1. Check-in was combined with reports.
2. Jean facilitated. Susan was time-keeper.
3. Amy reported on the conference: “From Abortion Rights to Social Justice: Building the Movement for Reproductive Freedom” (Hampshire College, CLPP), and then spoke about the connection between reproductive rights and Occupy.
3. Bonnie McCracken proposed to invite Grace to lead a “foreclosure training”. Bonnie also provided the following links:
4. There were extended discussions on Deborah’s proposal for less frequent GA meetings. There were some strong proponents of continuing with weekly meetings. This discussion dovetailed with comments about meeting outside, with some feeling that we could not “conduct business” out of doors, and others feeling the need for more visibility. Amy proposed ultimately Sat. May 5 at the Amherst commons, but the issue of the structure of such an event was not particularly addressed.
Deborah and Roger will attempt to facilitate the next meeting and bring these “structure of GA” discussions to closure. They proposed ways to make these meetings more efficient.
5. There was considerable enthusiasm in the context of a report on follow-through of actions at Amherst middle school. Energy for continuation of something on the order of a “racism working group” appeared.
6. Roger and Deborah reported on the 99% Spring training.
7. The proposal to make OA an endorser of “Move to Amend” passed easily. Roger had submitted a report of the activities of this WG, and recommended this as a time-saving practice.
8. Deborah distributed a summary of OA’s actions and activities since its formation: demonstrating that OA has not been twiddling its thumbs.
9. Deborah explained the importance of the Gay Pride March in Northampton, and requested support (participation).
10. We did end with a song (Beth) and mostly agreed to continue this (but not after 7 PM).
Thanks to Paul for reconstructing these minutes so well after the loss of his initial notes. One correction I have is on point #7. The proposal was approved by consensus. “Passed easily” is a phrase generally used in a voting situation, indicating a wide margin. With consensus, passage indicates that ALL have reached agreement, either in support of the proposal or with willingness to “step aside.”