Statecom Minutes 2016-01-09 (rev. Mar 28, 2016)
Present Delegates: Ian Jackson (co-facilitator), Joyce Palmer Fortune (co-facilitator), David
Gerry,Joanna Herlihy, Merelice, Danny Factor, Daphne Stevens, Brian Cady,
Roni Beal, Jed Stamas, Charlene DiCalogero (became a delegate at this
meeting), Maureen Doyle and John Andrews
Guests: Bennett Childs (Town of Hanson) Jay Williams (Town of Rockland)
The meeting commenced at 9:06 a.m.
Determination of Quorum
Danny (Party Secretary) determined that State Com has 21 members and 2 Alternates, and that the quorum is 11. Quorum was met with 11 members present.
Choosing of Timekeeper, Vibes, Stacker and Parliamentarian
Roni was chosen as Timekeeper
Jed was chosen as Vibes
Daphne was chosen as Stacker
Merelice was chosen as Parliamentarian
Danny as Party secretary assumed duties as Secretary
New State Com Members
Charlene DiCalogero was voted in as new State Committee delegate by a vote of 10-0-1.
Charlene stated that she has been a long time GRP member. Charlene is co-chair of Nashua River Chapter and Co- Chair of the GRP Candidate Development and Legal Committee (CDLC).
Proposed Changes to Agenda
David proposed adding an item about the GPUS. Danny proposed that there be a report time scheduled for GRP elected officials report. These additions were agreed to by consensus.
Date for April State Com Meeting
It was decided by consensus that the Spring, 2016 State Committee meeting will take place on Saturday, April 2nd in Eastern Massachusetts, and the GBC Boston Chapter will help with this event. Danny and Charlene were chosen as co-facilitators.
Minutes
The minutes for the August 9, 2015 State Com teleconference were accepted by consensus.
As to the minutes for the Fall meeting of the State Committee, Merelice suggested not including a listing of absent members in the minutes, and adding that Danny was the note taker. The minutes were approved by consensus with these changes.
Diversity Representatives and Chapter Reps to AdCom and GPUS Committee Members.
There were no candidates put forward for Diversity Rep. Chapter Rep. to Adcom, or for GPUS Committee members. David stated that only two representatives and two alternates are participating as GPUS National Committee representatives.
AdCom Report
David reported that AdCom voted for the GRP to endorse two events, the Nov 21st Massachusetts Peace Action Event and the Northeast Climate event. In addition AdCom endorsed the idea of the GRP signing on to an Amicus Brief in which the New Hampshire Libertarian Party is suing the State of New Hampshire in Federal Court because it claims that the New Hampshire ballot access rules are unfair. AdCom members have been trying to fill in for the vacant Communications, Fundraising and Tech Committees. Adcom is trying to keep in touch with GRP chapters but have had limitations communicating with the Pioneer Valley and Berkshire chapters. AdCom will be looking for delegates to the Presidential Nominating Convention and presidential electors. Our Party Secretary has presented the Elections Division with the list of presidential candidates to be in the March 1st GRP Primary ballot. AdCom members attended the drawing which determined the ballot order. Daphne is the new State Com listserve administrator.
