Individuals for Freethought

General Meeting Minutes

February 27, 2003

(Held at Radina's)

Members Present:

Holly Barbare

Sarah White

Sara Hupp

Leland Turner

Tom Clarke

Erika Shearer

Paul Youk

Nathan Fosse

Stephanie Fox

Josh Whitington

Ben Simmons

Other People Present:

William Wake

1) IF President Tom Clarke called the meeting to order.

2) William Wake is introduced as an Anti-war coalition representative

    a) This is explained as a confederation of several campus groups banded together in the cause to protest the possible war against Iraq. 

        He explains that the local anti-war coalition would spread awareness throughout the campus community. He further explains that 

        he wishes to form an organization just for the campus community, suggesting that IF members could come to coalition meetings, and            attend events.

    b) the coalition has not yet been formed, but is seeking to form

    c) He prompts IF to become involved in the coalition.

    d) He suggests that, even if the majority of the IF members vote for the group to be a part of the coalition, they may still vote the group out

        of the coalition at any time should they wish to do so.

3) The IF members present agree that a campus based anti-war group would be a good idea.

    a) It is noted within the meeting records that the anti-war coalition is apolitical in nature.

    b) Paul Youk offers that this might be a possibility given that most IF members are against the war.  He stipulates, however, that some are   

        not  necessarily against and mentions that according the IF constitution, members may vote for IF to be a part of this particular coalition.

        The majority vote would decide on the issue.

    c) Tom Clarke expresses his concern the anti-war movement has a reputation of being soft on Saddam Hussien.

    d) Tom Clarke brings up the issue that IF, in its nature, should be open to a wise range of individual viewpoints on the part of its members

        and not state a particular political standpoint for the group, as a whole.

        i) Many in the group concur.

    e) It is suggested by many present that it may not be wise to announce IF as a group which is fully against the war given it's diversity

4) A tentative vote is held regarding whether or not to join the coalition and/or it's formation.

    a) All members present, save Leland Turner, vote in favor of.

    b) Leland Turner objects, on the grounds that there may be IF members who are not opposed to a possible invasion of Iraq.

    c) Erika Shearer suggests that IF could simply help the anti-war coalition spread awareness of their cause, without actually joining the       

        coalition in the process.

    d) Tom Clarke explains that a vote on this issue will be withheld until next week. This way, more members may be present to cast their vote

        during the meeting.

        i) All members present agree. As many IF members as possible are encouraged to attend the next meeting.

5) It is suggested that Easter should be researched, and a play could be organized by IF as a celebration, or perhaps a discussion of some sort.

    i) Erika Shearer and Stephanie Fox presented ideas on these matters.

    ii) Erika Shearer volunteers to research this and create a presentation

6) Tom Clarke suggests that the catholic community could be more involved with our debates and discussions. This would perhaps be an

    easier way to organize the idea presented by Sara Hupp during the previous business meeting.

7) Next week's meeting will be held in the usual place, at the usual time. (Union room 207, at 7:00 PM.)

    a) Tom suggested that next weeks meeting will be a video presentation.

        i) Erika Shearer and Ben Simmons propose showing "Penn & Teller's Bullshit"

            - This is approved by all members.

8) Tom Clarke brings the meeting to a close.