SUBJECT: Incentive to Follow Bylaws

SPONSORSHIP Green Issues Working Group (12/10/06 revision)

BACKGROUND: Time spent organizing is a precious gift. With some time off from work, Greens would organize the party. And, grassroots democracy and social justice require that the GPCA encourages green organizing in accordance with bylaws. Community-based economics require that financial contributions fund organizing by registered Green Party members in accordance with bylaws.
Shepherding proposals through the Platform Committee is so time-consuming, Incentive to Follow the Bylaws is required to fulfill GPCA Bylaw 8-4.1(b). The Work Plan and Budget and the follow-through activities fulfill GPCA Bylaw 8-4.1(a). Responsibilities of Committee and Working Group coordinators include:
Preparing and announcing the proposed agenda for a group meeting;
Facilitating and coordinating the activities of the group;
Submitting group work plans and budgets to the Coordinating Committee;
Presenting group proposals or other official communications to the General Assembly;
Maintaining a physical notebook containing the group's Statement of Purpose, membership information, meeting minutes, and any other documents relevant to the work of the group;
Filing meeting agendas and minutes with the Coordinating Committee secretary in a timely fashion including a summary report after the conclusion of a General Assembly meeting with general contact information, active membership list, and status report;
Designating a temporary acting coordinator to perform the duties outlined above whenever an official coordinator is unable to perform those duties, and notifying the CC and Group membership accordingly.

PURPOSE: To create an organizational framework for the development of Green Party solutions to problems facing California.

PROPOSAL: The GPCA shall reimburse each GIWG member for activities required by the bylaws. The GPCA shall reimburse Green Party members of a focus group $10/hr. Receipts are required to be signed by the members of the focus group which freed the GIWG member to do the organizing. Maximum of 100 hours per year per registered Green Party member. Any GIWG member is eligible for reimbursement.

COMMITTEE DECISION: Concept consensus at 12/10/06 GIWG teleconference with follow-up consensus ongoing. Revised 2004 Activist Compensation Proposal. During the 1/14/07 GIWG teleconference and online before 2/7/07, a GIWG quorum (Ellen, Elisabeth (Consuelo's counterpart outside of plenary) and Wes (acting for KCM)) achieved consensus with friendly amendments added by Wes.

TIMELINE: Ongoing.

RESOURCES: Savings in agenda planning time and preparation costs. Benefits of greater and more diverse participation.