Present: Darren, David, Nicole, Possum, Rachel (facilitator,) Todd (minutes)

Agenda:

1. Updates 2. Proposals 3. Promotions 4. Next Meeting 5. Picnic

Action Items:

* Call for people to work on Fall launch event. Email darubagrumpypants at yahoo dot ca to get involved.

* Call for requests for topics for future AFU courses. Email parsons at math dot toronto dot edu to make suggestions. Will be posted online, in the hopes of finding a willing facilitator

* Location for next AFU meeting (August 6) must be determined

(all emails are written out long to thwart spammers)

Notes:

1. Updates

Event with Richard Day was a success, with approximately 30 participants. Todd is looking to organize a similar event with Nick Dyer-Witherford, author of "Cyber-Marx".

2. Proposals

Three proposals were discussed, one for the end of summer, two for September term.

* Darren proposed:

The UN-lecture series.

As part of the Anarchist U's long series of attempts to redefine what it means to get a "university" education, this lecture series will consist of 6 weekly evening lectures. Past course facilitators will be invited to come back for one night and lecture on their favorite topic. Topics are to be from previous courses, or peripheral subjects related to those courses.

The intention is turn the idea of a lecture on it's head, and encourage class participation, discussion, and a robust attempt to come to a further understanding of the topic area. All the while being sexy and belligerent and taking back the lecture hall!

- main concern was how Darren would encourage group discussion: would use active facilitation, break-out groups if attendance was high, would send an abstract/questions as part of advertisments. - series will be promoted in NOW Magazine; hoped to generate interest for Fall term - first unlecture proposed: end of July, with Chris S. speaking on how chaos and disaster are incorporated into culture - wanted to use Alan's space, if available

Proposal was approved.

[NOTE: postponed until September]

* Nicole proposed:

LIFE DRAWING

A weekly, 10 week class for people at all levels of ability wanting to work independently to develop their drawing skills and to pursue a variety of techniques and media. Paper and pencils will be provided, though participants are encouraged to bring their own materials. Models will hold poses of varying lengths, from quick 2-minute gesture drawings to detailed 20-minute sketches.

The class is open, with no instruction. Class size is limited to 10 people. Classes will be 2 hours long, followed by open discussion.

- concerns raised: strategy for dealing with inappropriate actions toward models, accessability of materials, diversity of models (gender/colour/shape/etc.) - Nicole will ensure drawing materials are avaiilable for people who cannot provide them - inappropriate action not considered a problem; life drawing is a common practice without such issues; anyone acting inappropriately will be removed - a call-out will be sent to the AFU list to seek models with different bodies. - Rachel will assist Nicole with contacts. Some volunteer models already - discussion as to best time/day for classes (need natural light) - location to be found - discussion of open vs. closed participation; open favoured - to start in September

Proposal tentatively approved, but require a group of confirmed models first.

* David proposed:

"Russian Capital Formation"

- to provide detailed description at next AFU meeting - David and his partner wish to collaborate with others on an ongoing research effort to answer the question "who rules Russia?" An effort to understand the abrupt change from Gorbachev/perestroika to the violence and oligarcy of today. Look at the role of capital (corporate connections, eg. Canadian mining companies.) Many theories for collapse, much scapegoating. - many publishing on these topics inside Russian Federation face political repression. - goal: to produce an anonymous research paper that can be posted online, as a resource for activists in the Russian Federation - will collaborate with activists and academics in Russia - already have contacts there, as well as with faculty at York U. - can provide translation, readings - can provide space - questions to ask "who is the ruling class in Russia? how did they acquire power? to whom are they connected? what happened in the civil war?"

Asked to bring detailed proposal, list of themes, and 10 week action plan to next AFU meeting.

3. Promotions

- discussed collaboration with likeminded groups (Toronto School of Creativity and Inquiry, Institute for Anarchist Studies, etc.) - need to find these groups, both in Toronto, and in nearby cities (Kingston, Guelph) Produce up to date networking contact lists? - to organize group carpool to Renewing the Anarchist Tradition conference in the fall - need to engage with anti-authoritarian academics (esp. grad students) to teach in their areas - Todd will maintain a list of requested courses on the website; hope that people will look at the list and volunteer to facilitate a course in their areas of experience. Need to send call out for suggestions to list - Darren's UN-lecture series will generate interest for Fall term - Darren has offered to faciliate meetings to plan a Fall launch event, but will not be avaiilable end of August. Seeks participants in planning group.

4. Next meeting

August 6. Location TBA.

5. Picnic

Much fun was had by all involved.

-- AnarchistU - 25 Jul 2006