[KWPeace-groups] On taking positions (Re: Minutes from July 20th meeting)
laura at divestwaterloo.ca
laura at divestwaterloo.ca
Tue Jul 26 15:28:22 EDT 2016
I agree Sue. As a new member of your group I have been reluctant to
weigh in. I also think that the event we are planning for October 1st
will be a great opportunity to make connections and to support local
groups to work together to address common concerns - like the list
Eleanor shared - KW-Peace through the blog, our conversations and events
can bring people and groups together to take action - rather than taking
action on specific issues as a group. I see KW Peace as a support
organization to build capacity and strengthen the impact of local peace
groups and initiatives focused on peacebuilding.
laura
On 2016-07-26 15:04, Sue Klassen wrote:
> Thank you, Bob, for clarifying so much here. Yes, I'm fully in support of lively discussion of issues and people taking a wide variety of positions and recommending particular actions on the blog. A rich diversity of voices, and in-depth articles addressing peacebuilding issues is so needed, and something KW-Peace can offer. What I don't think we are (or haven't yet understood we are) is a group that takes up those issues in its meetings, and comes to consensus on positions and actions to take as a group. I love the view of the blog as a place to "post articles by and
>
>> about your group, make your views and positions known. There will be contradictory views, opposing ideas, calls for militant advocacy and nonviolent protest. It will be messy, chaotic, and wonderful."
>
> Thoughts?
>
> Sue
>
> On Jul 26, 2016, at 10:11 AM, Bob Jonkman <bjonkman at sobac.com> wrote:
>
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> Sue wrote:
>
> Yet it is outside of the scope of KW-Peace, which was created for
> collaboration and networking between community groups.
> I don't know... I put up the KW Peace blog in 2012 to give wider
> circulation to Eleanor's newsletter of local Peace and Justice events.
>
> http://kwpeace.ca/2012/05/
>
> Although they have my name on them, they're Eleanor's articles (I
> should fix that). Those articles took specific positions and
> recommended specific actions.
>
> I offered the KW Peace blog as a common forum to publish articles and
> events for all the KW Peace and Social Justice groups, but it would be
> sad to lose Eleanor's voice because some groups may not agree with
> every viewpoint offered.
>
> I encourage everyone to register on the blog, post articles by and
> about your group, make your views and positions known. There will be
> contradictory views, opposing ideas, calls for militant advocacy and
> nonviolent protest. It will be messy, chaotic, and wonderful.
>
> - --Bob.
>
> On 07/26/16 09:42, Sue Klassen wrote:
> Thank you Diane and Eleanor for you questions around KW Peace
> taking positions. This certainly warrants discussion. The easiest
> route is for us to have a policy of not taking a position on any
> issue--supporting, instead, our constituent groups to take
> positions. If we do choose to take positions, I'm seeing things in
> a similar way to what Emily has expressed. As a networking group
> of KW area peace-related groups, I see it being issues local groups
> are working on, that they bring to us, that we might endorse. Or,
> again, we could just go the route of letting groups network through
> KW Peace's calendar and blog and meetings, sharing their positions
> and reasons, while not taking a position as a group. This may be
> the wiser choice long term, even though I expressed my support of
> endorsing the current issue that launched this conversation.
>
> Eleanor, I had started this email yesterday, and just read your
> impassioned--and deeply disappointed--post this morning. We need
> more Eleanors! I certainly think there's a need for committed
> people to gather around these issues, to study them deeply and
> inform policy makers and the general populace alike. This is the
> important work of a democracy. Yet it is outside of the scope of
> KW-Peace, which was created for collaboration and networking
> between community groups.
>
> If KW-Peace's networking capabilities--while not in full blossom
> yet--are able to help you find others in our area that can commit
> to the group you're are longing for (and hoped KW Peace was), I
> would be delighted to see such a group emerge. I would hope, if
> formed, it might connect to other groups through KW Peace.
>
> What KW Peace is *about* is collaboration and networking between
> peace-related groups in our area--the core need those of us who
> came together initially identified. Its purpose is to leverage the
> work we're doing in our individual groups through the connection to
> other groups. I know I can't take on a host of other issues
> outside the weighty ones (such as TRC follow-up, Line 9, and
> refugee sponsorship) we're tackling through Stirling's group in
> addition. Networking and collaboration can support this work,
> rather than draw me away from it.
>
> I was so grateful to meet you at the potluck, and have appreciated
> your insightful input into the discussions. Even as I understand
> this is not the group you are needing, know that you are always
> welcome, and I hope we're able to collaborate on various issues
> over time.
>
> Sue
>
> P.S. Bob, I'm not sure how to make this go to the blog and to
> everyone here. I'm just releasing it into your wonderfully capable
> hands to make this all work.
>
> On Jul 25, 2016, at 8:43 PM, Eleanor Grant <eleanor7000 at gmail.com
> <mailto:eleanor7000 at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
> I had never heard this!
>
> If our group isn't going to launch initiatives of its own, it
> isn't where I want to be.
