December 1, 2009

 

Attending: 30

 

Announcements

-Tonight is "Gaymes" Night, 7 pm

-Social event on Sunday, 6 pm, later email will tell you where

-Gender neutral housing

--RHA is on their 4^th week of discussing it

--Going to lots of clubs, staff etc to talk about it

--If you want to write a paragraph in support, that will help a lot – Willy Hart, Director of University Residencies will get them

-Homocoming on Friday! $2 to get in with a WWU ID

Check-ins! How was your break, homework check-in, an accomplishment you're proud of

Activism groups: 3 homework assignments that have to do with your activist type

-#1: Internal

-#2: External Passive

-#3: External Forward

Homework for Winter Break

-Internal: read a gay themed book or watch a gay themed movie ("Hero" is a good selection!)

--Think about it critically

-External Passive: have a gay movie night with friends who haven't seen the movies/don't know they're all gay themed, or bring a gay movie to a regular movie night

-External Forward: correct a stranger

Tomorrow 4pm in VU 462b PIZZA and POP

Hey everyone our last meeting of the quarter is tomorrow! woot. :-)

Come hang out with Pizza and Soda.

Also, don't forget the Activist Assignment for this week:
1) Write a paragraph about why you think Gender Inclusive Housing is important
2) Write out a goal of the Queer Safe Space Training we want to develop.

Social event this Sunday at 6pm. Location TBD. Studying, Games and Chillaxin. :-)

Thank you everyone,
Josh Foley

November 24, 2009

 

Attending: 20

 

Check-ins: name, preferred pronoun, how your week is going, what are you thankful for about yourself

Vote on rather or not to support the proposal for gender-inclusive housing

-Gender-inclusive housing: a floor in (at least) Buchanan Towers on which someone who identifies as male can live with someone who identifies as female

--Allows people who are trans-identified to live with a roommate instead of being isolated in single rooms

-Vote

--In favor: 18

--Opposed: 0

--Abstaining: 0

Young adult novels with LGBT themes

Talk about last week's mission – stories

Activism

-the whole point of our club is activism, but so far we haven't been out in people's faces that often

-Types of activism

--Internal:

---Correct your own image, watch yourself

---Educate yourself

----Not just through formal education

----Exploring yourself, confronting yourself head-on

---Happens throughout your life

---Positive:

----Pre-requisite to other types of activism

---Negative:

----Doesn't affect anyone else, so if you don't build on your foundation it doesn't go farther

--External passive:

---Starting an online forum

---Ally ribbons and other clothing etc choices

---Talking to your friends, in a safe environment

---Setting an example for others

---Watching where your money goes – not contributing money to a certain organization

---Voting

---Coming to our club meetings (showing support)

---Positive:

----More personal, one-on-one interactions

---Negative:

----People you are reaching out to have to know what it means (ribbons, buttons, etc)

--External forward

---Holding a march or rally, tabling

---Organizing pride marches etc

---Correcting language NOT in a safe space

---Working for an organization (like the LGBTA)

---Choosing queer issues for assignments (can also be considered passive, depending on what the assignment is)

---Bringing things up in a classroom discussion

---Positive:

----More forward, hit a lot of people at one time

---Negative:

----Can turn people off, cross the boundary

----Could put you at risk

-Next week we will split into groups to come up with homework assignments for each type

-Everyone has their own comfort level, so some types of people are more comfortable with certain types of activism over others

Next week we're going to talk about LGBT Safe Space Training for faculty and staff, so think about:

-What needs to be included

-Logistics of it: how it should be done

-How to get staff and faculty to actually want to do it

Shirt news:

-Finally found a blue (not sure how bright it is), they should be able to be printed on very soon

Next week we'll have pizza!

Social event before the end of the quarter

-Sunday Dec. 6th, 6pm

Homework for this week

-Write a thoughtful paragraph/few sentences about why you support gender-neutral housing

OR

-Come up with a goal for Safe Space Training: what you want to come from it

Meeting Today VU 462b 4pm.

Hey everyone, there is a meeting today! Sorry for the late notice.

 

We're talking about Activism and the Safe Space Training we want to develop for staff and faculty.

