[statecom] minutes of 2/6/05 Statecom (draft)

[Rob Crowner]

Green-Rainbow Party State Committee
meeting of Sunday, February 6, 2005
Jonas Clark Hall, Worcester

1. Attendance/Quorum
      Those assembled discuss the challenge of making the GRP a racially 
diverse party.

      Dan states that with 44 seated delegates, 23 are needed for 
quorum.   Delegates present: Anne Donahue, Mike Heichman (alternate), Paul 
Brown, Samantha Zitola, Merelice (alternate), Jen Mazer, Gary Hicks, Jon 
Levy, Jamie Cooney (alternate), Ron Francis, Julie Saad, Ralph Walton, Mark 
Laserte, David Rolde, Rich Zitola, Wanda Boeke, Eva Kerr, Elie Yarden, 
Michael Gainer, Dan Melnechuk, Grace Ross, Chicago Richards, Wendy Ables, 
Emily Lewis, Lisa Richards, Owen Broadhurst, Rob Crowner.  Gil Obler 
resigns by phone, allowing quorum to obtain at approximately 10:00am.  [Gil 
later arrives in person at the meeting.]


2. Motion to change agenda
      Meeting facilitators Rich and Wanda agree to entertain a motion to 
use the alternate agenda recently proposed by Adcom.  Ron explains that the 
new agenda is designed to allow the group to spend more time on discussion 
of issues important to the party, mitigating the predominantly 
technical/business character of recent meetings.  It would call for 
speakers and workshops before the lunch break, with consideration of 
proposals after lunch.
      Wanda is concerned that quorum may be lost before business is 
completed, and proposes reordering the items.  Michael notes that the State 
Committee meeting is open to non-Statecom members, and ideally could be 
used by party locals for education and recruitment.  He suggests hearing 
speakers first, then working on proposals, and concluding with 
workshops.  Eva believes the speakers and workshops are intended in part to 
work through some concerns pertaining to the proposals.  Elie wants to see 
more discussion of what the party can be.  Merelice likes the content of 
the alternate agenda, but is willing to mix up the order.  Chicago states 
that the workshops will inject the "how" of the proposals, instead of just 
the "who, what, where, and when".  Grace states that this is an opportunity 
to appeal to newcomers.  Rich is concerned about the length of discussion; 
there should be time to cover the extras if the Statecom attends to 
business conscientiously.  David does not want to have to return another 
day to complete proposals not addressed at this meeting.  Dan suggests 
accepting the alternate agenda proposal while allowing the facilitators to 
shake up the order if necessary.  Samantha ask and receives clarification 
that the proposal would apply just to this meeting.
      Rich being unwilling to stand aside on his concern, consensus on 
changing the agenda is not reached.  A vote to to accept the proposal as 
originally presented by Ron passes by a vote of 2/3.

3. Speakers
      a. Jill Stein describes her current campaign to organize against and 
overturn the Fast Track Auction Law, a 2003 giveaway of power to sell off 
public land to developers by the legislature to the governor.  The law 
obstructs democratic control of local assets - particularly the environment 
and housing - and the ability to influence the disposition of public 
land.  The campaign is an attempt to create a grassroots effort to oppose 
this for the long term.  Interested parties may get more information and 
become involved by contacting the Coalition for Healthy Communities at 
<www.masschc.org> or 781-674-1377.
      Gary points out that this issue stems from white people's ownership 
(or taking) of land originally held by native peoples.  He asks how the GRP 
can deal with the problem of "public" land not really being "ours".

      b. Steve Milder supplements the written CDLC report on the 2004 
campaigns with lessons learned by the Carolina Johnson campaign.  One of 
the campaign's goals was to build the party, but keeping campaign activists 
involved in the party will be a challenge.  On the other hand, young people 
are an important aspect of the party's future.  Steve recommends using a 
few key issues to identify the party, so that people will automatically 
know where future candidates are coming from.
      Mike suggests that Campus Greens should be part of the State 
Committee.  Ron asks whether running for state office is harder than 
running for local office.

      c. Ebony Barkley reports on how his work on organizing for the 
Million Worker March (October 2004) has led to an ongoing grassroots 
movement in the Alliance of Black Union Workers, a community organization 
not subject to "organized labor" union leadership.  Growing the GRP 
requires something "real" for people to make a connection with.  Ebony's 
work helps establish and reinforce alliances between the party and workers 
outside of traditional institutions.
      Ebony invites GRP members to an annual Black History Month 
celebration/social on February 27, proceeds from which will go to the MWM 
and the organizations that supported it.

      d. Lisa Richards reports that the party is still reaping benefits 
from last year's March to Abolish Poverty.  People in other states are 
looking to the GRP for inspiration and advice.


