March 7, 2017 Action Team Meeting Minutes
The purpose of our group is to mobilize a well organized, visible group of people to act responsively and proactively on issues that matter most to the vulnerable members of our community . We want to maintain a long term task force that can act and respond to issues threatening the safety or rights of our community members as needed.
General Discussion
- Megan will post a few examples of yard signs. People can ask for them and we’ll place an order with Vance Printing – a union shop. People can pay individually or ask for assistance from the group.
- WPA – Wisconsin Progressive Alliance is a new partner organization that organizes statewide action. We welcomed Derek, the lead organizer, to our meeting and look forward to collaborating with him in future efforts.
- Rachel gave updates on her contact with Indivisible New Glarus and encouraged us to download the Women’s March App and attend “huddles”. Also, she shared that there is a Trans Rights event in Appleton, WI on April 18 at 1pm. More information to follow.
- We also welcomed Rev Aaron Rogers who is starting “Feed the Need Ministries”. He is supportive of our agenda and is open to collaborating (and he has a food truck!!!)
Latino/Immigration Issues Group:
- Voces de la Frontera, an Immigrant Advocacy group, wants to support Beloit. They have a hotline number for ICE issues and are willing to speak to the community and get us started on nonviolent resistance training. However, we need a core group in Beloit to facilitate these efforts.
- Thursday March 23 at 5:30pm at a location TBD we will invite all Beloit Latino(x) organizations to brainstorm a organization plan to work with Voces and be a central location to disseminate information to the Beloit community.
- We hope this group will deal with Rapid Response to Ice as well as fight legislation introduced to ban Sanctuary efforts in Wisconsin. All of us can be a part of this. http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2015/proposals/ab450
- Aside from working with Voces, we will organize a non-violent resistance training for responding to ICE. Dates TBA
- We need people to show up to School District of Beloit School Board sessions to advocate that the school district announce that it is an immigration safe zone. A third of Beloit students are Latino. Board contact information is here: http://www.sdb.k12.wi.us/domain/37
- Rev Dr. Neddy Astudillo is meeting with the Beloit Police Dept on March 13 to urge them not to cooperate with ICE
- We would also like to start a listing of sanctuary homes for community members in case of an emergency. Details to follow after the March 23 meeting.
LGBTQ Group:
- Urge the School Board to support Transgender rights http://www.sdb.k12.wi.us/domain/37
- We have a listing of lawyers that will help pro-bono posted on the Beloit Together website https://beloittogether.wordpress.com/resources/
- Pride March will be planned for Saturday April 29. Details to follow soon.
- Still need a few people to identify LGBTQ friendly business and offer them a safe zone sign or a pride flag for their window.
Thanks for a great night! See you Tuesday March 7 at 5:30 at Bushel and Peck. In the meantime, stay focused, stay encouraged, and remember that we are stronger together. ❤
Beloit Together 