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Socialist Party USA: National Committee
Minutes
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Socialist Party USA National Committee
Meeting
War Resisters League Building- New York, NY
January 15-16, 2011
Attending (seated for all or part of the meeting): Billy
Wharton, Andrea Pason, Diana Demers, Jim Sanders, Sally Joyner, Kristin
Schall, Stephanie Cholensky, Susan Dorazio, Veronica Nowakowski,
Stephanie Gussin, Alice Kelsey Greg Pason, Matthew Andrews, Peter
Moody, Zelig Stern, Larry Burks, Jerry Stastny, Marc Luzietti, Brandon
Collins Observing, Dan La Botz, David Mc Reynolds, Jesse Heiwa, Matty
O’Dea and Eric Chester.
Saturday
Meeting called to order at 10:15 am
Attendees introduced themselves
Greg P submitted the agenda proposed by the National Action Committee
Susan D. submitted a substitute agenda
Motion: (Jim S.) To use the agenda submitted by Susan D. as the
template for the meeting agenda. Motion passed 11 yes (Jim S., Peter
M., Larry B, Jerry S, Marc L., Andrea P., Diana D., Sally J, Stephanie
C, Susan D and Veronica N) 3 no (Billy W., Greg P, Kristin S.) 1
Abs. (Zelig S.)
Amendment (Jerry S.): To ad the section on the budget for The Socialist
to immediately after the operational budget. Motion failed 3 yes (Jerry
S., Marc L and Jim S.) 11 no (Billy W. Andrea P., Diana D. Greg
P., Peter M., Zelig S., Sally J., Kristin S., Susan D., Veronica N. and
Stephanie G.)
Motion (Peter M.): To pass the agenda as amended. Motion passed
Meeting Guidelines
Greg P. submitted guidelines for the meeting.
Amendment: To add “Each NC members will be given 2 minutes to speak and
comments will be taken Around the table” Amendment passed 12 yes (Billy
W., Jim S., Greg P., Peter M., Zelig S., Marc L., Andrea P., Sally J.,
Kristin S., Susan D., Veronica N and Stephanie G) 1 no (Stephanie
C.) 3 abstentions (Matthew A., Larry B., Diana D.)
Motion (as amended): To pass the following Guidelines for the January
15-16, 2011 National Committee Meeting These rules will be used to
support or replace sections of Roberts Rules of Order.
* Only seated National Committee members will sit at the main table.
All other alternates and observers will be given seats outside the
table. * All NC members must be recognized by the chair before
speaking. Each NC members will be given 2 minutes to speak and comments
will be taken “Around the table” No member will be recognized a second
time unless all other NC members have had an opportunity to speak. *
Unseated NC alternates and observers can be recognized up to one time
during a discussion at the discretion of the chair. This can be waived
only vote by a majority vote of the seated NC. * Debate can not begin
until the Chair has read or presented the motion or resolution. *
Motions can only be introduced or submitted by a seated NC member. *
Once a motion is seconded the motion becomes the committee’s motion and
can only be amended by vote of the committee. *All remarks must be
directed to the Chair. Personal attacks or comments directed to other
NC members are out of order.
-Motion presented and seconded
-Motion called
-Debate (may be limited to # of pro & # of con)
-Chair calls motion
-Vote
Motion passed 11 yes (Billy W., Jim S., Greg P., Peter M., Andrea P.,
Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S., Susan D., Veronica N. Doris L) 2 no
(Larry B., Jerry S., Stephanie C.) 2 abs (Matthew A and Peter M.)
National Office/National Secretary Report
Greg P. distributed National Office/National Secretary Report
(available from the N.O.) and answered questions.
Billy W. gave the Co-Chair report and answered questions.
Treasury/ Finances
Jerry S. gave the Treasurer report. The Treasury balance is now
$76,717.50
$2392.64 in cash
$33, 504.93 in Calvert Ultra Short Term Income (bond fund)
$29,879.99 in Calvert Short Duration Income (bond fund)
$10,671.30 in Aetna (bond)
He reported the Treasury is down from $98.538.97 from 2009.
