Bulletin 5.3: Agenda and Location Change for State Green Party Convention on August 25th!

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 5, No. 3 – August 22, 2007
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) NEW LOCATION FOR CONVENTION: RICHLAND COUNTY LIBRARY
(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 25th
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
(4) MAKE YOUR 2007 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN


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(1) NEW LOCATION FOR CONVENTION **********************************************************************

The State Convention will be held at the Richland County Public Library, 1431 Assembly Street, in Columbia. We will be meeting in the Landrum/Powell Conference Room, on the third level. This is a new location (replacing the Simkins House, as earlier planned).

The Richland County Public Library is on the corner of Assembly Street and Hampton Street, three blocks north of Gervais. From the State House, at the corner of Gervais and Assembly, go north for three blocks, and the library will be on your left.


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(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 25th **********************************************************************

Please join us for the annual state convention of the South Carolina Green Party in Columbia on Saturday, August 25th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. We will be meeting in Columbia at a location TBA (but NOT the Simkins Center as previously announced).

Registration will begin at 12:45. The main items on the agenda are the elections for the Steering Committee and a discussion of SCGP goals for 2007-2008.

a. Report from Steering Committee on 2006-2007

b, Proposed Bylaw Amendment

One proposed bylaw amendment was received by the deadline (one month prior to the annual meeting). The proposed change (to section 4.2) is to increase the number of Steering Committee members from seven to nine. The rationale is that, if we are to make progress in the next year in anticipation of the 2008 elections, we need to have more members involved. One way to increase involvement is to give more members a role in the leadership.

c. Election of Steering Committee members

d. Reports from Locals

e. Setting SCGP Goals for 2007-08

f. Organizing for action at state and local levels

g. Adjournment


**********************************************************************
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS **********************************************************************

Nominations are now closed for the Steering Committee elections. Committee members will be elected by current members attending the State Convention. Four people have accepted nominations to be on the ballot:

Gregg Jocoy:

My goal for the South Carolina Green Party would be to identify two things we can do effectively over the next six months, and work to make those two projects a success. As an example, I can imagine the South Carolina Green Party working hand in hand with Greens from other states, especially Georgia, to make the Green Party presence at the protest at the School of the America's at Fort Benning, GA noticeable to all there. Another could be to have a large presence at the Pride event in the fall in Columbia.

Rather than goals like "Growing our membership" or "Establishing new chapters", these goals can be met with our current small numbers. If we are seen as successful by our own membership and folks at these events we should have a positive roll going, leading to more successes over the following six months.

We should consider establishing other goals as well, such as reporting, holding regular meetings, membership targets, and improved communications, but all these should follow success in the first two efforts. We must build confidence for larger targets by setting and hitting goals that make us stretch, but not to the point where the system breaks down.

Most of you know that I was involved in helping secure the cooperation of the Natural Law Party in transferring their ballot line to us. I have written, in cooperation with my fellow York County Greens, a series of columns covering everything from a local hospital debate to the war on Iraq, for almost two years. Printed in YC Magazine, several pieces will be available for reading at the state convention, and are also online now at the York County Greens website,
www.YorkGreens.com

In addition I write one of the most widely read...very sad to say, blogs on the Internet that deals with Green Party business. I say largest because, while my hits are very low, so are the hits for almost any Green Party blog at this point. I'm averaging about a dozen a day at this point. The blog can be read at
www.gregg-jocoy.blogspot.com.

Nammu Muhammad:

In 2001, I became very interested in community issues. As the result of my interests and concerns, I formed "The Association" which is primarily responsible for keeping the community informed about relevant issues that may impact them. An example of my initiatives: I was instrumental with helping a person save her home which was being taken from her illegally. I worked with youth in my neighborhood to organize several car washes which provided them financial assistance toward the purchase of school clothes and spending change for themselves. Some of the children were not accustomed to receiving an allowance from their parents or primary caretakers, so, hopefully, you can imagine how happy they were to have some pocket change. I served as Antonio Williams' Campaign Manager for his District II election bid for City Council, and I worked very diligently for Ms. Efia Nwangaza during her campaign for governor. Most recently, I ran as a Green Party candidate for the Richland County Council in 2006.

