New American Church Association
First Board of Directors Meeting
Arcata, California, August 15, 1998
| Members present Executive Director: Guy Meeting Faciltator and Director: Bob Director: Nori Other Board Members: Jeannette, Betty, Victor, Sue ITEM 1: Opening Prayer (all) Bob opened the meeting with a group prayer. Each participant stated their vision for the NACA, as well as for the day's meeting. ITEM 2: New American Church Association Business (Guy) A discussion about the NACA's 501(c)3 status, what NACA can do to promote a ballot initiative, and whether NACA should continue pursuing non-profit 501(c)3 status or switch to a PAC 501(c)4. A discussion about proposing a ballot initiative that would sanction religious use of plant substances. The project is tentatively named "Religious Freedom 2000." Several board members felt that 2000 is too soon for a ballot initiative, since society may not yet be ready for these ideas. Some felt the initiative would backfire, bringing even more criticism to people who smoke marijuana. Several participants suggested limiting NACA's purpose to establishing a dialogue on respectful use and religious freedom. (See ITEM 2 for more discussion on this topic.) A discussion of ways to build respect for marijuana smoking. The multiple medical and industrial uses of the plant add to its credibility. The acceptance of medical marijuana and industrial hemp are incremental steps toward total acceptance and legalization; religious use is another incremental step. NACA board members voted unanimously to endorse medical marijuana and industrial hemp. Board members criticized the way the popular media (including High Times) portray marijuana smokers. NACA's purpose is to promote respectful use. Members voted to endorse an essay on respectful use written by Chris Evans (enclosed). Guy described Sweetlight Books' goals and mission, and explained how the use of peyote helped him heal a serious injury to his arm. He also described the uses of other psychotropic drugs, as they are described in the books his company has produced on these subjects. For example, Native American shamans used datura root in a ceremony to bring rain. He also explained the use of peyote and marijuana in childbirth, and revealed that his wife used these natural medicines to ease childbirth. A discussion about coming out of the closet for marijuana use. Jeannette suggested sending Thanksgiving greeting cards to friends, asking them what they are thankful for and telling them that we are thankful for pot. Board members discussed the ACLU ad that asks "Marijuana or Martini?" Nori suggested a visualization of a world in which we can smoke pot alongside those who openly drink alcohol, with full sanction from the government and the culture. Board members voted to endorse the Family Council on Drug Awareness pamphlet criticizing D.A.R.E. (enclosed). NACA members are dedicated to ending abuse of innocent families, and programs like D.A.R.E. | A general discussion on the difference between pot and hard drugs. Guy pointed out that manufactured cigarettes contain gunpowder to make them burn faster, as an example of how manufactured drugs are different from their organic plant origins. Nori pointed out that people can die from an overdose of manufactured drugs. The NACA board discussed the cultural, family and religious roots that lead people to prefer marijuana over alcohol. Guy read a list of people who support the NACA's stated beliefs and goals. Board members voted to include the list in our meeting notes (enclosed). ITEM 3: NACA Ballot Initiative Proposal (Guy & Bob) Guy and Bob said they feel the time is right to get an initiative on the ballot in the year 2000. Victor proposed preliminary, tentative language for a Religious Freedom ballot initiative, as follows: "The religious use of plant materials [marijuana, peyote, etc.] in their natural form, and the cultivation and possession thereof for such use, shall not be a violation of any law of the State of California." Discussion: accommodation in NiceA discussion about funding. Several board members suggested that NACA needs to network with groups that have successfully passed initiatives. The costs of a political campaign could range from a half-million to several million dollars. Guy said he will continue to pursue the matter on his own. He has launched his own fundraising and signature gathering drive and will continue to solicit contributions. Guy is circulating a survey asking people whether they will become involved in promoting the ballot initiative. The majority felt that it would be better to attract the interest of an experienced lobbying group to promote the initiative, rather than try to manage the campaign ourselves. Nori offered to contact the Drug Policy Reform Network, Marijuana Policy Project, George Soros, The People Have Spoken, and others who have successfully gotten initiatives on the ballot. ITEM 4: U.N. Declaration of Human Rights (Nori) After a 30 minute break, the group reassembled to finish the agenda items. This section of the meeting opened with a moment of silence for POWs and other victims of the American drug war. Nori presented Article 18 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Board members voted unanimously to endorse the November Coalition's statement concerning the drug war's violation of human rights (enclosed). ITEM 5: Pray For Peace Foundation (Nori) Nori described the Pray For Peace Foundation. PFPF members are committed to the legalization ofsacred natural medicines for spiritual healing, for all people. She showed board members a Shiva-lingam (representation of Shiva) and explained how Sadhu Hindus offer ganja (cannabis) to the Shiva-lingam as a form of worship. See article on Ganja in Hinduism. Nori mentioned that the weekend marks the celebration of Krishna's birth in India. She offered a written description of the holiday to be entered in the meeting notes(enclosed). The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6 P.M. |
Pray For Peace:
End the War on Drugs
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