The committee had two rounds of discussion on finances and revenue
issues.
Motion: To pass the proposed office operational budget for 2011. The
budget will be reevaluated at the next NC. Revenue: Dues $28,000,
Contribs/Fundraising $14,000, Grants $2400 = $44,400
Expenses: Staff $27,000, Oper. Exp: $13,000, Rent: $5240, Banking:
$2000, Organizing support: $1500, H&T/TO: $1000, Meetings $500,
Merch: $250 = $50,530 Motion passed unanimously.
The NC broke for lunch at 2:00 and reconvened at 3:15 pm
Budget Committee Report
Matthew A. read the Budget Committee Report and Billy submitted an
alternative report.
Motion (Jim S.): To use the majority report as the base of discussion
then to amend from it.
Substitute: To use both the majority and Billy report and vote point by
point. Substitute failed 6 yes (Billy W., Zelig S., Brandon C., Greg
P., Kristin S and Veronica N.) 8 no (Jim S., Matthew A., Pete M.,
Diana D., Sally J., Stephanie C, Susan D., Alice K.) 2 abs (Larry B and
Andrea P.)
Motion (Susan D.) To better financially manage the Party we must have
an ongoing accounting of our general operations The Treasurer feels we
should not jump into a computerized accounting system just to be
computerized. To that end the following resolution is suggested:
1) No later than January 1, 2012 the Socialist Party
will implement a computerized accounting system.
2) Starting in December 2010; bank statements, check
registers and a break down of deposits will be mailed to the Treasurer
on a monthly basis. The treasurer will prepare monthly financial
statements.
Motion passed unanimously
Motion: To sever the Budget Committee report into 6 parts. Motion
passed unanimously.
Susan offered a substitute to the first part of the Budget Committee
report.
Substitute (Susan D.) The new section will read “To extend the life of
the NC Budget Committee for one year, the committee will oversee Party
finances with the goal of creating a balanced operating budget by 2014
and add two additional women members.”
Amendment (Greg P.) To remove “for one year” from the substitute.
Amendment passed 13 yes (Jim S., Greg P., Peter M., Larry B., Brandon
C., Andrea P., Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S., Stephanie C., Susan D.,
Veronica N., Alice K) 3 no (Billy W., Zelig S., Kristin S.) 3 abs
(Matthew A., Susan D. Diana D.)
Motion: To replace the original motion will the substitute. Passed
unanimously.
Motion: To pass the resolution (as substituted). Motion failed 8 no
(Billy W., Greg P., Zelig S., Larry B, Brandon C., Andrea P., Kristin
S., Veronica N) 6 yes (Jim S., Matthew A., Peter M., Sally J.,
Stephanie C., Susan D.) and 2 abs. (Diana D. and Alice K.)
Motion: To table the remaining Budget committee report resolutions and
to start a general discussion on dues and fundraising) Motion
passed 11 yes (Billy W. Greg P., Zelig S., Larry B., Marc L.,
Brandon C., Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S., Stephanie C., Veronica N.)
1 no (Matthew A. ) 2 abs. (Susan D. and Peter M.)
After discussion the following resolutions were proposed.
Motion (Sally J.): To initiate discussion on the idea of changing dues
rates and the need to increase revenue to our locals and to put the
issue of dues increases on the agenda of the convention.
Substitute (Susan D.): To initiate a party-wide discussion in H&T
by making the Party’s budget issues the focus of the next issue. He
issue will include a report by the Treasurer. Substitute failed 11 no
(Billy W., Greg P., Brandon C., Zelig S., Larry B., Matthew A., Andrea
P., Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S, Stephanie C.) 5 yes ( Jim S., Peter
M., Andrea P., Stephanie C., Susan D.) 2 abs (Veronica N., Alice K)
Original Motion (Sally J.) passed 12 yes (Billy W., Greg P., Brandon
C., Zelig S., Matthew A, Andrea P., Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S.,
Stephanie C, Veronica N, Alice K.) 3 no (Jim S., Larry B., Susan
D.) 1 abs (Peter M.)
