Monday, 8 February 2021
7:00 - 8:30 pm EST

Present: Adam Barbara, Caterina, Chloe, Craig, Joe, John, Kevin, Richard, Ron, and Tracey
Absent: Netta and Tiffany

1. Approval of Agenda

The agenda was unanimously approved.

2. Treasurer’s Report

Richard reported that the financial update for Monday, 8 February 2021 is as follows:

• we had received 4 donations for the month of January for a net $ 129.87;
• expense for the month of January was to pay for the yearly Zoom account, $222.15;
• in the bank account, after extracting the externally restricted funds, there is a net to OBIN of $2,255.38;
• the known outstanding expense is for the video production, once the video has been accepted. The $300 honorarium for the NationBuilder programmer is outstanding.

3. Content Management Update

Barbara introduced the subject by stating how important it was to clean up the website. After a brief discussion, it was agreed that Adam, Joe and Barbara would meet Wednesday, February 17 at 7 pm to determine how best to proceed.

4. Technology: NationBuilder Update

The remaining form to be updated is the Follow Us form: Membership details. The updates should be available for C-Team review in a week or two.

5. Action Items Related to January Roundtable

a. Preparation of C-Team Members’ Video

Both Barbara and Joe agreed to prepare a 2-3 minute video as early as possible outlining their support for basic income. Other members of the Team are requested to do likewise.

6. Roundtable

a. Update from Caterina – Internal Relations

Catrina reported that Internal Relations has three projects for the year:
i) Encourage OBIN affiliates to make a submission to the Federal Budget Consultation. There is a meeting about that after this meeting, starting at 8:45 pm;
ii) To encourage Letters to the Editor. We are presenting a workshop on the why and hows of LTEs on February 22; and,
iii) Lobbying MPPs.

b. Update from Tracey re Tinsa

Tinsa is doing research for her Placement under the guidance of Tracy. The plan is to use infographics in the preparation of a paper on the Cost of Poverty and myths about basic income.

c. Update from Craig on Video Preparation

Craig has a number of activities underway, and, in particular, is creating video footage by artists

d. Quote of the Week

There were no quotes submitted.

New Business

a. Government Budget Survey

Adam mentioned that February 19 is the end date for this review and expressed the opinion that we had done a good job in promoting it on social media. C-Team members were urged to complete the Survey

b. Translation of Website Pieces into French

Joe pointed out that we have neither the funds nor the personnel to translate all our website pieces into French. John added that BICN was confronted by the same concerns. Adam proposed that as an alternative we might carry out a search for existing French articles supporting basic income.
Joe then mentioned that our OBIN team lacked diversity, notwithstanding the fact that we had a good gender balance. Kevin added that compared to indigenous groups, BLM or gay groups, who had the capacity to call upon thousands of supporters, he felt that Basic Income was far more limited in its capacity to reach out to people. John and others agreed, and the group committed to an ongoing conversation about how to diversify the movement and intentionally connect with other social justice groups and causes.

c. Discussion of Kai’s Videos

Chloe mentioned that she had not seen the video and John sent it to her immediately.

d. Incorporating Land Acknowledgement into the Beginning of Meetings

Joe introduced this subject by pointing out that many organizations have adopted this approach and suggested that we could do so as well. It was agreed that we would incorporate this into any public but not our regular monthly meetings. There was also a discussion about the need to extend beyond land acknowledgements as we work towards decolonizing basic income, and the group identified the importance of continuing to build connections with indigenous and racial justice groups.

8. February Newsletter – Reminder

John pointed out that OBIN had consistently produced a monthly newsletter and therefore, despite his own recent personal illness, he believed it was essential that we maintain that tradition. It was agreed that John and Joe and Barbara would begin work immediately on the February edition. Although no specific deadline was identified, it was agreed that the February edition should be published as soon as possible.

9. Schedule for Next Meeting

It was agreed that in future our meetings would be held on the first Tuesday of every month. The next meeting will be held Tuesday 2 March 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

10. Adjournment Time

The meeting ended at 8:20