[Imc-summaries] Fwd: Meeting Notes for July 2001

[John Kawakami]

> Subject: Meeting Notes for July 2001
>
> Independent Media Center, Los Angeles July 7, 2001
>
> SUMMARY OF DECISIONS
>
> 1. Look into modifying formatting to make photo distinct from following 
> comment.
> 2. Accept ActionLA's offer to share space at the Quaker House, with 
> expected expenses of under $200, on a month-to-month basis, until Sep. 1,
>  by which time IMC LA is expected to finalize on getting a space.
> 3. Fun social event on the 21st.
>
> FUTURE MEETINGS
>
> 07/17 finance meeting (thre real one)
> 07/21 Print Group Meeting
> 07/14 Web/Editorial
> 08/04 IMC
>
> There's also an outreach meeting - contact cayce9@hotmail.com
> And probably a video meeting - contact renaldo@primenet.com
> (see below for exact times and locations)
>
>
>
> COMPLETE NOTES
>
> The meeting was heavily attended by new people.  If you're new to the IMC,
>  all the real work happens in the affinity group meetings.  Go to those, 
> or form your own.  Thanks to David Cook for getting the meeting listed in 
> the newspapers.
>
> Report Backs
>
> Video - Warren Williams wants to set up a studio in the new space.  Alan 
> Minsky bottom lines the video affinity group - next meeting TBA on the 
> list.  The video group is being revived.
>
> Killradio - (Chris) - KR are getting their own DSL line to go 24/7.  News 
> being webcast at 6pm nightly.  Benefit art auction w/Anthony Ausgang.  
> Having a meeting about Taco Bell protest, and talk about making some 
> space for news to work on it.  Consensus training on Sunday (already past)
> .  Killradio meets on Thursdays at 7.
>
> Chiapas - (Chris) - C IMC is around 10-20 people, concentrating on 
> developing infrastructure for use by the community.  Numerous events are 
> going on in Mexico and Latin America that they are covering.  Hilighted 
> issues include biopiracy, high speed superhighway in Central America, 
> Plan Pueblo Panama (another "Plan Colombia").  The group is mostly 
> Mexicans, but is international.
>
> Finance - (Steven)  Meeting is on the 17th of July, tentatively at 4pm.  
> Topics to be discussed include fundraising, membership, and fiscal 
> oversight.
>
> Webitorial - (Paul) it is in the fourth rotation of editors.  The next 
> meeting is on the 14th of July at 4pm.  The webitoral group is 
> responsible for monitoring the newswire, and updating the center  of the 
> front page.  They also do the other pages on the website.  People 
> interested in updating the front page are encouraged to show up.
>
> San Diego/Biojustice - (Cayce)  She described SDs situation.  There is 
> currently a moratorium on new IMCs, which is why the SD folks are using 
> the LA server.  All the new IMCs are sent a letter with Principles of 
> Unity, and an Open Publishing policy, for approval by the IMC.  Once this 
> is done, they'll become a full fledged member of the global IMC.
>
> The IMC in San Diego had a space, and the general sense was that this 
> worked out well for them.
>
> Long Beach - Around 200 people showed up for the Long Beach 
> Interdependence Day.  It featured a solar powered sound system.  The 
> monitoring by the police was extremely heavy, and there were undercover 
> cops present including one dressed as an "anarchist".
>
> An advocate is looking for video footage from the event to file suit for 
> the activists.  Contact renaldo@primenet.com if you have any.
>
> AGENDA ITEMS
>
> 1. "Outing" the police.
>
> The police are openly "going undercover" at rallies.  A photo was 
> published, and the comment said, "this guy is an undercover cop".  
> Someone wrote in protesting, because the person was not a cop.  This is a 
> real issue because it increases paranoia and creates division.  Several 
> people spoke up in agreement, and the notetaker got the sense that people 
> will be more alert to such posts.  (No policy was established.)
>
> It was recommended that the layout for photos be changed so that the 
> comments don't appear to be captions.  This might help people distinguish 
> between the object and the comment upon it.  (Tech is looking into it.)
>
> 2. IMC Space
>
> Maria - an artist with a studio in Macarthur Park reports of small studio 
> spaces (approx 1/3 the area of the Quaker House's main room) for $160 a 
> month, including a "free" DSL line.  It's near the metro.
>
> Siu Hin - this organizer from ActionLA explained that ActionLA plans to 
> locate in the garage at the Quaker House to help organize a series of 
> actions this summer.  He proposed that the IMC and ActionLA split rent of 
> $200 per month plus DSL and phone service.  The expected burden is under 
> $200 per organization per month.  (This offer was contingent on the 
> Quaker Meeting House fiscal group allowing ActionLA into the space.)