Fundraising
Motion (Greg P). To direct the National Office to send out an
International Women’s day fundraiser in February and March which will
include a promotional pamphlet, Party IWD pamphlet, information on the
monthly pledge program and to request funds to make up for review w e
did no raise because we did not raise dues rates. The goal for this
fundraiser is to be $5000 plus monthly pledges of $350 a month.
The National Office will follow-up the International Women’s Day
campaign with a May Day local/national fundraising campaign in which
the Party provides materials and/or speakers and funds will be split
50/50 between the national and locals. The goal of the campaign will be
$2000.00 Motion passed unanimously.
Motion: To offer the AJ Muste pamphlet on Rosa Luxemberg to members who
contribute more than $100. Motion passed unanimously
Socialist Visitors Program
Billy W. and Dan La Botz submitted a resolution on a Socialist
Visitor’s program.
Motion (Billy W.) The National Committee of the Socialist Party USA
authorizes the creation of a
“Socialist Visitors Program.” This program will allow socialist
speakers to circulate through different parts of the country to spread
our message of democratic socialism, to support local organizing and to
increase recruitment opportunities. Speakers will partner with
state, local or informal organizing committees of the Socialist Party
USA to arrange the events. Speakers may also arrange talks with
local institutions, eg. churches, universities, etc. A small
budget line will be made available to cover the travel costs of the
speakers. Any speakers fees or donations will be reimbursed to
the organization in exchange for these costs. Speakers will be
charged with filing a report form on the event for the national office.
Potential speakers will make applications to the NC meeting or NAC for
support for each proposed event. NAC shall evaluate those
requests based on questions of local support for the speaker, relative
costs and potential positive impact for the organization. The
Fund will amount to a budget line of $2,500.
Amendment to add “and principles and platform”. Amendment passed 12 yes
(Billy W., Jim S., Brandon C., Larry B, Matthew A., Andrea P., Sally
J., Kristin S., Stephanie C., Susan D., Veronica N., Alice K.)
4 Abs (Greg P., Pete M., Zelig S., Diana D.)
Amendment to add “applicants must propose how costs will be covered and
reimbursed to the program”. Amendment failed 9 no (Billy W. Brandon C.,
Zelig S., Marc L. Andrea P., Kristin S., Susan D., Veronica N., Alice
K.) 4 yes (Jim S., Greg P., Matthew A., Diana D., Sally J.) 2 abs
(Peter M. and Stephanie C.).
Motion (Billy W): To pass the Socialist Visitors Program as amended.
Motion passed 12 yes (Billy W. Greg P., Brandon C., Zelig S., Larry B.,
Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S., Stephanie C., Susan D., Veronica N.,
Alice K.) 2 No (Jim S., Matthew A.) 2 abs. (Peter M., Andrea P.)
Motion: To extend the agenda to 8 pm with discussion on the convention
and The Socialist. Motion passed 9 yes (Billy W., Jim S., Greg
P., Brandon C., Larry B., Andrea P., Sally J., Kristin S., Alice K.) 2
no (Peter M., Matthew A., Susan D.) 1 abs (Zelig S.)
Convention
Motion (Greg P.): The 2011 National Convention will be held in October
or November 2011 in a location west of the Mississippi River. Proposals
to host the convention must be submitted by March 31, 2011. Motion
passed unanimously.
Motion (Greg P.): Motion: To pass the following Convention Planning
Chronology:
January 21, 2011 – Call for proposals for hosting the 2011
National Convention sent to local and state organizations plus posted
on the website, members list and discussion board.
March 31, 2011 - convention site proposals due at the National Office.
April 2011 - NC Mail ballot selecting a site for the convention.
Summer NC meeting - delegate weights, convention budget and
registration fees set and proposed convention rules drafted.
June 2011- Convention location announcement sent to all members and
state/local organizations.
