spring 2014 minutes
DRAFT – Uncorrected Minutes - Thank you RONI!!
Green-Rainbow State Committee Minutes
April 6, 2014
Tent City, Boston, MA
[Note: Discussions are summarized, and statements attributed to individuals are not necessarily verbatim unless enclosed in quotes “like this”. Extended discussions appear in attachments at the end of the report of the meeting.]
STATECOM MEMBERS & OBSERVERS ATTENDING
See cover page for list of attendees
CREDENTIALING AND QUORUM
Meeting called to order at 9:45 am. 17 delegates were credentialed and quorum was confirmed.
ASSIGNED ROLES
Co-facilitators – Scott Laugenour and David Gerry
Minutes - Roni Beal
Parliamentarian – John Andrews
Stacker – Joyce Fortune
Timekeeper – Sean Connell
Vibes watcher – Mike Heichman
AGENDA
The agenda was modified and approved.
Moved Planet Conversion after Committee Reports
NEW APPOINTMENTS TO STATE COMMITTEE
No new appointments
SEATING OF ALTERNATES
Nomination for Robert Rosa as Alternate seated as representative for this meeting by consensus (Bristol County).
FACILITATORS FOR NEXT STATE MEETING
Joyce Fortune and Sean Connell will serve as co-facilitators for summer StateCom meeting. Dates proposed for Summer 2014 meeting are July 12 or 19th in Worcester County at the First Unitarian Church. Contact David Spanagel about church availability.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the January 11, 2014 meeting were approved by consensus with following changes: Adding “establishment of new state regions” and eliminating section about Boston Chapter meeting in member’s homes during the year.
A request was made to list alternates and guests separately from StateCom members on StateCom attendance list.
APPROVE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MARCH 2, 2014 TELECONFERENCE MEETING
March 2 minutes approved by consensus as written.
ELECTION OF ADCOM OFFICERS
No nominations
REPORT FROM ADCOM/CO-CHAIRS
John Andrews reported that Slate campaigns and three state candidates are main focus. Other important key objectives are growing the party and preparedness for addressing current issues. He summarized that measurements of progress are based on:
- Number of donors
- Number of volunteers for committees
- Number of GRP candidates running for office
Concerns are:
- Backsliding
- Losing momentum
- Lack of publicity in media about the party
Emphasis is on coordination of all committees, publicity about local party activities and posting events on website. StateCom members are urged to enroll in monthly donor program to help cash flow. Minimum donation is $5.00 per month. There was a recommendation to register GRP voters and to create a status report of chapters.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Sean distributed Treasurer report to members (see attachment – Treasure report). Sean recommends paying expenses half and half from state and federal funds. Assistant Administrator’s W2 form has been filed. Compared to last year, Sean is satisfied with results. Main concerns are:
- Funding for campaigns
- Assistant Administrator’s pay
This year’s total funds equal to last year’s balance. There was discussion concerning one reimbursement. Frank will make follow-up phone calls to donors, following March fundraising letter. Budget may require revision based on income.
Inquiries were made concerning:
- How administrator assistant’s time is divided between party responsibilities versus candidate work
- Evaluating the cost of candidate meetings compared to funds raised
- Providing a comparison report of this year and last year’s Treasurer’s report including reserve funds
Chapters may request donor reports that include names, location and telephone numbers. Recommendation is to donate to individual candidates. Sean encouraged members to use PayPal for donations. Current status of candidate fund is $50 and Participation fund is $100. Candidate fund and decision on how to spend funds are managed by CDLC. Participation fund is spent by AdCom.
PROPOSAL
ADOPTION OF GRP FUNDRAISING POLICY
Sponsors: John Andrews and Frank Jackson
John Andrews introduced a proposal about what differentiates GRP from other political parties, a standard to optimize what works for candidates (see attached copy of proposal). Proposal addresses lobbyist, super PAC and corporate donations.
Concerns were raised about accepting donations from non-profits vs. for profit corporations and wealthy individual contributions compared to donors with limited funds.
There was further discussion about the definition of lobbyist and whether there is a difference between a good lobbyist and bad lobbyist. It was noted that some organizations are open for interpretation and scrutiny. Other concerns were raised with restrictions regarding lobbyist because it limits GRP member’s ability to donate to campaigns. A comment was made about a need to encourage corporations to support human rights.
Proposal was adopted by consensus. Everyone was present.
NOMINATION OF J.P. LOWENTHAL, CONGRESS, 7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Jason Lowenthal submitted application to be GRP candidate. CDLC reviewed the application. Jason presented his platform, which are the Green New Deal and hot spots around the world. Scott Laugenour opened the floor to question Jason about his candidacy.
Question & Answer Session:
Gus Steeves - asked Jason for background experience and what led him to run for political office.
Jason - currently serves on Randolph Conservation Commission. He has not served in elected office.
Danny Factor - inquired about donation compliance.
Jason - would adopt GRP Fundraising Proposal. He does not have a bank account yet.
Danny - asked about proactive issues on federal level.
Jason - replied that he would work on elimination of pharmaceutical ads that comprise a substantial portion of health care budget. He is an advocate against foreclosures and promotes Green New Deal.
Scott Laugenour – why did Jason pick Congressional office?
Jason – replied that it is a winnable position and a good opportunity to promote Green-Rainbow.
Joyce Fortune – inquired if Jason is familiar with Move to Amend.
Jason – recently learned about Move to Amend.
Concerns:
Boston Chapter had not nominated Jason prior to StateCom meeting. Main concern was StateCom supporting Jason’s nomination before local chapter. A concern was raised about Jason’s reliability as GRP candidate. A recent GRP endorsed candidate, departed from Boston and the state soon after election ended last year. Jason responded that he has no plans to leave area, but hopes if does move it will to Washington DC.
Scott called for consensus:
Votes were as follows:
Nomination contingent on local party endorsement
YES: Scott Laugenour, Merelice, Brian Cady, Wes Nickerson, Joyce Fortune, Dick Vaillette, Mike Heichman, Gus Steeves, Maureen Doyle
NO: David Rolde, Sean Connell, David Gerry
ABSTAIN: Roni Beal, John Andrews, Andrew Tarr, Jason Lowenthal, Joanna Herlihy, Danny Factor, Siggy Meilus
Amendment Passed 2/3 vote
Nominations of conditions on the ballot
YES: Scott Laugenour
NO: Merelice, Andrew Tarr, John Andrews, Danny Factor, Brian Cady, Wes Nickerson, Joyce Fortune, Sean Connell, David Rolde, Mike Heichman, Dick Vaillette, Gus Steeves, Maureen Doyle, Roni Beal
Call for consensus for concerns with nomination:
A potential concern, will GRP be promoted on website and other media.
Jason confirmed that GRP will be front and center of his campaign.
Endorsement Passed by consensus.
GRP REGIONAL MAPS UPDATE/DISCUSSION
Merelice updated StateCom about regional maps. Twenty communities are divided and twelve communities were brought back together by region. The eight district map is a concern because Western Mass area is so large. Five district map is less of an issue because it addresses Western Mass vast area. One member suggested that Boston be addressed separately because it has so many districts. There was no further discussion about map revisions because five district map had passed as the GRP regional map.
MEMBERSHIP BROCHURE UPDATE/DISCUSSION
Dru distributed copies of old and updated versions of membership brochure for comments.
Comments:
- More information about what GRP stands for on updated flyer
- Print two brochures: one brochure that addresses values in detail and a second brochure that is more general, but addresses basic concerns of many people.
- Brochure is another reason for fundraising.
- Brochure should focus on talking points, not the minutia of everything GRP stands for.
SLATE UPDATE (CANDIDATES/SIGGY MEILUS/MIKE HEICHMAN)
Three candidates made stump speeches and opened the floor for comments.
Ian Jackson – State Treasurer
Danny Factor – Secretary of Commonwealth
Merelice – State Auditor
Suggestions were made and candidates thanked StateCom members for constructive comments.
LUNCH BREAK
Siggy Meilus reported on signature gathering status. GRP must collect 5,000 signatures for candidates to be on the ballot. There are 6,800 pledged signatures. Boston Chapter is well organized, but point people are needed for Worcester County and Berkshires for petition drop sites. Maureen Doyle and Gus Steeves offered to be point contact for South Worcester County. People gathering signatures are asked to report signature count to Siggy. Top signature collector, so far, is Tar Larner of Assabet River Valley Chapter.