Bryan Smith

I would like to announce my interest in becoming a candidate for the State Steering Committee. I am a resident of York County and have been involved with the York County Green Party for several years. My reasons for seeking this position are:

-Growing the Green Party in both number of members as well as number of Counties represented.

-Increasing the Green Party presence in statewide debate of issues.

-Promoting the Green Party and reaching out to voters who may be unaware of the Party and/or our platform.

I feel these goals can be achieved through internet/website promotion, regular press releases, and developing an activist approach at both the State and County levels.

David Whiteman

I have been an active member of the SC Green Party since its founding, and I currently serve as Secretary-Treasurer on the Steering Committee. I teach political science at USC and last year became the director of USC's Center for Sustainable Futures, which coordinates the university's environmental education activities.

My main activities for the Green Party this past year have been to file our quarterly paperwork with the State Ethics Commission, file our reports with the State Elections Commission and County Election Commissions, maintain our bank accounts, write and send out newsletters, maintain our database, and serve as a Delegate to the Green National Committee.

I would like to serve another term in order to help the SCGP reach more of its potential for public education and campaigning. We've been able to attract interesting candidates, but we need more attention to helping those candidates become more visible in the electoral process.


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(4) MAKE YOUR 2007 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION
**********************************************************************

According the SCGP bylaws, in order to be considered a member of the Party for meetings and conventions, a citizen must have either (a) paid annual dues or (b) been an active member of a party organization in the state. To be sure you are a member for 2007, send in your $25 annual membership contribution. You can send your checks to SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC, 29250.


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(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*************************************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA, Simkins Center, 2025 Marion Street, Columbia.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

AIKEN COUNTY GREEN PARTY (Aiken/North Augusta):
Next meeting TBA. Held at 3514 Gamble Road (off of Gregg, between Richland Ave and Trolley Line Road, about 2-3 blocks south of Trolley Line Road).
For more information contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

YORK COUNTY GREENS (York/Chester/Lancaster/Cherokee):
Next meeting: TBA.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, GreggJocoy29715@yahoo.com, 803-547-212.


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(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
**********************************************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.


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(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.


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(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*************************************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a month, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com


*************************************************************
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
*************************************************************

Bill Bobo (2006-2008), newwines@aol.com
(h) 803-279-9604
908 Fairlane Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841

Elaine Mangum (2006-2008), elainemangum@gmail.com
(h) 803-477-7774
2855 Superior St, Columbia, SC 29205

Leslie Minerd (2006-2008), hipwazee@gmail.com
(h) 803-799-9297, (w) 803-376-1500
2716 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205

Nammu Muhammad (2005-2007)
(h) 803-414-4426
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

Laura Sima (2005-2007), laura.corina.sima@gmail.com
(h) 803-979-1052
616 Pickens St, Apt 4, Columbia, SC 29201

David Whiteman (2005-2007), davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

Antonio Williams (2006-2008)
(h) 803-605-5084
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
Elaine Mangum (delegate)
David Whiteman (delegate)

SCGP members on national committees:
Coordinated Campaign Committee: [vacant]
International Committee: [vacant]
Media Committee: [vacant]


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(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
*********************************************

Preston Holston (appointed)
Conservation Commission
Richland County

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia


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(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
*********************************************

The SC Green Party Bulletin, distributed no more than 2-3 times each month, is designed to keep members and friends of the SC Green Party informed about important state activities and events.

If you would like to stop receiving the Bulletin and be deleted from the SC Green Party database, simply respond to this email and ask to be removed.

BYLAWS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GREEN PARTY

ARTICLE 1: NAME AND PURPOSE

1.1 NAME. The name of the organization shall be the South Carolina Green Party (hereafter referred to as “Party”).

1.2 TEN KEY VALUES. The Party is founded on Ten Key Values: grassroots democracy, social justice and equal opportunity, ecological wisdom, nonviolence, decentralization, community-based economics and economic justice, feminism and gender equity, respect for diversity, personal and global responsibility, and future focus and sustainability.

