South East Social Forum

national | anti-capitalism | news report Saturday January 17, 2004 13:23 by Roy Hassey - South East Social Forum southeastsocialforum at yahoo dot com 086-3274015

Minutes from last Meeting

Minutes from organisational meeting for protests surrounding EU environmental ministers summit in Waterford on May 15th

Minutes from South East Social Forum Meeting – 13th January 2004

1. Volunteers for chair and minute taker were asked for and Ken agreed to chair the meeting, with Roy taking the minutes.

2. It was agreed that the meeting would discuss organisation of the events around the EU Environmental Ministers meeting on May 15th and that the meeting would be divided into three parts, corresponding with the planned organisation of the May event: Alternative Summit, Protest, Carnival.

3. Clarification on the central theme of the alternative summit was requested with a discussion ensuing on what the focus should be. It was agreed that the environment should be the central focus, but broader, more diverse issues should also be included. It was also agreed that there was no Chinese wall between issues such as privatisation, housing etc and the environment.

4. The title and overriding theme of the weekend was decided on as "People and Planet Before Profit – Another Europe is Possible".

5. The composition and the role of the South East Social Forum in the organisation of the weekend was discussed with the decision that the SESF is the primary organiser of the weekend, possibly in conjunction with the Waterford Council of Trade Unions, and that the SESF is open to any organisation or individual willing to get involved.

6. The Waterford Council of Trade Unions, which meets on Wednesday 21st January to be contacted and asked for their support in the organisation of the weekend activities. This was identified as a possible source of income as the involvement of the WCTU would make it easier to approach trade union branches in requesting funds.

7. The need to produce high quality, colour posters and leaflets was emphasised.

8. Sam reported that she had approached a sister at the Ursuline Convent who was amenable to the holding of an environmental counter summit at the school. Doubts were expressed about whether this invitation would extend to the more political side of the counter summit. Sam agreed to contact the sister and find out the parameters of what could take place in the school.

9. Other venues suggested as possible locations for the counter summit include: The Rugby Club, Waterford Crystal Sports Centre, Mount Sion, De La Salle Centre, De La Salle School. Each of these to be followed up before next meeting.

10. Sam presented the meeting with a written proposal for the counter summit and carnival. The proposal included seminars on:

1. Sustainable Development
2. GMO’s, patents and monopolies on seeds
3. Organic farming
4. Protection of coastal zones
5. Biodiversity and nature conservation
6. Global warming and climate change
7. Incineration
8. Green energy (renewables)
9. Making waste pay
10. Positive feedback loops (interdependency)
11.Green transport

Also a fashion show of fair trade organic clothes and goods.

The feasibility of holding that many meetings was questioned and it was decided that some of the above titles could be amalgamated. Sam to approach environmental groups with view to asking them to get involved in and organise some meetings.

11. Roy presented the meeting with potential titles and speakers for the counter summit.

No to a Europe of War and militarisation / Yes to Irish Neutrality
Richard Boyd Barrett

Raymond Deane

Andy Storey

Michael D. Higgins

Robert Fisk

Roger Cole

Nuria Mustafa

For a Europe of environmental sustainability and against GMO's and incineration
George Monbiot

Patricia McKenna

Duncan Stewart

Incineration speaker

GMO speaker

Zero Waste

No to privatisation of public services
Joe Higgins

Dick Roche

Mick O'Reilly

DAPSE

Barry Nevin

Jack O'Connor

Mike Jennings

Yes to a Europe of social and workers rights and right to housing/Against Fortress Europe, Against Corporate Europe
Asylum seeker

Residents Against Racism

Focus Ireland

Community Worker

Trade Unionist

Jean Sommers


People and Planet Before Profit - Another Europe is possible
Eamon McCann

Kieran Allen

Ivana Bacik

Fintan O'Toole

John Pilger

Tommy Sheridan

Roy to contact the above names to ask them to speak at the conference.

12. An agenda and structure for the event was decided upon:

Friday Night: Opening rally and plenary session for the weekend under the title: ‘People and Planet Before Profit: Another Europe is Possible’. High profile speakers to be sought for this meeting.

Saturday Morning: Four or five plenary sessions on the model of the above titles, covering the wider issues raised by Ireland’s EU Presidency.

Saturday Afternoon: Protest march from Red Square to WIT @ 2.00pm. To culminate in a rally as close as possible to the WIT.

Saturday Night: Carnival with indoor and outdoor gigs throughout the city.

Sunday: Environmental counter summit with meetings and events relating to major environmental issues as per Sam’s proposal above.

Next meeting of the South East Social Forum was set for Tuesday 27th January @ 8.00pm in the ATGWU Union hall, Keyser Street, Waterford. All welcome.