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Meeting of the Socialist Party of the United States of America (SPUSA) National Committee June 9-10, 2007 Sacred Grounds Coffee House, Tampa Florida Attending (all or part of the meeting): Susan Dorazio, Mal Herbert., Doris Lake, Sharin Chiorazzo, Andrea Pason, Ardenne Bunde, Greg Pason, Matt Erard Matthew Andrews. Observing (all or part of the meeting):: Will Kremmel, Jennifer Robbins, Nan Pfefferle, Eric Chester and Peter Diamondstone. Saturday June 9 Meeting called to order at 11:40 am by Susan Dorazio, who chaired. Agenda adopted as amended National Office Report Greg Pason gave the National Office report. He reported that membership stood at 1008 and that operational account has been on budget, except for a deficit in general fundraising. He also reported on the National Action Committee’s recent work to secure the trademark of the name “Socialist Party of the United States of America”. Motion: (Matt E.) The National Committee endorses the recent efforts of the National Action Committee to pursue the trademark to “Socialist Party of the United States of America” and future efforts to continue to do so. Motion passed 8 yes and 1 abstention (Ardenne B.) Finance Committee Matthew A. Eric C. and Greg P. reported on the recent Finance Committee meeting. The next Finance Committee meeting will be held in early August. The group reported that a large portion of the Party’s Treasury assets are being held in a money market account and the Finance Committee would discuss way to better invest that money. The National Committee followed up on the February resolution to elect a Fundraising Coordinator. Since the position was just recently announced to the membership, they discussed extending the deadline for applications. Motion: The National Office will continue to accept applications for the position of Fundraising Coordinator until July 9, 2007, when the NAC is authorized to make a decision on filling the position. Motion passed 7 no and 2 abstentions (Matthew A. and Doris L.) The committee also reported a recommendation in response to the February NC meeting suggestion that the Party pay the Editor & layout person of The Socialist. Motion: (Mal Herbert)The Party authorizes $150 from the Treasury for Editing and $50 from the Treasury for layout of each issue of The Socialist. Motion passed unanimously. Motion: (Mal Herbert) The Party authorizes $150 from the Treasury for Editing and $50 from the Treasury for layout of each issue of Socialist Women starting with Summer 2007. Motion passed unanimously. Editorial Board/ Publications Mal Herbert gave the Editorial Board report. She stated that the last Editorial Board phone conference discussed the Fall 2007 issue. One of the things they discussed was developing an advertisement policy, and a policy was submitted. Motion: (Mal Herbert) “Policy on Advertisements for the Socialist and Socialist Women” I. The masthead shall include a deadline for the submission of ads for the next issue. The masthead of both publications should contain the following: Advertisements are welcome. Advertisement rates and policy guidelines are available upon request. The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject inappropriate ads. II. Policy guidelines: 1) Anyone submitting an inquiry or copy for an advertisement shall be provided with the advertising policy guidelines prior to the placement of the ad. The policy guidelines shall also be printed in The Organizer; 2) The person receiving the copy of the proposed ad, and the payment for such, shall immediately forward the ad to the Editorial Board and the Editor; 3) Advertisements may be in the form of memorials to recently deceased members; solicitations for goods and services provided by radical or progressive sources; greetings with a democratic socialist message compatible with the Socialist Party’s Statement of Principles and platform. III. Ads presenting the following types of messages will be deemed inappropriate and will not be printed: a) those which contradict the Party’s Principles and platform b) sexist, homophobic or bigoted content; c) critical of the Socialist Party; d) advocating the perspective of a specific tendency within the Party; e) promoting a viewpoint on an issue of controversy within the Party; f) advocating a resolution or constitutional amendment for consideration by the Party’s convention g) promoting candidates for nomination for any office by the Socialist Party of the United States of America. IV. Ads from other political organizations will not be printed without the express authorization of the national committee. Those whose ads are deemed inappropriate will be informed that Hammer & Tongs is the appropriate forum for internal debate. Amendment (Matthew A.): To strike the last sentence. Amendment Failed 2 yes (Matthew A. and Matt E.) 6 no and 1 abstention (Sharin