8:00 p.m. EST
Participants:
Co-chairs: Jason Nabewaniec, Sanda Everrett, Budd Dickinson, Phil Huckelberry
Secretary: Holly Hart
Treasurer: Jody Grage
Staff: Tamar Yager, Brent McMillan
Emily Citkowski, Cliff Thornton, Jill Bussiere and Craig Thorsen are not able to be on tonight’s call.
_____
Observer: Julia Aires, GP-FLA
Facilitator: Brent
Abbreviations used:
AC = Accreditation Committee
ANM, ANMC = Annual National Meeting Committee
BAWG = Ballot Access Working Group
BRPP = Bylaws, Rules, Policies and Procedures Committee
BC = Black Caucus
CC = Coordinating Committee
CCC = Coordinated Campaign Committee
CG SC = Campus Greens Steering Committee
ComCom = Communications Committee
DC = Diversity Committee
DIA = Democracy in Action internet service
DRC = Dispute Resolution Committee
FC = Fundraising Committee
FEC = Federal Election Commission
GP = Green Party
IC = International Committee
LC = Lavender Caucus
NPWG = Nominating Process Working Group
NWC = National Women’s Caucus
PEC = Presidential Exploratory Committee
PCSC = Presidential Campaign Support Committee
SC = Steering Committee
SPWG = Strategic Plan Working Group
[Brackets denote editor’s suggested corrections. Some punctuation corrections done with no content change. -ed.]
AGENDA I. STAFF REPORTS
a. Brent – political director
Brent sent out a report regarding 2008 registration nos. from Ballot Access News. A decline from 2006, 2/3 of that in California. Other states are increasing in registration, but there is a definite decline in California. Sanda noted that Peace & Freedom (Nader) campaign drew off some; but deadline to change party registration was January 22; Dennis Kucinich pulled out of the race on January 23, possibly leaving a lot of would-be Greens registered Democrat. Phil noted that this has been a trend in CA and other states since 2003, and considers this a benchmark because of the size and strength of the CA party. Phil believes a lot of the revenue problems we are experiencing at the national level have roots in CA. There is a vested interest; what is our role, we should not see ourselves as innocent bystanders, but as an entity to try to do something about it.
Certified election results will be coming in next week. A lot of officeholders will be up for re-election this coming year, notably in CA, PA and WI.
b. Brent – fundraising, major donors
Made fundraising calls and got a couple of pledges before going on vacation, has a couple more this week, hoping for a large donation.
c. Tamar – fundraising, direct mail, phone banking
Got Empower reports form past couple of weeks. Have about $2K worth of credit card donations to deposit. 78% of pledges have come in; income is running 10% more than pledges, because some end up giving more than they pledged. A number of upgrades to higher-giving sustainers. New letter should go out this week. Tamar is working on an online appeal, folksy holiday appeal to GreenLine email list.
II. VOTING QUEUE/misc. secretary updates
BRPP proposal on fiscal policy in discussion
GSCC – call for nominations; elections is being readied to go out
III. Jason announced that the MERCHANDISE Committee is encouraging people to do their Christmas shopping on our website, pushing for larger sales this year. Please point members to the Merchandise Page. Re-usable water bottles are a special, new item!
IV. TREASURER’S REPORT, FINANCES, BUDGET
>From Jason: “We should make this be the sole topic of our next call…..” Budget and related items were just sent today.
Treasurer’s report
Jody sent out final November report, and a scenario for December.
Current cash flow situation:
A deposit will go in Monday, that came in November and will be included in November numbers; SC and others have donated for short-term loan. More credit card and web income will also be added. $10.5K for November (loans not included); we generally bring in about $30K. “Hot button” specific items (Malik Rahim campaign; ballot access funds for petitioners) do work, but it isn’t effective for bringing in sustainable income. Proposed 2009 budget is based on a 20% increase in income, to come out with $45,000 surplus which will pay off our current debt.
Sanda brought up the concerns of IC and NWC about restricted, earmarked funds being used for general budget. Holly mentioned that getting approval from committees/ caucuses to temporarily use their money in an emergency situation would be useful. People may not know what kind of situation GPUS is in, and there would be more likely support if they were aware; they might be willing to lend their funds.
Budget:
Spare budget. 20% above annualized income this year, with the projection of surplus that will pay current debts. No funds have been allocated for committees. Green Pages is wiling to publish 3 (instead of 4) issues next year.
Reviewed case statement and fundraising narrative. Numbers are based on past experience.
What should the SC try to improve? Brent suggested this be considered an inventory of what we are doing well and not doing well. Are we missing something (resource, need, etc)?
There are several areas of development that have not been discussed; we have never had an audit.
Issue raised again of designated funds for entities (IC, ballot access, NWC). Brent recommended developing a formal process to ensure restricted funds remaining under control of designated groups (IC, NWC, etc). Phil noted a possible problem in having caucus funds caught up in general funds. People in positions of power in various states or committees who feel staff or office is not needed, and defeating the budget would leverage out the office, rent, staff, etc. How do people become stakeholders?
Question of need for more SC input on expenditure decisions, Jody suggested a deputy treasurer might be helpful. This will be added to the agenda for the SC retreat in January.
V. EXECUTIVE SESSION 10:42 – 11:35 p.m. EST
Personnel Matters
11/30/08
Holly Hart
Secretary, GPUS
NEXT CALL: Sunday, December 7, 2008; 8:00 p.m. EST