4. Gil asks to postpone his resignation, so as to preserve quorum for this 
meeting, in light of Mike's intention to leave early.  Rob is concerned 
that Statecom seems to be too cavalier about manipulating membership to 
achieve quorum (though the process for determining quorum remains the 
same).  He proposes lowering the threshold or taking meeting attendance 
more seriously.


5. Nominations for open GRP and GPUS positions.
      Wanda asks for nominations for two Adcom diversity seats, GRP 
communications director, GRP rep to UJP, GRP rep to GPUS PCSC, GRP observer 
on GPUS PaxComm, GRP rep to GPUS nominating process group, female GPUS/CC 
rep and male and female GPUS/CC alternates.


6. Workshops
      The group breaks into three sections to discuss (a) Building the 
party at the grassroots; (b) Abolishing poverty as a mobilizer for the GRP; 
and (c) Campaigns, such as IRV, genetically modified foods, divestment, and 
living wage.


7. Lunch
      The meeting reconvenes at approximately 1:55pm.


8. GRP/GPUS positions
      Wanda announces nominations as follows:
      a. GRP Communications Director: David Rolde
      b. Adcom Diversity reps: Ebony, Lisa Richards, Gary Hicks
      c. GRP rep to UJP: Naila Jermanus, David Rolde
      d. GPUS Presidential Campaign Support Committee: none
      e. GPUS Peace Action Committee: Ebony, David Rolde
      f. GPUS Nomination Process Working Group: Owen Broadhurst
      g. GPUS/CC male alternate: Owen Broadhurst
      h. GPUS/CC female rep and alternate: Jen Mazer, Sharron Tetrault, 
Grace Ross (refused)

      Merelice believes that Adcom has room for only one more male.  Dan 
states that bylaw 9.18 does not specifically set a male/female ratio of 
50%, though it is agreed that this is the goal.  Gary withdraws his name 
from consideration.

      Grace and Gil establish that the GPUS/CC roles of rep and alternate 
can be worked out among the delegation, with no restrictions imposed by the 
national organization.  Jen agrees to be considered for the alternate 
position, leaving the rep position for Sharron.
      The group reaches consensus on election of the nominees to the GPUS 
positions (e-h).

      Concerns about the GRP relationship to UJP and about the 
Communications Director nominee are discussed.  Ralph points out that not 
seating someone in a position is an option.  Michael believes that the 
party should not go without a communications director, and that the nominee 
can be a valuable liaison between the party chairs and the tech and website 
committees, as well as drafting press releases.  Merelice nominates Owen to 
fill out the remainder of the current term of the communications director 
position.
       Consensus not being reached, Owen is elected communications director 
by an 18-4 vote.

      The group accepts nomination of Ebony and Lisa to Adcom diversity 
seats by consensus.

      It is determined that UJP places no restrictions on who represents 
its member groups from meeting to meeting.  Competing objections to the 
political behavior of the GRP nominees are raised.  Gil states that UJP is 
an umbrella group to which the GRP should belong, but that our relationship 
to such an outside group is problematic and should be handled by a 
committee.  Anne states that UJP can be a difficult organization to work 
with.  Merelice states that Adcom is currently investigating its 
relationship to UJP and suggests postponing a decision on party 
representation until this process is complete.  Gil points out that the 
option to vote "no candidate" is always available.  Gary wants to not fill 
the position at this time.  Owen states that without representation on UJP, 
the party becomes disaffiliated and would have no voice at all.  Chicago 
clarifies that the position would not remain unfilled.
       Consensus not being reached, the votes 16-9 to make no decision at 
this meeting and to pass it on to Adcom.  Chicago states that the decision 
should be given to the External Relations Committee, not Adcom, but 
Merelice states that Adcom can further delegate the decision to ExRelCom.


