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Hey folks.

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.

Thanx
Hawker

NOTES FROM THANKSGIVING COUNCIL, 2004

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!

 
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