MINUTES – Green Party US – Steering Committee Meeting
Date: Sunday, January 14, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm ET
NOTE on Minutes: From the Bylaws: “…Minutes. SC members will have
72 hours from the time the minutes are posted
to send corrections.
“Barring unforeseen circumstances, minutes will be posted to The National Committee Votes list no later than ten days after the adjournment of the meeting and to the GPUS web site no later than twenty days.”
AGENDA
Observers are asked to remain muted and refrain from using the chat function. If someone wishes to speak to an agenda item, please respond to secretary@gp.org or this address, above.
Observers (remain muted and refrain from using the chat feature):
Establish Quorum (9 current members, quorum is 5)
Approve Agenda (changes require majority, new items require ⅔)
I. Setup and Background – 10 min.
A. Facilitator: Gloria Mattera
B. Steering Committee Roll Call:
1. Craig Cayetano (co-chair) – present
2. Margaret Elisabeth (co-chair) – present
3. Darryl! Moch (co-chair) – present
4. Alfred Molison (co-chair) – present
5. Joseph Naham (co-chair) – present
6. Tony Ndege (co-chair) – present
7. Tamar Yager (co-chair) – present
8. Holly Hart (secretary) – present
9. Bob Stuller (treasurer) – present
Observers: Alda Crone. WA; Starlene Rankin, WA; Scott Laugenour, WA; Rita Jacobs, MI; Alan Hunter, NY; Cassandra Lems, NY; Maureen Doyle, MA; Jonathon Mann, CA
Requests for New Items on Agenda
Three items were requested to be placed on the agenda.
1. Add first item (from staff) under New Business first, before Treasurer’s report
2. Request to add for SC consideration/voting queue: GPUS Sign on to Support South Africa’s Genocide Case Against the State of Israel
3. Media Committee Request for Updates for X (Twitter) and Canva
All additions/changes approved by Consensus. Since the staff was not on the call at that time, the SC decided to review some basics in question, then proceed with the regular order of business.
II. Treasurer’s Report (Bob)
Bob reported a good mail call last week. Merchant savings account: $6,132.07; General checking: $12,946.68 ($10,996 available); Savings: $119.849.90; Paypal – ??
General direct mailing as reported on the last call as not having reached its cost. At this time, income is now in the black, thanks partly to mainly to a large donation.
Bob and the Finance Committee have been working on a budget. Joseph asked what committees have submitted requests. Bob will send a link to a Google spreadsheet showing what request have been made, so far, by committees and caucuses
III. New Business
A. Staff request for several issues (Tamar, staff) 30 min
What to do with volunteers coming from states with no party? People are also asking about GA and some other states that are not affiliated and they may want to affiliate.
Staff was not on the call, so SC decided to hold off on items until they arrived. 8 SC members voted Yes, with Margaret voting No
SC decided to continue the discussion.
Discussion
General agreement was that the volunteer forms are not very relevant or useful and need to be re-vamped, or something else set up. It appears that most people tick off every box, interested in more information, but not necessarily in volunteering Some committee co-chairs have taken a lot of time to respond, some set up attempts to incorporate volunteers that took up a good dela of time with no real results. Some categories aren’t relevant Others might be useful (social media?) but would be good to have a clearer way to assess interest in involving the volunteers.
To create new forms, check with committees first: 1) Does a committee need, or could it use volunteers for something? 2) If so, what and how?
A critical issue is how to involve people from states where there is no affiliated party. Some may get involved through an identity caucus. AN individual can only be in the national structure through a state party or identity caucus that has authorized the to be there.
Craig stated that the party should pass a bylaw for those who do not live in a state with an affiliated party and not eligible to join a caucus, to approve volunteers on a one year basis to volunteer in some capacity. Others noted that there are tasks which need involvement from more people than would reasonably be on a working committee (social media? Ballot petitioners).
Tamar will talk to Athena about getting a template to revamp form; suggest volunteers pick top 3, not all on form.
B. Request for Second Election to Fill Remaining Seats on Green Senatorial Campaign Committee (GSCC).
No formal proposal has been submitted yet. This would start with another call for candidates. Need to set timeline. https://gpus.org/committees/green-party-senate-campaign-committee/bylaws/
Margaret proposed using the standard voting timeline, two weeks discussion, one week vote, starting with a call for nominations to go out Monday. AGREED by Consensus Starlene rRnkin, a member of the GSCC, asked for one week discussion because one person is willing to act as treasurer, which they need. AGREED by Consensus.
