Socialist Party USA

Meeting of the Socialist Party USA National Committee
February 10-11, 2007
Austin Hostel International Austin Texas

Saturday February 10th
Attending (all or part of the meeting): Raul Cano and Susan Dorazio (chairs), Matthew Andrews (vice chair), Sharin Chiorazzo, Emma Gonzalez, Mary Alice Herbert, Doris Lake, Greg Pason and Matt Erard.

Meeting called to order at 9:50 am
Matthew Andrews selected as chair for the morning session.

National Office Report
Greg Pason gave the National Office report.
Membership stands at 1004 members in good standing. He also gave a report on recent affiliate reports submitted to the National Office.

Affiliate Reports
Motion: (Raul Cano) The National Committee supports the effort of the Pennsylvania State Executive to fill current vacancies and ensure that locals are in compliance with the constitution in particularly Article VI Sec. 6. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion: (Greg Pason) The National Committee honors the request of Brendan Davidson and the North Carolina State Executive Committee and moves to de-charter the state of North Carolina and its locals. Motion passed unanimously

The committee discussed recent e-mails on the National Committee e-mail list concerning an effort of a few members to create another “Socialist Party of America” and the role of National Committee member Steve Sears and NC Alternate Michael Marino.

Motion: (Mathew Andrews) The NC considers the efforts of Steve Sears & Michael Marino to organize an alternative political party using the “Socialist Party” identity resources and membership lists while remaining officers of the SPUSA to be grounds for suspension or expulsion. If the respective state or local organizations fail to address these actions and inform the National Office of the affiliate’s response by March 30, 2007 the National Committee will discuss the issue of Steve Sears and Michael Marino’s membership at our next meeting. Motion passed unanimously

Publication
Internet
The group discussed how to better establish Party ownership of internet domain names and how to secure names for party affiliates.
Motion (Greg Pason): The Socialist Party USA will own and be listed as the organization contact of all of the Party’s national domain names and offer to register and pay registration for all domain names of chartered local and state parties. Motion passed unanimously.

The Socialist/Editorial Board
Mal Herbert gave the Editorial Board report. She reported stating Diane Brand was not responding recently to EB requests and the final International Women’s Day issue has not been completed.

Motion: (Mal Herbert) In the absence of communication from Diane Brand, Terry Williams is authorized to lay out the International Women’s Day issue of The Socialist. Matthew Andrews will guest edit and the National Office will lay out the May Day issue. The Editorial Board will communicate with Diane Brand about her ability to serve as Editor and will report back by March 15^th with Diane’s answer. Motion passed unanimously

Meeting adjourned from 1:45 – 2:30 for lunch

Meeting called to order by Mal Herbert, who chaired

Finance Committee/ Operational & Publication Budget
Greg Pason distributed the 2007 budget proposal to the NC for discussion along with the budget of The Socialist.
Motion: To pass the budget as submitted.
Amendment (Matthew Andrews): To increase “Treasury Support” revenue line by $1000 and add an expense line of $1000 for “State Affiliate Organizing”.
Amendment passed 1 no (Susan Dorazio) and 1 abstention (Mal Herbert).

Motion: (Greg Pason) To pass the budget as amended.

2007 Operations and Publications Budget
Revenues
Dues     $20,000.00
Contrib/Fundrsng           $12,500.00
Pledges            $5,000.00
Treas. Support   $10,000.00
Publication Subs.           $2,000.00
Publication Advert.         $600.00
Publication Contrib.        $200.00
Total:   $50,100.00

Expenses
Staff      $25,800.00
Office Exp.        $12,500.00
Rent     $2,436.00
Gen. Organizing $1,500.00
Affil. Organiizng $1,000.00
H&T/The Organizer         $1,000.00
Dues Rebates    $1,000.00
NC Meetings     $750.00
YPSL Support   $500.00
Memberships     $450.00
Publication Printing        $2,080.00
Publ. Postage/Mailing    $855.00
Publication Supplies       $88.00
Total:   $49,959.00

Motion passed 8 yes and 1 no (Susan Dorazio)

Dues Rates
Matthew Andrews presented the Finance Committee‘s suggestion on dues rate changes.
The committee discussed the Finance Committees proposal and the following alternative was proposed by Matt Erard.

