Agenda and notes

Meeting space - where is it in College?

We're not yet sure and because the large space (150-200 people in open space) format is being remodeled, the only spaces they have can accommodate around 75-85 in open space meeting setup.

If we only have 75 people sign up, no problem. If we have more, it will be a problem. We need to look for alternative places.

• John will be checking with hotel's in area.
• Jean Plaisir and Laurence will be checking with schools, churches, universities for other possibilities

Lodging - homestays, churches, hotels to give discounts and block out rooms?

• John responsible to follow-up with hotels
• Jean Plaisir responsible to reach out to Haitian churches. He plans to do a mailing to churches to invite members and to ask for volunteers to open their homes.

Catering

• Laurence is getting in touch with a Haitian caterer who they have contacted in past. John provided the excel sheet he worked up with hypothetical numbers.

Reaching out

• John sent 100 brochures to Laurence and about 200 to Jean Plaisir. He also gave about 200 to Guy Antoine and another 100 to Seton Law School, which is hosting http://facingourhistory.org photo exhibition.

Who should we be contacting personally to make sure they come?

• John has created a Guestbook for people to sign-in to and share thoughts and also a message board for people to begin discussing issues if they wish to. There are links to both of these at http://haitisalon.com

• Mirlande has put announcement about Haiti Salon in Eritaj Chronicle. Lily has indicated that she plans to post it on teachers listserv and in printed newsletter. Here is a sample short text for announcing it:

Haiti Salon - Sign up now to come participate in the conversations and initiatives that will help shape Haiti’s future: Brooklyn College, May 5-6, 2007. Learn more at www.haitisalon.com Questions? Contact (member of planning committee at ....or John Engle at john@johnengle.net or tel. 202-236-6532)

Weekly calls will begin again: every Friday at 11 am