1.3 PURPOSE. The purpose of the Party is to uphold and advocate the Ten Key Values by organizing and empowering citizens to engage in political and educational activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, recruiting candidates for public office, nominating and/or endorsing candidates for public office in partisan and non-partisan races, publicly endorsing or opposing issue campaigns, and supporting the efforts of local groups and candidates.


ARTICLE 2: MEMBERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION

2.1 ELIGIBILITY. Participation in Party activities is open to any resident of South Carolina who wishes to support our political efforts. According to state law, eligibility for membership in the Party is restricted to residents who are (a) at least eighteen years of age, (b) a registered voter, and (c) a citizen of South Carolina and the United States.

2.2 REQUIREMENTS. To be considered a member of the Party, a citizen must have completed a state or local membership form indicating support for the Ten Key Values and must have either (a) paid annual dues or (b) been an active member of a party organization in the state. The Party will maintain a list of current members.

2.3 PARTICIPATION OF NON-MEMBERS. Residents of South Carolina not meeting age, citizenship, or voter registration requirements are encouraged to participate as fully as possible in Party activities.


ARTICLE 3: STATE CONVENTION

3.1 PURPOSE. The Party shall hold an annual State Convention for the purpose of nominating candidates, electing members to Party offices and committees, electing delegates to the Green Party of the United States, amending the Party platform, and other matters. The State Convention is the highest decision-making body in the Party.

3.2 PARTICIPATION AND VOTING. State Conventions are open to the general public. In even-numbered years (general election years), eligible voters will be the official delegates selected through the procedures outlined in Article 6. In odd-numbered years, eligible voters will be members who have been on the Party membership list for at least thirty days. The Convention shall seek consensus on all decisions. In the event consensus is not reached, a two-thirds vote of members present is required for adoption of any proposal. Abstentions shall not be counted as votes cast.


ARTICLE 4: STEERING COMMITTEE AND COORDINATING COUNCIL

4.1 RESPONSIBILITIES. The Steering Committee (hereafter “Committee”) shall be the administrative body of the Party. The Committee shall have responsibility to oversee and manage the day-to-day business and operations of the Party between meetings of the State Convention and Coordinating Council.

4.2 NUMBER AND OFFICERS. The Committee shall be comprised of seven members elected by the State Convention. Every effort should be made to elect a membership that reflects the gender and ethnic diversity of South Carolina. At the first Committee meeting subsequent to each State Convention, members of the Committee will designate two Co-chairs (one of each gender), a Secretary, and a Treasurer. These offices can be rotated at the discretion of the Committee. The Secretary shall be responsible for taking minutes at meetings of the Committee and State Convention and distributing them widely within all levels of the Party. The Treasurer shall be responsible for all the financial affairs of the Party and for filing reports with the appropriate state and federal offices as required by law. The other members are expected to take a leadership role on at least one state committee (such as fund-raising, communications, and elections).

4.3 TERMS AND ELECTIONS. Committee members shall serve two-year terms, staggered so that one-half of the terms expire each year. Members will be elected by the delegates at the State Convention, using approval voting. If a member is unable to complete a full term, the Committee shall select a replacement to finish that term.

4.4 NOMINATIONS. No later than one month before the State Convention, a Nominating Committee shall call for nominations for potential Committee members. Two weeks before the State Convention, the Nominating Committee will provide a final list of nominees, certifying that (a) they are members of the Party and (b) do not occupy a leadership position in any other political party. All nominees should submit a brief personal statement for inclusion in the State Convention agenda packet.