Treasurer Report
Ian submitted the following Treasurer’s report:
Federal Account
State Account
Combined Federal and State Accounts
Federal Account
Description | Credit | Debt |
Federal Starting Balance 1/1/2015 | 2948.14 | |
Donations | $2,384.05 | |
Expenses | ||
Fund Raising PayPal Fees | $96.11 | |
Bank Fee | $25.50 | |
Events | $490.00 | |
Postage | $220.06 | |
Candidate Contributions | ||
Legal | ||
Refunded Contributions | ||
Office Supplies | ||
Nation Builder | $1,199.00 | |
Internet | $429.76 | |
Participation – Meetings | ||
Convention – Food | $224.73 | |
Convention – Rent | ||
Convention – Speaker | $103.27 | |
Convention – Supplies | ||
State Committee – Food | ||
State Committee – Rent | $45.00 | |
Printing | $993.44 | 1786.57 |
Federal Ending Balance 12/31/2015 | $1,705.63 |
State Account
Description | Credit | Debit |
State Starting Balance 1/1/2015 | $772.34 | |
Donations | $6,014.69 | |
Expenses | ||
Fund Raising | $59.64 | |
Bank Fees | $48.00 | |
Events | $25.00 | |
Postage | $54.75 | |
Candidate Contributions | $2,100.00 | |
Legal | $250.00 | |
Refund | $30.00 | |
Office Supplies | $21.24 | |
Nation Builder | ||
Internet | ||
Participation – Meetings | $128.88 | |
Convention – Food | $285.00 | |
Convention – Rent | $250.00 | |
Events | $25.00 | |
Convention – Supplies | $129.47 | |
State Com – Food | $281.00 | |
State Com – Rent | $395.00 | |
Printing | $993.44 | |
State Ending Balance 12/31/2015 | $1,710.61 |
Combined Federal and State Funds and Budget
Description | Credit | Debit | Percentage | 2016 Budget | |
Starting Balance 1/1/2015 | $3,720.48 | ||||
Donations | $8,398.74 | ||||
Expenses | |||||
Fund Raising | $155.75 | 1.79% | 200 | ||
Bank Fees | $73.50 | 0.84% | 70 | ||
Events | $515.00 | 5.92% | 500 | ||
Postage | $274.81 | 5.92% | 300 | ||
Candidate Contributions | $2,100.00 | 24.13% | 1200 | ||
Legal | $250.00 | 2.87% | 0 | ||
Refunded Contributions | $30.00 | 0.34% | 0 | ||
Office Supplies | $21.24 | 0.24% | 50 | ||
Nation Builder | $1,199.00 | 13.78% | 972 | ||
Internet | $429.76 | 4.94% | 500 | ||
Participation – Meetings | $128.88 | 1.48% | 500 | ||
Convention – Food | $509.73 | 5.86% | 600 | ||
Convention – Rent | $250.00 | 2.87% | 250 | ||
Convention – Speaker | $128.27 | 1.47% | 500 | ||
Convention – Supplies | $129.47 | 1.49% | 200 | ||
State Com – Food | $281.00 | 3.23% | 300 | ||
State Com – Rent | $440.00 | 5.06% | 500 | ||
Printing | $1,786.57 | 20.53% | 500 | ||
Ads | 500 | ||||
Material (Bumper stickers, T-shirts, Poster, Buttons, etc.) | 500 | ||||
$8,702.98 | 8142 | ||||
Ending Balance 12/31/2015 | $3,416.24 | ||||
Prepaid 2016 Rent | 215 | |
Ian stated that the biggest expenses in the budget are what we spend on Nation Builder and our Candidates Fund. Much of the money was allocated from the state fund, since most of our candidates are statewide candidates.
Merelice stated that she would like to see a breakdown of the money spent and raised on our fundraiser and our convention. Joanna stated that she can help with the fundraiser mailing. We discussed the importance of having a Fundraising and Finance committee.
Candidate Development and Legal Committee (CDLC)
There are two new co-chairs, Nat Fortune and Charlene. There are 67 candidates either elected or considering future run. There will be GRP Members running for state rep. CDLC would like feedback about the Candidate Recruitment Manual. At our Convention Jonathan Martin and Charlene will lead a workshop on using the candidate recruitment manual to recruit more candidates.
Communications Committee
AdCom members have been filling in for the Communications Committee. The Communications Committee has not been meeting and the Communications Director, Kati Betrovski has reasons. Ian has been filling in as temporary webmaster, and Danny has been making occasional posts to the GRP Facebook page.
Convention Committee
The Convention Committee consists of Dave Spanagel, Carol Sotiropoulos, Joyce and Roni. The convention will take place on May 21, 2016 in Worcester and the committee has also found a good possible facility for a possible Boston convention in 2017. Possible themes for the 2016 are: GRP Rising or Go Green. The committee is focused on getting good speakers for the convention. They are looking into having two speakers and 4-6 workshops. The committee is looking into possible presentations about Animal Rights, Black Lives Matter, and the Kinder Morgan Pipeline. The committee plans to keep fees the same at $25, $40 for those who want to sustain others and lower fees for those of limited income. Free childcare will be offered. There will be time for presidential candidates or their representatives to speak. There may not be enough people to conduct a silent auction. Brian stated that he may be able to supply a list of volunteers to the committee.