Candidates requested help with campaigns via Tweeter messages; Facebook; Instagrams; writing press releases; volunteer coordination, in particular, Central and Western sections of Massachusetts. The three state candidates will launch their campaigns on Earth Day, April 22. They will travel from Tent City, Boston to Worcester and onto Holyoke. StateCom members asked to visit candidate Facebook sites multiple times and click “Like”.
Opportunities to gather signatures are:
- Gay Pride Parade in Boston on June 22
- Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Umass-Amherst and Worcester
- Concerts, parades, and local festivals
PROPOSAL
STATECOM MEETING VENUES
REPORTS FROM WORKING COMMITTEES (EAWC, DCLC, COMCOM/PLATFORM, MEMBERSHIP, CONVENTION
EAWC – Covered earlier.
DCLC – Distribution of report on candidate list. Tar Larner won vote for Concord Housing Board. Danny suggested creating annual report from all GRP elected officials. Invite incumbents to State Convention.
Communications Committee/Platform - Dru talked about candidate publicity.
Membership – Brian does not have J voter list. Siggy created GRP a supply of GRP buttons without “Join the Party”. Scott suggested members obtain voter list from town hall for major cities. Scott volunteered to get Pittsfield voter J list.
SET DATE ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION
2014 State Convention committee was appointed. Roni Beal, Joyce Palmer Fortune, Frank Jackson and Dick Vaillette will begin planning process for next convention.
A discussion took place regarding time of year to hold convention. If the convention is held in Worcester, potential dates for convention are November 8, 15, or 22 at the First Unitarian Church. There was a great of interest in holding the convention in Boston, near public transportation and to attract more attendees. Potential timeframe for a Boston venue would be spring of 2015, thereby extending officer’s terms to 1 ½ years.
CHAPTER REPORTS (WELCOME ASSABET RIVER VALLEY CHAPTER)
Locals reports: Assabet River Valley – Local group has been meeting for over a year and is now an official chapter. Tar Larner is advisor to the board. Chapter is working on petitions for town. Chapter has five core members.
Locals reports: Greater Boston – Twenty plus people focus on eradication of property and signature gathering. Merelice and other members taking a stand on signature gathering on tax day.
Locals report: Bristol County – Focusing on petitions and jobs/energy. They will turn in application to be official chapter next week. Sean announced he will run for city council next year in Fall River.
Locals reports: Nashua River – Three state candidates attended March NRGR meeting. Candidates and chapter members attended David Cobb’s presentation, Move to Amend at the Fitchburg Public Library.
Locals reports:Pioneer Valley – no action during winter months.
Locals reports: Berkshires – Scott reported that Danny Factor visited for a gathering in the Berkshires and there was a good turnout of participants. Town meeting was held about “No Frack Gas”. Town meeting is a good venue for candidates.
CLIMATE CONVERGENCE – WES NICKERSON
Wes attended Climate Convergence conference that included Green Party and Socialist organizations. The topic was climate over profit and focused on climate change. Jill Stein was featured speaker. Groups will participate in May Day and Monsanto marches. Green National Party endorsed Climate Convergence efforts. Mike Heichman made a motion for StateCom to endorse Wes Nickerson as GRP Climate Convergence representative.
Endorsement Approved by consensus.
FUNDRAISING
Frank promoted monthly donations by StateCom members as best method of supporting GRP.
GRP MEETING CALENDAR – JOHN ANDREWS
An on-line calendar will be made available so that committees and chapters can list times and date of meetings to alleviate future meeting conflicts.
ROUND ROBIN
Siggy expressed disappointment that no time was allowed for signature gathering in Boston.
Thank you all around to candidates and facilitators for great meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:01 pm
Spring 2014 StateCom Meeting
April 6, 2014
STATECOM MEMBERS ATTENDING
John Andrews
Roni Beal
Brian Cady
Danny Factor
David Gerry
Mike Heichman
Lee Scott Laugenour
J.P. Lowenthal
M.K. Merelice
Wes Nickerson
Joyce Palmer Fortune
David Rolde
Andrew Tarr
Richard Vaillette
Siggy Meilus
Sean Connell
ALTERNATES
Maureen Doyle
Joanna Herlihy
Robert Rosa
Gus Steeves
OBSERVERS
Dan Kontoff
Frank Jackson
Ian Jackson
Jamie McLaughlin
Liisa Wale
WInter 2014 minutes
Draft Minutes: 11 Jan Winter 2014 GRP State Committee Meeting, Worcester MA
latest revision: 26 Jan 2014 (version 1)
Attendance
Full Representatives (at start of meeting)
1. Roni Beal
2. Dru Tarr
3. David Gerry
4. David Spanagel
5. Mike Heichman
6. Dick Vailette
7. Cheryl Vailette
8. Brian Cady
9. Joyce Palmer-Fortune
10. Danny Factor
11. John Andrews
12. Rick Purcell
13. Merelice
14. Elie Yarden
15. Wes Nickerson
16. Sean Connell
17. David Rolde
18. Ian Jackson
19. Dennis Melican
20. Scott Laugenour
Alternates and Guests
1. Maureen Doyle
2. Joanna Herlihy
3. Gus Steeves
4. Nat Fortune
5. Jason P. Lowenthal
6. Siggy Meilus
Opening Business
Quorum call: Meeting was called to order at 9:30 am by co-facilitators Joyce Palmer-Fortune and Danny Factor. The facilitators determined that quorum had been established. Merelice and David Spanagel appointed as Parliamentarians. Rick Purcell appointed as timekeeper. Nat Fortune appointed as minutes taker.
Next meeting: The date and provisional location of the Spring 2014 State Committee Meeting was set for Sunday, April 6th, Tent City, Boston MA. Greater Boston Chapter will confirm location and reserve meeting space. Scott Laugenour and David Gerry will serve as meeting facilitators.
Review and Approval of Agenda and Minutes
Agenda
Agenda accepted by consensus. Later revised to include discussion of appointment of diversity representatives to Ad Com.
MInutes
Fall 2013 State Committee meeting minutes approved, with the following revisions:
1. "Danny Factor presented Merelice's concerns" to be replaced by written statement of that concern (to be provided by Merelice from her email record)
2. Name spellings and typos to be corrected
3. all other revisions submitted online prior to today's meeting were approved as written
Seating of Representatives and Appointments to Committees
Seating of Alternates
Alternates Joanna Herlihy, Nat Fortune, and Gus Steeves seated as representatives for this meeting by consensus
Appointing of New Representatives
Jason Lowenthal introduced himself, indicating his desire to be appointed to state committee as a full representative from Norfolk North. He also read a short statement regarding his candidacy for U.S. MA House District 7 (Capuano is the incumbent).
Following a discussion of the relative merits of serving as an alternate or a full representative while running for office, J. P. Lowenthal was appointed as a full representative from Norfolk County to state committee by consensus. Jason had to leave soon afterwords for a interview with the media.
Green Party of the U.S. appointments and approvals
State Committee officially appointed Jill Stein and John Andrews to serve as Observers on the GPUS National Committee.
State Committee appointed Elie Yarden (as a full representative) and Joanna Herlihy (as an alternate) to the GPUS Platform Committee.
State Committee appointed David Gerry to serve as a full representative on the
GPUS Bylaws, Rules, Policies and Procedures Committee.
State Committee was asked to endorse the appointment of John Andrews to the GPUS Presidential Campaign Support Committee (for 2016). Members asked a series of questions regarding the roles and responsibilities of committee members, the candidate’s purpose in joining the committee, and whether any conflicts of interest existed due to past participation in the 2012 Presidential campaign. Candidate answered that he was asked to serve on the 2016 Committee to (1) serve as a source of institutional knowledge (because of his experience as part of a past presidential campaign) and to (2) facilitate efforts of party to field and support all candidates for the GPUS nomination. John Andrews was then appointed by consensus to serve as a full representative on the Presidential Campaign Support Committee.