C. United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ)
GPUS was an early member. UPFJ has not been particularly active but perhaps is becoming more active now. An organization can be a member without paying dues, but they do ask for sustainers. Craig stated that we should have a discussion as to whether GPUS should rejoin and if so in what capacity. The SC will take up with GPAX and discuss further.
D. Request for “intervention” on Email list use. Issue of false representation, possible mis-use // limit no. of posts? Drive some topics to bulletin board? Ask Forum Managers to strictly enforce definition of “business” and move anything else to “affairs” list (already being done).
Margaret advocates moving off the email list. Two pronged effort: 1) Technological – move to a different system, a bulletin board. 2) Change the culture we want to have on our lists. Work toward better interaction. Support the Forum Managers when they step in.
Darryl! recommended directing David Doonan to rebuild such for us as he did on the past; then simply initiate moving to that over a 3 month period thus by the fall of the year we would be off the lists and use the forum/bulletin board(s) instead. The discussion list and the votes list would be parts of the forum/bulletin board. The voting list could also be password required for that discussion process.
E. Request to add for SC consideration/voting queue: GPUS Sign on to Support South Africa’s Genocide Case Against the State of Israel https://act.progressive.international/southafrica/
Margaret motioned to sign on. If time critical, the SC can do an emergency vote. Darryl! seconded, noting that Namibia has commented on Germany’s position. Advised consulting International Committee going forward, and signing on now.
Proposal to Sign on Passed by Consensus. A 24/48 hour response will commence now, and as all Steering Committee members have approved, the secretary will go ahead and sign on now. The SC will send an announcement to the NC, and immediately follow up with the Media Committee, International Committee and GPAX to draft a statement and disseminate to the NC and media. “The Steering Committee, in consultation with Green media spokespeople and other knowledgeable greens, will draft a statement, and use the appropriate spokespeople to disseminate said statement. The Steering Committee will also e-mail and otherwise transmit the statement to the Green Party National Committee for comment before releasing the statement publicly, but shall be allowed to release the statement even without feedback. A quorum of at least 80% of all members of the Green Party Steering Committee is necessary for determining that events require an immediate response, and there must be an agreement among at least 80% of all Steering Committee members on the substance of their response.”
F. Media Committee Request for Updates for X (Twitter) to Premium – $8/mo; $84/yr //snd Canva upgrade to Canva for Teams – $200/yr
Total: $384 See ADDENDUM D
Daryll! motioned to approve both, Margaret seconded. APPROVED by Consensus
IV. Standing Business –
A. Recap of Listserv Decisions (Holly)
1. 24/48 – Endorsement of March 4 Gaza, in Washington DC. January 13 –
https://march4gaza.org //// SC decision by 24/48 Consensus, signed 1/5/2024
2. 2023-12-10 CCC Request for $1200 – $600 to Khalil and Dougherty
3. 2023-11-27 – BAC Request for $3000 fo South Dakota Statewide Ballot Line Petitioning
V. Reports
Treasurer (Bob) – done, see above
Financial Report (Tamar and Bob)
Finance Committee will be meeting this Wedensay, , hope to put the budget together then.
Secretary (Holly) 5-10 min
I. A. Correspondence –
Letter from Haiti See ADDENDUM A
B. Letters to Jasmine Sherman and Randy Toler presidential campaigns re: misuse of GPUS and affiliate groups’ logos, Jan. 3, 2024
ii. Progress report on updates, Google Drive Folders, directory and NC lists. Plan for webinar/meeting and/or one-on-one with committee co-chairs (open to observers from committees) regarding process for committee updates and use of Google Folders; same review of update process for delegations, with voting page tutorial. Basic info and process for updates; Google Drive use and best practice; quarterly follow-ups with committees for transfers and reports. Talked with Athena, who has been working on FAQs for each committee.