Fundraising and Finance Committee
Right now no committee exists. Discussion regarding the budget and the possibility of hiring a fundraiser was tabled, to be discussed when we discuss the budget under a separate heading.
Membership, Diversity and Volunteer Recruitment Committee.
Brian apologized that he doesn’t have membership numbers or t-shirt inventory. He has begun advertising on volunteer website for volunteers, and interns. He is looking for people to guide interns and orient volunteers. The goal would be that these volunteers could help populate our dormant working committees.
Platform Committee
Danny handed out the Platform Committee report which explained that the Platform Committee has conducted some research on the ballot questions but does not support making recommendations to StateCom about the ballot questions until at least April, since the list of ballot questions which will appear on the ballot have not been finalized by the Commonwealth. Danny and Jed initiated discussion about the possibility of the GRP coming up with our own ballot questions in the future. Joanna wants to express skepticism about large groups such as Raise Up that use middle class focus groups to make determinations, as opposed to listening to the community at large.
Presidential Campaign Working Group (PCWG)
All deadlines have been met, and our candidates are on the ballot. PCWG is recruiting delegates for the Presidential Nominating Convention in Houston. There was discussion about having financial assistance for those who need help to get to Houston.
GPUS National Committee Representatives
The National Committee has appointed new members to a number of committees including Maureen at the Campaign Coordinating Committee (CCC). The Credentials Committee will evaluate our delegates. The 2016 budget has been approved. The Apportionment Committee was finally appointed, one year overdue. There is a proposal to form Animal Rights Committee. There was discussion within the National Committee about the GPUS logo.
There were no reports from the Legislative, Action and Tech committees which are inactive.
Regional Conventions.
Joyce explained that purpose of our Regional Conventions is to elect state com representatives.
The Central Region has chosen a theme, “Stand up for the 99%. Go Green in 2016”, and they have organized into teams for the purpose of organizing their convention. Both the Central Region and Boston region are discussing how best to contact their membership. Joyce states that the Western Region will have a convention but expects it to be “the bare minimum”. Danny stated that the Assabet River Valley Chapter is in discussion with the Reading Town Committee about having the Metrowest/Northeast convention in Lowell. Regarding the South/Southeast Convention, Jed has sent out some letters to people in his town for response and has received one or two responses. Merelice suggested the possibility of traveling convention where the same program could take place at multiple conventions. Charlene talked about the possibility of having our own elected officials speak at our regional conventions.
There was discussion of sending out a post card to all GRP registered voters to let them know about primary and regional conventions. There was also discussion about requesting that the Secretary of State send out a card to all individuals registered GRP. David G. thinks that social media will also not yield a high response. John thinks that Facebook is cost effective because you can target posts to certain regions: $75 can reach 7500 people. Straw polls were taken 7-4-in favor of using Facebook to promote our Regional Conventions and 10-0- in favor of requesting that the Secretary of State notify our membership in regard to our primary. Danny, as Party Secretary, will make that request.
Budget
Danny suggested that we increase participation fund from $500 to $1000 and raised the question of whether we want to hire an individual to do outreach or fundraising. John said that it might be valuable to have tiered budget where a second tiered budget represents more aspirational goals. Brian stated that hiring a fundraiser on commission is frowned upon and Maureen stated that it could be antithetical to our 10 key values. John agreed, but stated that a salaried fundraiser could still have goals that when met are rewarded with a bonus. Merelice moved that the Participation Fund be increased from $500.00 to $1,000.00. Danny seconded and this was agreed by consensus.
Reading Town Committee
Danny confirmed that he has received the required paperwork to certify the existence if the Reading Town Committee. He has been in touch with Andy Friedmann of the Committee and has confirmed that the committee has met a number of times. They would like to find GRP candidates to run for office. The Reading Town Committee was recognized by consensus.
Chapter Reports
The Assabet River Valley Chapter meets twice per month, once in person at the Acton Memorial Library and once by phone. Meetings have had attendance of between 4 and 7 people. The chapter continues to be active voicing concerns about unregulated growth in our region, poverty and homelessness and is assisting Danny in his planned run for State Representative. Danny sits on the Acton Commission on Disabilities and Tar is an elected member of the Concord Housing Authority.
As far as can be determined, there has not been organization of GRP South Coast members since Sean Connell’s campaign for office. Jed stated that he will try to grow this area.
