PROPOSAL NUMBER: 010-06
1. Date proposed 12/11/06. Sponsor: Tanya Ishikawa, GPCO Secretary
2. TITLE:
Proposal to Hold GPCO Winter Gathering
3. FULL PROPOSAL:
The Adams/Denver/Jefferson Greens will host a gathering in Evergreen on a Saturday in January or February to bring together Green Party members from around the state to discuss possible, future foci and initiatives, and plan for the upcoming annual meeting and elections. The possible dates are January 13 or February 3 or 17.
4. BACKGROUND:
Some GPCO members have state an interest in gathering with state members more than once a year at the annual meeting in the spring/summer. The Denver/Jefferson Greens hosted a January state gathering in 2005, which was beneficial to those who attended. It increased enthusiasm, improved relations, provided future direction and educated members.
The 2006 election season created some tension in the state party but also realized some forward momentum on several fronts. The state party could fall inactive if we do not come together to reaffirm our central values and goals. Even with this gathering, we could become inactive or split but at least it will give us a chance to seek a positive direction and promote an effective organization.
Though it will be difficult for members from a long distance to attend, it is worth a try to get as many metro area and I-70 corridor Greens together as possible. The benefits of even a partial organization meeting can be spread to the whole group. Greens in other corners of the state could be included in the meeting by conference call, and/or they could hold their own simultaneous meeting.
5. Justification/Goals:
see above
6. PROS:
1) The gathering could reenergize the state party, providing future direction.
2) The gathering could ensure the party continues to actively exist.
3) The gathering could give the party a jumpstart on finding and selecting candidates that have a chance of winning upcoming elections.
4) The gathering could help mend some rifts created in the party during the 2006 election season.
7. Cons:
1) The gathering may not be attended by a diverse representation of chapters so may not come up with actions or plans that will be supported by all.
2) The gathering may create further rifts in the party if discussions turn and stay negative, without compromise or consensus.
8. Estimate of Fiscal Impact:
The gathering would take place at GPCO member Kevin Alumbaugh's meeting room in Evergreen so there would be no charge for the space. Drinks, a continental breakfast and light lunch would be donated by members of local chapters, and more distant chapters would be welcome to provide a potluck dish to help out. All promotion/advertising for the event would be done for free through e-mails, press releases, and word of mouth. There would be no other expenses incurred by the party. So the fiscal impact to GPCO would be $0. There actually may be an opportunity for income through donations to the party from those gathered.
9. Alternatives to the proposal:
Not having a gathering, or having the gathering in another location or on another date.