15th September 2021 Open Meeting Minutes
Chair: DB
Apologies: SM, JK
Present: Ten people including Committee, a member and three guests
DB welcomed everyone to the first meeting since March 2020 and the first one that he was chairing since DH stood down as he has left Norwich.
Committee roles:
DB explained the roles of each committee member.
Activities since the last open meeting:
AIUK long term strategy:
DB outlined the items that will be the future focus of work- economic, social and cultural rights, antiracism, freedom of expression, individuals and communities at risk, human rights crises, human rights frameworks. We await further information on these.
DB pointed out that national members and activists may become community organisers planning and developing their own campaigns.
Group survey:
DB pointed out that group members had been sent a survey.
About 20 replies from over 100 names on our database.
Letter writing was a low priority but help with fundraising was more popular.
Speakers at meetings was popular.
Actions and reports:
Giulio Regeni:
DF explained the case and the decision to reduce activity on the case due to the limited available information. The writing group has been disbanded. DF and DB will keep a watch on any activity and call upon the group if required. ACTION DB, DF
Kashmir campaign: Groups in the Midlands were proposing a campaign. As our group proposed the AGM resolution we need to take part. DB will attend an online meeting on 16th Sept and report to the next meeting. ACTION DB
North Africa network:
We have opted into this network during 2020. We receive regular newsletters detailing cases, and background information. The network is run very efficiently. JK had prepared a case action on Aser Mohamed and ten copies were circulated. The network covers all N Africa countries.
Children’s network:
A newsletter is regularly sent but the emphasis of the group is now on youth activism and human rights, and not working on individual cases.
Feminist network: RC detailed two cases and circulated a letter action about the case of Aster Fisserhatsion in Eritrea. 23rd Sept marks 2000 days since Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was detained in Iran. There is a vigil in Westminster on that day.
Rainbow network:
DY reported that the coordinator is moving from Norwich but he hoped that a meeting will be held in the new bookshop in November to progress setting up a group. DY offered to act as coordinator for its first year to see if it becomes established. ACTION DY
Local news:
Bookshop
This is moving to St Benedicts, very likely in October. It is closed now in Unthank Rd preparing for the move. The committee will consider moving our monthly meetings to this venue. The new shop may offer events, such as poetry and music.
Writeathon:
DY reported that he hoped to organise this for 16th October in the new shop. He hoped it would last for 10 hours and attract local media publicity. ACTION DY
Peace Camp:
This will be held in the Forum on Sat 25th September. We have a stall booked and helpers are required. ACTION DY
Peace vigil:
This is held on the first Sat of the month, noon to 1pm, next to the railings of St Peter Mancroft. All members are welcome to attend.
Write for Rights:
This will be held at St Peter Mancroft 10am to 3pm on Sat 11th December.
The Mayor, Sherriff, local MPs and the local author of a children’s book will be invited. ACTION DB, DF
Week of Action:
This will be held in October. DF will prepare an action for the next meeting. ACTION DF
Fundraising
Quiz and Dips:
This is a major fundraiser and will be planned for some time next year.
Street collection:
Sat 2nd October 10am to 3pm. HQ is the Friends Meeting House. A rota was circulated and help will be asked for on the website. ACTION DB
Christmas Cards:
These will be on sale in St Peter Mancroft in the charity shop. Our order has been delivered and the shop opens in October.
AOB:
MS suggested we should advertise our meetings with posters in the bookshop and other venues.
DF offered to give a brief description of the structure and organisation of AI at the next meeting. It was hoped this would be useful to the newcomers attending the meeting.