July 2011- Guidelines for travel support sent to membership; stipends
based on need as determined by the applicant’s response to questions
regarding financial situation, distance from the convention site, age,
gender, and race/ethnicity. A personal statement of 100-150 words as to
reasons for applying for the stipend will also be required. Preference
will be given to comrades of color, under the age of 30, and women.
* Deadline for the return of the questionnaire to the National Office
is August 31, 2011.
* Decisions will be made by the convention Planning Committee by
September 15, 2011.
August 15, 2011- deadline for delegate rosters
August 15, 2011- statements from candidates for US President, US
Vice-President, SP National Committee and SP co-chairs and co-vice
chairs, via Hammer & Tongs.
Late August 2007: assembling pf materials (proposed agenda, rules –
including chairing and recording of each session), info on Roberts
Rules, site logistics) for Pre-Convention Bulletin.
September 2011: mailing of Bulletin to registered delegates.
October or November 2011: Socialist Party National Convention. Motion
passed yes ( Billy W., Jim S., Greg P., Brandon C., Peter M., Zelig S.,
Larry B., Matthew A., Jerry S., Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S.,
Stephanie C., Susan D.,) 1 abs (Veronica N.)
Motion (Greg P.): To set the following basic convention location
requirements.
Location- The location must offer a meeting room which will hold at
least 125 people, be wheelchair accessible plus have one or two break
out rooms. The room must be available for three days (Friday through
Sunday). The application should include info on audio /video, childcare
options and services for delegates with disabilities.
The convention location should be connected to or near moderately
priced lodging, mass transit or a free shuttle. It must also be
located at a reasonable distance from an airport as well as a train
and/or bus station. There should be available free housing/ couch space.
There should be an available copier or copier service and a location to
purchase stationary.
Dinner- There will be a dinner fundraiser and a location for the dinner
should be part of the proposal.
Media- A list of media outlets and media coverage possibilities for the
presidential nomination process should be submitted. Motion passed
unanimously
The Socialist/ Editorial Board/ Editor (Pt. 1)
Billy W. gave the Editor’s report and the committee discussed some of
the proposals.
Motion: - To pass the following position on ads by unofficial groupings
- The National Committee bans all paid advertising by unofficial
groupings inside of The Socialist.
- The NC directs the EB and Editor to create an advertising board of
½ page in the back of each edition of The Socialist.
- The Board will provide each unofficial grouping or individual member
with a free space for expression in each edition.
- Access will be provided on a first come first serve basis with
submissions rolling over to the next edition.
-Submissions will be reviewed and accepted or rejected based on basic
rules od decorum subject to the discretion of the EB.
Motion to divide (Zelig) no objection
Part 1: The National Committee bans all paid advertising by unofficial
groupings inside of The Socialist.. Motion failed 6 yes (Billy W., Jim
S., Zelig S., Matthew A., Kristin S., Stephanie C.,) 8 no (Greg P.,
Peter M., Larry B., Andrea P., Sally J., Susan D., Veronica N., Alice
K.)
Part 2: - The NC directs the EB and Editor to create an advertising
board of ½ page in the back of each edition of The Socialist.
-The Board will provide each unofficial grouping or individual member
with a free space for expression in each edition.
-Access will be provided on a first come first serve basis with
submissions rolling over to the next edition.
-Submissions will be reviewed and accepted or rejected based on basic
rules od decorum subject to the discretion of the EB. Motion failed 6
yes (Billy W., Greg P., Brandon C., Andrea P., Kristin S., Alice K.) 8
no (Jim S., Peter M., Zelig S., Larry B., Matthew A., Diana D., Sally
J., Stephanie C., Susan D., Veronica N.)
Motion (Zelig S.): To ban ads from unofficial groups or individuals.
Motion failed 4 yes (Brandon C., Matthew A, Andrea P., Diana D.,
Kristin S.) 9 no (Billy W., Jim S., Greg P., Peter M., Larry B.,
Kristin S., Stephanie C., Susan D., Veronica N., Alice K.)