Motion (Matt Erard): To change the dues rates to the following:
Full-time students: $15
Under $20,000: $25 - $60 (sliding scale)
$20 -35,000: $60 - $150 (sliding scale)
$35 -50,000: $150 - $270 (Sliding scale)
$50- 65,000: $270 + 1% of net income over $50k
Over $65k: $420 +2 % of net income over $65k

Motion passed 6 Yes Mal Herbert, Susan Dorazio, Emma Gonzalez, Doris Lake, Matt Erard and Greg Pason. 2 No Matthew Andrews and Sharin Chirozzo.

Dues Rebates
The NC discussed increasing dues rebates to affiliates.
Motion (Matt Erard): To increase dues rebates to 30% immediately. Motion failed 2 Yes Matt Erard and Raul Cano
6 No Susan Dorazio, Greg Pason, Matthew Andrews, Emma Gonzalez, Mal Herbert and Doris Lake.

The NC discussed the need to improve communication and reporting from locals and using rebate increases to encourage better reporting.

Motion (Greg Pason): To increase dues rebates to 15% with the issue being re-addressed at the next NC with the possibility of increasing it to 30%. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion (Matthew Andrews): The Treasury will continue to be maintained by the National Secretary as acting Treasurer under the direction of the Finance Committee. Until that point the Finance Committee will continue to search for a permanent Treasurer. Motion passed unanimously
National Fundraiser
Matt presented the Finance Committee suggestion to create a fundraising coordinator.
Motion: (Matthew Andrews) The National Committee shall create a new National Fundraiser position. The responsibilities of the position shall include:
1)         The oversight and operation of all SPUSA fundraising activities
2)         Maintaining the Socialist Party Sustainers Club
3)         Building relationships with donors
4)         Presenting the Party in all fundraising contexts, in writing or in person
5)         Integrating fundraising work into national projects, and local activities

The National Fundraiser shall be compensated as an independent contractor with a stipend of $50 a month, plus 7% of all money raised during that same month. The National Fundraiser shall report to the Finance Committee at the end of each month. Motion passed unanimously

Greg Pason agreed to add an announcement of the position to the membership in the next issue of Thor Organizer or a postcard mailing.

Matthew Andrews also reported other projects the Finance Committee are considering, including a “Friends of Debs” contributor category along with a suggestion that the Party pay the layout person and/or Editor a stipend per issue. The National Committee thanked Matt Andrews for his report.

Organizational
YPSL Dual Membership
Motion (Matthew Andrews): The Socialist Party shall add a check-off on all its membership applications with the following language: “I am under the age of 22 and would like dual membership with YPSL at no extra charge.” Copies of submitted SP applications which have this box checked off will be forwarded to the YPSL National Secretary”.

The Socialist Party USA shall provide a $500 subsidy to YPSL for FY2007 to support administration for new dual members.

In return the Socialist Party USA expects YPSL to provide the opportunity to request an SP USA membership application along with a brief explanation of our close relationship and this new dual membership system. Motion passed unanimously

Commissions
Susan gave a report on the status of Party Commissions and handed out the new Commission directory.
Motion: To grant temporary charters to all current Commissions. Motion passed unanimously.

Other Organizational
Motion (Greg Pason): Whereas the Socialist Party’s National Action Committee has endorsed the US Social Forum and encouraged our affiliates to take part and; Whereas the Party has at least one local in the Atlanta area and needs to help build our membership in the South East.

Be it resolved that the Party encourage locals to send members to the US Social Forum in Atlanta on June 27 – July 1, 2007 and the National Office help to organize a regional meeting for South East Locals and other members who attend the USF during the event. Motion passed w/ 2 abstentions

Motion (Greg Pason): Where the Socialist Party has strong planks on immigrant issues and since the Party has developed strong contacts with the CIW and the Student Farmworker Alliance, and; Whereas the Party is trying to organize a local in the Chicago area.

Be it resolved that the Party encourage locals to attend the CIW actions in Chicago in April and the National Office coordinate a contingent at the event.