4.5 MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the Committee shall generally occur monthly, and the time and place for regular meetings should be publicized widely within the Party. All meetings shall be open to all members of the Party. A quorum of a simple majority will enable the Committee to conduct its business. Special meetings may be held when called by three or more members of the Committee. Reasonable notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be given, at least twenty-four hours in advance.
4.6 DECISIONS. The Committee has the authority to adopt rules, policies, and procedures in accordance with the Ten Key Values. The Committee shall follow a consensus-seeking decision making process based on trust, respect, unity of purpose, nonviolence,
self-empowerment, cooperation, conflict resolution, commitment to the group, active participation, equal access to power, and patience. Meetings will be run by a facilitator who will use all appropriate techniques (such as stacking, go-rounds, brainstorming, fishbowl, silence) to lead to a consensus. In response to a call for consensus, members have the option of indicating minor concerns, major concerns, standing aside, and blocking concerns. Blocking concerns should be based on a generally recognized principle of the Party. All proposals must be approved by consensus. This decision-making policy may be amended as follows: at any meeting of the Committee, a member may propose an alternative decision making process; at the next meeting, a vote will be taken on the proposed process, and if three-fourths of the members present approve, the new process will be put into effect. Members may not vote by proxy.

4.7 RESPONSIBILITIES. The duties of the Committee shall include, but are not limited to: overseeing finances and fund-raising, coordinating communications both within the Party and with the public, establishing and overseeing committees, designating official spokespersons, hiring and supervising staff, helping to organize local and regional groups, and designating presidential electors.

4.8 COMMITTEES AND STAFF. The Committee may create standing and special committees and may appoint chairs for those committees. The Committee may also hire staff and consultants to facilitate the work of Party.

4.9 RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL OF MEMBERS. A Committee member may resign by providing a written letter of resignation to an officer of the Party or to the Party at its principal office. A member may be removed from the Committee with cause by vote of a two-thirds majority of the members then in office. The removal process must begin with a letter signed by at least two members, and the matter will first be submitted to a conflict resolution process. If the process does not yield an agreeable solution, the matter shall be put on the agenda for the next meeting.

4.10 COMPENSATION. Committee members shall be precluded from receiving compensation for their services but shall be entitled to receive such amount, if any, as the Committee may from time to time determine, to cover expenses of attendance at meetings.

4.11 COORDINATING COUNCIL. The Coordinating Council shall be comprised of the members of the Steering Committee plus two additional members designated by each affiliated organization (as provided in Article 5). The Coordinating Council will meet quarterly (in place of the monthly Steering Committee meeting) and will have all the same responsibilities and follow all the same procedures as the Steering Committee.


ARTICLE 5: LOCAL, COUNTY, AND REGIONAL GROUPS

5.1 According to the principle of decentralization and grassroots democracy, Party members are encouraged to form local, county, regional, or identity-based Green Party organizations throughout the state. Each organization is entitled to appoint an observer to the Steering Committee and Coordinating Council, who will be notified of all meetings. Organizations that meet the requirements for affiliation (under section 5.2) will designate two representatives to serve as voting members of the Coordinating Council; at least one representative must be female or a person of color. Representatives will be responsible for communicating local concerns to the Coordinating Council as well as relaying information to local members from the Council.

5.2 Any local, county, or regional organization may apply for affiliation with the Party by making a request to the Steering Committee. Applications for formal affiliation must be made in writing and must include a copy of the organization's bylaws and a list of the organization's officers. The application must also include evidence that the organization (a) has transparent finances, (b) has registered with the State Ethics Commission once required by law, (c) has at least six members, and (d) has met at least four times during the preceding year. The Steering Committee has the authority to accept or reject any application for affiliation, subject to appeal by the next State Convention.


ARTICLE 6: NOMINATING CONVENTION PROCEDURES

6.1 In general election years (even-numbered years), the State Convention will follow the state laws (Title 7, Chapter 9) relating to convening a Nominating Convention. The process includes the convening of precinct-level meetings to select delegates to county conventions, and then the convening of county conventions to select delegates to the state convention.

