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Proposal Details

Proposal ID	16
Proposal	Bylaws amendment: Article 9 Other Committees of the General Assembly
Presenter	Coordinating Committee
Floor Manager	Mike Feinstein
Phase	Closed
Discussion	12/11/2012 - 01/09/2013
Voting	01/10/2013 - 01/18/2013
Result	Adopted
Presens Quorum	13 0.5001
Consens Quorum	37 0.6666 of Yes and No Votes

Background

This proposed Article takes the existing Bylaws sections 7-2 through 7-7 that describe Standing Committees and puts them in their own new Article 9. As part of this process, it updates the text for each one to be more clear about its duties and authority to coincide with existing practice, and to provide more clarify about when ex-officio members are voting members of the committees and when not.

This Article also creates a new committee - Information Technology Committee (which was proposed by the Coordinating Committee at its January 2012 retreat), and establishes the Campaign Funding Support Committee in the bylaws, rather than in the appendix to the bylaws, as is presently the case. It also eliminates the International Protocol Committee, which has not been active for years.

Finally this Article increases eligibility for appointment to standing Committees, expanding the base of those who could be appointed, making it potentially easier to fill those committee. Current bylaws state that eligible appointees must have attended at least one in-person General Assembly within the last five. This Article adds eligibility for appointment to Standing Committee to those who are Standing Green Assembly delegates. This was done both to reflect the addition of the Standing General Assembly and to provide a way for those who have disabilities that prevent them from attending an in-person General Assembly, to be eligible to be appointed to a standing committee by being a Standing General Assembly delegate.

Of the committees involved, the Bylaws, Clearinghouse and Media Committees have expressed their support for the draft language. The IT Committee language was written by the Coordinating Committee. There are no changes in the text for the Finance Committee. The Platform Committee has not yet expressed an opinion on its section.

Proposal

Article 9. Other Committees of the General Assembly

Section 9-1 Membership

9-1.1 The number of committee members, the requirements for their eligibility and the process by which they are appointed shall be defined in the Bylaws that govern each committee. Committee Coordinators shall post the names of all committee members and the start and end dates of each members' term on the committee's web page.

9-1.2 At least once a year and whenever vacancies exist, the Coordinating Committee shall widely advertise to the Party membership the openings on each Coordinating Committee-appointed committee. To be eligible, applicants shall submit an application to the Coordinating Committee stating their interest and qualifications.

9-1.3 Any committee member may be recalled by a 2/3 vote of the committee that appointed them.

Section 9-2 Co-coordinators

Each committee shall have two co-coordinators who shall be responsible for preparing and announcing the draft agenda for committee meetings, to submit annual work plans and budgets on behalf of the committee and otherwise represent the committee in official communications with other committees, working groups and the General Assembly.

Section 9-3 Meetings

9-3.1 Committees shall meet during GPCA state meetings, on teleconferences and otherwise as necessary to achieve the objectives outlined in its work plan. Meetings must be called with a minimum of two weeks notice to committee members.

9-3.2 The decision-making process for committees shall follow that described for the General Assembly in 7-5.5. Quorum is a majority of the committee's voting membership.

Section 9-4 Internal Procedures

Committees may establish additional Internal Procedures as necessary, that are not in conflict with the GPCA's governing rules documents, to facilitate the duties and authority of the committee.

Section 9-5. Bylaws Committee

9-5.1 Duties and Authority

The Bylaws Committee is charged with supporting the development of the GPCA's governing rules documents, including its Bylaws, Rules and Procedures and Fiscal Policy, including to:

9-5.1(a) Propose amendments to the General Assembly to the GPCA's governing rules documents;

9-5.1(b) Review proposed amendments to those documents submitted by others and provide recommendations to the sponsors, including to promote consistency in numbering, format, meaning and terminology with existing documents, and to minimize ambiguity and promote clarity.

9-5.1(c) Compile, document and archive the governing rules documents of the GPCA as they have existed over time.