The Greater Boston Chapter GBC meets once per month. The GBC was active in the fall with Plinio DeGoes’ campaign. There were plans for a “Save The Forest” campaign. Some GBC members were involved in particular projects, such as working on establishing a public bank, and in Brookline, working on race issues, affordable housing and greensave issues. Joanna mentioned involvement in the Massachusetts Alliance Against Predatory Lending (MAAPL). There was a nice holiday party.
The Nashua River Chapter meets monthly and has an average attendance of 9.5 members with 12 active members. Bryan Moss is elected as a Town meeting member in Shrewsbury, Gus Steeves is on the Southbridge board of Selectmen (where he is advocating for cleaning up the dump) and David Spanagel continues as Town Moderator of Lancaster. Chapter members play an overwhelmingly large role on our Convention Committee, The chapter has continued its practice of giving out the Green Awards & Rainbow Awards to community members. They are working with MAAPL.
Joyce stated that the Pioneer Valley Chapter was quite active supporting candidate Darlene Elias for Holyoke City Council, but has not been very active since then.
AdCom has made attempts to contact individuals who made up the former Berkshires Chapter, but there has been no response.
Amicus Brief in Ballot Access Lawsuit
Danny described the circumstances regarding the Amicus Brief that the GRP has been asked to sign. The new ballot access restrictions in New Hampshire are severely restrictive. It used to be that a party had around 18 months to gather what is usually around 40,000 signatures to get on the ballot. The new law changes this period to around three months, much of it during the harsh winter. The NH Libertarian Party has filed a lawsuit in Federal Court’s First Circuit (which includes Massachusetts) challenging this law. The Amicus brief is likely to be signed by most small political parties in New England including the Maine Green Independent Party. Consensus was reached that this is a good idea to sign onto the brief, publicize the GRP’s involvement and have the final decision to sign the brief made by AdCom, after their review of the brief
MAAPL.
Merelice described how the vast majority of foreclosures were done illegally, and how the new law severely curtails the amount of time that a homeowner has to challenge a foreclosure. She urged GRP members to be involved in the effort to get signatures to overturn this law.
Intervenor Status on Pipeline.
Ian described how FERC allows entities to intervene in regard to approval of the Kinder Morgan Pipeline. Reasons to intervene can include living near the pipeline or that you might be taxed. There was consensus that the GRP should file to intervene and publicize this. Jed will scribe the first draft and send it to AdCom by January 11th and AdCom will draft the final product and file it by January 15th.
Ideas to promote primary
It was discussed that if finances are available, all GRP members should receive notice of the regional convention and primary. It was also agreed that there should be press releases, email blasts and a Facebook boost Charlene volunteered to come up with a few memes for an email blast.
GRP Ballot Access in New England
John stated that right now the Green Party does not have ballot access in Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut. Nationwide, the GPUS expects to get ballot access in 44 or 45 states. John is asking for support in gathering signatures, either for Jill Stein or for the Green Party, depending on what the best strategy is to get the Green Party on the ballot in November for the particular state. The next day in which there will be an organized effort to collect signatures in New England will be February 9th in New Hampshire.
Round Robin.
The Round robin evaluation of the meeting elicited positive reviews with no concerns stated.
The meeting adjourned at 5:03 p.m.
Statecom Minutes 2015-10-17
Green-Rainbow Party Fall, 2015 State Committee Meeting
October 17, 2015, Holyoke Rows, Holyoke Massachusetts
Attendance: Present were Ian Jackson, David Gerry,Joanna Herlihy,Merelice, Dan Kontoff,
Danny Factor, Joyce Palmer Fortune, Wes Nickerson, David Spanagel,Daphne
Stevens, Elie Yarden, Brian Cady, Rick Purcell, Roni Beal, Mike Heichman, Darlene
Elias, John Andrews, Angel Ayala and Jed Stamos, a total of 17 Members, 0
Alternates, and 2 Observers.
facilitators: joyce and Wes
Minutes: Danny
Both observers, Angel Ayala and Jed Stamos became State Com members during
this meeting, making a final attendance total of 19 State Com Representatives and
0 Alternates present.
The State Com Representatives that were absent were Maureen Doyle, Siggy
Meilus, Kati Betrovsky and Plinio DeGoes. The alternates who were absent were
Nat Fortune and Gus Steeves.
