5-25-2010 Meeting Minutes for Northern WI NORML

5-25-2010 Meeting Minutes for Northern WI NORML

Present: Jay, Narin, Charity, Laura, Jessica, Robert, and new member Jay.
Notes taken by Jessica Franke

When signing up new members, just write a note stating how many new members you signed up, and how much money you collected from each one, and then give it to the treasurer.

We need to publicize that we’re accepting board resumes, and applications for board members.

We need to get initiatives on the local ballots. Jay has established contacts who are willing to file in some jurisdictions, but we do still need people who can file in many other cities, so if you know anyone who can do so, please refer them to Jay.

Calendar: we need to look into branding a calendar that we can sell or give out with a membership, to remind people about not only our NORML chapter but hemp history dates, and other relevant dates.

Membership Drive:
New membership signup forms, we need to put things up in local businesses, libraries, etc.

Oil spill: we need to reference it and make sure there is awareness – and in contrast to the oil dispersant being used which is toxic and causing additional environmental problems, why aren’t we growing hemp fibers to clean up the oil?

Berlin Journal: our meeting announcements did not get printed again – no answer from Waushara. Berlin held it off because they wrote an actual article about hemp history week and us – it comes out tomorrow.

Ripon paper will not print our meeting location because our meetings are in Berlin, but they suggested that we buy an ad.

We need to really publicize our meetings, and also take turns writing “sound off” letters to the editor, etc.

Laura got donations from business owners she knows for the potluck fisheree, she brought a large bag of miscellaneous merchandise with her and has more to bring. Awesome job!

Jay was contacted by Walleyes for Tomorrow, who may be able to donate some fishing poles for the fisheree.

Hemp foods: pick n save has a variety of hemp foods, maybe we could set aside some budget for hemp foods, or perhaps we should all try to prepare/bring hemp foods to our picnic.

Narin has been nominated as Picnic Leader, so let her know what you plan on bringing, or if you have any questions.

Princeton flea market

Markenan’s picnic is in the evening – June 12th at 5:30pm is line-up time. They will announce your organization and say a little something about it – Jay asked if we want to be in the parade? We discussed making a banner and carrying signs in the parade. Narin mentioned that we should focus on hemp, and Jay pointed out that Joan Ballweg, who sponsored the Hemp bill, is from Markesan, so it seems appropriate. We have decided to do the parade.

Laura is on the committee for the Mt. Morris picnic and parade, and she had talked to them about possibly including NORML. July 3rd. For those who wish to help or volunteer to be a part of the event, get in touch with Laura. Mt. Morris parade sets up at 10, starts at 11, is done by 11:30, and then everyone goes to the park for the picnic, which lasts until 5pm or so. (Mt. Morris is in rural redgranite, about 5-10 minutes north of Redgranite).

July – looking for an event or thing to do for July to BBG’s is willing to do a pig roast and host a couple of bands for us – something to think about. Jay would like to reserve the park, is going to look into it. There are a good number of bands who are willing to play for free – so we have those resources to work with. Everyone should investigate their area to look for events in July, august, september, october, that we can attach ourselves to.

Madison – June 7th – there is a vigil for Sheryl Miller. Several other medical marijuana patients / supporters have passed on. This is a chance to remember them.

Leah Vukmir is having a fundraiser in Madison on June 17th – Jay, Jessie, Bob, and others are going to joinj the Madison NORML protest of her fundraiser – see jay if you want more information.

Today or tomorrow morning Jay is going to go to BP to protest the flow of oil into our oceans. Anyone who wants to join him, let him know. He was thinking about it this afternoon, or possibly tomorrow morning because of the heat.

Wisconsin NORML / Madison NORML paid for a booth for Green Lake County Fair on our behalf.