 

Thank you,

QAAFA Exec

November 17, 2009

 

Attending: 31

 

Check-ins: something you like about your personality

Feedback

-Want to talk about the history of the movement à next quarter, with self-esteem

-Do a lot of education, but not "activism" à start doing optional "homework" assignments, next week focus on what it means to be an activist, ways to be an activist

-Please keep sending in feedback!!!!!

--http://www.delphisstudios.com/qaafa.html

LGBTA is accepting applications for interns

-changing name of organization, working with library, etc

-awesome opportunity to get involved on campus

LGBT Hate Crimes event postponed to next week, no weekly night series tonight

Fairhaven class next quarter on hate crime law

Homocoming

-Dec. 4^th at 7(?), $4 with student ID, $5 without, food, DJ playing queer-inclusive music, semi-formal dress, "Winter Wonderland" theme

Shirts

-Taking forever! (Problems with publicity center)

-Colors aren't available, trying to figure out other colors we can use

Midnightblue says:

-Thanks for everyone who tabled last week!

-If you sign up for tabling, make sure you sign up for a time you can actually do, and check your email for Blue's email so you can remember

 

DIVERSITY TRAINING (Continued from last week): Questions for reflection

Why did we play the first game? (Word Association)

What did you like/not like about the first game?

What did the first game have to do with stereotypes? Diversity?

Why did we play the second game? (Diversity Circle)

-Explore your own identity but also see how many identities are in the room

How can you use either of these games in activism?

 

Have you read "Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" by Peggy McIntosh? (about White Privilege)

Straight Privileges

-Your sexuality is assumed to be straight

-Don't have to worry about losing your job if you mention your partner

-Don't have to worry about holding your partner's hand in public

-Don't have to explain your identity

-Don't have to worry about wearing an ally ribbon on your bag

-Your sexuality is not against the law in some countries

Privileges of "fitting in" to gender binary

-Don't have to worry about what bathroom to go into, what clothing section

-No problem filling in forms that ask for "sex"

-Don't have to deal with people making incorrect assumptions about your sex

-Can live in on-campus housing without problem

What can you do with the knowledge of your privileges?

How can you use the power that your privileges give you? (Fighting WITH a minority group, not FOR them)

 

Homework assignment for the week: correct someone's language and come back with a story

 

Side note: Boycott Chik-Fill-A

-Owned by an advocate for Focus on the Family, donates lots of money to them, to the Prop 8 campaign, fires employees who are queer or are not Christian

-WWU introduced it to the west coast

Also, Boycott Rockstar energy drinks

-They're owned by a very homophobic family who also donate money to Focus on the Family

For more info on other companies, Google search HRC Buyer's Guide

Meeting today! VU 462b 4pm

We're continuing our discussion on diversity today.  As well as talking about the event we just had. 

Keep an open mind and be thinking about Privilege and Stereotypes.

Read this if you get a chance: www.case.edu/president/aaction/UnpackingTheKnapsack.pdf

Thank you,
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA

Also, Rhode Island Governor is scary: http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/rhode_island_governor_doesnt_want_you_attending_your_partners_funeral

How are we doing?

Hey Everyone!

If you have any comments, concerns, or critiques about the club and wish not to have your name attached to it, here's a way for you to anonymously message the Exec Board! Click the link below or copy it into your address bar and you will be directed to a page where you can send us a comment. Whether or not you give us your name or e-mail in the message is entirely up to you.

Here is the link:
http://www.delphisstudios.com/qaafa.html

We look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks!

Andrew Stewart
Queers and Allies for Activism
Publicity Chair

Meeting Tomorrow will be intense (VU 462b 4-6pm): Diversity Training

Hello everyone, I'm emailing you all about tomorrow's meeting.  It is going to be very intense.  We are doing Diversity Training. 

We are going to be working a lot with your own personal identities as well as your prejudices.  We will explore Privilege.  It will be very emotional, but hopefully very meaningful and will be very bonding.

Here is the article you should look over.  It is about White Privilege, but that is not what we will be talking about.  Pay close attention to the list.  It helps you start thinking about your Privilege.

www.case.edu/president/aaction/UnpackingTheKnapsack.pdf

Thank you,
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA

Meeting in VU 462b at 4pm. Bring snacks!

Hey everyone, bring snacks to today's meeting (i'll have some, but i can't buy too many).