The meeting commenced at 9:06 a.m.
Determination of Quorum
Danny F. (Party Secretary) determined that State Com has 21 members and 2 Alternates, and that the quorum is 11. Quorum was met with 17 members present.
Choosing of Timekeeper, Vibes, Stacker and Parliamentarian
David S. was chosen as Timekeeper
Daphne S. was chosen as Vibes
Brian C. was chosen as Stacker
Merelice was chosen as Parliamentarian
New State Com Members
Angel Ayala and Jed Stamos were voted in as new State Committee members by a vote of 16-0-1 with David G. abstaining. The vote took place after the responsibilities of State Committee members were explained. Before the vote, each State Committee Candidate had an opportunity to state that they can make this commitment. With this vote the total membership of State Com increased to 23 members and 2 alternates. Quorum increased to 12. This quorum continued to be met with 19 State Com members present.
Proposed Changes to Agenda
Danny proposed changing the order of the Ballot Question item and the Legislative Committee item but Merelice and Mike H. thought it should remain as is. Danny withdrew his suggestion. Elie asked that a matter regarding GPUS delegates be added. Danny asked that a report from Elected Officials be heard. The changes to the agenda were agreed to by consensus.
Date for January State Com Meeting
it was decided by consensus that the Winter, 2016 State Committee meeting will take place on Saturday, January 9th (snow date January 23rd) in Worcester. David S. will inquire about use of the Unitarian Church, Ian J. and Joyce F. volunteered to be facilitators.
Minutes
The minutes for both the summer, 2015 and the August 9, 2015 State Com teleconference were accepted by consensus.
Diversity Rep & Chapter Reps to AdCom.
There were no candidates put forward for Diversity Rep. or Chapter Rep.
Danny F. raised the issue of whether Kati Betrovsky should be dismissed as Diversity Rep. from AdCom because she had missed most AdCom teleconferences. There was a brief discussion about the role of the diversity representatives. Merelice stated that according to the bylaws, Kati B. automatically loses her seat on AdCom after she has missed three meetings in a row, hence no action needs to be taken.
Appointment Members to GPUS Committee
David Gerry was appointed by consensus to the GPUS Bylaws, Rules, Policies & Procedures Committee.
Elie Yarden was reappointed by consensus to the GPUS Platform Committee
State Com Listserve Administrator
It was agreed by consensus that AdCom can within its responsibilities chose a listserve administrator, provided that the administrator is a member of State Com.
AdCom Report
The co-chairs did not have a report. As a result, AdCom's report consisted of a Secretary and Treasurer’s report.
Danny F. gave a Secretary’s report stating that most of his responsibilities have consisted of communicating with the Secretary of State’s Office about procedures and deadlines regarding the 2016 Primary and General Election. He has also fielded phone calls and emails to the party, referring members to the appropriate party individuals. He has delegated the responsibility of note-taking at AdCom meetings to Roni B. who he thanked.
Ian J. submitted the following Treasurer’s Report, which is as of 10/12/2015:.
Federal Starting Balance 1/1/2015 2948.14
Donations $2,382.14
Expenses
Fund Raising PayPal Fees $94.20
Postage $220.06
Nation Builder $800
Internet $409.76
Events $490.00
Bank Fee $18.00
Convention $328.00
State Committee $45.00
Printing 1786.57
Federal Ending Balance 10/05/2015 967.87
State Starting Balance 1/1/2015 $772.34
Donations $5,195.11
Expenses
Bank Fees $40.50
Rent $340.00
Postage $54.75
Contributions $2,386.86
Legal $250.00
Refreshments $281.00
Office Paper $150.54
Convention 285
Refund 30
Fund Raising 3.15
Events $25
State Ending Balance 10/12/2015 $2743.58
Ian J. commented that it would be advisable to ask people to donate while informing them about our primary, targeting people who have voted in our primary. Dan K. stated that we should remind people that there is not a risk of losing Massachusetts. Brian C. stated that the crowdfunding fundraiser raised $220.00 for Sean Connell, $210.00 for Plinio DeGoes and a similar amount for Darlene Elias. As it cost $1,200.00, it was not successful. John A. stated that Jill Stein recently raised $14,000.00 from Massachusetts residents online with fundraising email, using a Facebook meme and encouraged the GRP to be the same. Danny F. brought up that we need to populate our dormant Fundraising and Finance Committee.