Be it further resolved that the National Office work with Mid-West Local to organize a regional meeting or event during the weekend of the CIW event. Motion passed unanimously.

H&T Deadlines
Motion: (Greg Pason)To set the next H&T deadlines for April 1 & June 1, 2007. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion: To adjourn. Passed unanimously
Sunday February 11
Attending (all or part of the meeting): Raul Cano and Susan Dorazio (chairs), Matthew Andrews (vice chair), Sharin Chiorazzo, Emma Gonzalez, Mary Alice Herbert, Doris Lake, Greg Pason and Matt Erard.

Affiliates
Motion (Greg Pason): To charter the state of Connecticut based on an election of a State Executive Committee.
Motion passed unanimously.

Convention Rules
Susan Dorazio submitted the Convention Planning Committee proposal for the 2007 National Convention Rules
(friendly amendments)
# 1(add) and shall remain in effect until the time set for each session to end.
# 6: edit Friday Oct. 19, 2007 to “first day of the convention”.
#12: remove “Credentials” change the list to:
1)       Platform
2)       Constitution & Platform (and update all other references)
3)       Resolutions
#14 3) The meetings of the Credentials Committee are open for observation by any SP member.
#16: The convention shall determine the convention agenda, including the length of sessions and the time and location of convention committee meetings.
#17: Delete “motions (change to “resolutions”)

Amendment
#25 Motion: NC members be elected by paper ballot, listing the names of all eligible candidates in pref. order all ballots shall be signed by delegates. Motion failed 1 yes (Matthew Andrews) and 1 abstention (Emma Gonzalez).

Motion (Susan): To pass the resolutions as amended.

2007 Convention Rules
1. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the seated delegates and shall remain in effect until the time set for each session to end.
2. Each delegate and alternate must provide credentials of election and pay required fees.
3. No one shall be admitted to the floor without paying required fees. Alternates and observers are permitted on the convention floor. Observers may speak only at the pleasure of the body.
4. Voting shall be by display of official red voting card.
5. Each state or local delegation shall designate a “delegate captain” who shall keep the convention secretary informed of any changes to the delegation, due to the rotation off delegates and alternates, or for any other reason. The delegate captain” shall also be responsible for maintaining order and gender balance within her or his delegation.
6. The deadline for challenging the credentials of any delegate shall be 12:00 noon on the first day of the convention unless the delegate registers after that time.
7. Convention chairs shall be elected at the opening session of the Convention, two for each morning, afternoon and evening session. Convention chairs for each session shall be gender balanced, and will have a working knowledge of Robert’s Rules or Order.
8. Provisions shall be made at each session for hearing, vision and mobility impaired. These shall include a large-print schedule of events; seating designated for disabled delegates in all sessions; and assisted listening devices and sign-language interpreters, upon request.
9. A Peacekeeper and Parliamentarian shall be appointed by the Chair of the first session and they shall appoint assistants as necessary.
10. The chair of the first session shall appoint two convention secretaries for each morning, afternoon and evening session.
11. The chair of the first session shall appoint four tellers who shall count votes and distribute written ballots as necessary.
12. Committees of the Convention shall be as follows:
1) Credentials
2) Constitution & Platform
3) Resolutions
13. Delegates are encouraged to join a convention committee when registering.
14. The National Committee shall appoint the Credentials Committee.
1) The Credentials Committee determines the validity of delegate credentials and reports to the first session.
2) In particular, the Credentials Committee shall abide by the Constitutional provision that "Any delegation which fails to achieve gender parity shall have the delegation's total number of votes reduced to the size of a balanced delegation (the equal number of men and women, plus one) by the Credentials Committee, unless the Credentials Committee is persuaded that the state/local has made a good-faith effort to meet the gender requirements."
3) The meetings of the Credentials Committee are open for observation by any SP member.
15. The convention committees shall elect their own conveners and recording secretaries.
16. The convention shall determine the convention agenda, including the length of sessions and the time and location
of convention committee meetings
17. All resolutions, except procedural and congratulatory resolutions, shall be in writing.
18. Resolutions, constitutional & Statement of Principles amendments, and platform revisions are vetted through the convention committees.
1) Convention committees decide whether a proposal is reported to the convention.
2) Proposals that have met the deadline for publication in the Convention Bulletin will have priority in committee, i.e., must be disposed of before other proposals are in order.
3) Proposals submitted after the Convention Bulletin deadline but before 3:00 p.m. on Friday, shall require a 2/3 vote by the appropriate committee for consideration by that committee.
4) The committees shall post (or otherwise distribute to the delegates) all resolutions by Saturday, 9 am.
19. Proposed resolutions, constitutional amendments, and platform revisions will be considered by the convention in the following order of priority:
1. Proposals published in the Convention Bulletin and reported out of convention committees.
2. Proposals not published in the Convention Bulletin, but reported out of convention committees.
3. Committees shall prioritize the proposals they bring to the floor, keeping in mind the total amount of time allotted for discussion and voting.
20. Except as provided in the agenda, discussion from the floor shall be limited to two minutes by each speaker, but the Convention may limit or extend time by a 2/3 vote. No delegate shall be recognized a second time until all delegates desiring to speak have had the opportunity to do so. Pro and con speakers shall alternate if possible.
21. The motion "Previous Question" shall be out of order at the end of one's own speech.
22. Except where otherwise provided, voting shall be by a show of delegates' voting cards, except that when demanded by 1/3 of the delegates present and voting, the vote shall be by roll call. The Chair may call for a voice vote if no delegate objects.
23. Only those members in good standing who meet the qualifications set forth in the constitution and who are present at the convention, and who state their acceptance of a nomination for that office, or members not present who have submitted their acceptance of a nomination in writing shall be eligible for nomination as a national officer or national committee members or alternate.
24. All votes shall be open, i.e., no secret ballots. The election for female NC members and alternates shall precede the election for male NC members and alternates.
25.
1) Election of Co-Chairs and co-Vice Chairs will be through a series of standing votes. Each delegate may vote for one candidate. The candidate with the lowest number of votes shall be dropped and a new round of voting will then take place until one candidate receives a majority of the votes.