We're going to be talking about tools to be an ally. What do you say to someone when they make an ignorant comment? how do you stop someone from saying "gay?"  Get the tools you need. 

Also, if we have time.  Pictionary for election day celebration. :-)

Thank you,
Josh Foley
QAAFA Coordinator

Minutes Oct 27

October 27, 2009

Attending: 31

Announcements:
-Women’s Center
--Casting Call for Vagina Memoirs
---Cast is limited to women and trans-identified, but men are welcome to participate in the process
---Auditions are Nov. 2, 3, and 4th from 7-9 in Fairhaven Auditorium
----No acting experience necessary
---Performances in February
-Colin Watrin
--Looking for people from all club categories for Inter-Club council
--Work to get more money for WWU with Alumni association
--Interested in either of these? Let Colin know!
Check-ins: Name, how you’re doing, and something physical you like about yourself
Icebreakers
Nash Residence Hall
-Josh is going to RA Staff Meeting and Hall Council to talk to them about homophobia and what to do when you hear homophobic contents
-Also we will make a bulletin board: talk to an exec board member if you have any ideas
NEXT WEEK’S EVENT!!!!
-Want to do something that raises visibility of queers and allies on campus
--We should have ally ribbons there
-What?
--Taking pictures of people with whiteboard statements
---With prompts
--Ally Ribbons
--Information on invisible minorities
--Other queer resources
--Easy ways to be an ally
-Where?
--In the VU
-When?
--Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
--10-3 Wed, Thurs
--10-2 Fri
--If you can work, answer Blue’s email
---Be specific if you have to leave early for class

October 20 minutes

October 20, 2009
Attending: 36

-Check-ins
-Blood Drive going on – men who have had sex with men are not allowed to give blood
--Because of AIDS scare
--Law was up to debate two years ago, and it was upheld
-Committees!
--Kyle, Social Chair
---Getting to know you events inside the club
---Works with other clubs to put on events etc
--Maria, Speaker and Ed Co-Chair
---Brings speakers puts on educational events
--Andrew, Publicity Chair
---Wants people who have connections/experience with KUGS, newspaper, etc
--Midnightblue, Events Coordinator
---Separate committees to plan events
--Can be in more than one committee, but don’t stretch yourself too thin
--Not the only way you can be involved
--Sign up for committees was passed
-Tabling on Vendor’s Row next week, every day 11 am-2 pm
--Inform people of Ref 71, tell them to vote yes
--List serve for club
--Sign up on paper of by emailing Blue
-Out-of-Club event this weekend
--11 am-1 pm Saturday at Bellis Fair
--Flash mob freeze – freeze in same-sex couples in positions
--March with signs too, to support Ref 71
--Very vivid protest
-Ideas for first event!
--LGBT families
--Ally activism
--Gender neutral housing and bathrooms
--Support awareness
--Homophobia statistics
--Visibility!!!! – in Red Square
--Speaker (maybe later)
--Plan next week to have in planned by first week of November
--Think about it and bring back ideas next week to plan!!!!
-Shirts
--Very bright blue
--Base price $10, make a profit for our club
--Josh gets loan from Activities Council, we order shirts, then sell them as soon as possible and pay loan back
--100 bright blue, 50 pink ones
-In November is Transgender Awareness Day
-Gay children’s books!
--Story time and discussion

Just fyi here is another opportunity to help the campaign for ref 71

R-71 phone banking, protest & Pub Crawl!!!!

 

The local Referendum 71 group & WATER71 (Whatcom Advocates to Enact Referendum 71) will be working together over the final 2 weeks before election night to get out the vote and urge people to approve R-71!

 

The Following is a list of events coming up:

 

Phone Banking every Monday evening @ Planned Parenthood 2300 James St. #207 (across from Youngstocks & a block from Trader Joes) from 5:30 to 8.  If you are interested contact Stephanie Kountouros @ Stephanie.Kountouros@mbpp.org to help

 

Protest/Information Sharing Thursday @ 5 in downtown Bellingham @ the federal building (corner of Cornwall & Magnolia), grab your friends and allies and come spread the word to Approve R-71.  Bring signs and a jacket, as we never know what our weather will be like.

