What a good turnout at last night's meeting, Monday Feb. 10th. Thank you all for coming out in the cold to create a critical mass for the CoC here in London. Thank you Jessie and others for the snacks!!
You will be receiving the minutes from our secretary, Aldous Smith. It will be complete and accurate with names, contact information, etc. The minutes of all past meetings are posted on the website and on Facebook so you can check them anytime if you have missed a meeting.
We have eight issues, campaigns, or areas of activism going right now!!! We need you to pick one issue or campaign and let us know that we can count on you for a few hours of your time. Every one of these issues is vital so that we do not sleep through the gradual takeover of Democracy by the Harper government and its corporate agenda.
Trade Justice London presented the main topic of the evening, with an action which followed. Marie France, who represents LACASA (Latin American-Canadian Solidarity Association) is working with TJL because of LACASA's history in opposing previous attempts by powerful corporations to control Latin America through trade agreements. She and Aldous shared the strategies of successful campaigns which defeated past trade agreements. Their work continues towards opposing CETA and the TPP.
Jeff and Shirley are asking London to be one of the cities to kick off the new push back against privatization of health services. It will involve door to door campaigning. We have to let them know if we have the people to turn out to do this.
Celeste and Margo are really working hard on the food security issue by campaigning against neonics and pesticides used on nursery plants that make them unhealthy for our pollinators. They have succeeded in getting a grower of non GM seed nominated to the city Agricultural Advisory Committee. All the rest of the members are main stream farmers, so this is a big step. TREA's program Thursday at Grosvenor Lodge is about neonics. Food Not Lawns is also involved in this issue.
| Topic: Neonicotinoid Pesticides - Why Can't we Just STOP? Presenter: Maureen Temme Date: February 13, 2014 Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm Location: Grosvenor Lodge, 1017 Western Road For more information call: 519-685-2845 |
The Solidarity Film Coalition, which meets every Tuesday at the Central Library near the Red Roaster, is completing plans for the April 4,5, and 6 "Water Rights" film festival at Museum London. The three main films are Blue Gold, Waterlife, and Bottled Life with shorter films, speakers, and a "Water Walk" event for families and children.
George Crowell has informed us about changes in the strategy to switch to greater use of the Bank of Canada. We will hear more about this campaign at our next steering committee meeting.
The Regional Social Forum is meeting at Tolpuddle Saturday, Feb. 15, 1-3. The CoC is involved in several components of this important movement. The Forum will be in London at the end of June or beginning of July. The National Social Forum will be in Ottawa the end of August. This is about the survival of Democracy and the demise of the Harper agenda of corporate rule. We will have busses leaving from London so that many of us can join the rally in Ottawa.
David is planning the next CoC program around Gaza's Ark. We will keep you posted on the date and the program - please keep both Monday, March 17 and Tues. March 18 open - we will pick the date shortly.
Julie has started an Environmental Book Club the first and third Thursdays, 7-9, at the Landon Library. The first meeting will be Thursday, March 6. The focus will be environmental/social issues around the world. Bring books and or titles you have read and would recommend to others.
We are supporting the Opal Alliance in solidarity with the Oxford Coalition for Social Justice by joining the rally every Friday at 3:00 pm against the proposed Walker Landfill. We meet at 193 Duchess Ave. (Wortley Village) at 2:00 pm and ride pool to the rally location in Ingersoll, Woodstock, or at the gates to the Beachville Quarry. 510-601-2053 for a ride.
The April meeting (date to be announced) will be a costume and prop making party. Creative work with music and laughter. Most materials will be provided (you will get a list of contributions you can bring). We will use our creations in our First Annual Earth Day Parade and will store them to use in future rallies and campaigns.
The steering committee (open to those taking leadership in any of our campaigns) will be meeting soon. If you are interested in becoming more involved let us know.
TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS - SEND THIS TO YOUR CONTACTS - SHARE THIS WITH GROUPS YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH - THERE IS LOTS OF WORK TO DO AND IT IS MORE FUN WITH LESS STRESS WHEN THERE ARE MORE OF US DOING IT!!
Roberta Cory, Chair
Council of Canadians, London Chapter