Motion (Sally J): The policy for unofficial grouping ads is the same as
for all other ads. Motion passed 7 yes (Jim S., Brandon C., Peter M.,
Sally J., Stephanie C., Susan D., Veronica N) 4 no (Billy W., Larry B.,
Matthew A., Kristin S.) 5 abs (Greg P., Zelig S., Andrea P., Diana D.,
Alice K.)
Motion: Authorize staying with REM and making the union printer
fundraiser a permanent part of The Socialist.
Amendment (Billy W.): To stick with REM temporarily and authorize the
Editor to conduct a new search for union printers, making the union
printer fundraiser a permanent part of The Socialist. Amendment passed
15 yes (Billy W., Jim S., Greg P., Brandon C., Peter M., Zelig S.,
Larry B., Matthew A., Andrea P., Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S.,
Stephanie C ., Susan D., Veronica N.) 1 abs (Alice K)
Motion (as amended): passed 15 yes (Billy W., Jim S., Greg P., Brandon
C., Peter M., Zelig S., Larry B., Matthew A., Alice K., Diana D., Sally
J., Kristin S., Stephanie C ., Susan D., Veronica N.) 1 abs (Andrea P.)
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm
Sunday
10:30 am Meeting called to order
The Socialist/ Editorial Board/ Editor (Pt. 2)
The committee continued discussing the Editorial Board and Editor’s
report.
Motion (Susan D.): The amount allocated to The Socialist from the
Treasury will be limited to $5000.
Motion failed 9 no (Billy W., Brandon C., Zelig S., Andrea P., Diana
D., Sally J., Kristin S., Veronica N. Stephanie G.) 6 yes (Jim S.,
Matthew A., Jerry S., Marc L., Stephanie C., Susan D.) 1 abs (Greg P.)
Motion (Greg P.):The Editorial Board submit a subscription renewal
letter to the National Office by January 31, 2011 and that the Party
set a goal of 100 new subscriptions and the National Committee include
a plan for distribution and a sub drive at every endorsed national
mobilization. Motion passed 14 yes (Billy W., Jim S., Greg P., Brandon
C., Zelig S., Jerry S., Marc L., Andrea P., Sally J., Kristin S.,
Stephanie C., Veronica N, Stephanie G., Alice K.) 2 abs (Matthew A.,
Diana D.)
Motion (Billy W.): To allocate $7500 from the Treasury for The
Socialist.
Substitution: To substitute the original resolution with the following
budget for The Socialist. Revenue: subscriptions $600, ads $500,
contrib./sales $300 = total: $1450.00 printing $4500, postage $1800.
editing/layout $1200 = total: $7500. This budget will be to be reviewed
at the next NC meeting. Motion passed 11 yes (Billy W., Greg P.,
Brandon C., Zelig S., Marc L., Andrea P., Diana D., Sally J., Kristin
S., Veronica N., Stephanie G.) 4 no (Jim S., Matthew A., Jerry
S., Susan D.) 1 abs. (Stephanie C.)
Motion (as substituted) The budget for The Socialist. Revenue:
subscriptions $600, ads $500, contrib./sales $300 = total: $1450.00
printing $4500, postage $1800. editing/layout $1200 = total: $7500.
This budget will be to be reviewed at the next NC meeting. Motion
passed 11 yes (Billy W., Greg P., Brandon C., Zelig S., Andrea P.,
Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S., Stephanie C., Veronica N., Stephanie
G.) 3 no ( Matthew A., Jerry S., Susan D.)
Motion (Sally j.): To name Will Shapira to the Editorial Board and to
give him the job as The Socialist ad manager.
Amendment (Marc L.) To remove “to the Editorial Board and to give him
the job”. Amendment failed 8 no (Billy W., Greg P., Zelig S., Diana D.,
Sally J., Kristin S., Stephanie C., Stephanie G.) 3 yes (Matthew A.,
Marc L., Susan D.) 5 abs. (Jim S., Brandon C., Jerry S., Andrea P.,
Veronica N.)
Original motion passed (Billy W., Jim S., Greg P., Brandon C., Zelig
S., Matthew A., Jerry S., Andrea P., Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S.,
Stephanie C., Veronica N., Stephanie G.) 2 abs (Marc L., Susan D.)