 

Pub Crawl also on Thursday starting @ 8 @ the Copper Hog (On State st between Holly & Magnolia) .  We will than continue on to Casa Que Pasa, Grand Ave. Ale House, Ranch Room & end at Rumors around 10ish!  Come grab a drink & spread the word.

 

Betty Desire will be sitting outside the federal building pretty much every Mon-Fri until election day to provide information for R-71.  If you are available to sit at the table you can contact her @ thebettypages@gmail.com, even if you only have 15 mins to spare, she can use the company or a break!

 

Election Night Party!  The Local R-71 campaign will be @ Rumors on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd starting @ 8 pm.  We will watch the results come in and celebrate a hard fought campaign, while hopefully (and we will be doing this!) celebrating approval of R-71.  Drinks are on special that night and we are working to have snacks available as well.

 

Please pass this along to everyone you know and urge everyone to vote!  We need all the support we can get and if someone can't afford the stamp offer to mail it or better yet take the ballot directly to the court house on Grand Ave.

 

Thanks,

Nick Milhoan

Water 71

Today's Meeting VU 462 B at 4PM

Hello everyone! Hope your weekend was fantastic.

Today's meeting is going to be very chill/fun.  We've had some intense ones so get ready for a relaxing laid back meeting.  Bring snacks to share if you want!

Here's what we're doing:
Committee explanation and sign up
Tabling sign up (the exec board decided we need to do something asap for ref 71)
Planning of future event
QUEER CHILDREN'S BOOKS READING AND DISCUSSION
Get-to-know-you games


Get ready for some fun. :-)
Thank you,
Josh Foley
Coordinator

Meeting minutes, Oct 13

October 13, 2009
-Betty Desire talked about Referendum 71
--Ballot committee to raise money for Ref 71
--Tabling from 9 am – 5 pm in front of Federal Building
--People are confused about whether to approve or deny (APPROVE!)
--Informational pub crawl, week from Friday, 7 pm (for over 21)
---Rally in front of Federal Building before hand, at 5 pm
--City of Bellingham voted to be in favor of Ref 71, 5 in favor, 1 abstention, 0 against
--Check out The Betty Pages at www.thebettypages.com
-Chelsea with the Pride Foundation
--Pride Foundation is a scholarship foundation, partner with GSBA
--Putting all scholarship applications online
--Over 50 scholarship to give away, only one application
-Feminist Connection in VU 565 tomorrow at 7pm
-How to Be an Ally tonight at 7 in VU 56
-Committee Presentations
--Kyle, Social Chair
---3-4 person committee
---Fun ideas for in-group activities
--Midnightblue, Events Coordinator
---Separate committees for each event
---3-4 people
---People who have good ideas, like to plan things
---Even if you’re not on a committee, if you have an idea, share it!
--Andrew, Publicity Chair
---Want people with connections to places like KUGS etc
---Sometimes does projects (like last year’s wedding event), will call for people to assist with those
--Maria, Speakers and Education Co-Chair
---Bring in speakers
---Looking for 3-6 people who have good ideas, connections, energy
--Interested in future involvement? Join a committee!
--Sign up next week, email with more info will come out
-Continuation of Coming Out Stories conversation
-Queer Movie Night, October 22, 7 pm – 11pm
--Bring movies you want to share, or see Kyle or Midnightblue with suggestions
--Bring food if you want
-Think of events for Ref 71, we will PLAN it next week!!!!!!!!
-Interested in going around downtown with Ref 71 posters, email Josh

Tonight's meeting

Hello all!

 

Just a reminder of our meeting tonight from 4 to 6 pm in VU 462 B, as usual. The topic for today's meeting will be a continuation of the Coming Out Stories conversation from the LGBTA's program last week. Also, we'll have a few guests at the beginning of the meeting including a presenter from the Pride Foundation.

 

Hope to see you there!

 

Thanks,

Sara Tomlin
Asst. Coordinator

Bellingham City Council Discussion of Ref. 71

Hello all, tonight there will be a discussion brought up within the city council about the city of Bellingham and its potential to support the approval of Referendum 71. I encourage anyone that can attend do so because this will be a great way to show your support for equality. If you wish to read more on the topics of discussion for tonight there is a link I am posting below. Best wishes with your evening everyone and I hope to see you there.

