Minutes
In attendance – President, both VPs, Secretary, Lindsay, EMOs, International, IT, Housing, Entz, E&E, Women’s, Foodies, CAFGO, LGBTQ+, Disabilities, Bike Rep
Question of a TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist) coming to speak at Balliol
Her views clear the bar for free speech, President has raised this with Dean and Master, but they said that it will most likely go ahead despite resistance from JCR and MCR president.
Suggestion to buy tickets for her event, stage a protest? LGBTQ+ Rep explains that her views constitute misinformation and that she is not an expert.
Update on Housing
Priorities decided this morning, will be shared soon subject to college approval.
Bop Cleanup Crew
Olivia, Maddie, Bea, Felicity, Bella, Arina volunteer
Rent and Charges Meeting
6.82% rise likely, backward-looking (so based on past inflation). Will raise college support by same amount to ensure that is not an issue.
College Parents
Many other colleges have someone on Committee matching up freshers with college parents rather than college randomising it. Consensus – no need to change.
Useful to know who your college kids are, or at least how many you have.
Projects to improve Balliol
2nd fridge in 21 could be useful, but consensus – not needed, people can borrow a mini fridge.
Flags of all nationalities in JCR – could be a good idea, relatively cheap. But some people might feel uncomfortable about having flags of all countries. Instead, maybe a big map with pins of all origins, Internationals doing something like this.
Coffee machine in JCR, cheap coffee, bolted to floor. Lindsay states we must lease so another company can conduct maintenance. To be discussed next meeting in greater detail.
At next GM
Entz to be at front, opportunities.
Intersectional Women’s Forum
Idea of teaming up with LGBTQ+ and EMO reps to ensure that Women’s Reps do not overlook any aspects of issues that women face.
Why must alcohol bottles be bought from College?
Lindsay demands an answer. President to raise this at next meeting with Domestic Bursar. Women’s reps mentioning how this means that their social budget is insufficient as for now, alcohol is very expensive. Or maybe could ask college for cheaper wine if possible? College is required to use a mark-up on all products, explains why items in Buttery are all so expensive.
Halfway Hall
Entz didn’t realise they needed to spend on photographer out of their budget. Looking at options of taking it out of formal budget, or can introduce at GM, where very likely to pass. This can be done after Halfway Hall too.
Welfare Week
Callum wants this to be big this term, make sure events won’t clash. Welfare Reps usually organise schedule. Asks for ideas that are not tea – movie night, EMOs doing cultural café with pantry, E&E thinking of a specific welfare walk like birdwatching, LGBTQ+ book club type reading of poetry, Foodies – nice food, like chicken soup, tomato soup, CAFGO – whisky and tea (I think?), Disabilities – bubble tea, Women’s – maybe bouquet making, as long as Hannah not doing that. Entz – can’t do bop due to Dean, might try and get Llamas, Internationals – might do the map activity or add to Instagram archive, Linsday – beer pong tournament in bar run by sports societies.
Self-Defence Classes
People generally agree that it seems like a decent idea. Explore idea of JCR-MCR collaboration for higher turnout.
Questions on bar
Idea of keeping bar open on open day.
Mural in JCR
People in general like idea.
Lockers in TV Room
Big locker for sports equipment. Access via bod cards or plodge. Again, seems like a good idea.
JCR Website
Everyone sign up (30% have so far). We can add to blog on website, could be nice.
Email to Dean about Alborz
Dean has acknowledged concerns. Master has said that reporting is the right action, should not take things intro our own hands. All we can do is support those who are affected by it. Might be worth looking through college handbook and IT policy in case there is any violation of this – Dean obligated to uphold this. Idea to email Hannah about this (already CCed in email).
To be discussed next meeting
Mural, coffee machine, lockers in more detail.
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