3,. Staff Report
(Tamar, Tony) – See Above
4. Liaison Reports
Craig: Media; Merchandise, Presidential Campaign Support Committee
Merchanidse hasn’t met; PCSC is going though processes; Media put out a call for more social media volunteers
Alfred: Fundraising, Green Peace Action Committee
Concentrating on recovering, recently spoke with Gloria and will be attending the next Fundraising Committee meeting
Joseph: EcoAction, Green Pages, International
IC will be meeting next week; EcoAction held a new election for co-chairs – they would like a listserv open to those who want to keep informed for events, but not a discussion list; also a more comprehensive website more material.
Tamar: Apportionment Tabulation, Credentials, Election Tabulation, Staff Supervisor,
Apportionment Credentials will provide a webinar, doing good work
Margaret: Banking and Monetary Reform,
Very active committee, engaged in three ongoing projects. Competition internally to create a committee meme; newsletter release, with packaged media and downloadable material; engaging in a lot of anti-vax conversation.
Darryl!: DRC is trying to change date and time for meetings. There are no requests, so not a pressing issue; Platform committee continuing to move forward, has a new co-chair
Tony: BAC – they spent close to $23,000, accumulated reserve funds and grants. Utah gained statewide ballot access, so easier to retain. Assistance with Texas railroad commissioner race, needs 2%, achievable. South Dakota has until mid-March to wrap up, hopeful. Arizona is also on the ballot. Legal/legislative/lobbying working group headed by Andy Ellis has been created, open to those interested. Nevada – a big goal, have over 7,000 signatures; they still have several months, ahead of where they were at this time in 2016, so hopeful but a big concern; resource may not be available.
Fundraising – will need to really ramp that up.
VI. Voting Queue (Holly) – 5 min
A. RECEIVED for the QUEUE
1. Proposal
–
Place Green Party of Oklahoma on Temporary inactive Status
See Addendum A
Sponsors: Steering, Accreditation
Committees
Timeline:
1 or 2 weeks discussion, 1 week vote
Floor
Manager: Margaret
Threshold:
50%+1
B. IN the QUEUE
Discussion
None
Voting
No
C, COMPLETED
1. #1165 ATC Delegate Apportionment for NC and PNC – 2023-2024\
ADOPTED
2. #1161 and #1166
Floor Manager Settings for Ranked Choice Votes
#1161 was accidentally canceled.
#1166 FAILED TO REACH QUORUM
3. #1167 Election of Green Party Senate Campaign Committee
Elected: Bill Kreml, SC; Hinter Crow, TX; Joshua Sheunemann, MN; Justin Beth, ME; Ronnie Anne Spang, CA; Starlene Rankin, WA
4. #1168 Selection of Site for 2024 Presidential Nominating
Convention and National MeetingResult: Virtual Presidential Nominating Convention
5. #1172 – December 2023 Coordinated Campaign Committee Election – Men & Nonbinary Individuals
Ranked Choice Vote, 3 seats
Open Ballot
Floor Manager: Holly Hart
Results: Elected: Andy Ellis (MD), Artis Burney (MS), Michel
Cooper (IN)
2. #1173 December 2023
Coordinated Campaign Committee Election – Women
Ranked Choice Vote, 4 seats
Results: Gloria caballero-Roca (MA); Gloria MAttera (NY)
Laura Wells, write-in – declined; Nancy L Jones, write-in – not yet known
Planning to drop this unless someone wants to take it up – A. Coalition to March on the RNC 2024 – no action taken. TABLED to take up online, and decide whether to take this up. Announcement was re-sent following the Draft agenda.
VIII. Executive Session – none
TOTAL TIME – 1 hr. 55 min.
==================~~~~~~~~~++++++++++================
ADDENDUM A
=================
On Tue, 17 Oct at
6:23 PM , Le Patriotisme National D’Haiti
<patriotismenationaldaiti@gmail.com> wrote:
President of Green Party, USA USA.
Purpose: Contact and request for cooperation.
Dear Mr. President,
I respond to the name of Moise Louis, President of the Haitian political party “PATRIOTISME NATIONAL D’HAÏTI – PANH”, registered and recognized by the Haitian Ministry of Justice. The purpose of this letter is to contact you to facilitate mutual cooperation that allows both of us to promote democracy, the rule of law and human rights and to participate in some activities together. PANH is a Haitian political party, modern, institutional, innovative, of international standard and with republican ethics. Pending your response, the PANH political party requests that you receive its distinguished greetings.
