October 21, 2013

1) Check-ins

Hendrik (SOA Watch), David, Marcus (Individual from Austin), Brian (MTA), Henia (Peaceful Uprising), Rose (Gender Justice), Jerome (Outreach), Kathleen (SOA), Steph (Project South), Evelyn (DAWG)

2) Hendrik reported on SOA Watch Annual Vigil & Protest

Nov 22-24 at Fort Benning, GA. Fri is their traditional vigil and rally. Sat has morphed into Educational Forum. SOA is keenly interested in adopting the participatory PMA model. Lead facilitators: Hector and Camilla. The SOA Coordinating Team (reps from all the various SOA working groups) are really looking forward to moving this forward. They want to use the PMA process as a tool to strengthen political analysis and also to broaden the understanding of interconnectedness of race/gender/class as it relates to US foreign policy and imperialism.

Hendrik will send David an email announcement of SOA Watch activities (including the PMA activities) and David will get it to Coms-Tech folks to go out on USSF list. Jerome had to leave, so David will take responsibility for getting Hendrik and Jerome connected.

Henia asks—what are concrete objectives of SOA Watch activities?

Kathkeen—Morning plenaries designed to have folks better understand the interconnectedness b/w race/gender/class exploitation and oppression. Afternoon is a march to the gates with singing, music and short speeches. Evening is concert and workshops. Sun they go back to gates. The Mayan community conducts a blessing, speeches, and a solemn procession led by Father Roy (and others) calling out names of victims murdered by SOA “graduates.” Puppetistas will be part of some action at the gate. Lots of music, testimony/bearing witness.

Hendrik adds—we have broadened our vision to include an understanding that SOA only exists because of US Imperialism. They are also broadening the reach with offices across Central and South America. They are committed to ensuring leadership from the global south. NOTE: They want to make sure to leverage the 40th anniversary of Chilean coup, and the upcoming Honduran elections next year

Marcus asks about process of incorporating PMA and how/if to use it as a decision-making body?

Hendrik—they are asking those questions. They have 2.5 total hours dedicated to PMA and political education piece. 1.5 hours of group plenary followed by 1 hour for small group work for “next steps” based on first 90 minute plenaryRose asked David to give context of this working group.

Rose noted the similarity b/w what they describe and what USSF imagines is very <p>Steph—can be a few hours, or several days. It needs lots of preparation. An important key is to build towards collective cohesion of analysis and action. Moving folks towards political alignment. The assembly can provide a space for decision-making space, but not necessarily a “body.” This is why the role/responsibility of anchors is so important so that there is an ongoing ability to provide mechanism for assisting in accomplishing the “next steps.” Another point—there are multiple kinds of PMA—local, regional thematic. Based on history, vision—what strategic call is being called. This is all a function of what is being

Kathleen—our time is limited. It would be helpful if we got some help with agenda design. What is possible given the context of SOA Watch and who normally comes? David—Jerome can offer that assistance.

Rose—Remember that we are just getting this committee up and off the ground. So be patient with us…

2) Southern Movement Assembly—An ongoing process.

About 15 core orgs, 40 participating orgs. Several years of relationship building and organizing work. People’s First 100 days was a process to have folks make commitments. Launched Freedom Summer in Jacksonville, FL which became rapid response team capable of mobilizing a “Walk for Dignity” from Atlanta to Florida as a result of Zimmerman verdict. Most recently held PMA in Dothan, AL and focused on accountable to decision-making process for “next steps” going into 2014. Core folks/anchors representing multiple fronts of struggle have committed to weekly conference calls. They are building a plan for more local, consistent site-based PMA gatherings that they hope will include calls for action Check out www.southtosouth.org

3) Shared PMA Methodology

Rose and Walda are creating a draft for shared methodology re PMAs to condense the valuable information already available athttp://www.peoplesmovementassembly.org

4) Appalachia PMA process.

Evelyn reports that they are just beginning. Target date is Sept/Oct 2014. 50th and take advantage of that, building up to and culminating at the PMA. They are in conversations about what region to focus—West Virgina and surrounding areas. Steph—Project South wants to connect and help support. David—Encourages them to think about making Rights-based demands that are grounded in Constitution, and to take advantage of Constitution Day (Sept 17).

5) Pacific Northwest PMA process

Edgar reported will be Portland, OR mid-to late Sept. They need a little help on clarity on what it looks like and how to implement it.Rose—we need to have anchor orgs in conversation with one another. We really need to have a gathering of PMA organizers get together. We will bring back this need to USSF ACT.

6) Louisville, KY PMA process.

Steph will connect with Jerome and get them in the loop.

7) The World Courts of Women Against Poverty in Philadelphia, PA Oct Oct 18-20

Rose—There was already one in Oaklland last year anchored by Womems Economic Agenda Project (WEAP). Second one in Philly, anchored by Poor People’s Economic where there will be a two hour Gender Justice PMA. Talk of International Courts of Women in mid-west (Detroit) and one in the South.

8) Tear Down the Walls in Tucson, AZ Nov 1-3

David reported that he, Walda and Jerome will facilitate a PMA workshop at this conference. Check out http://afgj.org/tear-down-the-walls

9) Canadian Social Forum in Ottawa late August of 2014

Need to research this….

8) Next call

Next call will be Mon, Nov 21 at 1pm pacific, 2pm mountain, 3pm central, 4 pm eastern. 712-432-0075 code 564471#