Couldn't make the last meeting? Read about the discussion here!

Recap Chicago Action Corps Meeting Wednesday, June 27^th, 2012

Old Business: The Eat 4 Equity event raised $700 for Oxfam America. The event was a great way to raise awareness about the risk of hunger in the Sahel region of Africa and socialize with other Chicagoans while enjoying a delicious meal.  The Deer Tick concert was also a successful event with three Oxfam volunteers collecting signatures from concert-goers and handing out Oxfam GROW campaign buttons and information about Oxfam Action Corps and the GROW campaign. 

It’s important to have a strategy at concerts and other non-traditional tabling events. Attendees are much more likely to be willing to listen to what you have to say, and become more engaged in the conversation before an event begins. Having an opening tag line such as “Deer Tick wanted us to be here tonight to talk to you about Oxfam’s current GROW campaign,” helps engage others and connects the event  to Oxfam. 

With the growth of Farmer’s Markets in Chicago and respective suburban areas, the GROW campaign greatly benefits from tabling at Farmer’s Markets. Several members have offered to talk to various organizers of Farmer’s Markets in Chicago, Kankakee, and Naperville. A letter is drafted to send so that members of the Action Corps and members of Oxfam may begin tabling in order to increase awareness and activity with the GROW campaign.

Marketing for awareness is necessary for continued growth of the Chicago Action Corps. Several ideas include posting signs at local shops, libraries and other areas with lots of foot traffic. In addition, we will attempt to grow using contacts at colleges in the CHANGE program and local groups in suburbs. If you would like to reach out to local groups, please let us know and we can discuss more possibilities! We do have NEW business cards available!

The meeting location has been set at the Corner Bakery of 56 Randolph Street. However, the idea to rotate locations would allow more people from various areas of Chicagoland area to attend meetings. In addition, we will be attempting to use Google Hangout or another online meeting medium for people located in the suburbs to be actively involved in meetings.

Discussion about shirts and t-shirt designs! A t-shirt design contest will be held for Chicago Action Corps t-shirts. There will also be a t-shirt design and potluck party in the month of September for members to socialize, make shirts and enjoy.  An email will be sent out about sending in designs. 

Reminder of the Presentation by Roger Thurow  about his book, The Last Hunger Season. His book recreates the story of four farmers that Thurow followed over one year. Thurow is former journalist for The Wall Street Journal and current senior fellow for the global agriculture and food policy on the The Chicago Council on Global Affairs. 

The next meeting is set for July 19, 2012. Location is TBD. A survey will be sent out regarding location of the meeting.