9. Committee reports
      a. Treasurer: Dan explains that reporting for a political designation 
is different from that for a political party, but he has it under control.

      b. Fundraising: Merelice states that the specific volunteer needs of 
the committee are described on the written report she has distributed.  She 
notes that almost half of the State Committee is not supporting the party 
financially.

      c. Membership: Michael states that the Abolish Poverty campaign is 
being proposed as a context for people to become active.  He states that by 
request of locals, tabling kits are now available.

      d. Convention: Anne states that the annual convention has been 
scheduled for June 4-5 at Camp Middlesex near Fitchburg.  The cost will be 
$1400, which includes meals.  Attendees staying overnight will be charged 
an additional $15.  Lisa states that a scheme for recognizing party leaders 
with awards is being developed.

      e. Abolish Poverty March: Grace states that this year's march is 
scheduled for June 17 through July 4.

      f. External Relations: Chicago explains the mission of the committee, 
which is to improve the party's communication with outside groups.


10. Proposals (expedited round)

      Proposal 8 (IRV referendum), is withdrawn by sponsor Jen as 
essentially duplicating Proposal 6 (IRV campaign).

      a. Proposal 6: Campaign for Instant Runoff Voting
      Rich describes the outline of a campaign "in support of legislation 
to enact IRV in Massachusetts", including goals and strategies.  In 
response to questions, he states that the campaign would have no budget - 
just the establishment of a line on the party ledger (by Ron); the timeline 
envisions passing of legislation by the end of the current legislative 
session in 2006 (by Eva); that alliances with like-minded groups would be 
pursued (by Emily); and that work promoting Proportional Representation 
would follow directly from success on IRV (by Emily).  Dan requests a 
number to plug into the budget, since that cannot be a zero.  David 
suggests adding "other voting methods" to the campaign, but Rich insists 
that the campaign stay focused in order to succeed.  Ralph and Chicago 
request the training of Statecom members in IRV be part of the effort.  The 
proposal is accepted by consensus.

      b. Proposal 3: March to Abolish Poverty
      Lisa states that the requested budget would be unchanged from last 
year: $4000 in tier 2.
      Grace believes that there has been a shift in people's attitude 
toward whether it is possible to abolish poverty, and that this march would 
build on the last one, "naming what we want"; i.e., to abolish poverty.
      Jamie asks whether the proposal would mandate locals to 
participate.  Grace accepts a friendly amendment to "strongly encourage" 
participation.  Elie states that local should support the political effort 
of the party.
      Wanda questions whether the party's budget can afford another march.
      In response to a question, Dan states that the party is able to make 
donations to NGOs.
      The proposal is bumped to the regular round.

      c. Proposal 9: Oppose Iraq War
      Lisa questions whether the proposal can be discussed, in the absence 
of its sponsors and in light of its late addition to the agenda.  However, 
Ron advises the group to consider it.  Dan suggests accepting the proposal, 
adding that Peter White be named to lead the party's effort.  Owen states 
that GRP members are already involved in the antiwar effort and the GRP 
iteslf should actively participate.  The war affects us all at the local 
level, and we should take a leadership role in our localities.  Grace 
states that the party is already involved in antiwar organizing at the 
national, state, and local levels.
      The proposal is bumped to the regular round.

      d. Proposal 4: Membership Growth Strategy
      Merelice suggests that the strategy include a "pre-growth" component, 
since there aren't many healthy locals at the present time.  Michael states 
that the strategy is meant for the guidance of both existing and potential 
locals.  Ron explains that the Membership Committee does not have the 
resources to sustain a local, but this can be used to help "jump start" 
one.  Elie is satisfied to let the implementation details be worked out in 
the future.
      Wanda thinks the requirement to provide a report make it seem like a 
top->down proposal.  Eva believes it was meant to be the opposite: for 
locals to tell the party how they work.  Michael emphasizes that it is a 
voluntary, suggested tool to help the party grow, for benefits in the future.
      The proposal is accepted by consensus.

      e. Proposal 2: Abolish Poverty Theme
      Paul asks whether this would be the "overriding" theme of the 
GRP.  Michael states that it would help define the party for those who 
might want to join.  The March would be a tactic of the theme.  "Abolishing 
poverty" encompasses the other work that we do.  Ron asks how the party 
would let the public know it had chosen a theme.
      The proposal is bumped to the regular round.

