TOWN HALL MEETING MINUTES - November 9th, 2003

Minutes From Town Hall Meeting November 9th, 2003 @ The Butchershop Floor

inutes from the community meeting, november 9th.
okay, so this is my take on it. no doubt there's stuff missing as well as many vague notes. feel free to make corrections as you see fit :) i also have a nicer formated version if someone wants a copy...

pi.

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Burning Man - Vancouver Community meeting
Sunday, November 9th at The Butcher's Floor ($45 rental paid for by Jody).


Attendees: Delyse, Jody, Just Ed, Forbes, Steve K, Matt, Ryan Mediavictim, Mike Cabana Boy, Pi, Warren QB, Ron, Squishelle, Syria, Charles T, Tom, Yolanda, Zobeewa.


Meeting began at 6.30pm.
Attendance recorded by Squishelle.
Time kept by Mike Cabana Boy.
Minutes recorded by Pi.
Chaired by Warren QB.


Agenda agreed upon and lead speakers designated.


<- Definition of the Burning Man Community - Jody ->
- Provided a history of the BMVan community.
- Predominately came into solid existance after Burning Man '99.
- Now is an optimum opportunity to examine aspects of the community there there seems to be questions.
- BM Regional Network is trying to give support to the local communities.
- We choose the relationship with BM LLC, as per local environment, situation, etc..
- BM LLC is to publish guidelines for "Burning Man brand" use, which will require subscription to the BM LLC's policies. This may necessitate the need for a formal local structure to interact with the BM LLC.
- To formalise may only require taking the current "organic" processes and recognising / documenting / institutionalising them. [This is my wording - Pi.]
- Regional Representatives are merely communication nodes between the local community and the broader BM community.

- the Regional Representatives welcome any questions that may arise.
- To take advantage of BMOrg's institutions, BMVan would be required to follow specific guidelines.

- Questions and discussion about who is the BMVan community.
- Questions and discussion about the distinction or lack there-of between BM events and BM inspired. For example, fundraising events compared to Burn in the Forest, which is funded due to these fundraising events.

- Attempts were made to define what is and how BMVan works.
- Warning that formalising BMVan may result in loosing what it is that makes it Burning Man. Desired that the joy of inclusive events such as BitF be retained.

- the Parallels Mission, Vision, etc.. was distributed by Delyse.
- Short discussion on why Parallels exists.
- A wish to end up with a mechanism to relate between macro-BMVan and micro elements within the community.

*smoko break*

<- Burning Man Vancouver’s Structure - Ron ->
- Numerous desires seem to be present with the community. These include:
-> A formal entity with a Board, Treasurer, etc, such as necessitated by not-for-profit organisations.
-> No formal organisation - which runs into issues upon acquisition of assets. A solution to this is to not have assets, where events are self-funded for example.
-> Mid-organisational structure - where once an event is agreed upon, a small group takes on the majority of the organising.
-> Constant re-evaluation of who we are, locating our trust in the people of the community, as opposed to constitutions. May run into problems with liability issues.
-> Co-operatives - soft-organisational structure with membership with allows privileges and commitments to the community.
- The need for structure also stems from the need to be able to be visible to outside groups. For example, when negotiating venues.
- Possible outcome could be BMVan is an umbrella group where communication is the key role between smaller groups within the community. However, maintaining some whole BMVan events.

<- Recompression planning - Squishelle ->
- BM LLC’s definition of a Decompression is read (located at
http://www.burningman.com/blackrockcity_yearround/special_events/decompression/index.html).

- BMVan definition of a Recompression is read by Jody.
- General agreement to begin throwing out venue ideas onto the Recompression email listserv, with advertisement on the main BMVan email listserv.

<- Artists Against War presentation - Steve K ->
- Who is the Artists Against War.
- Request for either Santa or at least, Santa suits for upcoming action.


<- Announcements ->
- Santacon Bellingham - Saturday, December 13th.
- Santacon Vancouver - Saturday, December 20th.

<- Potlucks - Squishelle ->
- Purpose to foster casual events - not meetings, not parties.
- the Butcher’s Floor available as an available space (also available for workshops, etc.).
- First Potluck to be at the Butcher’s Floor - Tuesday, December 9th.
$5 or less donation plus food. 7pm to 10pm.


Next BMVan meeting - Sunday, January 18th, 2004. Venue to be announced.
Possible agenda to include a report on Community Structures by Jody and Ron.

Meeting concluded 9.20pm.

 

 

 

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