A report from the first IRC/teleconference meeting of Bradley Manning supporters coming together via this website and the mailing list. Interested parties, please note the next meeting, tomorrow (Thursday).

On Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 9:11 PM, Rumi  wrote:

Dear Supporters,

Today we had our first official (and extremely successful) meeting of the Save Bradley Manning Campaign.  I’m glad to report we have an talented group of dedicated activists working on this issue, and they bring together a whole array of experiences and skills.

This call was very productive and incredibly inspiring.  However, there is still much to be done.  Please join us for our NEXT CONFERENCE CALL ON THIS THURSDAY AT 8:30 PM EASTERN/5:30 PM PACIFIC.  The conference call number is +1 (661) 673-8600, Participant Access Code: 974507#.  **Please be sure to check your email prior to the call in case the call-in instructions change. **

Here are some of the initiatives we will be beginning.  Please review this list and think about which particular initiatives you would most like to contribute to.

1.       Initiate Contact Team (Manuel) – Our organization has been unable to make contact with Bradley Manning.  Manuel is spearheading the effort to contact Manning, make him aware of our efforts and find out if he needs anything.

2.       Tech Team (Nadim)– We are very lucky to have a skilled group of tech geeks (I use the term lovingly) from around the world who will be ensuring that we have a secure, accessible site to exchange information and involve as many volunteers as possible on this campaign.

3.       Activist Outreach Team (Manuel, others) – There are several peace groups and activists groups whose values are in alignment with our own. We will be reaching out to them in the coming week and asking for their support. Current groups include Amnesty International, Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace.  **If you would like to suggest another group, please let us know. Please especially let the group know if you represent an organization that would like to support Manning.**

4.       International Outreach Team (Charlotte, others) – We will be reaching out to peace groups and activist organizations internationally.

5.       Social Networking Outreach Team (Rainey, Mike, others) We are coordinating a group of individuals to increase our social media presence and begin online events to support Manning.

6.       Mailing List Moderation Captains (Several) – While the free exchange of ideas on the mailing list has been fun, it’s getting excessive.   We’ll be putting 3 moderators in charge of the mailing list. There will be no spam or cyber bullying.  We will divvy up the mailing list according to participation levels.  End result: fewer complaints about too many emails. Please be patient with the mailing list for the next couple days while we get this ironed out.

7.       Trust Fund – one of the most functions of our organization will be ensuring that Manning has support when we he is freed.  We are very grateful to have one lawyer willing to volunteer on this issue. **If you are a lawyer or feel you can assist in this, please let us know.**

8.       Media Upload - We are establishing a secure mechanism for uploading media contact information so we can pool our resources prior to our first official press release. We’ll let you know when this is ready and where to securely upload your media contacts.

9.       Writers Group and Editorial Board - We will be establishing a working group of writers to publish to our blog and press release.  If you have been considering working on a story, please get started on it (or at least on a proposal) now and we’ll hammer out the editorial board to ensure quality and consistency at the next meeting.

10.   Wikileaks Team – We have organizers who are going to interface with Wikileaks as needed. Wikileaks is not behind our organization; we are only concerned individuals who want to speak out.

Next Steps

Our next call is in 3 days.  It will be THIS THURSDAY (7/15) AT 8:30 PM EASTERN/5:30 PM PACIFIC.  The conference call number is +1  (661) 673-8600, Participant Access Code: 974507#.  **Please be sure to check your email prior to the call in case the call in instructions change. **  If you cannot attend, don’t worry and just try to make the next one.

I will send around an agenda prior to the call. If you have items you would like added to the agenda, please let me know.

Remember- time is of the essence. If you have been waiting to do something for Bradley Manning, then please use this as your call to action to get started.   Our time is short so please don’t wait to get involved. Three things you should do today before you go to bed:

1.       Send Bradley Manning a letter and mail it to

Inmate: Bradley Manning
TFCF (Theater Field Confinement Facility)
APO AE 09366
USA

2.       Start working on a blog post for our website or a Letter to the Editor for your largest local paper.

3.       Tell 3 friends about Bradley Manning and urge them to sign the petition and fan our Facebook page.

I am very proud to be working with this group.  Please brainstorm about ways you can help spread the message.

Best,

Rainey