6.2 PRECINCT MEETINGS. Each precinct will meet for reorganization at the time and on the day as determined by the county committee, no later than two weeks prior to the county convention. A notice must be published by the county committee once a week for two consecutive weeks not more than three weeks nor less than two weeks before the meeting date in a newspaper having general circulation in the county. Each club shall elect a president and one or more vice-presidents, a secretary and treasurer, a precinct or club secretary, and a district executive committeeman for each polling place within a precinct and may have such working committees as it considers necessary. The officers of the precinct shall be reported to the clerk of court of the county and to the Party secretary prior to the county convention;

6.3 COUNTY MEETINGS. Each county will meet for reorganization during a month determined by the state Steering Committee. The county committee shall set the date, time, and location for the county convention to be held; however, the date set by the county committee for the county convention must be at least two weeks prior to the state convention. Notices must be published by the county committee, once a week for two consecutive weeks, not more than three nor less than two weeks, before the day in a newspaper having general circulation in the county. The convention must be composed of delegates elected from the clubs in the county, one delegate for every twenty-five members and major fraction thereof, based upon the number of votes for presidential electors at the last preceding general election from the precinct as determined by the state committee. The list of delegates certified to by the president and secretary of each club shall constitute the temporary roll of the county convention. When organized, the county convention shall elect officers, including a president, secretary, treasurer, county chairman, the county vice-chairman, a member of the State committee from the county, and as many delegates to the State Convention as triple the number of members from the county in the House of Representatives, plus one. But county conventions at their discretion may elect double the number of delegates in which case each delegate shall have one-half vote. All officers except delegates shall be reported to the clerk of court of the county, to the Party Secretary, and to the Secretary of State prior to the State Convention.

6.4 STATE CONVENTION. The State Convention shall meet prior to May fifteenth, on a day and at a time and in a location determined by the Steering Committee and announced publicly at least ten days before the meeting. The State Convention must be composed of delegates elected by the county conventions. Each county is entitled to one delegate for each six thousand residents of the county, according to the latest official United States Census, plus two additional members. The state officers must be reported to the Secretary of State and to the State Election Commission within fifteen days of their election and the reports must be public record.

6.5 NATIONAL CONVENTION. During presidential election years, the State Convention will express its choice of candidates to be nominated at the Presidential Nominating Convention of the Green Party of the United States and so instruct its delegates to that national convention.


ARTICLE 7: CANDIDATES

All Party candidates must provide written assurance that they agree to (a) support the Ten Key Values, (b) follow state campaign finance law, and (c) provide the Party Secretary with copies of all filings to the State Ethics Commission and the Federal Elections Commission.


ARTICLE 8: PARTY PLATFORM

The Party shall adopt a platform based on the Ten Key values that clearly defines the Party’s position on issues facing our society and the world. The platform will be based on the platform of the Green Party of the United States, modified to address the specific policy concerns relevant to South Carolina. The platform will be a guide for elected officials and other Party members engaged in public policy making.


ARTICLE 9: RELATIONSHIP TO THE NATIONAL PARTY

The Party is affiliated with the Green Party of the United States. The Party will appoint delegates and alternates to the national Coordinating Committee and will appoint representatives to other national committees. In even-numbered years, the Party will, at its State Convention, select delegates to national convention (which in presidential election years will be the Presidential Nominating Convention). These delegates and representatives shall be precluded from receiving compensation for their services but shall be entitled to receive such amount, if any, as the Party may from time to time determine, to cover expenses, including expenses related to participation in meetings.


ARTICLE 10: EXPULSION OF MEMBERS

A member who acts in opposition to the Ten Key Values or other explicit principles and values of the Party may be expelled only by a vote of the Steering Committee, Coordinating Council, or State Convention. The expulsion process must begin with a letter signed by at least two members, and the matter will first be submitted to a conflict resolution process. All members, including the member proposed for expulsion, must be notified at least two weeks before the meeting where the issue will be raised.


ARTICLE 11: FINANCES

The Party will adopt an annual budget, including anticipated expenses and sources of revenue. The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the finances of the Party, making regular reports to the Steering Committee, and submitting financial reports to the appropriate State and Federal agencies.


ARTICLE 12. PERSONAL LIABILITY

The Officers, Steering Committee members, Coordinating Council members, and employees of the Party shall not be personally liable for any debt, liability, or obligation of the Party. All persons, corporations, or other entities extending credit to, contracting with, or having any claim against the Party, may look only to the funds and property of the Party for the payment of any such contract or claim, or for the payment of any debt, damages, judgment, or decree, or of any money that may otherwise become due or payable to them from the Party.