Editor Search Committee (Susan D.) Motion: The National Committee
will form a search committee for the purpose of soliciting candidates
for the position of editor of The Socialist. This committee will be
comprised of two members from the Editorial Board and three members
from the National Committee (gender and tendency balanced). This
committee will convene no later than February 1, 2011. Its first order
of business will be to develop a detailed job description for the
position of editor of The Socialist, to be completed by March 1, 2011.
A call for a new editor will go out to the membership by March 15, via
SP email lists and The Organizer. The deadline for applications will be
May 1. Applications will be circulated via the National Committee email
list at that time. The search committee will decide whether the
election of the new editor will take place via mail ballot or at the
next National Committee meeting in June or July 2011.
Motion to table. Passed 9 yes (Billy W., Greg P., Brandon C., Zelig S.,
Andrea P., Diana D., Kristin S., Veronica N., Alice K) 4 no (Jim S.,
Matthew A., Marc L., Susan D.)
Local/State Organizations
Greg P. presented the committee with two local charters from California.
Motion (Greg P.): To charter the Riverside County and Los Angeles
County California Locals based on the charters submitted. Motion passed
unanimously.
Activism
Greg P. presented a statement and proposed resolutions from Brandon C.
Motion (Greg P.): To endorse the March 19th anti-war action in
Washington DC and the April 9th anti-war actions in New York City and
San Francisco. The Party will organize contingents for these
demonstrations and the National Secretary will ensure that at least
five members are distributing The Socialist and promoting
subscriptions. Motion passed unanimously
Motion (Greg P.): To endorse the United National Anti-War Coalition and
choose 3 members – 2 representatives plus 1 alternate- to consistently
represent the SP-USA inside the UNAC.
Amendment (Marc L.): To direct our representatives to specifically
bring an anti-Zionist position to the Coalition. Motion failed 11 no
(Billy W., Greg P., Brandon C., Zelig S., Matthew A., Andrea P., Diana
D., Kristin S., Stephanie C., Veronica N., Alice K) 4 yes (Jim S., Marc
L., Sally J., Susan D.)
Original Motion passed unanimously
Motion (Greg P.): To encourage and support any SP member taking part in
civil disobedience centered around the March 19 and April 9
demonstrations. Motion passed
Labor Strategy
Zelig S. and Dan L. presented the committee with”A Labor Perspective
for the Socialist Party USA”
Motion: A Common Campaign for All Members: Defend Public
Employees and Government Services - The attack on public jobs and
services by the corporations, politicians, and the media creates the
terrain for a common campaign by the SP USA entire membership.
Virtually every person in the United States will be affected by the
current attack on public employees and the services they provide,
whether these workers are school teachers or social workers, water
works employees or garbage collection workers. The SP USA could in
every state, county and city where it exists become involved with
workers, labor unions, community organizations and other sorts of
groups in the defense of public employees’ jobs and wages and the
services to communities.
We already have some experience in such work. In New Jersey, Socialist
Party members helped to organize Take Back Trenton which organized
large demonstrations against Christ Christie’s war against the public
sector. Take Back Trenton. (http://takebacktrenton.wordpress.com/
Photos from May: http://njsocialistparty.org/trentonrally.html) In
Ohio, following the La Botz, Socialist for Senate Campaign, SP members
have joined with others to create the Defend Ohio campaign. This newly
organized campaign aims to defend Ohio jobs, services and working
families. (DefendOhioCampaign.com) Around the country others in the
left are joining in the fight to protect public jobs and services.
What are the benefits of such a campaign? First, the SP’s young members
would have an opportunity to interact with workers and labor unions,
and to learn first-hand how they work. Second, SP members can become
parts of labor-community coalitions that bring together union members
and community organizations to defend both jobs and services. Third, SP
members would find themselves working with many African American and
Latino members of public employee unions and with members of
communities of color. All of this is an important part of understanding
the class, race and gender dynamics of our society today. SP members
will have an opportunity to see how socialist can work in such a
movement and how socialist ideas can be raised in the context of class
struggle. Such work may also provide opportunities to recruit new
members to the SP.
