BNCPJ regular meeting 7/11
    Unitarian Universalist Church

1. Introductions and greetings
    
    - List of current BNCPJ committees.
    
2. Discussed Michael Moore's _Farenheit 9/11_ in small groups and as a large group

    Bob Broad lead this discussion.
    
    Some comments made:
    
    - Any lies or errors?
        - Opening scene.
        - Bin Laden's leaving America.
        - Every film has errors.
    - How can we convert people to "anti-Bushism"?
        - Bush targetted Iraq rather than Saudi Arabia - why?
        - Republican-leaning people don't care about policy issues - it's all about cultural issues: religion, abortion, etc.
    - How do we connect with the people joining the miliary (minorities, poor)?
        - We have to go to them.
        - These can be actions of the Civil Rights committee.
        - Cultural festival: citizen police review board with minority rights organizations?
    - Future meeting idea: _Outfoxed_ movie: documentary about Fox News.
    - Recommendation of book: _The Revolution will not be Televised_ by Joe Trippi.
    
3. Discussed a proposal to establish meetings between BNCPJ members and political representatives.

    Vic Connor lead this discussion.
    
    - Every Sunday in the Pantagraph: review of legislation and votes.
    - Write letters or make phone calls on specific votes to representatives.
    - Why will they listen to us rather than lobbyists?
        - With so many bills, they don't hear about most of them.
    - How can we help Phil Huckleberry in his campaign?
        - Co-write issue position papers for website: votephil.org.
        - Money.
    - Friends Committee on National Legislation will show upcoming bills.
    - MoveOn.org also does some of this.
    - Next party as fundraiser for Phil Huckleberry.
    - Electoral Politics Committee is forming - talk to Scott Reynen.

4. Invite written suggestions for changes to the BNCPJ bylaws.

    Bob Broad lead this discussion.
    
    - Submit written changes to BNCPJ Secretary Scott Reynen.
    - Board will review and vote.
    
5. Announcements, including preparations for and details about our next BNCPJ meeting (August 1, 2004)

    - Official membership dues should go to Treasurer David McHone-Chase.
    - Coalition of progressive groups at ISU: Friday, September 10 on ISU quad.
        - Organizing meeting Sunday, July 25th at 2pm at The Coffeehouse in Normal.
    - _Farenheit 9/11_ will be out on video before election.
    - Maybe BNCPJ should sell anti-Bush merchandise.
    - Defend America, Defeat Bush bumper stickers available - talk to John Wilson.
    - BNCPJ should invest in a button maker.
    - Voter registration will close (for this election) in October.
    - Poll watching is open to anyone.
    - Students often have incorrect addresses, so go to wrong polling place.