C.) Motion passed 6 y 1 no (Matt E.) and 2 abstentions (Sharin C. and Matthew A.) EB Membership Mal reported that there was an open slot for female member on the Editorial Board. Motion: (Doris L.) To name Ardenne Bunde to the Editorial Board. Motion passed unanimously. Editor Mal and Susan thanked Ari Moore for her work as layout person for the last issue of The Socialist and the last issue of Socialist Women and reminder the committee that at the February 2007 NC meeting Terry Williams of Austin, but now moving to San Diego) attended that meeting and said he would be interested and able to serve as Editor. Since Terry was in the middle of a move she said she has not been able to contact him, but that she and others on the EB supported him as the new Editor. Motion: (Mal H.)To name Terry Williams Editor of The Socialist, based on his acceptance. Motion passed unanimously Organizational Greg passed around an application by a member who also listed “NAMBLA” as one of the organizations to which he belongs. Motion: To authorize Susan Dorazio to write a letter of inquiry to the applicant and to authorize the NAC to act on the application based on her report. Motion passed 8 yes and 1 no (Andrea P.) Wisconsin The group discussed the status of the Socialist Party of Wisconsin. Greg reported that the recent reports and communication from the SP Wisconsin confirmed that the state organization recently withdrew their state convention resolution to confirm complete compliance with the SPUSA constitution by updating the state organization’s constitution. Nan P. & Ardenne B. confirmed that the current state organization constitution allows non-SPUSA members in good standing to vote, hold office and elect officers. Motion: The National Committee suspends the charter of the Socialist Party of Wisconsin and its locals until such a time as they can meet the constitutional requirements of a SPUSA state organization. Because this action happens after the June 1st deadline for convention delegations, the Wisconsin convention delegation will be elected by mail ballot, following the following schedule: The National Office will send Nan Pfefferle, printed letters calling for delegate nominations, postage and the mailing labels of all Wisconsin SPUSA members in good standing by June 21st. Nomination letters will be due tot eh National Office by July 14th. The National Office will send Nan Pfefferle delegate election ballots with the names of those who volunteered to serve and write-in slots, along with postage and mailing labels of Wisconsin SPUSA members in good standing in Wisconsin by July 19th. Ballots are due at the National Office by August 10th. Motion passed 7 yes 2 abstentions (Sharin C and Ardenne B.) Florida Members of the Florida reported back from their state-wide meeting, which happened during the NC meeting. They reported that the following officers were elected: Chair: Adam Padgett , Vice-Chair: Will Kremmel, Secretary: Mark Luzetti, Treasurer: Jennifer Robbins. Motion: (Greg P.) The National Committee re-instates the charter to the Socialist Party of Florida. Motion passed unanimously. Johnson City Local Application Greg presented an application for a local organization in the Greater Johnson City Tennessee area. Motion: (Greg P.) To grant a local charter to the Greater Johnson City Tennessee Socialist Party based on their election of a Local Executive Committee. Motion passed unanimously. SDUSA/ SDPPA The Committee reviewed a letter from SDPPA Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Brindle and e-mail correspondence from Brindle that was recently received. Motion (Matt E.): Whereas membership in the Social Democrats USA (SDUSA) is incompatible with membership in the Socialist Party USA and, Whereas, the Social Democratic Party of Pennsylvania (SDPPA) is the state affiliate of the SD USA, Be it resolved, that membership in the Social Democratic Party of Pennsylvania is incompatible with membership in the Socialist Party USA. Motion passed unanimously “Socialist Party of America” The group discussed the organization calling itself the “Socialist Party of America”. Motion (Matthew A.): 1) ” The Socialist Party of the United States of America demands that the “Socialist Party of America” (SPA) cease using this name. The National Secretary is directed to set up a meeting with representatives of the “SPA” to see if that organization is willing to change its name. If it is not, the national secretary is directed to initiate the legal steps required to protect the name. 2) Membership in the groups calling itself the “Socialist Party of America” is incompatible with membership in the Socialist Party of the United States of America (SPUSA). Motion passed unanimously. Follow-up on February Resolution on Membership Suspension Motion (Matt E.): The National Committee suspends the membership of Michael Marino due to the lack of resolution of