What Needs to Be Done to Create Such a Campaign?
To create and lead such a campaign, the SP leadership must take
responsibility for the campaign and organize it. What will be necessary
to lead and organize the campaign?
1) The SP NC and other leadership bodies must organize a political
discussion of the current state of the American economy and the
response from labor unions and other sectors of society. SP members
must become conversant with the political, economic and social issues
involved. The SP must provide an overview and analysis of the chief
issues involved and a strategy and program to respond to them. This
will include special attention to the question of the role of social
services provided by capitalist states and the specific role of the
portion of the working class which is employed not for the purpose of
profit but for the production of these services. This discussion must
include the question of the U.S. war budget and environmental issues.
2) The SP must mobilize its leadership, organizational resources, and
membership to become involved in the campaign. What does this entail?
a. The National Secretary will give a certain proportion of his time to
the campaign.
b. The editor of The Socialist will work to educate the membership on
this issue and to mobilize members to carry it out.
c. National staff, leaders, and volunteers will travel to visit
branches and train members to carry out the campaign. (See below.)
d. Branch leaders will organize members to join the local campaign and
local movements.
e. The NC, staff and branch leaders will work to carry out an on-going
evaluation of the campaign to seek how effective we are in building the
movement, raising our ideas, and recruiting members.
3) Through cooperation between national and local leadership, SP
members employed in the public sector must be identified and urged to
join the campaign. Once it is know where they are employed, if they are
organized into unions, and if so which ones, the SP should produce
resources which can be used by these members to make effective
interventions into their unions, or organize unions where they do not
already exist. The survey taken last year by the labor commission can
be a starting place for this work.
4) Through cooperation between national and local leadership, the SP
must carry out a reconnaissance of existing campaigns to defend public
employees and government services, especially in areas where the SP is
organized. Local leadership would then be equipped to determine who
they should be working with, what resources already exist, and what
needs to be created.
5) SP members must take personal responsibility to find ways to become
involved in the SP campaign and in local struggles over public jobs and
services.
6) Comrades will adhere to the Statement of Principles and review War
at Home Committee Statements.
Campaign Training
No one is born a good organizer or propagandist. To carry out such a
campaign on a national scale, we will have to develop a training
program in which national leaders, staff, and branch leaders train our
members to become effective organizers. The trainers would be SP NC
members, staff, branch leaders or experienced member, or sometimes
non-members who are fiends of the SP and have skills. What would such
training entail?
Trainers need to become experts on the public jobs and services issue.
We need in every branch and among members at large to develop people
who know what is happening at the local, state and national level. But
most of all we need to train our members in the skills necessary to
carry out the campaign. These include:
1) How to approach and work with unions and community groups.
2) How write and produce leaflets, brochures and other literature.
3) How to work with others to organize meetings, protest
demonstrations, and rallies.
4) How to speak in public on the issues in a clear and convincing way.
5) When and how to raise the Socialist Party and socialist ideas.
6) How to recruit to the Socialist Party and how to integrate new
members into the branch.
All of these things are skills which Socialist Party members should
have and be able to use to build the movement.
Trainers should teach these skills through presentations, discussions,
role playing and practice sessions.
Amendment (Susan D.): to add “Comrades will adhere to the Statement of
Principles and review War at Home Committee” statements. Motion passed
unanimously
Motion as amended passed unanimously (Billy W., Jim S., Greg P., Zelig
S., Matthew A., Marc L., Andrea P., Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S.,
Stephanie C., Susan D., Veronica N.,)
Ohio SP/Buckeye Socialist Alliance
Susan D. and Eric C. presented a resolution on the Buckeye Socialist
Alliance.
Motion (Susan D.): The National Committee directs the Ohio Socialist
Party to withdraw from the Buckeye Socialist Alliance. Motion failed 13
no (Billy W., Jim S., Greg P., Zelig S., Matthew A., Marc L., Andrea
P., Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S., Stephanie C., Veronica N., Alice
K.) 1 abs (Susan D.)
