About 30 PFSNI enthusiasts met in the History Department Lounge to talk about the future of PFSNI. The major point debated was whether or not the group required more formal organization at this time, and whether there was now a core set of political concerns that required representation by PFSNI on neighborhood groups, on University committees, etc. Do we want to continue a "watch dog" function and reanimate our presence and voice?

There was general agreement that the group had social and informational roles to play that are of value -- welcoming newcomers to the neighborhood, exchanging information about the neighborhood and its institutions, providing a forum for PFSNI people to meet and talk among themselves. There was general enthusiasm for the listserver and for the Web site.

Several people expressed the opinion that current University initiatives in West Philadelphia, which followed the recommendations of the PFSNI report, had left the group without a clear agenda for change. Issues that remain now are more difficult and contentious. The issue of the need for representation and formal organization also produced debate.

It was decided to call one more meeting --- Noon on November 11, in the History Department Lounge, 329A , 3401 Walnut St. -- to discuss the future of PFSNI. At that time decisions will be made about the issue of representation, about the need for working out positions on new issues.

Should the group have an elected leadership that would represent PFSNI at selected forums? If yes, how should that group be reconstituted? What would its responsiblities be? What issues now ought to be pursued by the group? Or are we happy with reorganizing ourselves as a primarily social and informational network?

Those who wish to participate in the debate, please come to the meeting.

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Lynn Hollen Lees

Department of History

University of Pennsylvania