VFP LIAISON REPORT FOR AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2006

 

  1.      The national convention was held in Seattle this last week (8/10-14) was said to

            have been the best convention ever.

 

      a.  Video of all activities is available for purchase.  I will ask the attendees to recommend

           what we should not buy and then purchase the rest of the entire conference and 

           make the DVD's available to the chapter members.  The total recommended cost will

           be around $80.  A recommendation will be made to the Funds team for proposal to

           the membership at next months meeting.

 

      b.  I will ask attendees to report on the workshops and other activities they attended in

           place of an after Action Report by myself or any one individual.  A total of 18

           members attended at least a day of the conference.  My personal highlight of the

           convention was Lt. Watada's speech and his challenge to support the families of

           those service persons who choose to follow their conscience and refuse to serve.  He

           gave his speech with around 40 IVAW covering his back.  You can see his speech by

           going to his website, ThankyouLt.org.

 

      c.  Over 500 delegiagtes attended from around the country.

 

      d.  118.00 was raised from our July meeting pass the Helmut and another $650.00 was

           raised via funds solicitation to assist needy members to attend the convention.  Three

           members were supported in attending the conference.  One member attended the

           entire conference while two members were supported to attend a day's activity.

      

       e.  Next years convention is in St. Louis.  Start saving up.

 

       f.  I was particularly proud of our chapter representatives Dennis Mill and Jodie Tiller who

           lead a workshop and Larry Kerschner would lead the poetry session of the

           convention.  They really did us proud.  You can see their contributions by watching

           the tapes when the are available.

 

  2.  Support Lt. Watada Action Team.

       a.  forming and supporting pre and post courts martial actions.

       b.  Working currently with OMJP (Friend And Family of Ehren Watada) on support

            actions.

 

  3.  Camp Susan Action.........(disbanded on day 12)  This action was initiated out of the

       a. National support group for Lt. Watada.  Our Watada Support Team has been

           participating in their meetings. 

       b. Congressional inquiry forced by a number of Oregon activist groups with the VFP 

           in Oregon taking the lead and supported by VFP around the country.

           with  

  4.  Coordinated Chapter Actions

       Sept.   8, Tacoma Arlington NW (ANW)  4 Chapter 109 members supported.

       Sept. 10, Sponsorship donation request from Vancouver For Peace received.

       Sept. 21, Discuss demonstration 9/23 and NVCD Training. All chapters invited.

       Sept. 23, Indian Island Project team Non Violent demonstration w/civil,  All

                      chapter invited to participate.

        Oct, 8-9  ANW on the Capitol Grounds, Olympia, All chapters invited.

        Oct 15-16 ANW Centralia, FOR/VFP joint Production, All chapter invited.

        **** The Portland VFP chapter 72 informed us that they will not do ANW this fall.

 

   5.  Here we grow again.

        a.  We had 2 more WA. State VFP Chapters chartered at the convention,

             Okanogan #142 and Everett #143 bringing the state total to 7.  We have

             grown five new chapter in the last two and one half years.

        b.  A group from Bremerton WA. gathered enough signatures to submit an

             application packet at the convention.                

 

 

                                            Submitted G. Jim James

                                            VFP 109, VFP Liaison