Appointment of Representatives to Ad Com
A discussion took place regarding whether the approved agenda should be amended amending to appoint diversity representatives to ad com at this meeting. It was noted that our by-laws indicate that Ad Com (following the election of members at the State Convention) is to identify areas in which Ad Com is lacking in diversity and to put forward nominees for diversity representative for this meeting’s consideration, but these tasks had not yet been completed and no representatives had been put forward for consideration. Committee instructed Ad Com to put recruitment and nomination of diversity reps on their agenda and to bring forward nominees to next meeting of State Com. Committee also resolved to poll State Com members to see if any qualified members would be willing to be appointed at this time. Dru Tarr was put forward as representative who would add youth and geography diversity to Ad Com (North Shore).
A concern was noted for the minutes that he does not add race and gender diversity, two other areas in which Ad Com lacks diversity. Following further discussion, Dru Tarr was appointed by consensus to ad com as a youth and geographic diversity representative to Ad Com.
All currently serving local chapter representatives to Ad Com are assumed to continue serving until locals notify State Com of a change, and were reappointed by consensus.
Electoral Action Working Group report
Overview of work so far
John Andrews listed several benefits were the state party to win ballot access major "political party" status in the upcoming 2014 General Election. A review of past elections shows this achieving this status can readily be obtained in 2 or 3 way elections for the "lower" statewide constitutional offices — secretary of commonwealth, treasurer, attorney general, auditor — but often has not be attainable in elections for governor. The offices of governor and attorney general require10,000 certified valid signatures. The others require just 5000.
The EAWG currently recommends running candidates for 5000 signature races of treasurer, secretary, and auditor and has two candidates it is putting forward for state committee consideration: Ian Jackson for Treasurer and Daniel Factor for Secretary of Commonwealth. It continues to seek a candidate for auditor.
Next tasks
signature collection
If slate is approved, can collect signatures for all candidates using single petition form
Petitioning occurs spring/summer (referenda petitioning is May/June)
Will also use effort to recruit campaign workers and encourage voter registration
Probably need 10000 raw signatures to ensure 5000 valid signatures
EAWG has developed a proposal for how to get to 10000 raw signatures
issue campaigns
Candidates are encouraged to pursue issue campaigns --- “want X? then vote for the Green-Rainbow Party candidate for __” --- and coordinate efforts with local office candidates when and where possible. Some possible topics for slate press releases and campaign issues were presented.
Presentations by candidates
Ian Jackson: Treasurer
• Cites polls that most people (even D & Rs) want there to be a 3rd party
• Mentions inclusion in early press coverage
• Many ways to win, including letting people know we exist, getting policies you advocated adopted through your electoral pressure
• Has a campaign treasurer, wants seed money for website and broader fundraising effort so can continue to maintain campaign and press presence
Danny Factor: Secretary of Commonwealth
• 1st step in campaign already won: most MA people already agree with our positions
• Our task is to get word out that our candidates represent values of voters
• listed several key issues and connected these with tasks of the SOC, including state chartering of corporations; oversight of elections, voting rights, and ballot access; and providing public information to residents
• Limited time for campaigning but is committed to being well informed and prepared candidate; is running to help advance state party by achieving ballot status
Candidate questions and Discussion
There was support for focusing on the 5000 signature races.
Candidates agreed to participate in debates when invited and to seek inclusion in all debates.
In recognition he would have to cut back on party service, candidate for SOC was asked why he sees this as the best use of his time and if he would be able to continue his responsibilities as party secretary. Candidate answered that for now, yes he would be able to continue, and that for him, party visibility in statewide campaigns and the ballot status that might result are critical to recruiting local candidates, building membership, and getting our message out.
Candidates were asked how their experience relates to the positions they are seeking. Danny Factor (Secretary of Commonwealth): know from background importance of community, has been activist, member of commission on, disabilities, advocating for equal justice and dignity for ordinary people, serves as attorney
Ian Jackson (Treasurer): software engineer, responsible for church budget as trustee, committed activist
A straw poll of the committee was held regarding its preference: nominate candidates today or defer to a special teleconference meeting in 3 weeks.
Actions
MOTION by Mike Heichman: asks State Com to take up both nominations today, and to nominate Danny Factor for Secretary of Commonwealth and Ian Jackson for Treasurer.
Amendment by David Rolde: split nominations for offices of Treasurer and SOC.
vote was as follows:
ABSENT FROM ROOM: Dick Vaillette, Jason Lowenthal (2)
ABSTAIN: Dru Tarr, Danny Factor, Brian Cady, Wes Nickerson, David Gerry (5)
YES: Merelice, David Rolde , David Spanagel, Gus Steeves (4)
NO: remainder of state com representatives (13)
RESULT: Amendment failed
Amendment by David Rolde: defer vote till teleconference in 3 weeks time.
vote was as follows:
ABSENT FROM ROOM: Dick Vaillette, Jason Lowenthal (2)
ABSTAIN: Nat Fortune, Danny Factor, John Andrews, Dru Tarr, Wes Nickerson, Joanna Herlihy, Brian Cady (8)
YES: David Rolde (1)
NO: remainder of state com representatives (13)
RESULT: Amendment failed
Both amendments having failed, State Committee took up the nominations. There was a call for consensus. Consensus was not reached. David Rolde stated a concern that more time was needed to fully consider each candidate. Members with concerns were not willing to stand aside and the matter proceeded to a vote.
vote was as follows:
ABSENT FROM ROOM: Dick Vaillette, Jason Lowenthal (2)
ABSTAIN: Nat Fortune, Danny Factor, David Gerry (3)
NO: David Rolde (1)
YES: remainder of state com representatives (18)
RESULT: Motion passes by required 2/3 vote.
ACTION TAKEN: Slate of Ian Jackson and Danny Factor for Treasurer and SOC have now been officially nominated by State Committee. Approved 18-1-3 11 Jan 2014.
Discussion followed regarding additional needed actions by state committee on this matter, including (1) need or lack of need (and requirements) for a follow up teleconference should additional candidates be put forward and (2) need or lack of need to continue EAWG as a committee. Teleconference would require minimum of 10 days notice
MOTION by John Andrews: Agree to hold state committee teleconference if needed (see EAWG text)
There was a call for consensus. Consensus was not reached. Scott Laugenour stated a concern that a decision was not needed today and that a special state committee meeting was unnecessary. Members with concerns were asked if they were willing to stand aside; request declined and matter proceeded to a vote.
vote was as follows:
ABSENT FROM ROOM: Jason Lowenthal (1)
ABSTAIN: Dick Vaillette, Gus Steeves, Merelice, Joanna Herlihy, Elie Yarden, Nat Fortune
NO: Scott Laugenour (1)
YES: remainder of state com representatives (15)
RESULT: Motion passes by required 2/3 vote.
MOTION by John Andrews: Continue work of EAWG to recruit and support slate
(see EAWG text)
EAWG would continue to search for auditor candidate and would continue to carry out actions needed to put slate on ballot.
RESULT: Motion approved by consensus.
RECESSED FOR LUNCH AT 12:30 PM, RECONVENE AT 1:15 PM
REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED 2014 BUDGET
Review of Ad Com’s proposed 2014 budget provided by John Andrews on behalf of treasurer and AdCom. Budget provides guidance from state committee for making and prioritizing disbursements (doesn't spend $ automatically).
Proposed FY14 numbers
$4,185 cash on hand
$10,500 projected for fundraising
$11,056 in expenses
A discussion of the budget categories and proposed allocations followed. Topics raised by one or more members included (1) sending follow up budgets to working committees for input, (2) increasing hours/week for staffing, as there are many unmet state and local needs for which administrative help is needed (3) need for an increase in fundraising to expand staff hours, and that this might be an opportunity for special appeal to donors (4) want to print and distribute more flyers than possible with amount budgeted and (5) want to add category for legal expenses.
Amendment by Merelice: increase printed literature line item F3 from $250 to $800.
Amendment approved by consensus.
State Committee now took up the motion to approve the FY2014 budget, as amended.
Motion approved by consensus.
ACTION TAKEN: FY2014 budget approved, as amended.