>
> Where can I find anyone to talk to about the huge dangers posed
> by Canada's involvement with NATO, arms sales, and the TPP? How
> can I promote local support for the current push to allow US war
> resisters to stay in Canada? And does anybody care about
> weapons components being built in our region?
>
> I feel so alone. Nobody is doing these things. (Only the war
> resisters issue has a grassroots mvmt but it's in Toronto, does
> that mean we can't support it?)
>
> I just don't see the point in being an umbrella group but not
> being *about* anything ourselves. I am in great despair.
>
> Eleanor
>
> On 25 Jul 2016 15:06, "DIANE FREDERICK" <dfrederick at rogers.com
> <mailto:dfrederick at rogers.com>> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> Emily, I really liked your summation of the group"s focus -- "
> I think our role is to facilitate collaboration and networking
> between groups, and support the initiatives that are happening,
> rather then targeting issues and launching initiatives
> ourselves". It was my understanding the focus is collaboration &
> networking for community groups.
>
> Thanks, Diane
>
> Diane Frederick, RN,MA,ICADC,ICCS
>
> http://www.tapestrymc.ca <http://www.tapestrymc.ca/> Weaving
> mindfulness & compassion Blog:
> http://tapestrymc.ca/category/blog/ Phone: 519-5763871
> <tel:519-5763871> Mobile: 519-588-3871 <tel:519-588-3871>
> Facebook: Tapestry-Mindfulness and Compassion - Diane Frederick
> <http://tapestry-mindfulness%20and%20compassion%20-%20diane%20frederick/>
On Monday, July 25, 2016 8:56 AM, Emily Mininger <e.mininger at gmail.com
>> <mailto:e.mininger at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>
>> We haven't discussed taking positions on public policies. I think
>> generally, as we are intending to be a collective of groups, we
>> can't expect everyone in the group to agree on every issue. So,
>> In my mind, I see it as focusing on our core values (improving
>> our communities and trying enact positive change). In this sense,
>> I think it makes more sense to be reactive - it would be
>> exhausting to discuss our positions on every issue and work out a
>> platform. If a member brings up an issue or initiative that we
>> can all get on board with, great! Then we can decide that at that
>> time. If not, then we can try to find something that everyone can
>> support. I think our role is to facilitate collaboration and
>> networking between groups, and support the initiatives that are
>> happening, rather then targeting issues and launching initiatives
>> ourselves.
>>
>> That's just my two cents; what do others think?
>>
>> Emily
>>
>> On Sun, Jul 24, 2016 at 9:30 PM, Eleanor Grant
>> <eleanor7000 at gmail.com <mailto:eleanor7000 at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>
>> Hi All - Since I haven't been at every meeting, forgive me if
>> I've missed something. Have we ever discussed as a group the idea
>> of taking positions on any public policies? Such as, for
>> example, whether Canada should be joining in the NATO deployment
>> to Latvia? Or whether the TPP and other trade deals may be a
>> threat to implementing climate change policies? Or the way
>> poverty is a form of violence, and how to reduce it? Or the
>> justice system and why a disproportionate number of Aboriginal
>> people are incarcerated? Or whether Canada should take in more
>> refugees? Or whether to support the BDS movement of peaceful
>> resistance to Israel's Occupation? Just to name a few issues that
>> are much on the hearts and minds of all of us who care about
>> building peace in our community and our world. Do we perhaps need
>> a time to clarify what we see our role as? Are we happy to
>> simply react to issues that our component groups happen to be
>> working on at the time? That could be OK, if we've decided that
>> KWPeace should play that role. Let the issue of free bus passes
>> for the poor be the impetus for us to clarify what we want to be
>> about as a group. Eleanor On 23 Jul 2016 12:59, "Emily Mininger"
>> <e.mininger at gmail.com <mailto:e.mininger at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>
>> Hi All!
>>
>> Let me know if you think there's anything I failed to write in
>> the minutes that's important.
>>
>> Also, Nadine Quehl from the Alliance Against Poverty wanted to
>> know if she can list KW Peace as endorsing their call for free
>> transit for target groups:
>>
>> Alliance Against Poverty (AAP) is planning to speak at Regional
>> Council to call for Free Transit for folks on OW/ODSP and we are
>> contacting other anti-poverty organizations to ask for
>> endorsement. Please let me know if we can add KW Peace to our
>> list of organizations that endorse this campaign. You can read
>> more about it on our website: www.allianceagainstpoverty.com
>> <http://www.allianceagainstpoverty.com/>
>>
>> Please let me know if you think we should endorse this campaign
>> as KW Peace. I personally am in favour.
>>
>> It was lovely to see you all on Wed. Next meeting is August 17th,
>> pending confirmation of Stirling space availability.
>>
>> Have a good weekend!
