Cancun, Mexico, on Sept. 13, 2003

Minutes of the Working Committee Meeting.

Working Committee/Peoples’ World Water Forum Committee
For Jan. 12 -14 World Water Forum and Jan. 16 - 21 World Social Forum, 2004

Attending: Priscilla, Afsar, Sanjay, S. A., Liane, Anil, Maj, Marie, Katty, Pablo, Leonardo, Caroline

I. Infrastructure

It was decided to have only one committee to coordinate logistics for several subcommittees. A “flat structure” was adopted.

It was decided that this committee be called the People’s World Water Forum Committee, and that an effort be made to invite representatives from various identified sectors and regions to participate. These sectors included: indigenous, women, environment, labor, etc. Priscilla proposed and it was accepted that the regions identified by the Indigenous Network would be used as a guideline for getting representation globally.

Sub-committees would include: Programming (Katty, Leonardo, Afsar, Sanjay, Pablo, Anil); Finance (Anil, Caroline, Maj, Afsar, Marie, Pablo, Priscilla, Denuute?); Outreach / Communications (entire committee, Maj will coordinate), Tours / Local Logistics (local group/ Delhi), Call to Action Writing Committee (Sanjay, Liane, Maj, Priscilla) and a Liason to the World Social Forum (chosen from Delhi local group).

II. Programming

The process of deciding programming for the Forum will take proposals from groups in the “water warriors” network, as well as take comments from the web site www.igwc.org. There would be a cut-off date and then the People’s Water Forum Committee would put together the final program.

The Water Forum was envisioned to include some 200-400 attendees at a separate Water Forum held in Delhi four days prior to the WSF, two solidarity tours, and a day of programming at the World Social Forum.

That “mixed” forums would be created, so that sectors are not isolated from each other.

III. Outreach

The Call to Action would go out in a few days to be used as part of the outreach strategy. This Call would take into account statements that have been made already by other organizations about water and its importance.

In addition, a letter that several groups (those present at this meeting, and others invited) would sign on to a letter requesting the World Social Forum to allow for a day and a venue to put on a program devoted to water. The Tours /Local Logistics sub-committee would determine the right day (no conflicts) for this.

All members present committed to inviting representation from various sectors and regions identified above.

A registration process would be created, several proposals were made. The Committee will determine this at a later date.

IV. Finance

A budget needs to be determined for the events/ programming and logistics.

A Solidarity Fund needs to be established for scholarships for activists to attend. A transparent process should be created to determine scholarship awards, who do we prioritize to get help?

Fundraising ideas need to be shared with groups interested in raising funds for their members to attend.

V. Goals

That a functioning global network on water be formed.

That international solidarity be offered to the ongoing campaigns at Plachimada and Narmada.

That an outcome or vision statement be created at the end of the forum that is more of a combined strategy and vision statement by participating groups than a declaration of understanding (there are many good declarations already).