Monday
Night Meetings Monday
Night MeetingsOne of the reasons ACT UP was founded was
because health officials, government researchers, medical bureaucrats,
doctors and pharmaceutical company executives were believed to
be "AIDS experts" and held all the power over people
living with AIDS. Here in the affected communities, our points-of-view
were made invisible and our real-world knowledge about the changes
that needed to be made to end the crisis, was ignored. Living
with AIDS, as we all are in New York City, one of the epicenters
of the AIDS pandemic in this country, we are the experts!
Further, because of the immensity of the task of ending the AIDS
crisis, ACT UP felt there was a need to make every member a leader,
rather than having a few members holding the power. That is why
there is no president or Board of Directors in ACT UP.
It is no wonder then that ACT UP is run as openly and democratically
as it is. ACT UP has no paid staff; everyone is a volunteer. The
membership in attendance every week at Monday Night meetings,
the floor, has the final say on all of the organizations business.
Because of this, the meetings can run very long and become heated
and emotional. They can also be tedious and frustrating. It can
be extremely confusing and overwhelming for new members and even
old members.
Just remember that we run things this way because we care about
what you have to say. While we ask members to wait until their
third meeting before voting, you have as much right to speak and
to be heard as anyone else in the room. We are all in this together.
If you have something to say, raise your hand. When the facilitator
calls upon you, stand and state your name before you speak.
Here's a look at how meetings work. . .
Announcements
90 second statements announcing planning meetings, updates, and
ACT UP activities.
Life Saving Information
Critical up-to-date medical information which may impact members'
medical treatment decisions.
Actions and Zaps
A working group or individual presents an idea for an action,
pertinent information, and a proposed budget. The floor can vote
to endorse or reject the action. The sponsoring group will also
request assistance from the general membership in making the action
happen.
Reports
Reports on recent actions, reviews of effectiveness of these actions,
and discussions of support of members who committed civil disobedience
Operational Proposals
Proposals for modifications to the internal workings of ACT UP.
Point of Order
Used when someone thinks we are grossly disregarding rules of
procedure, such as voting before there has been a chance for questions
or discussion.
Point of Information
A question about information needed in order to take a vote.
Calling the Question
When called upon, someone can ask the group to end discussion
and proceed to a vote. At the facilitator's discretion, this may
be denied if views on both sides of the issue have not yet been
addressed.
Friendly Amendment
Someone from the floor asks that the proposal be amended or changed
in a specific way. This can be accepted or rejected by the person
or group presenting the proposal to the floor.
The Floor
Everyone in attendance at the Monday Night general meeting; the
supreme governing body of ACT UP
Meetings Managers
Elected every 6 months to set up the sound system, take minutes
of the General Meeting, and write information on the chalk board.
Workspace Managers
Four managers are elected for six month terms to coordinate general
administrative duties, open the Workspace, and order office supplies.
At Large Representatives
Four At Large Reps are elected every six months to give voice
to the concerns of the general membership of ACT UP at Coordinating
Committee meetings, greet new members at the beginning of each
General Meeting, and facilitate new member orientation meetings.
Facilitators
Moderate Monday Night meetings using parliamentary procedures.
Five facilitators are elected to four month terms.
The Coordinating Committee
The Coordinating Committee meets Sunday night at 6:30 at the Workspace.
They compile and approve the agenda for the Monday Night meeting;
any member can attend Coordinating Committee meetings; a representative
of each committee has voting power on the Coordinating Committee
and should attend all meetings of the Coordinating Committee.
The Literature Table
All literature for general distribution is placed on a table in
the rear of the room. This includes the meeting agenda, a calendar
of events for the coming week, press clips, and other information.
The Fundraising Table
The fundraising table is located in the rear of the room. Items
for purchase include T-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, books, posters,
buttons, postcards, and mugs. All proceeds go the support the
work of ACT UP.
Paying Rent
We request you donate $2.00 for each meeting-more if you can,
less if you can't. This money goes to the Lesbian and Gay Community
Services Center, not ACT UP.
Speaking at the Meeting
Your participation during the meeting is actively encouraged.
If you would like to speak, please raise your hand to be recognized
by a facilitator. When called upon, please stand so members can
see you if you are able to do so and state your name.
Identification of Members of City, State, and Federal Agencies
At the beginning of each meeting a facilitator will ask all members
of the Police Department, the FBI, the CIA, and any other law
enforcement or information gathering organization to identify
themselves to the membership. Legally, all such agents must identify
themselves to the organization and ACT UP wants them to know we
are aware of their presence.
New Members Packet Index:
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