Mainers for Cynthia McKinney Meeting Minutes 04/27/2008

1. Head-Roc & Jared Ball Tour – Anna
   
   Head-Roc & Jared Ball, D.C. Statehood Greens, have put together a presentation called Capitol Resistance, which discusses the role hip-hop plays in the media. They are traveling with this presentation and have expressed interest in bringing it to Maine on behalf of Cynthia McKinney. Anna has been in contact with their scheduler, who is also Cynthia’s scheduler, and she thinks that, if we could provide a venue and places for them to stay, they may be able to meet us half way on travel costs.
   
   Anna suggested we aim for an end-of-summer date for a fundraising event, and contact other groups such as the League of Young Voters for assistance in making this happen. Anna will follow up on this and report back next meeting.
   
   Anyone interested in helping on this issue contact ajtrev@gwi.net

2. Virtual House Party – Jacqui
   
   The Run Cynthia Run campaign (Cynthia’s national campaign) does a “Virtual House Party” every Sunday evening, where 10 or so states from around the country host a house party with the aim of raising $1000.00 for Cynthia’s campaign. During these parties, about 45 minutes in, Cynthia makes contact via phone or Skype, thus participating virtually. In Maine, the event would start at 8:00 p.m. Suggested places to host are at Jane’s house in Harpswell or the Adams Melman House in Bath.
   
   Some discussion took place on whether the time would be feasible on a Sunday for those that have to work the next morning. Suggestion was made that we start the house party at 5:00 p.m., and have Cynthia’s part be the last thing we do. Jacqui will check back with the campaign in regard to timing.
   
   The committee decided to participate in the June 15th Virtual House Party.
   
   Anyone interested in helping on this issue contact jacquio50@yahoo.com
   
   At this point, Rosalie posed the question of why we are here today and what we hope to gain from what we are doing. We took a moment to go around the room, each of us expressing why we are in support of Cynthia McKinney. Responses included the diversity that Cynthia brings to the Green Party; her ability to further the development of a viable third party to challenge the two-party system; her namesake and reputation as an unflinching progressive force in her 6-term Congressional service; the fact that she is a peace candidate as opposed to the war candidates produced by the Republican and Democratic parties; and a loyalty to working for someone that has selflessly and tirelessly committed to promoting the values that we all share. From this discussion, it was concluded that we must not forget the causes that lead to our work; we must promote these values, and take moments like this to step back and remind ourselves why we are here.

3. Report on Green Party tabling at the Mid-Coast Green Collaborative Expo – Jon
   
   We had a table at this expo, which centered on sustainable energy. It was a 2-day event, where we raised awareness for the Green Party and Cynthia McKinney. We handed out all of the fliers we had made up for the MFCM committee. We sold Green Party bumper stickers, t-shirts, and party platforms.
   
   One of the first questions many people asked when engaged in discussion of the Green Party was, “Who is your Presidential candidate?” This provided opportunity to talk about Cynthia.

4. MGIP Convention May 18th in Yarmouth
   
   Cynthia will likely not be able to attend our State Convention. She has other states asking for her on the same date, and ones that are more crucial to her campaign (in Maine, she already has a vast majority of support).
   
   However, Bruce has accepted to speak in Cynthia’s stead. We will have a table at the Convention. Tony and Anna were given the banner material donated by Stan, and will find out about having it painted or printed. We will also have more handouts and buttons for tabling.

5. Website – Bruce
   
   Now that the website is up and running, Bruce asked for responses and feedback. The only new addition was an “Articles/Video” tab.
   
   The committee agreed that it is user-friendly. All are pleased with it.
   
   Jacqui has sent the link out to state and national lists.

6. National Convention in Chicago July 10-13
   
   In order to secure the van to Chicago we need a down payment, which amounts to 8 people giving $20/each for their seat. This $20 will be deducted from the approximate $175/person cost of riding the van to Chicago.
   
   By the end of the meeting 5 people had made their $20/person deposit. We need 3 more to travel by this method.
   
   To make your deposit, contact azeli@marlboro.edu

7. Request for Fundraising Ideas – Jon
   
   Jon asked for a brainstorm session for fundraising ideas. The responses included: A local foods dinner, where we would charge per plate; a Rock ‘n Roll Revival party; a Hawaiian night (Jon being a founder of the Hawaiian Greens could speak on Hawaiian independence issues); a phone-bank; a mailing; and a silent auction.

8. Next meeting is scheduled for May 25 at the Adams Melman House, 212 Centre St in Bath. For directions or carpool options contact jacquio50@yahoo.com

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