[mgj-discuss] Re: comments for tonight's meeting

[Joey Hipolito]

I unfortunately won't be able to make it to tonight's meeting, but I
just wanted to throw out some comments.

1.  Although vision is important I feel that it needs to fluid and
developed through action.   Unfortunately, a discussion of vision at
this stage can become consuming of time and energy, when it really does
not need to be.   On the other hand, when we spend our time developing
our unique actions, MGJ grows with energy, excitement, and inclusion
(most importantly, more participants).  If we take a look at the goals
that came out of our small group discussions there is great overlap and
clarity.    We should focus on the overlap and not the minutiae and
should not be scared with moving forward broadly, because in many ways
the nuances of our "vision" is in actuality defined in hindsight.

2.  Towards that end, it would be good for MGJ to develop certain
concrete achievable goals.  This discussion is critical not only the
aforementioned reason, but particularly because when we go into
communities to work with other groups they like to know what we are
working on specifically not what "vision" we have.  In many ways I
believe we have commonly agreed on that-- we will organize an event for
the WB/IMF spring meetings.  In addition, we may work with other groups
with an event on May Day.  That to me seems like more than adequate
vision and direction.   Now we just have to start mobilizing.

3. A common goal that all of us mention is our desire to work with
local groups.  Its a topic that came up during our mobilizations for
September and as well afterwards.  I too consider it essential to the
future of MGJ.  Its an admirable goal that can easily be achieved by
literally building those connections-- attend  meetings, listen,
communicate, and support the neighborhoods.   Its as simple as taking
initiative and showing up.

So I once again must remind people that there is a ton of opportunity
within the DC Jobs With Justice coalition and its member organizations. 
DC JwJ is a local coalition that is supposed to fight for local/global
justice.  By playing an active role within it and the members, we do not
have to reinvent the wheel.  Once again I would encourage people to look
over the notes for the retreat that spell out the strengths and goals of
the member groups and start making those connections.

4. I agree strongly with Adam's statement that we are stingy with our
endorsements.  We must remember that endorsing simply means that we have
overlapping goals, not necessarily that we agree on all levels.   We
can't work in local coalitions or any coalitions for that matter without
providing endorsements.  It will simply turn people away from working
from us.

5. As part of a discussion of vision, I think its important for us to
confront our abilities to mobilize people whether that is to come to
events or at this stage to even make it to meetings.  We may have good
ideas but we need to continue to energize individuals and create the
buzz necessary to propel us forward.  We can create that buzz with an
inclusive attitude in our meetings and community relations as we work
towards a specific action, not necessarily by trying to split hairs,
predict the future, and complicate matters.  The latter to me is
alienating.

Happy holidays!

j