ARTICLE 13. DISSOLUTION

Should the Party ever dissolve, the Steering Committee shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the Party, transfer all assets to the Green Party of the United States.


ARTICLE 14: AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

Amendments to these bylaws must be approved by either (1) a State Convention or (2) the Steering Committee, at two consecutive meetings. Amendments may be proposed by any member of the Party. Amendments to be considered at a State Convention must be submitted to the Steering Committee at least one month prior to the convention.

Originally adopted on December 2, 2001. Revised June 2003; March 24, 2004.

Bulletin 5.2: Agenda and Location Change for State Green Party Convention on August 25th!

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 5, No. 2 – August 19, 2007
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) LOCATION CHANGE FOR STATE CONVENTION
(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 25th
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
(4) MAKE YOUR 2007 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN


**********************************************************************
(1) LOCATION CHANGE FOR STATE CONVENTION
**********************************************************************

The State Convention will NOT be held at the Simkins House--ownership of the house has just been transferred to the Historic Columbia Foundation and apparently they will be undertaking renovations.

The final location will be posted on the website as soon as we get confirmation. The most likely location is the Richland County Public Library on Assembly Street. If you would like to confirm the final location on Friday evening, please call 803-799-1205. If no one answers, leave a message, and someone will call you back.


**********************************************************************
(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 25th
**********************************************************************

Please join us for the annual state convention of the South Carolina Green Party in Columbia on Saturday, August 25th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. We will be meeting in Columbia at a location TBA (but NOT the Simkins Center as previously announced).

Registration will begin at 12:45. The main items on the agenda are the elections for the Steering Committee and a discussion of SCGP goals for 2007-2008.

a. Report from Steering Committee on 2006-2007

b, Proposed Bylaw Amendment

One proposed bylaw amendment was received by the deadline (one month prior to the annual meeting). The proposed change (to section 4.2) is to increase the number of Steering Committee members from seven to nine. The rationale is that, if we are to make progress in the next year in anticipation of the 2008 elections, we need to have more members involved. One way to increase involvement is to give more members a role in the leadership.

c. Election of Steering Committee members

d. Reports from Locals

e. Setting SCGP Goals for 2007-08

f. Organizing for action at state and local levels

g. Adjournment


**********************************************************************
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS **********************************************************************

Nominations are now closed for the Steering Committee elections. Committee members will be elected by current members attending the State Convention. Four people have accepted nominations to be on the ballot:

Gregg Jocoy:

My goal for the South Carolina Green Party would be to identify two things we can do effectively over the next six months, and work to make those two projects a success. As an example, I can imagine the South Carolina Green Party working hand in hand with Greens from other states, especially Georgia, to make the Green Party presence at the protest at the School of the America's at Fort Benning, GA noticeable to all there. Another could be to have a large presence at the Pride event in the fall in Columbia.

Rather than goals like "Growing our membership" or "Establishing new chapters", these goals can be met with our current small numbers. If we are seen as successful by our own membership and folks at these events we should have a positive roll going, leading to more successes over the following six months.

We should consider establishing other goals as well, such as reporting, holding regular meetings, membership targets, and improved communications, but all these should follow success in the first two efforts. We must build confidence for larger targets by setting and hitting goals that make us stretch, but not to the point where the system breaks down.

Most of you know that I was involved in helping secure the cooperation of the Natural Law Party in transferring their ballot line to us. I have written, in cooperation with my fellow York County Greens, a series of columns covering everything from a local hospital debate to the war on Iraq, for almost two years. Printed in YC Magazine, several pieces will be available for reading at the state convention, and are also online now at the York County Greens website,
www.YorkGreens.com

In addition I write one of the most widely read...very sad to say, blogs on the Internet that deals with Green Party business. I say largest because, while my hits are very low, so are the hits for almost any Green Party blog at this point. I'm averaging about a dozen a day at this point. The blog can be read at
www.gregg-jocoy.blogspot.com.

