Anarchist Free University Minutes for meeting 5/24/09 (2:50-4:10)

Present at meeting:

-Kevin (new)
-Eileen (new)
-Possum
-Michael
-Petra

(I arrived late because I had to make copies of the proposal for investment in my loft)

The meeting opened up with Possum giving an overview of the AFU to the two new folks Kevin & Eileen.

Agenda:

-discussion of upcoming classes that will be offered -finding more locations to hold classes -Petra’s space and proposal for investment in space -time frame and scheduling and thoughts about up coming classes -wording of flyer for out reach -discussion of whether or not we want to amass capital to operate AFU

Discussion of upcoming classes that will be offered

Both Eileen and Kevin offered ideas for classes they would like to teach

Eileen-theory and criticism with a historical Anarchist perspective & -wkshp on publication & creative writing

Kevin-radical theory applicable to Kropotkin (may be taught at different levels) in relationship to mutual aid

Petra suggested an Int’l skype discussion on redefining the term “Anarchisim” so that it has a more user friendly application and understood by a larger audience

-previous classes proposed are still preparing their syllabuses for submission

Finding more locations to hold classes

-Possum checking into using the back space at Global Aware in the mkt. -Edith may be up for us using her space again (classes have been held their previously) -Petra spoke with Jo from L.I.F.T. regarding using their space on Queen St nr Universiy-positive response

Petra’s space and proposal for investment in space

-Petra brought in the proposal that came out of several meetings with the finance committee outlining how an estimated total of $350 will be allocated for fixing up her new loft so it can be used as a space for classes. The exchange will be the use of the loft for classes for 1 1/2 yrs to start. Ask for a copy of proposal for more details

Time frame, scheduling and thoughts about up coming classes

-classes are usually offered for 10 consecutive sessions -questions that came up by Eileen were…. -what is the demograthics of students? -how to make it available/draw in young ‘punks’? -(this depends on where the out reach is done and the subject matter) -we need to do more outreach for the classes

Wording of flyer for out reach

-discussed not putting the location of the monthly meeting on the flyer so there is some flexibility around this. More important to note the web site where all details are more accessible.

-need to hand out more flyers before classes start

Touched on discussion of whether we want to amass capital to operate AFU

-split on this, different perspecitives. Money could be used for speakers to come to town creating a cross pollination of thoughts and ideas. We could afford to pay them, offer child care etc. Create a pool for memebers of AFU to draw from to attend anarchist related events. Purchase books & videos (library could be at Petra’s more stable/permanent base)

meeting adjourned at 4:10pm

NEXT MEETING –pot luck to be held at petras loft-check website for details