October 22 2013 minutes

1. discussion:
what is the viability of capitalism?
capitalism versus mercantilism versus communism
is inequality inherent?
why is vast inequality globalized?
luxurious lifestyles of rich core nations unsustainable w/o the periphery
corporations treated legally as people, but behave under feudalism model
2. DO IT NOW:
send Chief Martin brief personal information and picture to be published on wealthgapclub.com
middle name, box number passwords
make sure to finish tasks allotted from fall break!
3. plans for this semester:
movie event?
BlueGold movie showing w/ OEC
also increase collaborations w/ Peace and Justice-- protest against school training leaders of developing countries
think about potential partners; One, BSU, spanish club, iclub etc.
use of raffle to fund raise during movie night?

Anant Vikas's mission statement

Check out this inspiring video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJOOQ5qbe5I&feature=youtu.be

I was working for Anant Vikas during summer. 

Why is wealth gap the problem?

Okay, we had a nice discussion last time. I would like to, however, point out a few problems that we will face in the future. Estiaque told us that there is no need to explain the reasons why there is wealth gap because it can extend to infinity and that we just need to realize that wealth gap exists. Period. I’m sorry to say this, but we will definitely run into many issues in the future if we don’t plan accordingly. I’m not here to defend capitalism. I’m not here to defend communism. I’m here to defend moderation. I might be considered a skeptic by some of you. I agree. I do tend to be skeptical. However, skepticism has played an important role in my life. It showed me that identity is overestimated in today’s society. People focus too much on who they are, instead of on who they want to be. What their identity is the middle-aged homeless guy roaming about the streets? If you truly want to be homeless, that’s where you are going to end up. But enough of this. Let me get to the main point.

The question here I would like to pose is this: why is wealth gap the problem? Let’s consider this scenario. We are protesting in the streets of Beloit with the banners titled “WEALTH GAP. GO BACK HOME”. Then, a bunch of people walk up to us and say “THERE IS NO PLACE FOR COMMIES. WEALTH GAP IS THE REASON WHY OUR ECONOMY IS STILL FUNCTIONING” How will we respond to that? Why do we think that wealth gap is bad? 

October 8, 2013 minutes

Plan for Vandana Shiva's arrival: March 31- April 5; set one hour for Vandana Shiva to come to speak @ protest

1. why wealth gap?: the problem of poverty 
2. goal: spread knowledge about global wealth gap 
3. how to narrow it down? ideologically, that is...
4. will develop budget plan for wrist bands, t-shirts, etc.by October 21
5. create and put up posters in advance of the event
6. continue to add materials to Wealth Gap Club blog via Technical Guru--add money boosting post, send brief and organized writing
7. Welcome our new executive member: Chief Martin!!-- Technical Guru
8. goals for this semester?: perhaps make a list of specific demands/issues to research and discuss to decide on a specific topic for the protest 

problems that cause/perpetuate poverty-- (potential focuses for the protest)
be clear w/ Vandana Shiva about topic, so she can speak about it

• Monsanto's poverty 
• lack of health care for farmers 
• agribusiness
• the Gap (clothing co) exploitation of workers 
• educational inequalities**

1. Becky, former director of Riverside Park: resource
2. Bill Conover adviser knows Congressman to visit
3. Bill Conover also has meeting topic list** focus on throughout fall semester
4. Join with other clubs to discuss topics of interest [w/ organized moderation] ie. Peace and Justice, GOGA, BSU, I club, Voces Latinos, Multicultural Club
5. Make list of speakers for Fall 2013; otherwise discussions and planning for Spring 2014 will be main agenda for this semester's meetings
6. PR responsibilities--> Estiaque, BUT poster spreading responsibilities--> Everyone!
7. Will assign specific locations for each person to put up posters

 Wealth Gap Club Goals for over the Break:

1. research methods for protesting/ other campus activism groups: Rules for Radicals-Saul Alinsky: Dylan, Yunji
2. research specific topics for discussion: Sudan, Dylan, Minh, Chief Martin
3. contact financial advisor: Minh
4. make a plan for massive advertisement--posters, etc: Estiaque