QAAFA

I hope this link works
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/story/911011.html

Why We Fight discussion

Here's the notes from the "Why We Fight" discussion from Tuesday's meeting.

Why We Fight
-To make our voices heard
-Because I feel that love if the highest good a person can experience, and to tell someone that they are doing it wrong is the most ridiculous and cruel oppression imaginable
-To break down systemic privileges
-For the family I have and the family I want to have
-So I feel comfortable around my friends
-So I can start a family one day
-Because everyone deserves to be treated equally
-To break down stereotypes
-For the integrity of the constitution
-Because all people are created equal and should be treated that way
-Because, having grown up in a conservative house, hating who I was, I feel obligated to educated people on gay issues
-Because you should follow your heart!
-Because I think traditional religious values should not mix with government
-Because everyone should have equal rights
-I don’t think anyone should be judged or belittled for who they love
-“My silences have not protected me, and your silence will not protect you.” –Audrey Lord
-For others’ rights and for my own
-To teach younger generation
-Fairness and justice
-Didn’t have a chance to fight for queer rights in high school
-I fight so that I can have all options on the table
-Don’t want anyone to have to live through what I did
-To build up the community
-To bring allies and queer people together because a support network is important
-For comfort, security, and peace of mind
-Because if we aren’t interested in our own rights, who will be?
-I fight because everyone deserves freedom, equality, respect, and to always feel good, safe, happy, and loved.
-At my HS one year the purpose of the Day of Silence was “broadened” to be less “controversial”. Frankly, that kind of pissed me off. Also, being queer myself and having a Trans brother doesn’t hurt. I fight now because I’ve never had an opportunity before.
-I fight because I grew up in a very accepting community. The community was so accepting that it was so accepting that it was not until 6th grade that I realized people were persecuted for loving who they wanted to. I want the children of the future to grow up like I did, but without ever having to feel like they can’t be who they are because of other people.
-I fight because I want to be able to feel comfortable being gay in public without fear of being judged.
-To empower people who grew up in fear. Coming from a conservative Middle Eastern background I feel like I finally have the chance to voice my concern for people’s freedom.
-I fight because equality makes sense, and because I feel it’s the best way to educated closed-minded people J
-Because everyone should be treated equally
-I fight to break down injustices within our own (LGBT) community
-To help those whose voices have been silenced
-Matthew Shepard
-To offer everyone a chance at liberty
-I grew up around homophobic friends and family and my brother recently came out as gay. I’m here for the learning experience and to learn more about my identity
-Because the most dangerous element in society is IGNORANCE and to make changes and create space for “all of us” we have to “fight”

Who is affected?
-Everyone. The more hate there is in the world, the more chance you will be hated.
-Younger siblings: “The thing I find wrong with the Bible is that it says it’s bad to be gay. But how can it be bad to be gay is gay means happy?”

How do we fight?
-Without understanding the other side’s reasoning, you can’t hope to persuade them
-Tell your friends and family
-Make sure you’re there for people in the community
-One act of defiance can make all the difference for someone
-There is no one way, but propaganda and protesting really have large impacts on different people-Put a face to the word “gay”, “Trans”, etc
-Listen and be receptive, answer questions

What do you need to keep you going, make you feel safe, etc?
-A smile
-Support
-Knowing that there are people out there who care
-Educated
-Positive reinforcement
-Ally ribbons!
-Say hi, check in
-All-inclusiveness
-Learn names
-Call people out for language: be an Ally!


Have anything you want to add? This list is by no means complete and is always growing a changing.