>
> (There exists a $1000 donation for rent, and another $150 collected from 
> the June meeting toward rent.)
>
> Concerns were expressed about the close proximity of the groups affecting 
> journalistic objectivity.  It was suggested that the space be considered 
> temporary or month-to-month until September, so as not to slow down the 
> effort to get a permanent space.  The main concern was that the price is 
> not firm.
>
> In support, reps from the house said they'd like to have the IMC there, 
> and would hope that we would participate more in supporting the Meeting 
> House.  Another member indicated that people coming in from out of town 
> are expecting a physical space.  Another member reported that the San 
> Diego space was nice because it was a central place to work.
>
> Logistical issues included: it would be good to have a representative 
> meet the Quaker's property committee; there is basically no security at 
> the space, and it's not a very good space, but the need for a workspace 
> seems to override these issues; only one security incident in three years.
>
> There was interest in the following ideas: a housing committee to find 
> the permanent space (no meeting was scheduled); a public space for the 
> community; need a group to interface regularly with ActionLA, to 
> establish a formal relationship.
>
> Consensus was reached, but it was pretty rough.
>
>
> 3. Outreach - form a group for outreach to other groups.
>
> The proposal was to form a group that would perform outreach to different 
> organizations that advertise in Change Links.  The first meeting of this 
> group is (get cayce).  For more information, contact Cayce Callaway at 
> cayce9@hotmail.com
>
> 4. Print - the group that makes flyers.
>
> The proposal was to further institutionalize this group by creating a 
> brochure that, in some detail, shows people what the IMC is doing.  There 
> is a work meeting scheduled for 1PM on the 21st of July, at Cafe Luna 
> Tierra Sol, 6th and Park View, NW corner of Macarthur Park.  Contact 
> johnk@
> woodstock.com for info.
>
> It was suggested that the group also make business cards; Alan Minsky 
> offered to help make business cards for people (renaldo@primenet.com).  
> Peter had a template for such a card (which John K now has).
>
> Badges were also brought up as a good way to raise funds, and also act as 
> a "membership card" and an actual press pass.  Alan mentioned that he has 
> the laminator used at the IMC in 2000.
>
> 5. Borderhack - a public event questioning borders, held in Tijuana 
> August 24th to 27th.
>
> Luis and Haro of Borderhack came up to LA to talk to activist groups 
> about their project, to invite them to come down for the event.  It's a 
> three day event of music, projected video art, lectures, and art, all 
> held along the border fence at the beach, where participants may set up 
> camp.
>
> A member explained that this is the second time this project is being 
> held,
>  and it is known throughout the world, and has a good reputation in the 
> art world.  This time, by reaching out to activists, they are helping to 
> integrate the art and activist worlds.
>
> Siu Hin explained that Action LA had a long meeting with them, and have 
> gotten commitments from FNB, Starhawk, and other groups.
>
> A member expressed concern that the IMC LA should spend more effort 
> working on local issues.  Another suggested that the information 
> explained there be videotaped, and the tape be made available for people.
>
> It was suggested that an affinity group within IMC LA be formed to work 
> on this project.
>
> http://www.neuroticos.com/
>
>
> 6. Indymedia Newsreal - is restarting
>
> The Indymedia Newsreal is a regularly produced TV show by the IMC.  They 
> need a piece for the show.  Alan has been in contact with YOC's Luis, and 
> will ask if they would like to contribute.
>
> Video makers are encouraged to help out with this project.
> steven@freenetproject.org
>
>
> 7. Taco Bell / Summer Actions
>
> There are a number of major actions planned this summer, around the last 
> week of September.
>
> August 24th - Borderhack
> Sept 14th - the CIW Taco Bell Protest caravan leaves Tampa
> Sept 23-25 - Taco Bell actions
> 	23rd - LA
> 	24th - Irvine
> 	25th - Taco Bell Headquarters in Irvine
> Sept 25th - HR 500
> Sept 26th - national day to support immigrants
> Sept 26-28th - housing issues
> Sept 29th - int'l day to support indigenous rights, in concert with the 
> WB/
> IMF protests in DC.
>
>
> 8. Social Event - to deal with the fact that we don't have many
>
> One is expected to coalesce on the 21st of July.
>
> Steven said that he can get a copy of "Life and Debt" by Denise Robb(?) 
> for a fundraiser or a social event.
>
> At Loyola Law School, Saturday the 14th, there's a showing of Zapatista 
> by Big Noise.
>
>
> 9. Next Meeting - August 4th, 4pm, Quaker House
>
> Facilitator - Chris B.
> Co Facilitator - Nick H.
> Notetaker - Steven S.
> Vibeswatch - Alan
> Timekeeper - Jack
>
> Note - the facilitator is responsible for faxing the meeting to Change 
> Links and the LA Weekly (and any other calendars).