idea at the Social Justice Center.
Back From the Brink – Brad working with PSR, Physicians for Social Responsibility, regarding a City Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament, and Documentary – promoting VFP membership to view the Trailer for the Documentary Theaters of War.  He has sent out information about the film on e-mail, and will send out the movie Trailer.  John is working on it also to show the film on a Saturday evening, possibly at the Catholic Worker convention at Advent Lutheran Church, or elsewhere. Janet Parker is involved and interested in a panel discussion after the film.
Chapter 25 Four Season Theater Sponsorship – Discussion regarding sponsorship of the yearly Theatrical production of the “All is Calm:  1914 Christmas Truce.” A motion was made and 2nded for VFP Chapter 25 to aid in Sponsorship of the Play “All is Calm:  1914 Christmas Truce.”  The motion passed unanimously.
Select February Chair – Larry Orr selected/volunteered.
Other New Business – Donations – Paul has received an appeal from Madison Quaker’s & Porchlight.  A motion was made and 2nded to donate $ 200.00 each to Madison Quaker’s, and to Porchlight respectively.  The motion passed unanimously.   Paul suggested having “contributions” on the VFP Agenda monthly.

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Other New Business cont…

Peace & Planet Newspaper – Brad reported and requested to purchase installments of “Peace & Planet” on a regular basis for the quarterly newspaper to circulate as needed.  A motion was made and 2nded to make purchases of the VFP based newspaper for circulation.  The motion passed unanimously.

Announcements 
Any other Announcement – Joan reported on an article in the New York Times printed in December, 2022, regarding JROTC, “When Military Training is Not Optional,”  Non-white Detroit MI, and Los Angeles CA students are sent to classes that are not optional in their education. In the past, the efforts to have students be required to attend the classes were fought off.  Apparently not now.  Joan also recommended the book “1/2
American.” 

 Larry read the list of announcements for future events and actions.  The Drone Vigil at Volk Field for January will take place on the 4th Tuesday, January 24th, at 3:30 PM.

Adjournment  - The meeting adjourned at 7:57 PM.

Minutes by Books