Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace and Brainerd Lakes United Environmentalists (BACP-BLUE) monthly meeting on Monday, October 7 at 6 p.m.- Minutes

1. Review past BACP-BLUE events, including the Saturday, September 7 and Saturday, October 5 peace vigils and BACP-BLUE hosting our table at Pride in the Park in Gregory Park on Saturday, September 14.

September 7 was discussed at last meeting. October 5th vigil had 9 attendees. Members enjoyed the Pride in the Park event and several new sign-ups were obtained.

2. Discuss the Minnesota Anti-War Committee's statewide divestment organizing call held on Sunday, September 22 and how BACP-BLUE can support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

No member present attended the zoom, although Doug tried. He is in contact with Wyatt and there is a video available. Doug will view it and send the link to the listserv. BACP/BLUE supports the BDS movement. Discussion of the MN law denying contracts to companies that support BDS could be repealed if anyone challenges it as it appears to violate the 1st amendment.

3. Continue our discussion on setting a date for a film presentation of the 2024 documentary "Where Olive Trees Weep" at the Brainerd public library. The originally scheduled date of Saturday, October 12, did not work for the presentation. Fellow BACP-BLUE members Trish Miller and Pat Scott are working on finding a new date for the film presentation.

The film will be shown at Brainerd Public Library on October 19th at 1:30 p.m. Movie lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes. We have the library from noon to 4 p.m. Pat Scott will be in touch with the librarian on details. Trish will create poster and send to listserv. She will hang some posters but members are encouraged to print out and distribute posters. Gayle will provide coffee but it was decided that no other refreshmentswill be needed.

4. Set a date for the Fall BACP-BLUE Adopt a Highway cleanup. BACP-BLUE maintains an Adopt a Highway section north of Little Falls.

Adopt a Highway cleanup will be Saturday, October 26th. We will meet at Knotty's on 371 and Morrison County Road 46 at 11 a.m.

5. Discuss possibly purchasing a tarp for the BACP-BLUE float and a canopy for the BACP-BLUE table. Longtime BLUE member John Reynolds is offering to sell a canopy to BACP-BLUE for our table.

Dean has purchased the canopy. Larry will measure the float and determine what size tarp we'll need. All were in agreement that we should purchase the tarp to protect the float for future events, especially after all the refurbishments that were done this summer.

6. Discuss whether BACP-BLUE should support the ballot measure renewing the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund uses proceeds from the Minnesota lottery to fund environmental protection and conservation projects. The Trust Fund is set to expire at the end of 2024 unless voters approve the ballot measure. If approved, the ballot measure would authorize funding for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for 25 years.

BACP supports the Trust fund and encourages people to vote for it in November. There is a site for organizations to support the trust fund, and Dean and Doug have submitted our organizations support.

7. Discuss whether BACP-BLUE should join a United Front coalition of progressive groups opposed to fascism. Brainerd Lakes Area Democratic Socialists of America (BLA DSA) adopted a resolution calling for a United Front coalition at their September meeting. BLA DSA is inviting progressive Brainerd area organizations, including BACP-BLUE, to join the United Front coalition.

BACP-BLUE will join the United Front coalition of progressive groups opposed to fascism. Historically, fascism has targeted peace groups for persecution early in their bid for power. BACP-BLUE does want to write their own resolution to include all forces or fascism regardless of political party.