11. Proposals (regular round)
      a. Proposal 2: Abolish Poverty Theme
      Merelice believes there should be several themes - not just one that 
identify the party.  Emily notes that other potential themes are connected 
to the proposed theme.
      Elie states that poverty is a political issue, not an economic 
one.  Policy makes poverty; allowing poverty violates the human rights 
provision of the United Nations charter.  This makes it a state issue.  He 
proposes a friendly amendment to add "right of domicile" to the theme's 
goals, which is accepted.
      David notes that "abolishing poverty" does not necessarily address 
all of the Ten Key Values.  Additionally, he would strive to abolish 
poverty worldwide, not just in the U.S. at the expense of other people 
(accepted as a friendly amendment).
      Ron reiterates that unless people know about a party's theme, its 
value is lost.
      Eva wonders if having an Abolish Poverty theme just duplicates doing 
an Abolish Poverty March.  she is reluctant to "reinvent the wheel".
      Merelice states that the theme should be "implemented", not 
"initiated" (accepted as a friendly amendment).
      Jen is not comfortable with the word "theme".  Michael agrees to try 
to come up with a better word.
      David agrees to work on finding a compromise to his concern.  Eva is 
unwilling to stand aside.  The proposal eventually passes by a vote of 20-2-4.

      b. Proposal 3: March to Abolish Poverty
      Wanda believes that another March will drain money from the budget, 
when producing a newsletter is a more important goal.  It would seem to be 
a waste of time and energy, without accomplishing anything.  Grace 
clarifies that the first newsletter of a budget cycle is on a higher tier, 
so it would be a second newsletter that would face competition from a 
march.  She suggests an amendment to adjust the tier priority of parts of 
the M.A.P. budget, but Wanda is unwilling to stand aside.  The proposal 
passes by a vote of 20-4-3.

      c. Proposal 1: Endorse Dan Kontoff for State Rep
      In response to a question from Merelice, it is stated that Dan is 
currently unenrolled in any party; he voted in the Democratic presidential 
primary, but did not re-register in the GRP before it was too late to run 
as a Green-Rainbow.  David states that Dan intends to re-register as soon 
as legally possible and to campaign as a Green-Rainbow.
      Lisa is concerned about "mistakes" that Dan has made as a candidate 
in the past.  David states that he has been endorsed by the JP 
Green-Rainbow, though Michael notes that it was a contentious 
meeting.  Emily wonders why Dan did not submit a statement to or make an 
appearance at this meeting.  Owen states that Dan has been a party builder 
and that he does represent our values.  Michael agrees that he exemplifies 
a lot of what the party is about.  Grace wold endorse him if he agreed to 
use the GRP name and logo and promised to respond to the press and surveys.
      Michael asks whether a committee could vet him and make an 
endorsement decision.  Merelice suggests the next meeting of the Brookline 
local, to which Dan has already been invited.  David would prefer a 
committee consisting of Statecom members, not the Brookline local, be given 
endorsement power.  Chicago and Rich express concern about endorsing anyone 
not officially registered in the party.

      Wanda asks that facilitators be named for the next State Committee 
meeting, April 16 in Berkshire county.  Grace and Gary volunteer, with Rich 
and Samantha as backups.
      Wanda asks that workshop note-takers email their notes to Rob 
<rcrowner at hampshire.edu> for inclusion in the minutes.

      Wanda asks whether a GRP endorsement would hurt Dan's campaign. David 
and Merelice note that he is already closely identified with the party in 
the media.  Dan states that bylaw 12.9 permits the endorsement of an 
"independent" candidate by state convention.  Elie is concerned that we 
shouldn't be a party that requires endorsement.
      Grace suggests that it be assumed that Dan will win, in which case we 
would want to hold him to his promise to register GRP.  Gary notes that he 
made a good showing in his previous race.  Michael states that the party 
has not gotten clear advice about how registering in the GRP would affect 
his status in the campaign.  The proposal is to let a committee including 
Statecom members raise concerns with Dan and extract a letter committing 
him to register in the party as soon as legally possible without 
jeopardizing his campaign.  Grace and Michael agree to serve on this 
committee, with others possible.
      The proposal is accepted as amended.

12. The meeting adjourns at 5:35pm.  Anne asks for help in planning the 
state convention.