Regional Conventions
David G. reminded us that we have new districts, and we have to think about organizing these conventions. Merelice stated the importance of GRP members running for State Committee in the March primary. David S. stated that he and Charlene DiCalogari are quite hopeful that they will get enough signatures to be on the ballot. Danny F. was also hopeful about obtaining the signatures to run for State Committee.
Merelice stated that the new GRP districts should be as close as possible to Senatorial districts. Joyce F. reminded State Com members that the districts had been voted on, and that the borders are similar, except there were some changes made where the shapes of the districts were irregular. Merelice said that these irregularities could have been included in our districts. Merelice wants to create a printed list where a GRP member could tell which of our districts corresponds to their State Senatorial district.
It was decided that there would be five regional conventions:
1. West- Angel A., Joyce F., Darlene E. and Rick Purcell would coordinate.
2. Central- Roni B. and Charlene DiCalogari will coordinate
3. Metro West & Northeast Danny F., Barbara Clancy and Andy Friedman will coordinate. They will also check with Dru Tarr.
4. Metro South. Jed S. will coordinate and touch base with Siggy Meilus and Sean Connell.
5. First and 2nd Boston—Brian C. and Merelice will coordinate.
Bylaws Proposal
Merelice describes these changes to our bylaws as addressing “no-brainer” changes, many of which we are already doing now. For example, the convention does not in reality create its own agenda. The proposal addresses how we act if the primary date changes. It allows us to remove someone from the State Committee who leaves the state. It changes what qualifies as an emergency, and allows reinstatement a member if they miss three meetings and then attend the next meeting. David S. asked to amend the proposal by adding language making it clear that State Com members can be reinstated at the “fourth meeting. “ Wes N. asked to amend the proposal to replace “2008” with “in any year.” Part 5.3 was deleted because we already have a voting fallback process. The proposal was adopted by consensus with the amendments proposed by David S. and Wes N. .
Canvassing for Darlene Elias for City Council Campaign
Darlene E. prepared the State Committee for canvassing on behalf of her candidacy, speaking about how her message was one of being accessible to the people, transparent, honest, servicing the people and also “pushing our values.” Most State Com Members then proceeded to canvass in Holyoke.
Presidential Campaign Working Group ECWG
David S. stated that the PCWG is in the process of vetting presidential candidates for the purposes of which Green Party candidates will take part in the March 1, 2016 GRP Primary. Depending on how you count them, there are between 8 and 12 names, and maybe more. PCWG will have final recommended list by early December. Determining what is a serious candidate includes verifying that they have filed with the FEC, and that they have obtained the number of signatures to be registered with the GPUS. Danny F. stated that the Secretary of State Elections Division has given him a template of a letter which is to be used to inform the Elections Division of the names of the candidates by December 31, 2015. David S. stated that PCWG will provide a list of recommended candidates for AdCom to approve by December 10th. Mike H. states that it is important to strictly follow the rules as far as determining who is a serious candidate.
Legislative Committee
Danny described how GRP passed a proposal to have a legislative committee, but despite attempts, the party has not formed the committee. State Com members contributed ideas to grow the party and take stances on current issues.
Jed S. suggested an outdoor park event with families, music, activities and media coverage. Also focus on ballot initiatives are the pulse of politics. Most important is education. Black Lives Matter is the name of a movement but we may want to call it police accountability. Get money out of politics. Co-op power.
Angel A. suggested educational videos be put on our website about legislative process.
Wes N. said that this should be done at the committee level by the Legislative and Platform Committees.
Merelice gave MAAPL as an example of a group that has filed and advocated for multiple pieces of legislation to keep people in their homes. Merelice said that we can seriously make a difference, but she cannot be the sole liaison. We need a group following this. Also City Life is involved in eviction blockades. The issue can appeal to both activism and legislation. If we want people to support us, we need to support them. We have limited people power, but we could help collect signatures for a ballot question after we see what is on the ballot.
Rick P.—We should advocate for a $15 minimum wage, legalization of marijuana, 100% renewable energy and cooperatives.
Elie Y.—We should advocate for a $15 minimum wage, but not incrementally, but rather, now.
