The Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace and Brainerd Lakes United Environmentalists (BACP-BLUE) 
November monthly meeting was held on Monday, November 4th, 2024, at 6 p.m., on-line via Zoom.

 Old Business:
1. Report on the film presentation of the 2024 documentary, Where Olive Trees Weep, shown at the
Brainerd public library at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 19.
The presentation was moving, went well, and nineteen people were in attendance.  Thanks to Trish and Pat.

2. Report on the Fall BACP-BLUE Adopt a Highway cleanup. BACP-BLUE maintains an Adopt a Highway section under the identity ‘Brainerd Peace Coalition’ on Highway #371 north of Little Falls.
Five members were able to collect eleven bags of trash over a two-hour period in good weather.

3. Report on the purchase of a tarp to cover the BACP-BLUE float when it is not in use.
Larry has purchased tarps and is determining the best means to install them.

4. Reminder to vote to support the ballot measure renewing the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund in tomorrow’s election. The group voted to support the measure via the ‘Minnesotans for our Great Outdoors’ web campaign (https://www.mngreatoutdoors.org/about). 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 another 25 years.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th.

5. Report on BACP-BLUE joining 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 invited progressive Brainerd area organizations, including BACP-BLUE, to join the United Front coalition.
 It was agreed that BACP-BLUE would join this coalition. Doug has written a resolution in support of the coalition and it will be posted on line for feedback/approval. 

6. Discussion of Palestinian Support Vigil on November 2nd.
Vigil went well with 8 people participating. Seemed like more honking than during past vigils.  We discussed the subject of upcoming winter weather and how that would affect vigils.  There was a suggestion to move them to 6th and Washington for wind protection.  Also discussed how the temp, wind chill, precipitation would affect the vigil schedule and venue.  It was decided that Gayle, Dean and Doug would jointly decide on details of the vigils for inclement weather.  The decision to move the venue or cancel the vigil will be posted on Friday to the listserv.  Our next vigil is planned for Saturday, December 7th at 1 p.m. at the 210/371 intersection.

New Business:
1. Larry has been working with folks in Little Falls planning a vigil in support of Palestine. He asked that BACP/BLUE co-sponsor the event and the group supported that. The vigil will be on Saturday, November 11th from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. in front of the Coburn's grocery store. 

2. The campaign to Divest Minnesota from Apartheid Israel is picking up steam. Join us over Zoom on Sunday, November 17 at 7 pm for some exciting statewide developments and to plan for the December 1-8 Week of Action leading up to the December 10 meeting of the State Board of Investment (SBI).  Register @: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvfuivqz0rGN3nImyV6DJA-Vq6g0mkr2J-#/registration

3. Barb C informed us of the Citizen Climate Lobby (CCL) which she was involved with in South Dakota. Since moving here, she has been involved with the Northland Chapter out of Two Harbors. They meet via Zoom on the 2nd Sunday every month at 5 p.m.  CCL is relationship driven, non-partisan and promotes respectful communication. Their climate solutions focus on healthy forests, electrification and efficiency, clean energy permitting reform and carbon fee and dividends.  Barb also asked that we be involved in the Back to the Basics Day at Happy Dancing Turtle in February.  She will register for the event. More information can be found at: citizensclimatelobby.org.

Treasure’s Report-We currently have $991.89 in our account although Larry has yet to be paid for the tarps.

Next BACP/BLUE meeting is scheduled for December 2nd, 2024 at 6 p.m. via Zoom.