Meeting Review and Events Summary

Attendance and General Notes

The meeting provided an overview of the past week's events, including discussions regarding participation in various clubs and activities aimed at increasing student engagement, especially concerning those with disabilities.

Disabled Students' Bill of Rights Committee
  • Meeting Schedule: The committee meets every Monday at 6 PM.
  • Goal: Encourage more student engagement in disability advocacy efforts.
  • Action: Students interested in joining should attend.

Valentine's Day Party

  • Attendance: Approximately 10 participants were present.
  • Activities: The party involved cookie decorating, which was well received.
    • Cookies: Decorated cookies, including allergens-free options, were provided.
    • Feedback: Participants enjoyed their cookies, especially those with icing.
  • Photographs: Encouraged sharing photos from the event for social media use, specifically asking Achilles to upload.

Cookie Supply Discussion

  • Remaining Supplies: Leftover cookies and frosting were discussed.
    • Storage: Some supplies need to be refrigerated or in airtight containers.
  • Future Events: Considerations included using decorations for upcoming events like the Paralympics watch party, suggesting that cookie decorating could be an engaging activity.

Logistics and Participants

  • Logistics: Discussion revolved around logistics for the cookie event, including supply pick-up issues.
    • Pickup Issues: Achilles reported problems retrieving supplies, which required coordination with Zev.
  • Attendee Feedback: Noted that attendance was lower due to other events happening nearby; promotional issues were highlighted.

Promotional Strategies

  • Event Advertising: Increased focus on making invitations more accessible and appealing for future events was stressed, including acknowledging that all students are welcome regardless of disability status.
  • Communication Plan: Potential need to develop key phrases to encourage wider participation was discussed.

Screening Event Highlights

  • Attendance: Low participation overall; attended by a small but engaged group including staff from the American Association of People with Disabilities.
  • Feedback: Noted significant networking opportunities despite low turnout.
  • Accessibility Concerns: Several accessibility issues were unresolved prior to the event, causing disappointment.

Upcoming Events

Real Abilities Event
  • Date: Scheduled for the 28th of this month.
  • Coordination with AU Pride: Discussion about potential collaboration and follow-up on event plans that included brainstorming ideas for future activities.
Disability Day of Mourning
  • Event Timing: March 1 is the designated day; there were questions about coordinating activities for that date.
  • Purpose: The event aims to honor and remember disabled individuals who have lost their lives due to ableism or violence, particularly filicide.
    • Importance: Emphasizes the significance of raising awareness of such issues in society.
  • Proposals: Displaying flowers was suggested as a central activity, alongside a potential vigil.
Collaboration with Other Groups
  • AGU Pride: Differentiated discussions about partnering on a range of future events, including craft activities and community outreach.
  • Active Minds: Suggested collaboration on events that combine mental health and disability advocacy. Open topic for next discussions was suggested.
  • CRGC: Potential for an event on Doris Hadry discussed; coordination with faculty and possible collaboration was highlighted.

Discussion Points on Political Advocacy

  • Response to AU Rise Up's Protest: A protest against Paul Ingracia was proposed, however, concerns raised about the relevance to DSU and whether engagement aligns with disability advocacy.
  • Concerns: The request lacked specific details indicating how DSU's involvement would be articulated and beneficial.
  • Decision: It is suggested to craft a response email outlining the organization's stance on why they feel it may not be appropriate to engage with this particular protest without a stronger case for collaboration.

Closing Notes

  • Future Planning: Wrap up of the meeting led to discussions about delegating tasks for upcoming event planning and ensuring clear communication moving forward.
  • Reflection: It was mentioned that if conflicts arise in the future, it's important to address them sooner, focusing on building joint participation and messaging that is inclusive.
  • Wrap-up: Set a plan to reconvene next week to finalize logistics and advertising strategies for the upcoming events.