Danny F.—We should advocate to end poverty, 100% Green, safe, Renewable energy by 2030,
We should call for racial justice reform and to get the money out of politics.
Darlene E.—We are putting the cart before the horse. We are spread out thin. Focus needs to be on recruiting from the local level. Agrees with Jed about having an event. Have a common day that Greens get together to work on local issue. Training about the legislative process is important. We need to focus on issues. Black Lives Matter is about fighting systemic issues. We need to focus on police brutality, affordable housing, and fair taxes.
Mike H.—Likes different people on different issues. He will work on Public Education
John A.— Supports focusing on student debt and defending Public Schools. Thinks we have good issues but could use a women’s strategy. Would like us to advocate for something controversial.
adcom will follow up on this matter. (add chart or Ian's notes or both)
Ballot Question Proposal
Mike H. introduced the proposal which seeks the GRP to take stances on 2016 Ballot Questions. Dan K. stated that the GRP should vote on Ballot Questions where other groups have asked the GRP to take a stance. Jed thought that this was a great proposal. Darlene E. stated that she applauded Mike because we need to take a stand. Joyce suggested that we focus on the time constraints since it might not be possible in the time allotted to talk about specific ballot questions.
After further discussion, including mention that Bill Ashley and Jed S. are interested in re-starting the now dormant GRP Platform Committee, Mike H. withdrew the proposal. Instead, it was agreed to by consensus that the Platform Committee would be charged by State Com to evaluate the 2016 Ballot Questions and to make recommendations as far as what stances the GRP should take, in time for the January, 2016 State Com meeting.
Committee Reports
The Membership Committee attempted a crowdfunding campaign, printed more flyers, and created a Spanish language flyer. Inventories are generally good except for Spanish language flyers.
CDLC had a subcommittee revise a candidate recruitment manual.
Communications did not give a report.
Convention Committee continues to look for locations in Boston for the convention. Mike is concerned about accessibility to T. Dan K said it has underground parking. Dan K. thinks we
should consider Old South Church. Merelice suggested the Lewis Center. Ian expressed concerns about the cost of a Boston convention. Joyce says we have to try once. Joyce F., Dan K. and Danny F. thought we need to be open to earlier dates. SEIU and Roxbury Tenants of Harvard were also suggested as locations. We decided that there would be a fallback plan using David S.’s church in Worcester.
Fundraising did not give a report due to the fact that the committee is inactive, Chris Dreher having resigned. There was agreement that a fundraiser should be mailed out at the beginning of 2016.
In regard to the Platform Committee, Mike H. will assist Jed S. and Bill Ashley.
In regard to GPUS committees, it was reported that there is now a Latin Caucus. The move to Nation Builder has created problems with communications for the GPUS. The GPUS Platform committee is in relatively good shape and is asking for the responsibility of writing part of the GPUS platform. Elie Y. expressed concern about members of our delegation being absent. It was agreed that he will discuss the matter with AdCom.
Chapter and Elected Official Reports
Nashua River Chapter continues to have higher attendance. They had 17 people attend their awards dinner and attendance at the last few meetings have ranged from 6 to 10.
Pioneer Valley Chapter members continue to work on the Darlene Elias Campaign.
Greater Boston Chapter is trying to create visibility for candidate Plinio DeGoes. He is struggling with running a campaign, holding down a job and being a new dad. There is an eco-crisis group that has formed about saving greenspace in the Mystic Valley watershed. Merelice, as elected Town Meeting member in Brookline is active, sponsoring a warrant article to have town employees reflect the diversity of the people that we serve. She feels that this can be done in more towns.
Assabet River Valley Chapter remains stable and is looking forward to having an Acton Town Committee and the possibility of Danny F. running for State Rep in 2016. They were active opposing the establishment of an asphalt plant in Westford. Tar Larner, elected GRP member to the Concord has requested that Concord make a special application to house a Middle Eastern refugee.
The South Coast Chapter in-formation had no representatives from the chapter attending. Sean Connell is running for School Committee. Jed S. in Taunton will try to form a ward committee and network with Southcoast and CDLC.
Round Robin Evaluation/Adjournment
The Round robin evaluation of the meeting elicited positive reviews with no concerns stated.
The meeting adjourned at 5:03 p.m..