First Meeting of the
Purchase Quarter
Peace Concerns Committee

August 14, 2002--7:30 P.M. at Purchase Meeting

After a period of worship, those present introduced themselves. Convener Rosa Packard explained that the idea for this committee was a charge of Yearly Meeting, which Purchase Quarter accepted. Ideally, the committee will comprise an appointed representative of each of the eight Meetings in the Quarter, as well as anyone else who is interested. Hank Elkins agreed to be Clerk of the committee.

Fred Dettmer summarized what happened at Quarterly Meeting, August 4. The Quarter endorsed the Gospel of Peace minute from Yearly Meeting. An ad hoc committee (Fred Dettmer, Ann Wright, James O'Barr, Roseann Press) was formed, and $4,000 budgeted to place the minute as an ad in newspapers within the Quarter. It was agreed that such a public statement contributes to advancement, and that, in addition to the Gospel of Peace, ads with secular content are an effective way to reach some people. Purchase Monthly Meeting will run a 1/4 page add three times on the Gannett papers' Op-Ed page on a standby basis and is also asking members and attenders to use their local weeklies. Formation of a Peace Concerns committee was approved, to act ASAP (in the next 1-3 months) to voice Friends' concern about the impending invasion of Iraq by the United States.

Delegations representing all member Meetings are encouraged to meet with our New York and Connecticut Representatives and Senators. Two groups from Wilton are to meet August 15 with Representative Christopher Shays. One group plans to clearly voice opposition to US invasion of Iraq, learn Shays' opinion, and put themselves forward (with specifics) to lead the US away from war. The other group will focus on a concern for conscientious objectors and their treatment during war. Hank Elkins is forming a group to meet with Nita Lowey. Judy Inskeep's group will meet with Sue Kelly. The suggestion was made to be sure to get the name, phone numbers (local and in DC) and email address of the congressperson's aide who is representing this issue. Nick Burlakoff will look into meeting with Senators Clinton and Schumer; Fred Dettmer will follow up on the NY Quarter's visits to the Senators. Jeff Menoher will take on Senators Dodd and Liebermann. It was stressed that the delegations must be approved and minuted (Purchase Quarter and Purchase) so as to be part of a body, not just individuals. Friends should remind their Representatives that we are part of the voting public. Specific support Friends might offer to our Congressional Representatives could include doing research.

The importance of preparing young people for conscientious objector status was stressed. Purchase Meeting has counseling and a fund for those who do not want to contribute tax moneys to any war effort. An excellent video on nonviolence is available. Wilton may use it on a public access TV program; public access is another good way to get out the message. Op-Ed pieces, and individual letters to the editor are great-a good thing to solicit from our monthly Meetings.

It was brought to the attention of the group that there may well be 501 C (3) implications to what we are undertaking. A brief discussion of these implications to the tax-exempt status ensued-witnessing our faith vs grassroots activities vs direct lobbying and/or political campaigning by the organization.

A decision was not reached on whether to "decouple" the concern about the possible invasion of Iraq from memorial ceremonies September 10 and 11 and from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some see a link; others believe that the issues should be kept separate. A weekly vigil will be held Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:30 pm in White Plains; staring date and location are not yet available. For those who are interested, an interfaith march (led by Buddhists) is coming from Albany to NYC 9/10 and 9/11. A group of many different religions is gathering in Ossining the night of 9/10. It was suggested that we should be there. The New York AFSC office plans a gathering in a NYC park 9/10 from 6-10pm, and 9/11 from 6-10 am (no flyers yet).

It was suggested that the Peace Concerns committee meet weekly in August, and then monthly. Meeting adjourned shortly after 10 P.M.