[lavplist] Notes of last meeting; Dates to Save & Mar. 19 Candlelight vigil in Los Altos

Fri Feb 8 08:25:03 PST 2008

Next LAVP meeting: February 11, 2008

Other dates to save:

* Friday, February 15: Noon to 1 pm. Counter Military Recruitment/Iraq 

Moratorium. Grant Road & El Camino Real. See 

http://peaceandjustice.org/article.php?story=Iraq_Moratorium_Feb_15

* Saturday, March 15: Noon. Rally marking Fifth Anniversary of the Iraq 

War. King Plaza (Palo Alto City Hall). See 

http://peaceandjustice.org/article.php?story=March_15_Rally

Wednesday, March 19: LAVP Candlelight vigil, Los Altos Singer Plaza.
Details later. 

* Saturday, March 22. Time to be decided. Mountain View march marking 

Fifth Anniversary of the Iraq War. Down El Camino Real from Castro to 

Grant Road and back.

LAVP Jan. 14, 2008 Meeting Notes 

Our guest speaker was David Ledesma, who shared a tragic part of his
life as a background explaining why he is now actively involved in
counter-recruiting at local high schools.  When David was 13, his older
brother was killed in Vietnam.  His mother had to work 2 jobs to support
the family.  The pain of his brother's death was so great that he didn't
talk about his brother's death for36 years.

During the Iraq war build-up, David was very much against starting a
war.  He talked to his mother and sister about his feelings, cried and
finally talked about his brother, and his desire to join the peace
movement.  Coming to terms with his brother's death was a good growing
experience for him.  He attended anti-war protests in San Jose, learned
about his 1st amendment right to protest and decided to engage in
counter-recruiting at local high schools.  David now goes every week to
a high school to provide the students information about alternatives to
military service, such as the Peace Corps and Ameri-Corps.  At other
times he talks about how the military on average gives only $4500 for
college tuition and only about 15% of those leaving the military
actually attend college.  Buying peace buttons and peace necklaces with
his own money to give to the students, helps to engage many of them.
After he spoke at Branham High School, some of the students formed an
anti-war group.  

David made clear that he, or anyone else, needs permission to enter a
campus and talk with students.  He has worked consistently to gain the
respect of the high school administrators and is always friendly and
respectful to the recruiters whom he encounters.  Some schools will not
let him on campus.  He continues to seek access to more schools,
especially those in areas where the economic conditions make recruitment
easier.  Visit David's web site:  www.one-voice.info
<http://www.one-voice.info/>  for more information.

David's strong but respectful and friendly manner, together with the
tragic loss of his brother in the Vietnam War combine to make him a very
effective speaker.  LAVP thanks you, David, for what you are doing!

Questions and discussion followed. 

Reports/discussion

Strategic Plan for Los Altos Voices for Peace - Darwin presented two
versions of a statement prepared by a small committee.  The purpose is
to guide us as we choose speakers, activities, projects for LAVP.
Several changes were suggested and a final

draft will be presented at the next meeting.

2008 Calendar - Katrina has created an online calendar which can be
updated at the monthly meetings and will aid in noting upcoming
activities, facilitator signups, speakers, etc.

Treasurer's report: $618.50 available funds + $500. restricted for
scholarship fund 2009

Iraq Moratorium 3rd Friday events for January 18 - LAVP members are
invited to join a rally outside the new recruiting center at Grant and
El Camino at noon, or Sunnyvale Voices for Peace, curbside rally at
Fremont and Mary.

Another Library event: 

Discussion of doing another event with and at Los Altos Library.  Sami
suggested a speaker, Audrey Shabbas, who has over 25 years experience
teaching, curriculum development and training teachers about the Middle
East and Islam. She is available for

our event April 2 or 3.  Barbara Kyser will check on availability at the
Library.

Movie Night: The 2007 Iraq War documentary "No End In Sight" was
mentioned and those present were invited to preview it at Ray and Judy's
home Jan. 21st.   It will be decided at the

next meeting if it is appropriate to show at a meeting or community
event.

Book recommendation: Waging Peace by Scott Ritter

Notes submitted by Barbara O'Reilly and Donna Poulos

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