These notes came from Thanks Giving Council and were circulated via
e-mail for a while. I asked if it was o.k. to publicly post and was told
that it was. They were originally written by Joan but had contributions
and updates from several.
On a personal note, I'm asking for some respect here. If this turns out
to be an active thread can we discuss the contents only and keep from
Flames, conspiracy, NRMT, Permit and other topics that tend to drag
these discussions down the toilet. If someone posts those types of
responses PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THEM.
Thanksgiving Council of the Rainbow Family took place at Acorn Commune
in Virginia on the Weekend of November 25 through 28, 2004. As we
circled to open the Council on Friday the 26th, a Rainbow-streaked cloud
and two large black birds appeared in the sky.
On the first day, we set a list of items for discussion. One young
brother told of having been given advice from a Lakota Sioux woman
elder, who said that the Native Americans
are ready to accept Rainbow as a tribe, but we need to clean up our act
regarding the Counseling process. She suggested we adopt a method which
has four facilitators, one in each direction, to keep the circle focused.
Crow came from California to clarify the
Vision Council consensus for us. The sense of that council was to gather
in the Appalachians,
however one brother kept blocking such a general consensus, stating
again and again "Vermont isn't ready". Another brother kept insisting
he would block unless some agreement was reached regarding a year-round
place for Rainbows. The Council agreed to support the idea, but could
not do anything physically to further it. So Consensus was reached on
the "Greater Mid-Atlantic Region". Crow stated that that did not
include Florida, Georgia, or areas West of the Appalachians.
We discussed Demands for Resources ($), including Water, CALM, Food, etc.
Potential sites, National Forest Districts, States and regions were also
covered, as well as who would be willing to Scout, and some of the
difficulties of the Virginia Forests, due to their patchwork quilt
appearance, because of so many Œinholders‚. Folks spoke of problems
they felt we would encounter if we gathered in places where we were not
invited, in particular West Virginia. Feelings are still strong due to
past issues (murders and heavy-handed law enforcement) from the 1980
Gathering there. These memories still weigh heavily on many of those
who spoke, and the same Sheriff is still in office.
We established the beginnings of the Interim Bank, with Horse and White
Owl being nominated. At that point, we decided to wait until the next
day (when more folks had arrived) to fill out the rest of the Bank. As
we were deciding this, another Rainbow appeared above us. We also
discussed establishing a PO Box and Bank Account.
The bond which formed between Katuah and NERF brought to mind an earlier
Vision of FERN, i.e. Families of the Eastern Rainbow Nations, and there
was discussion of combining the kitchens. Sanity prevailed, as we
realized we could cook a lot more food as two kitchens, so we agreed to
camp near each other, and create a FERN neighborhood at the National,
including others as well.
Regarding Water issues, Hawker stated that
it costs the Family over $5,000 each year for pipes, fittings and filter
supplies. Of these, the
fittings are the most expensive, but by buying them in bulk, money could
be saved (as much as 80%), whereas pipe does not get marked up so much,
so savings would only be 5-15% on that. Most of the Family‚s pipe is
out West right now. (Val has since phoned to say he would bring some
fittings this year, but not the west coast pipe.) A request was made
that the big kitchens each bring their own pipe (1000‚) and fittings and
faucet 1/2" - 3/4" NSF approved (no utility) pipe is best, also adapters
and barbed fittings to connect it to the main line and a faucet on the
end. Hawker also has access to in-line Katadyn filters (ceramic type),
which someone can make for between $70 and $150 each. It would be a big
saving in labor over the old pump filters if each kitchen had one of
them as well.
Bulk food contacts were mentioned, but tabled until we know what region
the Gathering will be held in.
Day 2 - Bank Council was filled out, with the addition of Shakti and
Joan (who will act as scribe, due to distance from VA) It was decided
to get a PO Box in Charlottesville, to get a Bank Account (with Paypal)
and that 3 of the bankers would meet on or around January 3rd, to open
mail and deposit any checks.
We decided that some groups would meet in smaller councils later, such
as Bank, Scouts with folks with maps, Scouts with folks to talk about
what to look for when scouting, and recycling; in order to expedite the
larger circle.
We created a list of side topics for further discussion.
Scout Rendezvous was set for the weekend of April 1,2,3, and ongoing?
Two locations were offered for that to take place. Both locations are
near Floyd VA. This is because of the availability of a good map
library (Blacksburg?) nearby that many past scouts liked. The location
will be posted in the month of March, only. The phone number will be
announced as the time approaches.
A general information phone # for Gathering 2005 was offered, which is
the DC Lightline, 202-PYREMAL, or 202-797-3625, since this is a no
call-back number, two other folks offered to help with that part.
It was consensed to hold Spring Council on Memorial Day Weekend.
We also discussed things such as Community Impact, need for a Holding
Camp (including fears that some would show up right after the Florida
Gathering), outreach/networking, BENEFITS, and Front Gate. It was
stated that there is a new energy at the Front Gate and those who want
to help should do just that, help, and not try to take over.
The Army barracks tent, which NERF brought for this Council, will stay
in Virginia over the winter, so as to be more readily available when
needed next. It is a 16 x 40 tent with many potential uses for the
National. It needs some further repair, and some was done on Sunday.
Scouts met with folks with maps, and
also got a list of things to look for. Yo Mama's Kitchen folks are available
and eager to scout, among others. They might also consider being the
Holding Camp kitchen. Bill
showed them on the map the places where Katuah has had regionals and
Joan went over a list of what is required for a good national gathering
site with several of the guys.
Total Bank collected over the weekend
came to $317. Reimbursements for food came to $82. A kind brother paid the
$95.00 for the Portalette,
which the host community had requested, so that didn‚t have to come out
of the Hat. This left $235, and as of this writing a PO Box has been
rented costing $36. The address is:
Rainbow Peace Gathering 2005
P.O. Box 4591
Charlottesville, VA 22905
A Bank Account has been set up and Info on how to donate, other than
just sending a check, can be found on a secure website as follows:
http://www.geocities.com/rainbowpeace2005
In general we had a great get together with Katuah and others doing
kitchen and NERF contributing a huge tent. Acorn Community was a
wonderful and gracious hosts and we all enjoyed learning and sharing.
Many thanks to them for their effort in making this council happen so
smoothly (and the warm hot tub!) They are interested in keeping this
relationship going throughout the gathering and mixing the Rainbow and
Community energy together. Many rainbows contributed time and energy to
Acorn, and some even contributed money!