OLD BUSINESS
State com representative district maps
There was a review and discussion of the maps of proposed districts for regional conventions (for nomination of state committee representatives). Each district is to be composed of an integral number of state senate districts, but not all districts need to consist of the same number of state senate districts. Some districts could consist of 3 state senate districts, others 4, others 5 as long as this is taken into account in proportional representation calculations. The goal is to make sure divisions are practical for locals. One requirement for these maps, however drawn, is that nominations from regional conventions need to be compatible with the once every 4 year direct election of state committee representatives during presidential primaries (which is by senate districts). No decision was made regarding the maps at this time.
Progress Report: Member database update
25% of those contacted volunteered email (13 out of 60)
Success rate: 1 email per 46 calls, $15.64 per email in staff time
600 calls made
175 no answer
151 bad numbers
180 answering machine
60 finished calls
17 do not call again
Members stressed that they (1) want to avoid duplication of efforts and encourage everyone to make sure all information is entered into same main database (2) want to avoid overwriting updated address information with outdated information from other sources.
REPORTS
Co-chairs report: ad com has been dealing with many procedural matters (FEC, budgets, allocating projects, staff time). Working committees need fresh volunteers. Our goal should be to double the numbers on each committee.
Treasurer’s report :$1724.06 in federal, $3018.17 in state. Year end report due 1/20/2014. A list of staff expenses and billing hours was distributed. Future treasurers reports will be listed according to budget category, and will list total number and total amount of one-time and recurring donations each quarter.
Secretary's report: there have been no information requests, beyond request for minutes.
Locals reports: Berkshire Greens
Local is currently inactive. Lenox Town committee active, doubled GRP voter registration numbers. Scott Laugenour reallocating time to help with Berkshires local.
Locals reports: Pioneer Valley
Local is currently active. Focused work on Rick Purcell campaign for city council this past November. Jan meeting to focus on Move To Amend film “Legalize Democracy” on needed corporate personhood and campaign finance reforms.
Locals reports: Nashua River
Local is currently active, but has been unable to meet recently because of severe winter weather.
Locals reports : Assabet Valley
Local is currently active . Local had a large turnout for an event featuring Jill Stein, and is working on building membership.
Locals reports : Greater Boston
Recent events include an art exhibit on prison-industrial complex and various social events at members homes. Local will hold an “advance” (instead of a retreat) Jan 25th.
Locals reports : Quinebaug
Currently in process of being organized
Locals reports : South Shore
Currently in process of being organized. Expects immediate focus of work to be Brayton Point coal plant closure/redevelopment. Plans to meet in Fall River. Seeking alliances with other Fall River activist groups and plans to host visit from Jill Stein.
CDLC REPORT
Scott Laugenour presented a status report from CDLC, including a tally list of those elected/running for re-election, announced, committed, exploring,considering, and not sure. Currently there are 29 candidates on tally list, an increase of 6 from before.
Fundraising report
A written report from the Fundraising Director (who could not attend in person) detailing fundraising plans was distributed. The budget approved this meeting provides a summary of the party’s fundraising plans for the year. The top three goals are (1) have all current donors sign up as sustaining donors, (2) re-active at least 10% of all former donors, (3) encourage donors to individual campaigns to donate to the party as well. The party currently receives just $103.90/month in recurring donations. Monthly donations can be as small as $5.95/month and are easily arranged through the party website. Yearly recurring donations of $10 (low income), $25 (individual), and $40 (family) can also be done.
State com members offered suggestions on how to increase the number of recurring donors, including setting up a matching donor program. Note added by minutes taker: if every member of state committee attending this meeting not already signed up for recurring donations were to begin contributing monthly at the minimum $5.95/month level, the amount received by the party per month in recurring donations would more than double!
Membership report
Brian Cady presented a brief report, then opened the floor for discussion. The committee --- which meetings monthly --- would like to have a member from each local chapter, so that the state and locals could better coordinate activities. These chapter liaisons would work with membership to welcome new members and contact supporters who sign up via the website. The committee plans to redo the volunteer sign up page, improve support for tabling at local events, and update the registered voter database.
State Com members reminded Membership that one of its obligations is to provide a membership growth report at each quarterly meeting of state committee; this will require regular updates from the state Elections Division (for which the party will need to pay). Membership will work with Ad Com and the Treasurer to ensure this happens.
Communications report
Dru Tarr delivered a report. The committee wants to work with membership on preparing an updated locals handbook and wants to provide more original content on website, which it will then push to Facebook and Twitter. Help needed!
Platform Committee report
The platform committee concentrates on issue research and position papers. It is in the process of reviewing and updating our web published content and printed matter.
PROPOSALS
Proposal: New Brochure
Joanna Herlihy introduced a proposal to prepare and print a new brochure (as budgeted); several members volunteered to work on preparing an updated brochure.
Proposal was adopted by consensus (Jason Lowenthal absent)
Proposal: Host Protection Against Foreclosure Meetings in collaboration with Mass Alliance Against Predatory Lending (MAAPL)
Merelice introduced a proposal to work with MAAPL to co-host meetings on foreclosures across the state, noting that the Green-Rainbow Party is a founding member of MAAPL and that party members continue to be active in the organization. This particularly proposal is to work with local organizations (who, like the Green-Rainbow party, are members of MAAPL) to build organizational support for those needing protection from foreclosure and assistance dealing with predatory lenders in key areas of the state.
Concerns were raised by John Andrews regarding the nature of the GRP partnership with MAAPL. Stated concerns included (1) MAAPL’s emphasis may have shifted to strongly from free-speaking whistle-blowing and local action to legislative lobbying (2) reports that MAAPL’s lead coordinator has actively discouraged those interested in campaigning on foreclosure issues from running as GRP candidates. A broad discussion of experiences as part of MAAPL ensued. Clarification was provided that this proposal’s goal is to seek support GRP locals in their work with other local organizations to strengthen actions on the ground --- the proposal does not address lobbying or legislation --- and assurance was provided that a discussion will occur among the MAAPL board regarding the need for fair and respectful treatment of all MAAPL member organizations.
All members with concerns were willing to stand aside, and the proposal was
adopted by consensus. (Nat Fortune and Jason Lowenthal absent)
Proposal: Ballot initiatives
MIke Heichman introduced a proposal to research, recommend, and publish positions (including no position, where appropriate) on referenda and initiatives that we expect to appear on the November general election ballot. Updates on the current status of each ballot initiative are provided by the Attorney General on the state website.
Concerns were raised as to whether (1) this committed the party to taking positions, (2) was premature, given no initiatives are yet on the ballot and second round of signature collection doesn’t start till May, and (3) whether this causes our party’s focus to be diverted to whatever particular ballot topics happen to be on ballot.
Proposers were asked to adopt two amendments
(1) change ‘will’ to ‘may regarding expenses, in case party choses not to take positions
(2) change the date by which group researching and recommending positions reports back to state committee from ‘spring meeting’ to ‘summer meeting’, when party will have a better idea of which measures will be on ballot and where to focus efforts
Proposers agreed to adopt amendments. Steps III, IV, and V in original proposal understood to be contingent upon party actually taking positions on one or more issues. Consensus was not reached on the amended proposals, and state committee proceeded to a vote on both amendments together.
ABSENT: Jason Lowenthal (1)
ABSTAIN: David Gerry, Rick Purcell (2)
NO: none (0)
YES: all remaining members.
RESULT: Amendments adopted
The committee proceeded to consideration of the amended proposal.
The amended proposal was passed by consensus.
Proposal: PassMass Initiative
proposal not taken up due to lack of time.
Meeting Conclusion: Round Robin
• Pre-meeting proposal ranking process proved helpful (several voiced this opinion)
• Could use better focus, strayed off topic easily
• We are nominating candidates too quickly and easily
• Prefer volunteer work to business meeting, frustration over over-deliberation
• Thanks to facilitators (multiple)
• Believe party is in better shape, as evidenced by willingness to act in more timely manner on campaigns and issues
• OK to make objections, need to be heard
• Would like to make stronger connections with GPUS and more time for updates on activities, issues before GPUS
• Would like to allow time for state com volunteer efforts (campaign support, lit distribution, etc) as part of meeting, worked well at last meeting
• Value of remaining calm, not repeating points already made (especially your own)
• Hope website can give increased prominence to candidates & monthly sustainer page
• Encourage committee to do as much as can be done ahead of time, because we will alway be pressed for time during the meeting itself
• Glad we are acting in more timely manner electorally, need to do same with local candidates (town, city, state rep, state senate)
• Thanks for food, but hope we can learn what else is on Belmont Vegetarian menu.