Minutes 10/06/09

Check-ins! How is your week going?
Social activity ideas with Kyle!
- Movie night: Oct 22nd at 7 pm
-If you have any other ideas, let Kyle know!
Why We Fight
-Who is affected?
-How do we fight?
-What do you need to keep you going, make you feel safe, etc?
Referendum 71 Article Discussion
-Poll across WA state, 51% said approve, 44% said deny, 5% said undecided
-Make sure you tell people to APPROVE it
-This is not marriage!
Tabling Friday 11-3 in Red Square
Carpool for Sunday
-Meet at VU at 10:30
-Rideshare Offered/Wanted on Viking Village
The Word “Queer”
-Used to mean “strange”
-Later became derogatory
-Now became an all-inclusive term (easier and more inclusive than saying “LGBT”)
-Not everyone is comfortable being referred to as “Queer”, don’t identify as part of queer community, still see it as bad, etc
Shirts
-Website didn’t have aqua, did have yellow/green, darker green, and light blue
-Darker green
--Pros: gender neutral, bright, happy color, very popular color, works with white and black,
--Cons: blends in with everything, very popular color, dark, passive
-Yellow/Green
--Pros: attention grabbing, means slow down, gender neutral, BRIGHT
--Cons: obnoxious, lettering clashes
-Blue
--Pros: blue is beautiful, most people like it, opposite of pink, pretty, goes with lots of other things, more subdued, makes people more comfortable, balances out pink, black lettering looks good on it, makes it look more inclusive
--Cons: doesn’t stand out as much,
---Gender perception (color of boys)
---Gender binary with pink already
-Blue was passed
-Lettering
--Black, white, purple, pink, orange,
--Voted on black or white, black won
--Pink
---Pros: really cute, continue trend from last year
---Cons: not inclusive, puts binary on shirt
--Purple
---Pros: gender neutral, dark and able to be seen
---Cons: too close to blue
--Orange
---Pros: Very bright, fabulous
---Cons: Hard to read against blue, don’t go together
--Purple wins
--Vote between black and purple, black won

Queers and Allies for Activism meeting 4-6 PM VU462B

Hey just a reminder of our meeting today.  The discussion is "Why We Fight."

 

 

Thank you,

Josh Foley

Coordinator QAAFA

 

 

 

Articles for future reference.  There is an article attached that I forgot to add to my last email.  We're also voting on shirt color again, you can email your preference.  The three options are at the way bottom of this email. :-)

 

Here are the links to the others again:

Don't ask don't tell:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113434316

Maine Marriage

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/10/analysis-gay-marriage-ban-is-underdog.html

Laws to date:

http://www.examiner.com/x-23164-Tampa-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m10d4-Gay-marriage-battles-loom-in-several-states

 

TODAY'S MEETING:

 

Ref 71:   http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2009/09/22/poll-r-71-vote-will-be-close

 

SHIRTS:

http://www.customink.com/designs/q3/14532688-3118599/hotlink?cm_ven=hotlink&cm_cat=2&cm_pla=Body_txt&cm_ite=design

http://www.customink.com/designs/q2/14532680-3118599/hotlink?cm_ven=hotlink&cm_cat=2&cm_pla=Body_txt&cm_ite=design

http://www.customink.com/designs/q1/14532670-3118599/hotlink?cm_ven=hotlink&cm_cat=1&cm_pla=Body_txt&cm_ite=design

Minutes 9/29/2009

Sorry this didn't come earlier: Minutes from last week's meeting.

September 29, 2009
Meeting begins at 4:00 pm
Introductions – name, major/concentration, and why you’re here
Attendance passed around
Safe Space Rules
Confidentiality
Share the story, not the names
Step up/step back
NO derogatory language
Use positive language (“Yes, and…” not “No, but…”)
Speak about your own experience (don’t present your opinion as fact)
RESPECT
Be open minded
Don’t put others down
Use self-proclaimed language
Don’t put labels on other people
Don’t interrupt, even if you don’t agree
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or ask questions
Introductions of executive board
Josh Foley, Coordinator
Sara Tomlin, Assistant Coordinator
Midnightblue Auld, Events Coordinator
Jana Gueck, Asst. Events Coordinator
Andrew Stewart, Advertising Chair
Maria Bruno, Co-Speakers and Education Chair (Gina Cole Co-S and E Chair)
Kyle Halford, Social Chair
Josh introduces club – why he started it, what we do, nature of QAAFA, what we have done in the past
Levels of membership
High (come to most meetings, volunteer for most events)
Medium (sometimes go to meetings or participate in events)
Low (just get emails)
Ben Crowther presents Seattle Equality Weekend (Oct 10-11)
Saturday – “Thinking Queerly” workshops at Seattle University, HIV/AIDS Vigil
Sunday – Equality March w/ speakers and rally
Email bencrowther@hotmail.com for more info
Josh motions to give Ben’s organization $20.00 from QAAFA budget for advertising
Andrew seconds motion
No debate
In favor: 33
Abstaining: 1
Shirts
Same design
Order 50 of pink color from last year
Vote on color for others (100)
Purple
Pros: reminiscent of Barney, mix of pink/blue, uncommon, Erika’s favorite color
Cons: not as bright, kind of gender specific
Votes in favor: 0
Lime Green
Pros: very bright, not gender specific
Cons: design hard to see if in white, could blend in more
Votes in favor: 9
Turquoise
Pros: looks good, stands out, “in” right now, writing easy to see
Cons: slightly gender specific
Votes in favor: 20
Turquoise is chosen as next shirt color
“Homework”
Try to be epitome of social justice
Correct your own language
If you feel comfortable, correct other people
Next time:
Conversation on why we fight – stories on why people are here, why they want to make a difference
If you’re not comfortable talking in front of the group, email Josh