9-5.1(d) Prepare an annual Work Plan and submit it along with any budget requests.

9-5.2 Membership

The Bylaws Committee shall consist of eight members, appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Bylaws Committee co-coordinators. The other Bylaws Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Bylaws Committee itself. Eligible appointees to the Bylaws Committee must have attended at least one in-person General Assembly within the last five or be a Standing Green Delegate, demonstrate a working knowledge of the Bylaws and Rules and Procedures and apply to the Coordinating Committee for appointment.

Section 9-6. Clearinghouse Committee

9-6.1 Duties and Authority

The Clearinghouse Committee is charged with facilitating specific external communications of the Party, including to

9-6.1(a) Return and/or redirect to the appropriate source within the Party, external communications received by phone, email, and postal mail;

9-6.1(b) Be responsible for merchandising, including budgeting, ordering, storage and shipping;

9-6.1(c) Oversee that information relating to this work on the GPCA website is accurate and up to date.

9-6.1(d) Prepare an annual Work Plan and submit it along with any budget requests.

9-6.2 Membership

The Clearinghouse Committee shall consist of eight voting members, appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Clearinghouse Committee co-coordinators. The other Clearinghouse Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Clearinghouse itself. Eligible appointees to the Clearinghouse Committee must have attended at least one in-person General Assembly within the last five or be a Standing Green Delegate, demonstrate a working knowledge of the Bylaws and Rules and Procedures and apply to the Coordinating Committee for appointment.

Section 9-7. Campaign Fund Support Committee

9-7.1 Duties and Authority

The Campaign Support Fund Committee is charged with the responsibility to decide what campaign committees shall receive funds designated in the annual GPCA budget approved for the financial support of GPCA members running for elected office, including to:

9-7.1(a) Establish procedures for candidates to apply for funding, including an application form or questionnaire and application deadlines, that shall be generally communicated to all candidates known to the Campaign Support Fund Committee and posted on the Campaign Support Fund Committee webpage;

9-7.1(b) Establish general principles for prioritizing the designation of funds, where drafts of those principles are published to the Coordinating Committee and Campaigns and Candidates Working Group at least 15 days in advance to allow comments before adoption.

9-7.1(c) Designate funding and communicate such designations to the GPCA Treasurer;

9-7.1(d) Provide a written report of its funding deliberations and decisions to the Coordinating Committee and Campaigns and Candidates Working Group, within 60 days following any election in which it designates funding.

9-7.2 Membership.

9-7.2(a) The Campaign Financial Support Committee shall consist of six members: two appointed each by the Coordinating Committee, Finance Committee and the Campaigns and Candidates Working Group, each using its own internal procedures for making such appointments. Eligibility is open to all GPCA members, except that Co-coordinators of Committees, Working Groups or the GPUS Delegation are not eligible, nor is any person who is, or who has announced their intention to be, a candidate for elected office (not including County Council), or anyone serving as a campaign manager, treasurer or consultant for such a candidate. Quorum shall be at least three members.

9-7.2(b) Members shall be appointed not later than the General Assembly at which the GPCA annual budget is submitted for adoption, and shall serve a one year term. Members may not serve more than three consecutive terms. In the event of a vacancy, the Committee or Working Group that appointed the person shall appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the term .

Section 9-8. Finance Committee

The Finance Committee shall have the duties, authority and membership as defined in the Fiscal Policy.

Section 9-9. Fundraising Committee

The Fundraising Committee shall have the duties, authority and membership as defined in the Fiscal Policy.

Section 9-10. Information Technology Committee

9-10.1 Duties and Authority

The Information Technology Committee is charged with providing technical support for GPCA web sites, data bases and email lists, including

9-10.1(a) Managing their permissions and access according to approved GPCA policies and procedures and provide assistance in their use to GPCA personnel

9-10.1(b) Recommending policies and procedures that facilitate this work.