the issues raised by the February 2007 National Committee meeting by the Oregon state organization. Motion passed 7 yes, 1 no (Greg P.) 1 abstention (Susan D.) Meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm Sunday Attending (all or part of the meeting): Susan Durazio., Mal Herbert., Doris Lake, Sharin Chiorazzo, Andrea Pason, Ardenne Bunde, Greg Pason, Matt Erard Matthew Andrews. Observing (all or part of the meeting):: Will Kremmel, Jennifer Robbins, Nan Pfefferle, Eric Chester and Peter Diamondstone. Meeting called to order at 10:15 am UfP&J Assembly The group discussed the upcoming UfP&J Assembly and the possibility of sending a representative. Greg reported registration costs. No action was taken. Organizational Continued Greg reported that Connecticut members held a state-wide meeting on the ninth and elected the following officers: Chair: Bill Shakalis, Secretary/Treasurer: Todd Vachon and Organizer Jim Mara. Motion (Greg P.): The NC affirms the Connecticut Socialist Party has met the requirements requested at the February 2007 National Committee meeting and grants a charter to the Socialist Party of Connecticut. Motion passed unanimously. Trademark/ Socialist Party name rights Motion (Susan D.): ” The Socialist Party of the United States of America demands that the “Socialist Party of North Carolina” and “Chicago Socialist Party” cease using this name. The National Secretary is directed to set up a meeting with representatives of the Socialist Party of North Carolina and Chicago Socialist Party to see if those organization are willing to change their name. If it is not, the national secretary is directed to initiate the legal steps required to protect the name. Motion passed unanimously Dues Rebates The committee discussed increasing dues rebates to qualifying locals and state organizations. Motion (Matt E.): To increase dues rebates from 15 to 30 % for qualified locals and state organizations. Motion passed 8 yes 1 no (Susan D.) Convention Planning Committee Susan Dorazio gave the Convention Planning Committee Report. Motion (Susan D.): The National Committee allocates $900 toward the creation of a convention travel subsidy fund. Additional fundraising toward this fund must be collected by August 15, 2007 and will be used to distribute to qualified applicants. Subsidies are to be $150.00. Amendment (Greg P.): To change “Subsidies are to be $150.00” to Subsidies are to be up to $150 with the convention planning committee making the decision on who gets travel subsidies. Amendment passed 6 yes, 1 no (Sharin C.) and 1 abstention (Susan D.) Motion: To pass the resolution on convention travel subsidies as amended. Motion passed unanimously Motion (Greg P.): The National Committee affirms that priority for convention subsidies are to go to self identified People of Color, Women and to youth. Motion passed unanimously. Convention Delegations Greg P. reported n the convention state, local and at-large delegations. (updated and official) State Delegations: California 11, Connecticut 2, Florida 7, Massachusetts 4, Michiganan 5, New Jersey 9, New York 9, Oregon 5, Pennsylvania 6, Texas 9 Local Delegations: Brattleboro 2, Indianapolis 2, Hamilton County 3 At-Large Regions: Wisconsin 5, New England 3, Mid-Atlantic, 13 Mid-West #1 10, Mid-West #2 7, South East 13, South West 10, North West 9. He reported that letter would be sent to eligible at-large members by June 21 and elections held in mid-July. Motion: To accept the convention delegation report. Motion passed unanimously Presidential Search Motion (Susan D.): To create a Presidential Search Committee to find candidates willing to serve as presidential and vice-presidential candidates and who will stand on the Statement of Principles and respond to a questionnaire based on the Party’s platform. The Committee will be empowered to solicit candidates of other organizations that are also willing to serve as presidential and vice-presidential candidates and who will stand on the Statement of Principles and respond to a questionnaire based on the Party’s platform. The following schedule will be followed: 1) The Committee will be formed on June 18th 2) The questionnaire will be created and sent to candidates by July 31st 3) Completed questionnaires are due back to the National Office no later than August 15th. The Committee will be composed of six members, will be gender-balanced, geographically diverse and be have Matt Erard as the convener. The remaining five Committee members will be selected at a phone conference of the Committee convener and the National Action Committee on June 18th. Amendment (Matthew A.): To add ”The committee is to make clear to the candidates that they should attend the national convention. Amendment passed 8 yes and I abstention (Sharin C.) Motion: To pass the Presidential Search Committee resolution as amended. Motion passed unanimously Commissions Susan