HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED AT THE AUGUST 9th MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING:
Kelly Caldwell, GP NOW Communications lead presented the new form for proposals for activities, which is now viewable here.
Chair Rosa Colquitt described her ongoing efforts to contact chapter members, to find out their interests and encourage them to become active in the chapter’s work. Many members are active in other organizations and are encouraged to come to our monthly meetings to share their experiences.
Holly Hart announced the formation of the chapter’s Lesbian Caucus, so that lesbians can provide social support for each other, and work together within the chapter on issues of particular interest to us as lesbians. Both outdoor meetings in parks and zoom meetings are anticipated. Lesbians interested in the Lesbian Caucus can contact Holly at hollymhart@gmail.com
The Working Group on Violence Against Women and Children will review all relevant national NOW issue policies and present proposals for programming and action on particular issues. Samantha Berg, a new chapter member, is an expert on prostitution and the Nordic Model. See her website: https://johnstompers.com/ We are looking forward to her presentations. The pandemic has increased the number of women who are prostituting themselves because of unemployment, in Portland and elsewhere, in order to support themselves and their children. Women interested in the Working Group on Violence Against Women and Children, please contact Holly at hollymhart@gmail.com
The Working Group on LGBT Rights will review all relevant national NOW issue policies and present proposals for programming and action on particular issues. There is already particular concern about the transitioning of minors, with the large increase in the last few years of girls reporting “gender dysphoria”. Members interested in the Working Group on LGBT Rights can contact Holly at hollymhart@gmail.com
Kelly conveyed Linda Jenkins’ treasurer’s report of $2,184 in the Greater Portland NOW bank account.
Rosa spoke about the importance of establishing collaborative norms in everything that we do, in all of our teams: committees, caucuses, working groups. How we treat each other matters. Clarifying what each of our roles will be matters. A focus on intersectionality matters. When we come together to get things done, we need to set aside our differences and focus on our shared goals.
Linda Handel asked whether the Agenda for each meeting could be sent out at least a week before a meeting, so that members have more time to think about particular agenda items, for a more informed discussion at meetings.
It was suggested that all chapter members become members of the Greater Portland NOW meetup page, where many chapter activities are first announced: https://www.meetup.com/
Rosa announced that after adjournment of this and other monthly meetings, the Zoom connection will be kept open for those who want to continue discussion. About half of the 20 present did continue to discuss a variety of topics for about a half hour after the formal meeting adjourned, so that was a welcome innovation in these times when we are unable to meet in-person, so that it is more difficult for us to get to know each other.
NEXT MONTHLY MEETING WILL BE AT NOON ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11th, at Noon via ZOOM.