Why we fight?

The theme for tomorrow's meeting is "Why We Fight."  Think about why you fight for equality.  Why are you passionate?

Meeting is in VU 462 B from 4-6pm again.

Also we're going to discuss Ref 71.

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2009/09/22/poll-r-71-vote-will-be-close


We also need to discuss shirts.  I couldn't get the color we voted on.  Here are our options:

http://www.customink.com/designs/q3/14532688-3118599/hotlink?cm_ven=hotlink&cm_cat=2&cm_pla=Body_txt&cm_ite=design

http://www.customink.com/designs/q2/14532680-3118599/hotlink?cm_ven=hotlink&cm_cat=2&cm_pla=Body_txt&cm_ite=design

http://www.customink.com/designs/q1/14532670-3118599/hotlink?cm_ven=hotlink&cm_cat=1&cm_pla=Body_txt&cm_ite=design

Thank you,
Josh

Here are articles for future meetings:
Don't ask don't tell:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113434316
Maine Marriage
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/10/analysis-gay-marriage-ban-is-underdog.html
Laws to date:
http://www.examiner.com/x-23164-Tampa-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m10d4-Gay-marriage-battles-loom-in-several-states

The day was wrong

Hello everyone, the last post originally said that the meeting day was Wednesday, but they are actually Tuesday.

Also, this blog will start getting more active. Our weekly meetings start this week, so articles we discuss, links and informational posts will be much more frequent.

Thank you,
Josh

Questions? email me:
foleyj2@students.wwu.edu

Room and Time are Final :-)

Ok everyone here is the new room and time this quarter:

TUESDAYS
4-6 PM
VU462-B

We're doing it a little bit differently this year. As you'll see I blocked off 2 hours for our meetings. This is for a couple reasons. Sometimes we need poster/prep parties and its best to have a room figured out, but also, we're going to have a lot more discussion and support this year. :-)

Tentative plans for the year
Fall Quarter: APPROVE Ref 71 work
Winter Quarter: Queer Self Esteem
Spring Quarter: Spirituality, Culture and Queerness

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL AGAIN!

Thanks,
Josh Foley

Bad News...

Referendum 71 got the signatures it needed:
http://capitolhillseattle.com/2009/07/27/referendum-71-backers-turn-in-signatures-counting-begins

What does this mean?

Ref 71 is a referendum intended to revoke the newly passed Domestic
Partnership Bill that gave "everything but marriage." The revoking of
this would be similar to, but worse than Prop 8.

Why is this worse than Prop 8?

Both take away rights that were newly given, but Ref 71 is more
straight forward hate. The reason Prop 8 was introduced (and the
majority of arguments against same-sex marriage) is the fact that
Marriage is a religious institution. The religious right constantly
said that they wanted all to be equal, but that same-sex couples
couldn't call it marriage. This is what Washington did with the
Domestic Partnership Bill. Taking this away is saying blatantly that
same-sex couples are not equal to hetero couples. This IS hate.
There is no "sanctity of marriage" argument. This the religious right
saying that Queer people should not be equal to hetero people.

WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO.

If all the signatures are approved, we are going to be doing a LOT of
campaigning at the beginning of next year, so be ready.

Spread the news!
Thank you,
Josh Foley

Welcome to the QAAFA Blog!

Stay tuned here for information regarding Queers and Allies for Activism meetings and activities!