Dorazio discussed her role as the liaison with Commissions. She reported that few Commission have been submitting regular reports and that we need to find ways to improve the way commissions operate and the involvement of members in commissions. Native American Commission Greg reported that Hunter Grey would no longer serve as chair the Native American Commission, but that William Stubbs (SP Connecticut) was interested in taking on that role. Motion: To name William Stubbs the new convener/chair of the Native American Commission. Motion passed unanimously. International Committee Eric Chester reported from his trip to Europe, including his attendance of European syndicalist union conference. He also reported that Rune Lunde of the Red-Green Alliance would be in the New York are this summer. YPSL Matthew Andrews reported on the upcoming YPSL convention in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He reported that the convention will take place the week before the US Social Forum and that the YPSL National Executive was working out the logistics. Mal Herbert left the meeting Socialist Summer Campaigns The committee was in agreement that previous Socialist Summer campaigns were on-going. Fair Food Greg Pason gave a brief report on the Fair Food campaign, reporting that locals were active in the CIW’s campaign, which led to a victory over McDonalds, and that about a dozen SPers attended the CIW/SFA victory rally concert in Chicago in April. The CIW is now targeting Burger King and the National Office has materials for any locals or members interested in taking part. Healthcare Matthew Andrews proposed a campaign around healthcare issues, specifically with the new “Sicko” movie being released this summer and the upcoming presidential campaigns. Motion (Greg P.): The National Committee directs Matthew Andrews to coordinate with Socialist Party Commissions to initiate a national campaign for socialized healthcare, encourage participate of the locals and to report back to the National Committee. Motion passed unanimously. Internet Motion (Matt E.) To create a Socialist Party USA members-only discussion list in addition to the existing members-only list “SP Members” list. List rules include no racist, sexist or heterosexist posts. After the first offense posters will be warned after the second offense the poster will be banned. List members must submit their full names and addresses when joining so that the National Secretary can confirm their membership. The National Action Committee will select a person to moderate the list under the list rules. This list will go into effect when a moderator is selected. Motion passed 6 yes and 2 abstentions (Matthew A. and Greg P.) Policies The committee discussed access to the unofficial document now called “policies” and way to make past SP resolutions available to the entire membership. Motion: (Greg P.)The National Committee eliminates the publication now called ”policies” since it is not an unofficial document and does not have official purpose. Motion passed 6 yes 1 no (Matt E) and 1 abs. (Doris L.) Motion (Greg P.): The National Committee create a list of Convention, National Committee and National Action Committee resolutions, starting with the most current, so that members can access them. Motion passed 7 yes and 1 abstention (Ardenne B.) Motion (Greg P.): The National Committee directs the National Secretary, with help from the National Archivist, to begin the process of creating a list of archived Convention, National Committee and National Action Committee resolutions, beginning with the most recent, so that members can access them. Motion passed unanimously. SNC/Campaign Clearinghouse Motion: (Matthew A.) To name David Schaich as the new Campaign Clearinghouse Coordinator, a position which includes the responsibility of filing SNC reports to the Federal Election Commission. Motion passed unanimously. Cindy Sheehan/ July 4th The committee discussed the recent statement by Cindy Sheehan resigning from the Democratic Party and calling for a “Camp Casey” sponsored conference on July 4th in Philadelphia. Motion (Susan D.): To direct the National Secretary to coordinate a Socialist Party contingent at the Camp Casey sponsored conference in Philadelphia on July 4th. Motion passed unanimously. Remaining Pre-Convention Business/ Next NC Motion: To set the following pre-convention schedule: 1) To hold the next National Committee meeting from 9 am - 11 am on Friday October 19, 2007 at the location of the National Convention. 2) To hold the Credentials Committee meeting from 11 am – 12 noon at the location of the National Convention. 3) To begin the National Convention at 1:00 pm on Friday October 19, 2007. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 4:00 pm with the signing of the International. Minutes transcribed by Greg Pason |
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