—
Rév. & Me Moise Louis
Président
Commissaire International pour les Droits humains
CIDH – IRPEDH , A.C,
================================================
Dear Mr.
President Louis,
Thank you for writing the Green Party of the U.S. We are honored that you have contacted us and are interested in sharing news of your party. According to your platform, our parties share advocacy for human rights and democracy. We would certainly be interested in learning more about activities or advocacy you may have in mind.
Most sincerely,
Holly Hart
Secretary, Green
Party of the U.S.
============
Oct. 30, 2023
Dear Holly Hart
Secretary of
Green party in the USA.
Thank you for your answer. It is a privilege to receive your answer and to keep in touch with the Green party of usa. The political party Patriotisme National d’Haiti – PANH is a new political party recorded and recognized by the ministry of Justice in Haiti.
As you know about the political , economic , social situation and phenomenal insecurity in Haiti , we are born to help the Haitian citizen to solve those problems by a political dialogue and economical and social program of developpement for all haitian population.
We are preparing to participate in the organisation of the election in Haiti whenever it is probably , until today after the assassination of the President Jovenel Moise in Haiti , the government authority doesn’t take any decisions to turn back the country to the constitutional order.
The political party PANH is looking for partnership , cooperation and help for more political activities in Haiti. PANH is available to participate at the elections in Haiti, but the corruption and the insecurity are too high.
Our activities now are motivation of the citizens to become members of the party , formation of the previous candidates and organisation of the seminaries of formation in Democracy , human rights , society , rights and duties of the citizens.
As an experimental party in the USA which gets experience in elections and formation , your cooperation and your partnership are important for us.
Thank you very much for your attention and we are available to amplify our partnership and our cooperation.
God bless you.
Moise Louis
President
ules/#03 >
==================================================================
ADDENDUM B
Title: Assign
Temporary Inactive Status to Green Party of Oklahoma
Sponsor: Steering
Committee, Accreditation Committee
Requested Timelne: 1
week discussion, 1 week vote
50% Threshold to
pass.
Background: GPUS Rules and Procedures, Article I, Chapter IV, Section 3, reads: .”3. An accredited state party which has failed to cast votes for a period of six months, or has not sent delegates to two consecutive meetings of the National Committee, may be assigned to temporary inactive status, upon recommendation of the Accreditation Committee and majority vote of the National Committee. Parties assigned to temporary inactive status will retain GREEN PARTY accreditation and, insofar as possible, will continue to receive NC correspondence; but shall not be counted toward the NC quorum.”
Several state parties that are accredited members of the GPUS have failed to participate with GPUS for extended periods of time. Because the NC voting quorum requirements are based on the number of active states voting, having non voting states listed as active can help make the passage of some proposals before the National Committee very difficult.
The Green Parties of Oklahoma and Kentucky have not participated in an online NC vote for over 6 month, nor have they sent delegates to either of the last two annual meetings of the NC.
Proposal: The Green Parties of Oklahoma and Kentucky are assigned to temporary inactive status, but will retain GPUS accreditation.
TIMELINE: This will take effect immediately upon passage, and the Secretary will be directed to make such changes as needed to put this into effect.
=============================
ADDENDUM C
From 10/08/2023 call: SC generally felt this to be a good idea. This can be a tool that can be used as needed. Noted ongoing interest in having committees come on calls on a quarterly basis to share updates by way of these meetings. An idea that had been raised in the past is to have committees report directly. Suggestion of going to one business meeting per month, others involving committee reports and discussion. Joseph will disburse the document among the working committees. Recommend not focusing only on conflicts, but ways of evaluating how the committee might function better, and on positive achievements and work.
=============================
ADDENDUM D
The Media
Committee decided during their January 10 meeting to request two purchases. According to correspondence I had with the treasurer there are reserve funds in our budget.
1. X(Twitter)
Premium https://help.twitter.com/en/using-x/x-premium · Premium: Starts at $8/month or $84/year on web (or your local pricing)
2. Canva upgrade to Canva for Teams. 300.00
Total request-
384.00
Gloria Mattera
Gregg Jocoy
Co-chairs
Media Xommittee