2)The election of National Committee members and alternates shall be by standing vote, with each delegate having as many special voting cards as there are National Committee members to be elected. With each vote, the delegate will hand the teller one of their voting cards. The voting cards for female candidates will be red, and the cards for male candidates will be orange to prevent the possibility that cards from the first round of voting will be used for the second round. The candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected as National Committee members. The next highest vote-getters equal in number to those elected to the National Committee shall be elected as alternates.
26. No motions are in order while tellers are counting votes.
27. A two-thirds majority is needed to amend the Statement of Principles.
28. Except where in conflict with these rules, the proceedings of the Convention shall be governed by the Constitution of the Socialist Party USA and Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
29. These rules (not including the Constitution of the Socialist Party USA) may be suspended by a majority votes during the first session of the convention. After that time, they may be suspended by a 2/3 vote of the delegates present and voting.
Motion passed w/ 1 abstention (Sharin Chiorazzo)

Convention Location
The committee discussed proposals submitted to the Planning Committee.
Motion (Matt Erard): The NC asks Raul Cano to submit a Texas convention location proposal for October 19-21 or 26-28, 2007 until February 25^th. At that point the NC will hold a mail-ballot to decide the location among the existing St. Louis, Kansas City and any Texas proposal submitted.
Motion passed with 1 no (Doris Lake).

Delegate weights
Motion (Matthew Andrews): Delegate weight 1 delegate to every seven rounded up or down to the nearest seven.
Motion passed w/ 1 no (Greg Pason)

Motion (Greg Pason): Set delegate weight based on members in good standing on June 1 2007.
Motion passed unanimously.

Motion (Matt Erard): Delegate rosters are due by September 1, 2007. Motion failed
3 yes Matt Erard, Sharin Chiorazzo and Doris Lake 5 no Greg Pason, Mal Herbert, Emma Gonzalez, Susan Dorazio and Matthew Andrews 1 abs. Raul Cano.

Motion (Matt Erard): Delegate rosters are due by August 15, 2007. Motion passed w/ 1 abstention Sharin Chirazzo.

Motion: (Matthew Andrews) Travel subsidy applications due by September 1.