• miss introductions to proposals, would like to see these reintroduced
• Patience needed, as number of tasks to be done in meeting increases
• could use more training in participatory democracy
• don't forget about visibility opportunities (parades, etc)
• Thanks to all those who helped with meeting: timekeeping, minutes, parliamentarian, etc); remember to help clean up
Meeting Adjourned at 4:40 pm
Fall 2013 statecom meeting minutes
I couldn't find the roster of attendees. Please comment with any additions and corrections. --Frank
Call to order
Present: Tim Wright, Joanna Hirlihey, John Andrews, Elie Yarden, David Spanagel, Joyce Palmer Fortune, Rick Purcell, Danny Factor, Patrick Burke, David Gerry, Merelice(Left Before the Roleplays), Brian Cady, Roni Beal, Scott Laugenour, Mike Heichman, Wes Nickerson
Observers: Darlene Elias
Roles:
Observer: Darlene Elias
Alternates to be seated:
Time Keeper: Tim Wright
Parliamentarian: David Spanagel
Vibes Watcher: Elie Yarden/Mike Heichman
Stacker: Rick Purcell
Approval of Agenda:
The agenda is approved by consensus
Next State Committee Meeting:
The next state committee meeting will be held on January 11th with the 25th held for bad weather
Facilitators: Joyce Palmer-Fortune, Danny Factor
Minutes April 21st and July 13th
There were no concerns to the amendments concerning ranking of proposals and the proposal to make urgent business to nominate Francisco White
Scott Laugenour had concerns there were no recordings of who made what votes
The April 2013 minutes were approved by consensus
Both Mike Heichman and Danny Factors hope the
July 2013
Scott Laugenour had concerns there were no recordings of who made what votes
The July 2013 minutes were approved by consensus
Co-Chairs and Ad-Com Report
Jill Stein is at the Womens Convention, and Green Party speakers are taking prominent roles in meetings nowadays.
John Andrews in his addressed cited issues in political financing, the Transpacific Partnership. It is very powerful for the secret police to have so much information. John is glad we are on the right side of the issues, and are founding ways to get the word out. We are a political party have candidates who are running, which makes us different from those fighting for issues. We have several candidates this coming election, Mark Miller, Elie Yarden, and Rick Purcell for city councils, and Joe Carvalho for Mayor. We definitely had a response, and many members came through. Members are encouraged to donate to candidate’s campaign, and volunteer. These local races are critical and can be very important to us, as in Richmond the Green Party mayor, we could make a national impact.
There will be a debate October 29th
It would be good if more people could be recruited into the committees. Everyone should be on at least one committee.
John asked members to be more active in the email collections.
Elie Yarden hopes we can enable people to communicate
Darlene thinks it would be helpful if we could clarify our platform to help increase membership.
Dru mentioned that we must make clear that we stand with citizenship and democracy.
Endorsement of Rick Purcell for Holyoke City Council
David Spanagel the CDLC liason for the campaign introduced Rick and his campaign who has applied for endorsement.
Darlene stated that rick is highly regarded in Holyoke fighting on the issues. Rick does not want to play the games. There is a referendum on the issues of casino which Rick is opposed to. Rick’s campaign is also anti-walmart. The mayor supported needle exchanges, and now it being faught against to remove the needle exchange. Two members of the current city council have been derogatory and masoginistic.
Rick has been standing up for women and started a petition to get the city councilors involved to resign.
Mike Heichman has a concern that we are running candidates late in the season.
There are 13 candidates for 8 at large seats. 8 people running for 3 viable openings.
Rick Purcell was endorsed by consensus.
By-Law Section 8
Merelice stated that we need to hold our regional conventions next year if we do not pass the by-law change. Merelice said we can make changes to the region over the coming years however it is critical to get this passed.
Concerns were raised by Joyce, Elie, John, and Joanna over the layout of the districts.
Danny thinks we can pass a truncated version, stating we are doing it by senatorial districts but that we not include the map.
RolePlays
Brian demonstrated outreach with Frank, and brought us into a workshop in pairs to practice.
Scott and David S. had roleplay on candidate recruitment. They then broke up the group for practice on candidate recruitment.
Lunch
Bylaw Section 8
Frank Proposed an amendment to the By-Law proposal removing the Senatorial Districts to be combined in the interest of giving us flexibility.
The amendment was approved by consensus
The bylaw change as amended was approved by consensus (See Appendix for proposal text)
Budget Preparations
Sean explained there would be 2 tiered items. Some critical to running the party which will continuously occur, and some which will hopefully be allocated based on fundraising sucesses in the coming year.
The budget would be prepared by the new AdCom in December with the old AdCom.
Scott Laugenour would like to see a deviance from budget with the quarterly report, and a fundraising estimate.
Danny Factor presented Merelice’s concerns.
David Guerry explained that the months of November and December were thought to be best by AdCom so the old and new officers can work together.
Joyce Palmer Fortune was unsure StateCom should approve the budget, however Scott Laugenour and John Andrews, thought State Committee should
The facilitators of the January meeting are asked by consensus to place on the agenda the discussion and approval of a budget.
Bold Action Plan
A working group is a temporary structure. It was therefore renamed Slate Working group, so the group could keep working if asked by State Committee.
The winter meeting would get a report and be able to decide on how to proceed.
Frank made a suggestion to the authors, to spell out the committee names.
There will be workshops at the convention, and those who participate in this workshop may become part of the working group.
Mike thinks we should include background for the proposal.
We could have people express their priorities, and maybe later the state committee could decide to actually launch them.
The issue campaigns, do not have that much room in the agenda. It was therefore not included as a responsibility of the EAWG
Danny Factor read Merelice’s concerns
Fundraising Plan
This would be similar to the budget but address the revenue.
At the convention we will make a push to get more monthly donors.
Committee Assignments
Frank passed the sheet with what committees people are a part of and allowed committees time to present to recruit the new members to committees.
Action Proposal Follow-up
Calling for enhanced member database
People need to start helping with the phone calls.
Comparison Document
Mike and Brian have done a lot of work to prepare the document. It has gotten a lot of feedback from members of the party.
Treasurers Report
~$2000 state fund
~$2000 convention checks
~$100 candidates fund
~$438 participation fund
Committee Report
CDLC
There are 4 more local candidates and 1 more federal candidate from the last reporting period.
Convention Planning
The agenda is almost ready to share.
Wes Nickerson has 2 Green-Rainbow Party banners
There is discussion of a silent auction however it is not something we can handle.
We will be selling t-shirts
We do not think we will be able to prepare childcare
Membership
Mike is glad to see many committees coming together and working on various issues.
Platform
They have been meeting biweekly and both reading and considering more effective small group interactions.
Appropriation for email collection
Mike has had concern about the first contact to our members coming for email addresses.
There was a straw poll taken favorable for Adcom to allocate $1000 towards the email collection effort.
Nashua river has had average attendance of 7 members.
Berkshires Scott is hopeful about the possibility of Bershires being active
PVGRP, the pioneer valley chapter has been instrumental in saving 160 affordable housing units at liman terrace.
Assabet River average attendence of 5. Most are members of the Party and one is unenrolled
GBC there were 2 candidates for boston city council and one candidate for city council in Cambridge. There were members participating in protests and sit ins for environmental actions.
Round Robin
ByLaws Section 8 As amended and passed.
8.5 The state committee will consist of three groups of representatives elected or appointed in the following ways. In all cases, state committee representatives must be members of the Green-Rainbow Party and their term of office will end on or before the thirtieth day following the presidential primary. Although these bylaws describe several methods of electing state committee representatives, all representatives other than the 80 elected at the presidential primaries are appointed seats in terms of Massachusetts State Law.
8.5.1 Forty women and forty men shall be elected to four year terms at the presidential primaries as described in Massachusetts General Laws. Their terms shall begin on the thirtieth day following their election and end four years later on the thirtieth day following the presidential primary to be held that year.
8.5.2 A number of state committee seats, to be known as proportional representation seats (PR seats), created and apportioned to regions. The number of PR seats shall be the larger of 60 or the number of state committee representatives elected in that year's presidential primary.
