2025.04.14 April GOAT Community Call

GOAT Monthly Community Call

Date: April 14, 2025
Time: 9am PT, 12pm ET
Meeting Link: Social Co-op GOAT Gatherings room .
Calendar: Calendar – GOAT

Agenda

  1. Welcome, introductions, call for participation, Q&A (5-10 minutes)
  2. Proposal: Solidarity Statement for Alfredo “Lelo” Juarez Zeferino (15 minutes)
  3. Topic Deep Dive (30 minutes)
    • Fill out poll below
    • Miro Board Discussion: Link
  4. Next call will be on July 14, 2025. If anybody wants to create a pop-up community call before then, reach out to Juliet ([email protected]) to schedule.

Topic Deep Dive Poll

We allocate at least 20 minutes of each community call to an unstructured discussion on a topic chosen by the community. Many suggested topics are ongoing discussions on the forum, but you can recommend others in the comments below! Do not update the poll because it will remove existing votes.

We know its hard to choose one, so you can vote on up to two preferred topics for this quarter’s community call.

Which topic do you want to deep dive on this quarter?

Volunteer to Present!

If you’re interested in presenting about your work or research we’re happy to give you a 10-15 minute slot on the agenda. We can accommodate up to two presentations each meeting. First come first serve! Sign up by replying below AND adding your presentation to the agenda above (this post is a wiki).

2 Likes

I don’t think this is exactly appropriate for the Deep Dive, but perhaps 10-15 min to discuss and vote on this proposal I posted yesterday, that we publish a group statement in solidarity with Alfredo “Lelo” Juarez Zeferino:

If it has support, we can meet separately before and/or afterwards to work out the finer details and confirm the vote.

3 Likes

You’ve got the spot. :slight_smile: Thanks Jamie!

1 Like

Where to disseminate?

  • Is currently in discussion on forum.
  • News Letter?
  • Website?

Where to get more information?

  • Democracy now is most detailed: Where do get more information
  • More current information is difficult to find. Current best method is to search daily for updates.

How to folks feel about being associated with this letter / about GOAT posting this letter?

  • Concerned for safety in association of the letter. Not all folks are in a position to feel safe in being affiliated with such a letter. GOAT is made up of many different folks with different experiences and perspectives.
  • Historically, we haven’t formalized positions like this. Nor have we created formal releases like this. There is not official protocol. No minimum number of people to decide.
  • There are many people/ situations that deserve this kind of attention. If we do it now, are we committing to do it for others? Note: a reason Jamie brought Alfredo Juarez Zeferino to our attention today is because he is a community activist in addition to being a farm worker and we are also community activists.
  • It is important to share these stories. Individual effort can make a big difference e.g.,: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/08/us/mother-children-detained-ice-new-york/index.html

What does it mean to be a GOAT member?

  • GOAT is not a formal organization. Being a member of the community is a matter of self identity.
  • A note form Juliet: I view GOAT as a space and sometimes place for gathering. Full Stop. Its a community in the sense of feeling connected and belonging.
  • While there is no official member roster, there are folks who’s names are on the website or on this forum. We have a fiscal sponsor. So formalization or not, there are implications on how and when we communicate values beyond the community.

Conclusion

  • This is an important topic that many folks care deeply about. There is no precedence for GOAT to make statements of this sort (note, we have not released a community manifesto). Individual action is encouraged for those who are comfortable with doing so. Circle back with @jgaehring if you are interested in pursuing the statement via other avenues. Sharing stories among peers is critically important. The forum continues to be an available place for discussion, but remember it is public!
  • If you are frustrated with this outcome or are otherwise wanting to formalize GOAT processes, we have a call for participation in community stewardship.