>>
>> Emily
>>
>> -- Emily Mininger PeaceQuest KW Affiliate Facilitator
>>
>> Email: e.mininger at gmail.com <mailto:e.mininger at gmail.com> Phone:
>> 519-568-3879 Twitter: @PeaceQuestKW Facebook:
>> facebook.com/peacequest.ca <http://facebook.com/peacequest.ca>
>> Website: peacequest.ca <http://peacequest.ca/>
>>
>> -- Emily Mininger PeaceQuest KW Affiliate Facilitator
>>
>> Email: e.mininger at gmail.com <mailto:e.mininger at gmail.com> Phone:
>> 519-568-3879 <tel:519-568-3879> Twitter: @PeaceQuestKW Facebook:
>> facebook.com/peacequest.ca <http://facebook.com/peacequest.ca>
>> Website: peacequest.ca <http://peacequest.ca/>
>>
>> On Monday, July 25, 2016 8:56 AM, Emily Mininger
>> <e.mininger at gmail.com <mailto:e.mininger at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>
>> We haven't discussed taking positions on public policies. I think
>> generally, as we are intending to be a collective of groups, we
>> can't expect everyone in the group to agree on every issue. So,
>> In my mind, I see it as focusing on our core values (improving
>> our communities and trying enact positive change). In this sense,
>> I think it makes more sense to be reactive - it would be
>> exhausting to discuss our positions on every issue and work out a
>> platform. If a member brings up an issue or initiative that we
>> can all get on board with, great! Then we can decide that at that
>> time. If not, then we can try to find something that everyone can
>> support. I think our role is to facilitate collaboration and
>> networking between groups, and support the initiatives that are
>> happening, rather then targeting issues and launching initiatives
>> ourselves.
>>
>> That's just my two cents; what do others think?
>>
>> Emily
>>
>> On Sun, Jul 24, 2016 at 9:30 PM, Eleanor Grant
>> <eleanor7000 at gmail.com <mailto:eleanor7000 at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>
>> Hi All - Since I haven't been at every meeting, forgive me if
>> I've missed something. Have we ever discussed as a group the idea
>> of taking positions on any public policies? Such as, for
>> example, whether Canada should be joining in the NATO deployment
>> to Latvia? Or whether the TPP and other trade deals may be a
>> threat to implementing climate change policies? Or the way
>> poverty is a form of violence, and how to reduce it? Or the
>> justice system and why a disproportionate number of Aboriginal
>> people are incarcerated? Or whether Canada should take in more
>> refugees? Or whether to support the BDS movement of peaceful
>> resistance to Israel's Occupation? Just to name a few issues that
>> are much on the hearts and minds of all of us who care about
>> building peace in our community and our world. Do we perhaps need
>> a time to clarify what we see our role as? Are we happy to
>> simply react to issues that our component groups happen to be
>> working on at the time? That could be OK, if we've decided that
>> KWPeace should play that role. Let the issue of free bus passes
>> for the poor be the impetus for us to clarify what we want to be
>> about as a group. Eleanor On 23 Jul 2016 12:59, "Emily Mininger"
>> <e.mininger at gmail.com <mailto:e.mininger at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>
>> Hi All!
>>
>> Let me know if you think there's anything I failed to write in
>> the minutes that's important.
>>
>> Also, Nadine Quehl from the Alliance Against Poverty wanted to
>> know if she can list KW Peace as endorsing their call for free
>> transit for target groups:
>>
>> Alliance Against Poverty (AAP) is planning to speak at Regional
>> Council to call for Free Transit for folks on OW/ODSP and we are
>> contacting other anti-poverty organizations to ask for
>> endorsement. Please let me know if we can add KW Peace to our
>> list of organizations that endorse this campaign. You can read
>> more about it on our website: www.allianceagainstpoverty.com
>> <http://www.allianceagainstpoverty.com/>
>>
>> Please let me know if you think we should endorse this campaign
>> as KW Peace. I personally am in favour.
>>
>> It was lovely to see you all on Wed. Next meeting is August 17th,
>> pending confirmation of Stirling space availability.
>>
>> Have a good weekend!
>>
>> Emily
>>
>> -- Emily Mininger PeaceQuest KW Affiliate Facilitator
>>
>> Email: e.mininger at gmail.com <mailto:e.mininger at gmail.com> Phone:
>> 519-568-3879 Twitter: @PeaceQuestKW Facebook:
>> facebook.com/peacequest.ca <http://facebook.com/peacequest.ca>
>> Website: peacequest.ca <http://peacequest.ca/>
>>
>> -- Emily Mininger PeaceQuest KW Affiliate Facilitator
>>
>> Email: e.mininger at gmail.com <mailto:e.mininger at gmail.com> Phone:
>> 519-568-3879 <tel:519-568-3879> Twitter: @PeaceQuestKW Facebook:
>> facebook.com/peacequest.ca <http://facebook.com/peacequest.ca>
>> Website: peacequest.ca <http://peacequest.ca/>
- --
- --
Bob Jonkman <bjonkman at sobac.com> Phone: +1-519-635-9413
SOBAC Microcomputer Services http://sobac.com/sobac/
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