GA Minutes - 2/12/12

Secretary: Aaron (arrived late)

Facilitator: Stephen T

Announcements and committee reports

- 8:30 pm Thurs. foreclosure meeting at HQ

- 16th March action at Monsanto HQ

- Occupy Strategy session Sun 19th, working group formed to set agenda

- Plan B committee had a meeting - Sherri has access to a building for one-time events

- ALEC mtg Sat 18th 4 PM at Ritual Cafe

- New York Times article today mentioned ODSM, quoted Jess R.

Tabled proposals

- TV show: 30 minute weekly show on cable access

q: any luck finding equipment?

a: Steve T has mini dv camera. Rod has a camera. 

Steve asked robin if tv show could use the name “Occupy the Lens” currently being used for the upcoming photo exhibit. Robin will ask other organizers.

q: Is there any cost to us for airing on mediacom?

a: Airing is free. Sherri mentioned that website costs money. Steve T said the cost was about 10 bucks and he will take care of it.

q: Has the proposal been modified such that a pilot will be made and brought to the GA for approval?

a: Yes

q: how much control will the GA have over the process and how much control will the producers have?

Julie wants GA to have consensus over weekly content prior to production.

Dennis says that the cost of production is minimal ($200). Dennis says it’s not feasible to have GA approval at pre-production.

Steve E. validates Julie’s concerns, expresses that the message will come from Occupy. e.g. will consult with and interview people from various working groups.

Steve E. says that the TV show might back a presidential candidate. Ryan is not comfortable with that. Ryan doesn’t see a need for TV show right now. Thinks our energy is better spent on direct actions.

Melissa likes the idea. Suggests the pre-production script be approved by the heads of all the committees. Melissa points out that colleges have resources. Steve and Dennis are reaching out to DMACC and Grandview.

Steve T suggests as a process: 1. editorial meeting. 2. outcome of meeting is GA approved. 3. footage is shot. 4. footage is GA approved.

Jess M suggests the production schedule runs several weeks in advance. Jess is very uncomfortable with backing a presidential candidate.

Julie likes Steve T’s model, suggests preapproval of topics.

Steve E. will no longer be available to work on the project in 60 days, due to work.

Aaron is uncomfortable that Steve E. is stepping out, since he’s the main organizer of this project, thinks that a very thorough written proposal is needed prior to GA approval.

Rod thinks the TV show is a good way to fundraise and do outreach.

Ed: Have you identified the startup costs and ongoing costs? Wants more detail on costs, says a clear budget is needed. Ed suggests producing show independently of ODSM. Ed is concerned that Steve is stepping out.

Ross advocates working group which puts together a proposal to answer all the outstanding questions.

Steve T suggests working group with written proposal outlining production timeline and budget and also a pilot episode that can be pitched to the GA as proof of concept.

Jess M wants a business plan that identifies the who/what/when/where of how the show will be made, addressing, for example, what will happen when Steve E. is gone.

Sherri stresses the importance of a written proposal, cites lack of clarity of budget.

Ryan doesn’t like that a Mediacom purchase is required to receive our show.

Steve T points out that we can make the show available on the internet, in addition to airing on Mediacom.

Deb is concerned about the fact that Steve E. will be gone in 60 days.

Steve E. has a list of 10 people who have expressed interest in working on the show.

Robin: regarding production timeline, emergency GA could approve content that is timely.

Dennis: suggests the first episode is standalone, not timely stuff, just the basics about ODSM.

Amended Proposal:

A working group will be formed to craft a written proposal that  will include budget, business plan, production process, discussion of legal releases, plus a sample script/storyboard/pilot

PASSED

New Proposals

Walmart GMO Sweet Corn Action - Mar 1st

Call Walmart customer service asking them not to sell Monsanto corn.

Also direct action at Monsanto in Grinnell.

Sherri suggests working with Grinnell directly to organize

Jess suggests direct action at Walmart not Monsanto.

Aaron asks whether its been discussed with Monsanto working group. Kaylynn says it was brought up.

Jess suggests meeting at 6pm Wednesday to discuss.

Deb wonders if this part of a larger strategy on GMO foods.

Robyn says that the Monsanto group supports this proposal.

Sherri proposes having more admins for occupydsm.org

Stephen will look for volunteers. Judd was suggested by the group.

Dennis wants to change date of open house at 500 E. Locust to last weekend in march.

Robyn points out that the Occupy the Lens art will not be available at that time.

Open Stack

Jess M wants to set a meeting time for facilitation committee, asked those interested to meet after to set time.

Rod wants to know if news crews are welcome in the space (yes).

Aaron asks for help in thinking about further changes to the new facebook setup.

Tonda notes that the toilet needs cleaning. Dennis went to look for cleaning supplies (found them).

Steve E. asks people to contact him about participating in Toastmasters and tv show working groups.

Ryan asked for clarification about the new facebook structure. Aaron explained.

Jess outlined the group schedule for the new people.

Dennis requested personal responsibility for space cleanup. Explained that there is a toilet brush behind the mirror, asked that it be used.

Melissa wondered if we had business cards. Steve T. said we’re getting some.

MEETING ADJOURNED