Commissions
The committee discussed the status of the International Commission.
Motion (Greg): To remove Peter Moody as Chair/Convener of the
International Commission and to name Marc Luzietti and Matthew Andrews
as temporary co-Chair/Conveners until the next National Committee
meeting. Motion passed 5 yes (Billy W., Matthew A., Andrea P., Kristin
S., Veronica N.) 3 no (Jim S., Greg P., Susan D.) 6 abs ( Zelig S.,
Marc L., Diana D., Sally J., Stephanie C., Alice K.)
Motion (Greg P.): To put out a call for permanent conveners of the
International and Women’s Commission as well as the Campaign
Clearinghouse Coordinator. Motion passed 10 yes (Greg P., Zelig S.,
Matthew A., Andrea P., Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S., Stephanie C.,
Susan D., Veronica N.,) 2 abs (Marc L., Alice K.).
Micro-Financing
Billy W. distributed a resolution on micro-financing written by David
Gaines, Erik Toren and Kristin Schall for the 2012 presidential
campaign through the SNC.
Motion (Billy W.): Micro-financing for SP-USA Presidential
Campaign….(see below)
Amendment (Matt A.): To ad the following sentence “"This ad hoc
committee shall create a system of incentives which may include:"
Passed by clear majority
Motion (Billy W.) To begin fundraising for the 2012 presidential
campaign in June of 2011 by establishing a program of micro
financing. This would be done by people committing to make
monthly donations to the Socialist National Committee to be used for
the 2012 presidential campaign. Monthly donations would start at
$5 per month and go up to $100 per month. The increments would
be: $5, $10, $20, $50, $75, $100
This ad hoc committee shall create a system of incentives which may
include: The $5 level would entitle the donator to biweekly campaign
updates on fundraising and other campaign activity. $10 level
would receive the updates plus campaign buttons. $20 level would
receive the updates, campaign button and copies of any printed campaign
materials. $50 level would receive updates, buttons, bulk copies
of printed material and a printed campaign brochure signed by the
candidates. $75 level would receive everything from the $50 plus
a handwritten note of thanks from the candidate. $100 would
receive everything from $75 plus an appearance in their town by the
candidate.
The fundraising goal for the micro-financing would be $20,000 and would
be just a part of the overall fundraising for the campaign. The
solicitation will be carried out through direct mail, email, and
internet resources.
Prior to the campaign, the fundraising will be coordinated by an ad hoc
committee. David Gaines agrees to serve as a member of this
committee. Once the campaign begins, the candidate’s campaign
manager would take over coordination of the fundraising. Motion
passed 10 yes (Billy W., Greg P. Zelig S., Matthew A., Andrea P., Diana
D., Sally J., Kristin S., Stephanie C., Veronica N.) 1 abs (Alice K.)
Internet
SP Members list
Motion: To give Marc Luzietti the website password so that he can set
up an on-line resolution archive. Motion passed unanimously. (Billy W.,
Jim S., Greg P., Zelig S., Matthew A., Marc L., Andrea P., Diana D.,
Sally J., Kristin S., Stephanie C., Susan D., Veronica N., Alice K)
Motion: To direct the National Secretary to change the status of
sp-members subscribers who change their status to "mail" back to
test-only digest and to remove members who fall out of good standing.
Motion passed unanimously (Billy W., Greg P., Zelig S., Matthew A.,
Andrea P., Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S., Stephanie C., Susan D.,
Veronica N., Alice K)
Motion: To name Veronica N, Sally Joyner and Matty O’Dea as SP-Members
list moderators. Motion passed 9 Yes (Billy W., Greg P., Zelig S.,
Matthew A., Andrea P., Diana D., Sally J., Kristin S., Stephanie C.
Alice K.) 1 abs (Veronica N.)
Next NC Meeting
Motion (GregP.) The next National Committee meeting will take place in
Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota on June 25-26, 2011 and will be
organized by the National Secretary. Motion passed unanimously
Meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm
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