Anarchist Free University General Meeting - August 24, 2008

In Attendance:  Nick, Jason, Isaac, Christian.

Minutes: Nick

Facilitator: Christian

Agenda:

1. Overview of AnarchistU for newcomers
2. Course Updates
3. Promotional Material
4. Money
5. Stone Soup
6. Other Issues

Overview:

• Christian explained briefly how the AFU operates, what our general goals are, and how the organisation is structured.

Course Updates:

• Philosophy of Emmanual Levinas is going well.
• Carpentry course was previously approved for September, and a few venues are being explored for it.  The first venue is "The Storefront" at Bloor and Ossington, and the second is "Linux Caffe".  The Storefront may be willing to work with us in the future to provide space for a course.
• Christian is considering doing a class on Radical Economics, though no dates are set.
• The "Radical Pedagogy" workshops appear to be on hiatus, currently.

• Isaac played with the idea of putting on a Clowning workshop (Possibly Heath Ledger style? :-P )

Promotions:

• Christian created a poster which is designed to be printed in full colour, and may be presenting it soon once he gets it printed.

Money:

• We reviewed the money situation -- no change.  Some money (about $150) had been allocated for promotional materials last month.  Otherwise, no change.

Stone Soup Pot-Luck:

• Both Christian and Nick have been in contact with Possum about the possibility of reviving the Stone Soup Pot-Lucks that were previously held at Bike Pirates.  Current issues are securing a venue, since Bike Pirates has packed up shop.  Nick suggested the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, which he is a member of.  Linux Caffe was mentioned.  Nick and Christian may be discussing the issue further.

Other Issues:

• Issues around anti-oppression and the AFU were quickly discussed, with a focus by Nick on anti-ageism and how it integrates with the vision of the AFU.  Nick wishes to bring this up at a future meeting, hopefully when more regular members are in attendance.
• Suggestions for the operation of AFU were discussed.  Jason suggested wording for some of the promotional posters that indicates people may teach classes at AFU, or use it to explore various topics they're interested in.  Nick suggested we tailor some promotional material aimed at the High School audience, and Christian replied that in the past the AFU has given presentations at alternative schools in Toronto, and in some cases those schools have accepted AFU courses as credits toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.  It was suggested that we foster connections with other activist organisations around Toronto, and that we encourage them to offer courses through the AFU.

-- NickDodds - 24 Aug 2008