These state committee representatives shall be elected for four-year terms at regional conventions based upon the state senatorial districts. Regions may combine to conduct fewer conventions by providing break-out sessions at their convention for separate regional elections of state committee representatives filling PR seats. Until it is deemed likely that more than 60 representatives will be elected at the presidential primary, the regional conventions will be held soon enough for the terms of the 60 proportional representatives to coincide with the terms of representatives elected at the presidential primary.
The regions will be generally based on the 40 state senatorial districts.
Each Region shall be assigned at least two PR Seats. The number of PR seats per region shall be determined as follows:
1. The proportion of voters registered Green-Rainbow to the total nuber of voters in that region (at the beginning of that year) shall be determined and then applied to the total of 60 PR Seats. Leave the fractional results.
2. In cases where the 2 minimum seats per region is more than the calculated proportion for that region, fractional results will help determine which region(s) might get assigned one less seat to compensate.
3. The fractional results might also provide guidance in assuring that the total number of PR seats is 60.
Each Region must reserve half (rounded down) of their PR seats for each gender. In the event that there are not enough candidates of a gender, then those seats will remain empty. Candidates must be nominated by at least two other party members.
A GRP member who resides in the appropriate region may be nominated and appointed at a State Committee meeting to fill a vacant PR seat during the four years between regional conventions. Priority will be given to candidates brought by other representatives of the region or by a party member in the region. Such proportional representatives shall have identical responsibilities and rights as proportional representatives elected at quadrennial regional convention.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/o8lflrg6r2bf0ph/minutesfall2013grpstatecom.rtf
Summer 2013 minutes
Minutes - GRP State Committee Meeting
Saturday, July 13th, 2013
Minutes were taken by Frank Jackson. Send corrections to [email protected]
Members present: John Andrews, Roni Beal, Brian Cady, Maureen Doyle, Danny Factor, David Gerry, Mike Heichman, Scott Laugenour, Merelice, Wes Nickerson, Gus Steeves, Dru Tarr, Elie Yarden, Jill Stein, David Spanagle, Daphne Stevens, Sean Connell, Rick Purcell, Joyce Palmer Fortune, Richard Vaillette, Siggy Meilus, Dennis Meliken, Sheryll Vaillette
Facilitators called for order at 9:35 am.
Welcome message was provided by Dru Tar, Co- Facilitator.
Our Key committees are meeting and active, however need probably twice as many members as they already have. There are new chapters, some of which are very robust. We are still disorganized, and dont have the process to disseminate the information necessary. Politically we are at a crisis on many front. The environment, the economic, and democracy are all in danger, and our role is to ensure peoples votes actually have an effect on the way they live their lives.
We are learning to use the networks nationally, as other state chapters have similar problems, to solve our common issues. Platform Committee is doing extraordinary work, and this has great led to discussions around the carbon tax. We must provide the real solutions, as the establishment parties are not doing it.
Attendees were introduced.
Assigment of Tasks:
Minute Taker: Frank Jackson
Stacker: Gus Steeves
Vibes watcher: David Gerry
Parliamentarian: Merelice
Seating of Alternates:
Roni Beal, Sheryl Vaillette, Gus Steves
Alternates are seated by consensus
Nominees for new State Committee Members:
Sean Connell, Frank Jackson, Siggute Meilus, Dennis Meliken
It is agreed that newly seated State Committee members cannot vote until all others have been seated
Dennis Meliken Election: 19 in favor, 1 abstention
Sean Connell: 20 in favor
Siggute Meilus: 18 in favor, 1 opposed, 1 abstention
Frank Jackson: 20 in favor
Agenda:
Scott suggest the agenda be posted publicly, earlier.
Proposals for Agenda Amendments:
-“Francisco White” to “Candidates”
-Action items from the last meeting
Approval of the Previous Minutes:
The approval of the minutes of the Spring Meeting were tabled to the next meeting.
Next Meeting Sunday October 20th in the Pioneer Valley Holyoke Rowes
Facilitators: Scott Laugenour, Joyce Palmer Forturne
Endorsements of Candidates:
Francisco White
Scott Laugenour and Jill Stein spoke in support of Francisco's campaign which came to the previous State Committee meeting.
Mike Heichman stated that we need to get in the habit of making our endorsements early.
Joe Carvallo
Long time party supporter, candidate for mayor, running against a 2 term incumbent, which is not transparent. Their is a plan for the middle school to close it, rather than fix it. There have been other issues of conflicts of interest. It is necessary to have a breadth of fresh air, Joe can be this breadth of fresh air. 3 unions have already given him verbal support in his bid for office.
There is an amendment proposal that if there are 100 signatures submitted by July 23rd the candidate will be endorsed on July 23rd 5-18-1
The amendment does not pass
The endorsement passes with 2 concerns raised by Scott Laugenour and MK Merelice
Mark Miller
An amendment to the proposal to endorse Mark Miller's campaign asks that he submit an application to CDLC
The endorsement passes 22-0-2
David Gerry was concerned that Mark was not present at this meeting where we took up the question of endorsement.
Proposal Ranking- occurred on paper ballots to be tallied during lunch
Officers Report
Treasurers report
The treasurers report will hopefully be bi-weekly to the AdCom
The treasurers report was given to members of State Committee in printed form
Frank suggested the reports be quarterly reports be made at each committee meeting as opposed to the biweekly one given to AdCom
Convention Report
The convention committee has been preparing the room, as well as food. However they are unsure about finding speakers.
Merelice made suggestions about speakers.
The convention committee needs help in organizing this years convention
Chapter Reports
NRGL – has met 4 times since January with 6 members on average. Officers collected their annual dues
Quin Greens- The big innitiative is individuals supporting local farmers
Boston- The chapters has been actively meeting. They have had several presentations. They hope to participate in green fest and fund-raise. They hope to hold a meet the candidates event. They have also held elections for their officers
Assabet River- The chapter has been active meeting by-monthly
Pioneer Valley- Has been active around the issues of fracking, and gas in Westfield. There will not be a casino in Holyoke, and the chapter has protected affordable housing in the city.
Committee Reports
Membership
There is a draft of the new membership document. Suggestions should me made to Brian Cady. The committee has been working on making the district maps. The committee will be purchasing the more materials.
AdCom
AdCom is working on a budget, and hopes to bring one to the next state committee meeting.
Tech
Need people to help work with Nation builder to make call lists
Platform
Platform held elections. The committee is overloaded. The committee will serve as a resource for the party, but not produce literature which is a function of the communication committee.
CDLC
There are 3 candidates announced, which were endorsed at the meeting.
Communications
Has been very inactive. Joyce is unable to do as much work as she wishes she could, however they have been able to upkeep the facebook page by regularly posting individually on it.
Action Proposals Report
Green Flags- The membership committee has agreed to teach locals how to make the flags, but also encouraging, and helping them use the flags for outreach and recruitment.
Database Improvements-The plan is to call members to get their email addresses from our members. This opens up inviting people to meetings, fundraising, asking for support for candidates.
Enhanced Database
The caller will call all those we have phone numbers for, try to make contact, and enter in a the information.
John Andrews recorded suggestions.
The Statecom hopes chapters will participate in this effort, and that they would be in contact within their region
Outreach Worksession- Brian Cady led members of Statecom in a workshop for outreach training
Proposals
Bylaws Section 7 Update
The proposal passes by consensus
Bold Action Proposal for the Green-Rainbow Party in 2014
Mike Heichman presented the proposal. Frank voiced his support, as well as Brian.
Membership Volunteer and Diversity as well as CDLC have vetted the proposal.
Sean Connell supports this as it allows us to go forward
Joyce wanted clarification of the :
-Convention Agenda must be amended
-There needs to be an individual ready to go as chairperson to lead the interest
Merelice thinks we should delete the word “slate”. Merelice is concerned about the date to start the election
Jill suggests municipal office be our priority, rather than State House. Jill also stated support for issues.
Scott stated a sponsor should be a part of the committee
Frank and Sean both agree to join CDLC to help with implementation of the proposal.
Amendment :
Local office will be stated first in section 1
CDLC will launch a working group to pursue this goal.
