Diversity Committee Proposal

PROPOSAL SUBJECT:
Development of structures within the USGP to enhance and support diversity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
The Diversity Committee was originally formed at the Green Party (at that time it was the ASGP) national meeting in 1999 in Moodus, Ct.. However at that time it was not formed using the formula of a regular standing committee of the CC. None the less, this committee has functioned as a standing committee and has taken on the ambitious project of increasing diversity within the Green Party. We have submitted budget requests for 2002 and 2003, and those requests have been approved. Therefore, while we consider the Diversity Committee to be a recognized committee of the Coordinating Committee of the Green Party of the U.S., we are submitting this proposal to the Coordinating Committee to formalize our status as a standing committee of the Coordinating Committee of the Green party of the U.S., to clarify our role within the Green Party, and to provide a clear and transparent committee structure and criteria for membership.

PRESENTER:
Diversity Committee

CONTACT:
Anita Rios – 419-243-8772 – rhannon@toast.net
Joseph Mosley – 732-249-5650 – joemosley1@msn.com

FLOOR MANAGER:
Nathalie Paravicini – 713-880-9929 – nathalie@greens.org

TIMELINE:
Indefinite

PURPOSE:
To reestablish the Diversity Committee according to the criteria of a standing committee of the Coordinating Committee of the USGP; to provide uniformity by establishing bylaws for the Diversity Committee; and to establish this (the Diversity) committee as an incubator for the development and accreditation of the caucuses.

FULL PROPOSAL:

As a key value in Green philosophy, Respect for Diversity is fundamental to Green
politics; in an increasingly diverse United States, our strong commitment to diversity is also an important political statement. For these reasons diversity must be respected and demonstrated throughout all the policies, structures, and actions of the Green Party. As a standing committee of the CC the Diversity Committee will serve, in conjunction with the caucuses, as the primary advocate for traditionally disenfranchised communities. At least two thirds of the membership of this committee will be comprised of members of traditionally disenfranchised communities.

The Diversity Committee will also assist with the formation, accreditation and
development of the caucuses by providing resources for the caucuses to do outreach and form state chapters. In addition the Diversity Committee will serve as an advocate for traditionally disenfranchised communities by working in conjunction with the accreditation committee to administering the first step of the accreditation process. The Diversity Committee will provide the accreditation materials to the prospective caucus, review the applications, and forward the completed materials with a recommendation for approval to the accreditation committee. Thus, by providing this support and assistance we can forge the ongoing relationships necessary to foster true diversity within the Green Party.

Bylaws of the Diversity Committee of the Green Party of the United States

1. NAME

The name of this committee is the Diversity Committee of the Green Party of the United States.

2. MISSION AND PURPOSE

The Diversity Committee of the Green Party of the United States will strive to create a Green Party that is viewed as a political home where everyone is welcome and typically oppressed and disenfranchised people can find expression and empowerment. To fulfill this mission, we will:

  • 2. a: Develop programs to address and redress issues of diversity.
  • 2. b: Facilitate the formation of identity caucuses where typically oppressed and
    disenfranchised people can find expression and empowerment.
  • 2. c: Increase public awareness and accelerate the growth of the Green Party.

3. MEMBERSHIP

  • 3. a: Each affiliated state may appoint up to three voting members to this committee.
  • 3. b: Each accredited caucus may appoint from among its members, regardless of residence, up to three voting members.
  • 3. c: States and caucuses that are not accreditated may appoint up to three non-voting members.
  • 3. d: Any member of an affiliated state Green Party may volunteer to serve as a non-voting member.
  • 3. e: Any non-voting member may be elected to any office of the committee and earn the right to vote.

4. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

  • 4. a: The Officers of this Committee shall be three co-chairs, a secretary and a treasurer.
  • 4. b: The Committee’s leadership (The co-chairs) will be elected by the Diversity Committee membership with the understanding that in the initial election there shall be one female, an African American, and a Latino co-chair. This arrangement will be reviewed at each election and subsequent elections will strive to demonstrate the diversity of this committee and the members may, in recognition of a particular need for outreach to a specific community, again set aside co-chair positions to be filled by members of that community.
  • 4. c: The Co-chairs shall be responsible for representing the interests, ideas, and needs of the Committee on the Coordinating Committee of the Green Party of the United States. In representing the Committee, the Co-chairs shall be guided by the priorities of the committee members.
  • 4. d: Guiding Priorities shall be collected, posted, and ranked in order of importance by the membership at least once a year.
  • 4. e: Any Green Party member may be elected or selected as a co-chair
  • 4. f: Committee Co-chairs shall each serve staggered two-year terms, except in the first year when one co-chair will serve a one year term to establish the staggered terms. After being elected the co-chairs will decide among themselves who will serve the one year term.
  • 4. g: The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping the minutes of meetings, publishing same in a timely fashion, and maintaining any necessary communication with the membership. Depending on financial circumstances a stipend may be awarded to the Secretary.
  • 4. h: The Treasurer is responsible for the fiscal management of the committee and will provide a monthly financial statement to the members.
  • 4. i: The Committee may appoint such other Officers as is needed and define their duties and term of office.
  • 4. j: The Committee may also establish such committees, working groups, and other entities as are necessary to do its work. Upon establishment of these committees, working groups, and entities, the Committee shall define their membership, purpose, and length of service.
  • 4. k: Officers may be removed for cause by a two-thirds vote of the other officers or a majority vote of the membership. An officer removed by the other officers may appeal to the membership and a majority vote will repeal the removal.
  • 4. l: Upon a vacancy in any office the Committee may elect an officer to serve the
    remainder of the term.

5. VOTING

  • 5. a: The election of officers shall be done through Instant Runoff Voting . The option of voting “None Of The Above” shall be available in all elections.
  • 5. b: Voting may be conducted by e-mail or online voting. A ballot will be sent to all members at least twenty days prior to the election. Members who choose to vote by mail will receive a mail-in ballot. Votes received after midnight of the Election Day shall not be counted.
  • 5. c: The Committee shall strive for consensus in decision-making. If consensus is not possible, a simple majority shall pass general decisions and Operating Rules. Bylaws and policy statements must pass by a two-thirds majority.
  • 5. d: Proxy voting is forbidden.
  • 5. e: Any state representative who no longer resides in the state they represent may be replaced, at the discretion of the state involved, and lose the right to vote if they are not an officer of the committee.
  • 5. f: All officers retain their office and the right to vote for the duration of their term unless they are removed for cause or resign.

6. MEETINGS

  • 6. a: General Membership Meetings of the Committee shall be held at least once a year.
  • 6. b: Regular Meetings shall be held once a month by telephone conference call. If the quorum for a general membership meeting is not met, an Officers Meeting may be held.
  • 6. c: The General Membership may participate in an Officers Meeting but only Officers may vote.
  • 6. d: Committee Meetings shall be held at the convenience of the members of the committee.

7. QUORUM

  • 7. a: A quorum of the General Membership Meeting shall exist when at least fifteen percent of the voting membership, representing five of the states who have membership on the Committee are present.
  • 7. b: A quorum of an Officers Meeting shall exist when a majority of the officers are
    present.
  • 7. c: The quorum of Committee Meetings will be decided by each committee at their first meeting.

8. AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

  • 8. a: Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by the Officers of the Committee or by petition of five members of the Committee.
  • 8. b: Amendments to these Bylaws must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the
    members.