Substitute Motion (Matt Erard): Travel subsidy applications due by August 15, 2007 and decisions on subsidies due by September 1, 2007.

Motion: To replace the motion with the substitute. Motion passed 7 yes Raul Cano, Susan Dorazio, Matt Erard, Emma Gonzalez, Mal Herbert, Doric Lake and Greg Pason. 1 no Matthew Andrews and 1 abs Sharin Chiorazzo

Substitute replaces original.
Motion: To pass the motion. Motion passed w/ 1 abs. Sharin Chiorazzo

Motion (Matt Erard): Deadline for submissions for the convention bulletin is August 15, 2007.
Motion passed unanimously.

Agenda change: move “activism” to end of agenda.

Next NC
Motion: (Greg Pason)To hold the next meeting of the Socialist Party National Committee in Tampa/St. Petersburg Florida on the weekend of June 9-10^th. Motion passed unanimously.

SNC/Campaign Clearinghouse Coordinator
Motion: To accept the resignation of Jeff Brindle. Motion passed unanimously

Motion (Matthew Andrews): To name Greg Pason, as acting Treasurer, as the person authorized to file FEC reports. Motion passed 6 yes Raul Cano, Matt Erard, Susan Dorazio, Emma Gonzalez, Mal Herbert and Doris Lake, 1 no Matthew Andrew and 1 abstention Greg Pason.

Peace & Freedom
Motion: (Matt Erard) The NC requests a written statement from the Peace and Freedom Party, as required by the previous NC, before addressing the issue of naming them as a pre-approved party for the Broad-Left resolution from the 2005 convention. Motion passed

Other Business
Matt Erard submitted suggestions for making changes to the parts of the Statement of Principles which the Party uses on its website, The Socialist and other places.

Motion (Matt Erard): To make the following the official condensed Statement of Principles for use in any place where a condensed version is to be used, especially The Socialist or the Party’s website. “THE SOCIALIST PARTY strives to establish a radical democracy that places people's lives under their own control - a non-racist, classless, feminist socialist society...where working people own and control the means of production and distribution through democratically-controlled public agencies; where full employment is realized for everyone who wants to work; where workers have the right to form unions freely, and to strike and engage in other forms of job actions; and where the production of society is used for the benefit of all humanity, not for the private profit of a few. We believe socialism and democracy are one and indivisible. The working class is in a key and central position to fight back against the ruling capitalist class and its power. The working class is the major force worldwide that can lead the way to a socialist future - to a real radical democracy from below. The Socialist Party fights for progressive changes compatible with a socialist future. We support militant working class struggles and electoral action, independent of the capitalist controlled two-party system, to present socialist alternatives. We strive for democratic revolutions - radical and fundamental changes in the structure and quality of economic, political, and personal relations - to abolish the power now exercised by the few who control great wealth and the government. The Socialist Party is a democratic, multi-tendency organization, with structure and practices visible and accessible to all members. Motion passed unanimously.

Matt Erard submitted a letter entitled “An Invitation to all Revolutionary Democratic Socialist Groups and Individuals in the United States”.

The letter was discussed and a resolution to pass it as it and print it for distribution was withdrawn.

Sharin announced the she will be hosting an International Women’s Day radio show on WBAI in NYC and would have audio tape available. All comrades in the NYC area are invited to call in once the time and date are set.

Sharin distributed information on Geoffrey Blank’s lawsuit and asked NC members to consider writing letters in support of Mr. Blank and his free-speech case.

Activism
Motion (Matt Erard): To endorse March 17 anti-war action at in Washington DC and direct the N.O. the organize a SPUSA contingent at that event. Motion passed unanimously.

Matthew announced that there would be a February 19^th IWW march/rally in Queens where the IWW is organizing at least three warehouses, mostly of immigrant workers.

Motion: The Socialist Party endorse the February 19^th IWW March & Rally for Immigrant Workers Rights in NYC. The National Secretary is directed to organize a contingent at the event. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion: The NC encourages all locals to organize International Women’s Day action on March 8^th and to distribute the Party’s International Women’s Day literature. Motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 2:45 pm
Minutes by Greg Pason