The Working Group will attempt to recruit one or more candidates”
“the State Committee at the January 2014 will be asked to act upon the recommendation of the working group”
Amendment : #3 reads, the CDLC will give a progress report to the January State Committee on the proposal
Vetting Proposal
Detail #1 will read “Two weeks following the previous meeting”
The proposal passes by consensus
Attachement 1 ByLaws Section 7 As passed
All mentions of “Local”, “Local Chapter”, or their plural form, in the By-Laws, will be replaced by the term “Party Chapter”
Section 7 of the current Party By-Laws are hereby deleted and replaced by the following:
7 Green-Rainbow Party Chapters
7.1 A Green-Rainbow Party Chapter is a group affiliated with and certified by the Green-Rainbow Party. As long as the Green-Rainbow Party Chapter abides by the Massachusetts and Federal elections laws, and does not undermine the purpose of the Green-Rainbow Party as stated in Section 3 of the Green-Rainbow Party By-Laws, the Green-Rainbow Party cannot interfere with the Chapter's internal affairs or decision-making process.
7.2 a Definitions
• “Green-Rainbow Party Chapter” This is the umbrella term for all chapters which consist of 3 or more Green-rainbow members meeting regularly and affiliated with the Green-rainbow Party
• “Student Chapters” are operated by Green-Rainbow students within specific student bodies.
• “Regional Chapters” are operated by Green-Rainbow members that have some affiliation with a group of contiguous communities that share regional concerns.
• “Local Chapter” are operated by Green-Rainbow members in a city, town, or neighborhood.
7.2 b Regional and Local Chapters may choose to operate as either a Political Action Committee, or Town, City, or Ward Committee as defined by Massachusetts General Law
7.2 c Regional, School, and Local Chapters may exist in overlapping geographical regions
7.3 Any Green-Rainbow party members can seek certification as a Party Chapter from the Green-Rainbow Party by submitting to the Party Secretary:
• Minutes of the founding meeting.
• Contact information of any officers and liaisons.
• Party Chapter structure or By-Laws.
The Party Secretary shall submit to the Administrative Committee for approval the request for certification
7.4 Each Party Chapter must:
• Report their activities at at-least one regular State Committee Meeting per year.
• Notify the Party Secretary of any changes in officers, liaisons, By-Laws or structure.
• Consult with the Party Treasurer when dispensing funds for political work.
• Continue to have at least 3 members meet regularly.
7.5 Each Green-Rainbow Party Chapter will have one vote when voting on matters such as Article 6.6 (calling a state convention), Article 8.8 (overriding a state committee by-law change or decision), or Article 8.9 (calling a state committee meeting). It is recommended a Party Chapter abstain if its vote does not reflect a consensus or two-thirds vote of its members.
7.7 The Administrative Committee may recommend after reasonable efforts have been made to resolve the issue that the State Committee decertify a Green-Rainbow Party Chapter for failing to meet the requirements defined in Section 7.4, or failing to abide by Section 7.1.
7.8 In the event of a recommendation by the Administrative Committee to decertify a Green-Rainbow Party Chapter, the State Committee may disaffiliate a Green-Rainbow Party Chapter by first voting to post a public notice to members giving the reasons for disaffiliation, and include a statement by the affected Party Chapter unless the Party Chapter chooses not, or cannot, provide such a statement. At the next State Committee meeting, the State Committee shall vote on whether to disaffiliate the local. If a vote to disaffiliate passes, the Green-Rainbow Party Chapter will be disaffiliated from the Green-Rainbow Party, and will no longer be considered in the Green-Rainbow Party decision-making process, or allowed to represent themselves as part of the Green-Rainbow Party structure.
Attachment 2 Bold Action Planning as passed
At the July StateCom Meeting, we will call on our membership at our annual convention in November to make important decisions about the political work of our state party for 2014. Specifically, ...
1. The major electoral focus for our state party since 2010 has been to encourage and support our members to run for local elected office, the annual convention will be asked to reconfirm this; meanwhile CDLC and AdCom will launch a working group to pursue this goal for 2014.
2.The convention planning committee is hereby charged with incorporating in the state convention agenda a focus on 2014 electoral activities and recruit member participation in the working group.
3. The annual convention will be asked to approve a proposal to establish an Exploratory Committee to recruit one or more a diverse slate of candidates for the 2014 statewide elections. The Committee will attempt to recruit members of our party to run together as a slate for the offices of US Senate, Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Auditor, Secretary of the Commonwealth and Treasurer. (Note: We will need 10,000 valid signatures-signed by any registered voter-to get our entire slate on the ballot.) A committee will be established at the convention, which will report to the CDLC, StateCom and Adcom. The January 2014 State Committee will be asked to work on the Working Group's plan.
Each potential candidate will be told that the major priority of the state party is to encourage and support our members to run for the State House of Representatives. At this time, we have no idea how many of our members will be interested in joining the slate and no idea which offices they will be most interested in running. We believe that the best strategy for now is to be open.
4. The annual convention will consider whether to take on at least one (and not more than three) major statewide issues campaign in 2014. Each campaign must demonstrate strong support from the convention and there must be sufficient volunteers to establish an organizing committee for each issue that we vote to make a statewide priority.
Attachment 3
Presented as a timeline and steps in the process for meeting facilitators.
TWO WEEKS FOLLOWING PREVIOUS STATE COMMITTEE MEETING
1. Announcement / Web Enabling
The facilitators of the State Committee meeting shall announce the meeting on the [Statecom] list and will have created the web page where proposals can be posted within two weeks following the previous State Committee meeting. The facilitators will also establish the specific deadlines (date/time) for the following steps in the proposal process.
FOUR WEEKS PRIOR TO STATE COMMITTEE MEETING
2. Submission of Proposals
Proposals will be fully-co-sponsored (by at least two current State Committee representatives). Proposals will be posted using the template provided on the web page no later than four weeks prior to the State Committee meeting. The co-sponsors will send a notice to [Statecom] providing the title of the proposal and a link to the specific proposal. Proposals that are not co-sponsored or that are posted late will not be included in the regular agenda.
3. Comments / Vetting / Discussion
Up to 72 hours prior to the State Committee meeting individual GRP members, working committees, chapters, and fellow State Committee members will use the web page to comment upon, suggest amendments, report on any working committee vetting on a proposal. Comments, vetting, and discussion should not be conducted on the [Statecom] list, although the [Statecom] list should be used to share links to significant comments, amendments, and announcements made on the web page.
72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE STATE COMMITTEE MEETING
4. Amendments:
Between 72 hours and 48 hours prior to the State Committee meeting co-sponsors of a proposal may decide to amend or withdraw their proposals based on the vetting and discussion that has taken place. If amended, the co-sponsors will make the amendments in the text of the proposal and will re-send a link to [Statecom] along with an executive summary of the amendments that were made. If the proposal is withdrawn that information will also be sent to the [Statecom] list and the proposal will be deleted from the web page. Co-sponsors may choose to withdraw a proposal at any time prior to a call for consensus on it.
48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE STATE COMMITTEE MEETING5. Conducting a Ranking: 48 hours prior to the start of the State Committee meeting the facilitators will send an e-mail to the [Statecom] list attaching a ranking sheet for State Committee Representatives to return back via e-mail to the facilitators at least 12 hours prior to the start of the State Committee meeting. The ranking sheet will contain the title of the proposal, a link to the text, and ranking instructions.
6. Expressing Concerns:
There exists on every proposal page on the web site the ability for State Committee representatives and alternates to express concerns. Concerns about a proposal will be expressed online by any State Committee member during the vetting process up to 12 hours prior to the start of the State Committee meeting. These concerns will be addressed at the State Committee meeting following the usual process. New concerns that are made at the meeting will only be considered if they follow a material amending of the proposal.
12 HOURS PRIOR TO THE STATE COMMITTEE MEETING
7. Agenda Creation
The meeting facilitators will tabulate the ranking and expressing of concerns to determine how the proposals will be placed on the agenda.
DAY OF THE STATE COMMITTEE MEETING
By the time the State Committee meeting is called to order the ranking and the registering of concerns related to the proposals will have already taken place. Unlike the current state, the agenda will not include time for ranking and expressing concerns. The agenda that is presented for approval will already include the timing and ordering of the proposals, to include which proposals will follow an expedited round and which will follow a standard round. The results of the ranking andexpressing of concerns will be shared.