Nammu Muhammad:

In 2001, I became very interested in community issues. As the result of my interests and concerns, I formed "The Association" which is primarily responsible for keeping the community informed about relevant issues that may impact them. An example of my initiatives: I was instrumental with helping a person save her home which was being taken from her illegally. I worked with youth in my neighborhood to organize several car washes which provided them financial assistance toward the purchase of school clothes and spending change for themselves. Some of the children were not accustomed to receiving an allowance from their parents or primary caretakers, so, hopefully, you can imagine how happy they were to have some pocket change. I served as Antonio Williams' Campaign Manager for his District II election bid for City Council, and I worked very diligently for Ms. Efia Nwangaza during her campaign for governor. Most recently, I ran as a Green Party candidate for the Richland County Council in 2006.

Bryan Smith

I would like to announce my interest in becoming a candidate for the State Steering Committee. I am a resident of York County and have been involved with the York County Green Party for several years. My reasons for seeking this position are:

-Growing the Green Party in both number of members as well as number of Counties represented.

-Increasing the Green Party presence in statewide debate of issues.

-Promoting the Green Party and reaching out to voters who may be unaware of the Party and/or our platform.

I feel these goals can be achieved through internet/website promotion, regular press releases, and developing an activist approach at both the State and County levels.

David Whiteman

I have been an active member of the SC Green Party since its founding, and I currently serve as Secretary-Treasurer on the Steering Committee. I teach political science at USC and last year became the director of USC's Center for Sustainable Futures, which coordinates the university's environmental education activities.

My main activities for the Green Party this past year have been to file our quarterly paperwork with the State Ethics Commission, file our reports with the State Elections Commission and County Election Commissions, maintain our bank accounts, write and send out newsletters, maintain our database, and serve as a Delegate to the Green National Committee.

I would like to serve another term in order to help the SCGP reach more of its potential for public education and campaigning. We've been able to attract interesting candidates, but we need more attention to helping those candidates become more visible in the electoral process.


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(4) MAKE YOUR 2007 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION
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According the SCGP bylaws, in order to be considered a member of the Party for meetings and conventions, a citizen must have either (a) paid annual dues or (b) been an active member of a party organization in the state. To be sure you are a member for 2007, send in your $25 annual membership contribution. You can send your checks to SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC, 29250.


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(A) LOCAL UPDATES
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One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA, Simkins Center, 2025 Marion Street, Columbia.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

AIKEN COUNTY GREEN PARTY (Aiken/North Augusta):
Next meeting TBA. Held at 3514 Gamble Road (off of Gregg, between Richland Ave and Trolley Line Road, about 2-3 blocks south of Trolley Line Road).
For more information contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

YORK COUNTY GREENS (York/Chester/Lancaster/Cherokee):
Next meeting: TBA.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, GreggJocoy29715@yahoo.com, 803-547-212.


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(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
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Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.


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(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
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Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.


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(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
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In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a month, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com


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(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
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Bill Bobo (2006-2008), newwines@aol.com
(h) 803-279-9604
908 Fairlane Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841

Elaine Mangum (2006-2008), elainemangum@gmail.com
(h) 803-477-7774
2855 Superior St, Columbia, SC 29205

Leslie Minerd (2006-2008), hipwazee@gmail.com
(h) 803-799-9297, (w) 803-376-1500
2716 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205

Nammu Muhammad (2005-2007)
(h) 803-414-4426
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

Laura Sima (2005-2007), laura.corina.sima@gmail.com
(h) 803-979-1052
616 Pickens St, Apt 4, Columbia, SC 29201

David Whiteman (2005-2007), davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

Antonio Williams (2006-2008)
(h) 803-605-5084
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
Elaine Mangum (delegate)
David Whiteman (delegate)

SCGP members on national committees:
Coordinated Campaign Committee: [vacant]
International Committee: [vacant]
Media Committee: [vacant]


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(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
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Preston Holston (appointed)
Conservation Commission
Richland County

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia


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(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
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The SC Green Party Bulletin, distributed no more than 2-3 times each month, is designed to keep members and friends of the SC Green Party informed about important state activities and events.

If you would like to stop receiving the Bulletin and be deleted from the SC Green Party database, simply respond to this email and ask to be removed.