Notes from our January 23rd Gathering

We were nine women strong. We shared some of our own stories, stories of other women, especially of women in Iraq. We shared our grievings, our anger, our hope, our fear. And we imagined and shared what Women in Black was and could be for us. Randi took copious notes:

a] The Oklahoma City blog- posting additional vigils as they arise (group agrees)
b] Silent vigils in Norman (group established 12:30 to 1:30 pm on Wednesdays, location dependent on City permit- to be determined by this Wednesday)
c] Networking state vigils and beyond; at the same time or different times- (various opinions expressed, need for flexibility acknowledged)
d] Spiritual Walk for ?(group agrees to walk as a group, meeting at 9th and Robinson)
e] Wristbands or some type of symbol to remind us of on-going vigils (youth groups could be recruited for this, Miriam offers contact person, Randi will report progress to blog- no definite design or symbol determined as of yet)
f] The silent time at vigils will help us all to go deeper and create self-awareness- a more personal space within the peace movement
g] A banner will be created - Randi and Susan will work on this this week. We want a banner by Sunday, January 30th
· We want it to include the symbolic color red
· We want it to include the WIB symbol and say "Women in black", possibly with space for more writing later
· Any statement should be positive
· The phrase "unraveling the web of war" appealed to most members of the group, but it was determined that we are not ready to permanently place any statement on the banner yet
· Individual signs are encouraged for vigils at this time to allow for personal expressions

We left with a renewed energy and a commitment to gather again.

If you were not able to be with us and would like to share your own thoughts with us please do so. We want to hear from you. Peace.