9-10.1(c) Prepare an annual Work Plan and submit it along with any budget requests.

9-10.2 Membership

The Information Technology Committee shall consist of eight voting members appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, with no term limits, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Information Technology Committee co-coordinators. The other Information Technology Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Information Technology Committee itself. Any GPCA member is eligible for appointment and members shall be appointed based upon their abilities and qualifications to carry out, the duties and authority of this committee.

Section 9-11 Media Committee

9-11.1 Duties and Authority

The Media Committee is charged with facilitating all GPCA communications with media outlets, including to

9-11.1(a) Develop and distribute media releases that publicize official GPCA positions, positions taken by GPCA Spokespersons and other party members in accordance with the GPCA Platform, the successes and achievements in office of GPCA members who are elected and appointed officials, and other newsworthy events about GPCA growth and development;

9-11.1(b) Coordinate Party press conferences;

9-11.1(c) Respond to press inquiries.

9-11.1(c) Assist County Green organizations in their media work.

9-11.2 Membership

The Media Committee shall consist of eight voting members, appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Bylaws Committee co-coordinators. The other Media Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Media Committee itself. In addition, GPCA spokespersons shall be ex-officio non-voting members, who may participate in the deliberations of the committee, but not vote. Eligible appointees to the Media Committee must have attended at least one in-person General Assembly within the last five or be a Standing Green Delegate, demonstrate a working knowledge of the Bylaws and Rules and Procedures and apply to the Coordinating Committee for appointment.

Section 9-12. Platform Committee

9-12.1 Duties and Authority

The Platform Committee is charged with supporting the development of the GPCA's Platform, including to

9-12.1(a) Propose Platform amendments to the General Assembly

9-12.1(b) Review proposed Platform amendments submitted by others and provide recommendations to the sponsors, including to promote consistency in numbering, format, meaning and terminology with the existing Platform, and to minimize ambiguity and promote clarity.

9-12.1(c) Seek input and feedback on the Platform from experts in the field

9-12.1(d) Assist the Campaigns and Candidates Working Group and the General Assembly with formulating positions on statewide ballot measures.

9-12.1(e) Assist the Media Committee and GPCA spokespeople with press releases and other public statements that reference the Platform.

9-12.1(f) Compile, document and archive the Platform as it has existed over time.

9-12.1(g) Prepare an annual Work Plan and submit it along with any budget requests.

9-12.2 Membership

The Platform Committee shall consist of eight voting members, appointed by the Coordinating Committee to serve staggered two year terms, including a Coordinating Committee Liaison, who shall serve as one of two Bylaws Committee co-coordinators. The other Bylaws Committee co-coordinator shall be elected by the Bylaws Committee itself. Eligible appointees to the Platform Committee must have attended at least one General Assembly within the last five or be a Standing Green Delegate, demonstrate a working knowledge of the Bylaws and Rules and Procedures and apply to the Coordinating Committee for appointment.

Resources

None

References

Existing text in GPCA Bylaws

Section 7-2. Finance Committee

The Finance Committee shall have the duties, responsibilities and membership as defined in the GPCA Fiscal Policy.

Section 7-3. Bylaws Committee

7-3.1 Duties and Authority

The Bylaws Committee is charged with maintaining the GPCA Bylaws and assisting with their amendment or revision. All Bylaw amendment proposals must be reviewed by the Bylaws Committee before submission to the General Assembly.

7-3.2 Bylaws Interpretation

In cases of bylaw ambiguity or procedural disagreement, the General Assembly shall decide for itself the meaning of its bylaws or the appropriate procedure to be followed. Between General Assembly meetings, the Coordinating Committee shall decide these questions subject to review at the next General Assembly meeting. The Bylaws Committee and its coordinators are charged with assisting with the interpretation of the Bylaws and the resolution of procedural questions.

Section 7-4. Platform Committee

7-4.1 Duties and Authority

The Platform Committee is charged with maintaining the Platform of the GPCA and assisting with its amendment or revision. All platform proposals must be reviewed by the Platform Committee before submission to the General Assembly.

