PROPOSED LANGUAGE FOR MODIFICATION OF GPLAC BYLAWS ARTICLE 13 ACTIVE GREEN LOCALS

Sponsor: Joe Crompton

Presenter: Joe Crompton, Ellen Maisen

Proposal:

ARTICLE 13 GREEN LOCALS & CAUCUSES

For the purposes of these By-Laws, a "Green Local" is defined as a group of Green Party members in Los Angeles County who have chosen to organize on a geographic basis.

For the purposes of these By-Laws, a "Green Caucus" is defined as a group of Green Party members in Los Angeles County who have chosen to organize around an issue or set of issues. Except where noted, the provisions of this Article apply equally to both Caucuses and Locals.

Section 13.1 Basic Unit of Organization

13.1.1 The GPLAC recognizes the Local groups and Caucuses as the basic unit of organization and core to our identity as Greens. The Council shall defer to them as such.

13.1.2 In recognizing the grassroots and locals as the basic units of the GPLAC, the Council shall not discriminate against any Green local, caucus, club, chapter or individual Green based upon their seeking of redress of grievances from the Council.

Section 13.2 Recognition

Unless there is a clear and tangible reason not to do so, the Council shall grant recognition to any Green Party local, club, chapter, or caucus operating under the aegis of the 10 Key Values.

Section 13.3 Affiliation

In order to be affiliated as a Green Local by the County Council a local must submit:

13.3.1 Its bylaws, if any,

13.3.2 A description of its local activism,

13.3.3 A proposed geographic boundary, if any, and,

13.3.4 A petition requesting recognition.

13.3.5 A majority vote of the County Council is required to affiliate a local.

Section 13.4 Resources

13.4.1 All recognized and/or affiliated Green Locals shall receive information directly from the GPLAC about relevant Green Party matters, as provided for in these bylaws, and will be listed upon the GPLAC web site.

13.4.2 Affiliated Green Locals shall receive priority, but not exclusive access, in the distribution of financial, database, and volunteer resources.

13.4.3 The Council shall periodically conduct and disseminate information on localities of possible new locals and/or caucuses based upon candidate activity, issue based activism, and/or voter registration data. The Council shall also respond and coordinate assistance upon request from Greens to form a new local or caucus.

Section 13.5 Responsibilities

13.5.1 Green Locals are encouraged to conduct voterregistration drives, organize local Greens, meet on a regular basis, be involved in local Green issues, develop and support Green candidates, and participate in the GPLAC.

13.5.2 Green Locals must follow all applicable laws.

13.5.3 Green Locals may use "Greens" in their name, but may only use the term "Green Party" with express permission from the GPLAC.

13.5.4 The Council shall encourage the formation of new locals and/or caucuses.

BACKGROUND: By early 2004, LA County Green registration had peaked just shy of 29,000. As of the drafting of this proposal, CA Secretary of State’s January 2006 registration figures put us at 25,258 – a 13% decline! Today, in May 2006, there are fewer than ten locals,

We need new tools to rebuild.

There are a number of things the Council can do to start making meaningful change in our relationships with Locals and registered Greens. We can begin this by alleviating the rules on recognition, affiliation and/or certification. We need to empower the activism of the Locals by recognizing that they are the basic unit of organization and core to our identity as the Green Party of Los Angeles County. We need to welcome them into meaningful participation in the rebuilding of our registration and infrastructure - regardless of their choice to affiliate. The Council needs to take the initiative in realizing that Green locals are our own first and best allies in any endeavor. Local Green clubs are uniquely qualified to serve as conduits for state and national party communication, having the grassroots networks that the county council organization lacks. The most productive structure for the Green Party of Los Angeles County would be one in which the local groups actively support and participate in the business and activities of the county council. These people are our grassroots. On every level of government, one ignores the grassroots at one's own peril.

SCHEDULE: Introduced to County Council and online GPLAC Discussion Forum on April 20 2006. Test for consensus 5/21/06. County Council vote (if necessary) 5/21/06.