Statecom Minutes 2013-01-19
Minutes of the Winter Green-Rainbow Party State Committee Meeting
January 19th 2013
Proposals Past
New England Tar Sands Blockade Endorsement
Candidate Endorsement Policy Clarification
Talk Less Accomplish More
Goals For the Green-Rainbow Party
Regional Convention Process
Green-Rainbow Agenda
Individuals in Attendance
Joyce Palmer Fortune Franklin
Rick Purcell Hampden
John Andrews Middlesex
Jill Stein Middlesex
Nat Fortune Franklin
Karl Largner Middlesex
Danny Factor Middlesex
Ellie Yarden Middlesex
Joanna Herlihey Middlesex
David Spanagel Worcester
Scott Laugenour Berkshire
Tim Wright Berkshire
Dick Vaillet Nashua River
Andrew Essex
David Gerry Suffolk
Daphne Stevens
Roni Beal Worcester County
Mark Lasurt Worcester County
Wes Nickerson Middlesex
Mike Heichman Suffolk County
Brian Cady Suffolk
Lauren Worcester
Gus Steve Worcester
Merelice Norfolk
Quorum has been establish
Timekeeper- Wes
Stack - Brian
Notetaker- Frank
Co-Facilitators- Joyce and Rick
Appointment of New Statecom representative and alternates
Joanna Hurley Alternate
Drew Tar Member
Roni Beal Alternate
Daphne Stevens Alternate
Karent Sargent Member
With no concerns all representatives and alternates are appointed to the state committee meeting
Alternate Numbers Clarification
Counties can send as many alternates but can only seat their allotted numbers
Approval of the Agenda
Merelice concern around endorsement process which should be revisited by the State Committee-there is no requirement to not be a member of another party or political designation is not present in our current by laws
#3 endorsements policy has been added to urgent bussiness
New England Tar Sands Blockade on January 26th- endorsement by the GRP
#4 Tar sands blockade added to urgent business
Agenda was approved by consensus
Approval of Minutes of the Fall State Committee Meeting
minutes were approved
Set time and Place for next meeting
April Sunday 21st
Brookline Community Room in Brookline
We must have wheelchair accessibility at our meeting such as brookline
Facilitator Volunteering
David Gerry
Roni Beal
Joyce Palmer Fortune
Presentation and Ranking of Proposals
ByLaws Revision- John Andrews - There is no way to declare chapters inactive, boundaries are unclear- Jill Stein- Need for clarity to add new chapters
Talk Less Accomplish More- Nat Fortune- Establish a shepherd for each proposal to ensure that proposals are worked on
Improving the regional convention process- Merelice-regional conventionsonly exists in paper form, this would create 10 districts for state com based on state senator districts
Green Rainbow Agenda- Joanna Hurley- As was asked by the convention the Platform Committee has been requested to work on the agenda. This proposal asks for discussion. This document does not need to
Attainable Goals for the Green Party- Mike Heichman- We need to know what we are doing. We should start a strategic planning process by asking all members to come up with proposals, for the State Commmittee to come up with a strategic plan
Reports
Co-Chairs report- We are meeting every other week. We have been in the process of of transitioning. Locals should ensure they choose a representative to the administrative committee at this meeting. We hope to put into place press releases this semester.
Merelice- Has sent out updated By-Laws to the State Committee
Treasurer- Not Present at time of report- Federal Fund: $5,479.40 -- State Fund: $2507.71 -- Current Total: $7987.11. Undeposited funds: $165 from Mike
Secretary - Nothing to report
Berkshires- The Chapter has not been meeting for awhile. The Town of Lenox has a Green Rainbow Committee which has been very beneficial for them, allowing them to meet in Town Hall. They are sponsoring Green Drinks in Lenox as a monthly event.
Pioneer Valley- Low income housing has been preserved in Holyoke, they have pushed back against the Holyoke mayor successfully around the issue of casinos. They have had a forum with an attendance of 144 people around the issues of fracking.
Nashua Valley- Meeting every month 6 or 7 individuals every month. A few candidates have been supported out in Western Ma. Roni has been elected to AdCom. Green-Rainbow awards, have been provided to 2 organizations.
Assabett River- We have had a second meeting, working around bylaws and officers. We have been suggesting everyone get a pet project. Everyone should find a town committee they are interested in being involved in. It may be possible to push back against big development which has the possibility of a Walmart.
Quinnebaug Valley - have been working on a campaign for farming in the area. It attracts a few various farmers. May be putting forward
Greater Boston- Best meeting are the ones with a set goal ahead of time. The Chapter will have a phone meeting to run business and an action meeting every month.
CDLC- Candidate List is being maintained and reported quarterly. It is kept in confidence for those candidates who have not been announced yet. There are not enough committee members yet to keep in touch with every candidate. Maurine Doyle is the newest CDLC member.
Merelice-we have made a commitment to pay for a staffer, and we must go forward on our commitment
Membership- There is a phone conference on the first tuesday of every month. need more attendance. A report was distributed to the members of statecom.
Communications- Starting to build the website. We are building our committee currently
Platform- Hoping to move to new activities, around positions we should take concerning temporal issue. The wiki will be taken down for a few weeks. There have been 6 to 8 individuals meeting in person to edit the platform.
Convention Committee-
Saturday november 9th
at First Unitarian Committee
David Gerry is the contact person for the convention
AdCom Elections and Confirmation
We need individuals of color as diversity representatives
Berkshires-None
Greater Boston-None
Nashua River- Roni
Quinnipac- None
Pioneer Valley-None
Campaign School
Jill Stein for President has been willing to offer campaign schools to fit the party need.
Adcom and CDLC are working on this project
We should be doing this every year but this year are able to have great people come from across the country.
Feb 23rd
1st Unitarian Church
This is for both candidates and individuals supporting candidates
We will be teaching issues that are both useful for campaigns and political organizing
As a party it is necessary that we have a support network and attend if possible.
Endorsement Policy
There has been a policy not to endorse individuals enrolled in other parties, however it is not outlined in the ByLaws. Merelice, asks for clarification from the State Committee on endorsements, believing we should not endorse individuals in other parties or political designations.
Arguments:
-This could be an opportunity to work with other individuals in a city-wide race. This could help build the party and build visibility. We should be willing and opened to anyone
-It is not appropriate for the party to endorse democrats or republicans. We will be co-opted by the Democrats and lose our independence
It is advised that the GRP not endorse members of other political parties and other political designation.
Tar Sands
Every chapter should try to come to the Blockade via a carpool. We will have a spot at the speakers podium.
January 26th in Portland
Ellie proposes that the Green Rainbow Party officially affiliates with the event.
With no concerns the motion is approved
Elections to vacancies
Election of Female delegate to the GPUS.
This issue was tabled for the next meeting.
Proposals
Talk Less Accomplish More- Was submitted for the expedited process
Issues which have been brought up
-If a committee is willing to shepherd then it is reasonable not to limit the number of proposals an individual makes.
section 1 of the proposal shall be amended “No one may be lead sponsor for more than one proposal per meeting, unless a working committee has agreed to be in advance the project shepherd should the proposal pass.”[...] ”’project shepherd’ should the proposal pass unless another person steps forward”
4 abstain
1 no
21 yes
Green Rainbow Agenda-The proposal asks for discussion and approval of the text around editing, language and content(whether it’s complete enough).
The proposed agenda with alternative preamble with subheading is prefered over the standard version.
Mike Heichman raises that this document needing editing might be forgotten in the future.
Mike is willing to step aside allowing the proposal to pass
By-Laws Revision of Section 7
This proposal concerns amending the formation of chapters and adding a process to form caucuses.
Arguments- There are changes that need to be done, however it will drastically change
Some members are concerned that this proposal will hinder the ability of the party to organize within their local due to the prohibition of PACs to be chapters.
John Andrews clarified that chapters may form PACs or other committees but the PAC or other legal entity is not to be recognized by the structure of the party.
This item has been tabled
Regional Convention Process
This proposal would change the regional convention process to once every 4 years and call for the redrawing of regional districts
The changes to the bylaws are approved by consensus
Attainable Goals for the GRP
proposal is amended to using “ideas and plans” instead of proposals
proposal is approved by consensus