7-4.2 Platform Research and Interpretation

The Platform Committee shall identify issues not in the platform, and suggest and formulate platform planks with substantial input from appropriate experts in the field. The Platform Committee shall also assist the General Assembly, the Coordinating Committee, and the Media Committee with formulating positions or statements on issues or initiatives related to official platform positions.

Section 7-5. International Protocol Committee

7-5.1 Duties

The International Protocol Committee (IPC) is charged with five principal functions:

a) Hosting. The IPC shall be responsible for working with international Greens to facilitate their visits, to assist with housing arrangements, communications, publicity, media contacts, and speaking events.

b) GPUS International Committee. In collaboration with other GPCA committees and working groups, the IPC shall develop draft platform planks, policy proposals, resolutions, and projects pertaining to international relations for submission to the GPUS/International Committee (GPUS/IC).

c) Proposals and Projects. In active consultation with the GPUS/IC, the IPC may also develop proposals or projects pertaining to international matters that are unique to the State of California, and that are not otherwise reserved to the GPUS/IC.

d) Alliance Building. The IPC may initiate and develop working relationships with organizations, groups and individuals pertaining to international policy and relations for the State of California, and to support IP work with the GPUS/IC.

e) Liaison with GPCA Committees and Working Groups. The IPC shall maintain timely communications with other GPCA standing groups in the development and approval of IPC drafts and actions which substantially or visibly involve the GPCA in the adoption of policies, positions, resolutions, alliances or other international initiatives.

7-5.2 Authority

The authority of the IPC is not intended to replace or otherwise conflict with other Green Party powers, efforts or activities in other state, national, or international committees or organizations. The IPC shall complement existing structures and activities in a manner that is supportive, collaborative, and synergistic.

a) The IPC shall act only in matters appropriate for a state-level party with relation to other individuals, groups or state-level international entities outside of California, or those appropriately deputized to California by their national bodies. All nation-to-nation, nation-to-region and nation-to-global relationships shall be managed through GPUS committees, plans and decisions.

b) The GPCA delegates to the GPUS/IC shall be the primary channel of communication, consultation, and authorization between the IPC and the GPUS/IC.

c) When issues or opportunities arise requiring action between General Assemblies, the IPC may make decisions with the concurrence of the GPUS/IC, and in consultation with GPCA standing group coordinators.

d) The IPC shall ensure that any disputes about authorized representation from Green Parties outside the United States be resolved through consultation with the GPUS/IC.

Section 7-6. Clearinghouse Committee

7-6.1 Duties and Authority

The Clearinghouse Committee is charged with maintaining an archive of all GPCA documents and data. The Clearinghouse Committee is also charged with facilitating internal and external communications and information dissemination including maintaining the GPCA website and returning communications received by phone, email, and postal mail.

7-6.2 Ex Officio Members

A Webmaster, appointed by the committee, is an ex officio member of the Clearinghouse Committee.

Section 7-7. Media Standing Committee

7-7.1 Duties and Authority

The Media Standing Committee is charged with facilitating all GPCA communications with media outlets. The Media Standing Committee shall develop and distribute media releases that express appropriate GPCA positions in accordance with the GPCA platform; coordinate press conferences around significant party figures and issues; draft and distribute notifications of significant, newsworthy events relevant to party figures, platforms and growth. The Media Standing Committee serves under the direction of the General Assembly of the GPCA and the Coordinating Committee.

The Media Standing Committee assists local chapters of the GPCA to develop media resources.

7-7.2 Membership

The Media Standing Committee is a standing committee with up to 8 members, in accordance with bylaws 6-1.4. Co-Coordinators are selected in accordance with bylaws 6-1.9.

7-7.3 Ex Officio Members

The Green Party of California's Press Secretary and designated Spokespeople are non-voting ex officio members of the Media Committee.

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