Steering Committee Meeting: October 21, 2018
East Bay DSA Steering Committee Meeting, October 21, 2018, 3–6 p.m.
Introductions and Opening Statements
The meeting was called to order at 3:15 p.m. by co-chair Zach M., who chaired the meeting. Treasurer Sean M. took notes in place of the recording secretary, who was unable to attend. Frances R., Aaron H., Hasan A., Megan S., Keith B. B., and Hannah E. attended.
Committee chairs Andy C., Ashley P., Robbie N., Joey K., and Miguel D. were also present. Graham D. was also in attendance.
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved after being amended to move the "Motion to Fund Use of CallHub for GOTV" off of the consent calendar and into new business.
Reports
- The Finance report was delivered by Sean M.
- The recording secretary's report was delivered by Sean M. on behalf of the recording secretary.
- The Communications Secretary's report was delivered by Dom D.
- The Operations Committee report was delivered by Sean M.
- The General Meetings Committee report was delivered by Joey K.
- The Racial Solidarity Committee report was delivered by Miguel D.
- The Political Education Committee report was delivered by Robbie N.
- The Member Engagement Committee report was delivered by Hannah E.
- The Medicare for All Campaign Committee report was delivered by Megan S.
- The Labor Committee report was delivered by Ashley P.
- The Social Housing Campaign Committee report was delivered by Keith B. B.
- The Electoral Campaigns Committee report was delivered by Megan S.
- The Resolutions Subcommittee report was delivered by Graham D.
Following the committee reports, there was a discussion regarding the resolutions submission process.
New Business
Motion to Limit Funding Via Email Votes
Submitted and motivated by Sean M.
Whereas any funding request above $1000 is a substantial allocation of Chapter resources
Whereas any committee seeking such funding should be able to identify the need for such resources more than a month ahead of time
Whereas the development of spending plans and their communication to the Treasurer and Steering Committee will help the Chapter better steward its resources
Whereas email votes do not allow for the same level of discussion as in-person votes
Therefore be it resolved that the Chapter shall only approve funding requests of $1000 or more during its membership meetings or steering committee meeting, except in exigent circumstances in which an email-vote is the only viable approval procedure.
After amendment, the resolution PASSED by unanimous vote.
Amendment to the Motion to Redefine the Resolutions Committee
Submitted by Aaron H., Zach M., and Mark G., motivated by Aaron H.
Whereas the Steering Committee passed the "Motion to Redefine the Resolutions Committee" (the Resolution) at its September 22nd meeting;
Whereas it is necessary to build trust in the chapter’s agenda-setting process so that general meetings, also referred to as regular meetings, can be an effective venue of political deliberation and decision-making;
Therefore be it resolved to add to the main body of the text of the Resolution the following:
"Therefore be it resolved that all proposals submitted to the Resolutions Subcommittee not included in the Agenda shall be published on the website as an appendix to the Agenda that is published online, unless the proposal has been withdrawn by the motivator, and except in cases where a proposal is determined by the Steering Committee to either be contrary to the principles of the organization or in contravention of the chapter's code of conduct or its bylaws."
Therefore be it further resolved that it will be the purview of the Resolutions Subcommittee to add explanatory notes for why certain items may not have been included on the agenda
Following amendment and debate, the resolution FAILED by a vote of 3 in favor and 5 against.
Proposal to Fund Political Educational Event with Pedro Fuentes
Submitted by the Political Education Committee, motivated by Robbie N.
Whereas the outcome of the current political situation in Brazil involving the far-right has implications for working-class movements around the world including here in the US.
Whereas Brazilian comrade Pedro Fuentes (PSOL) will be visiting the Bay Area again in early November. The educational event with him earlier in the year was well received and he’s interested in participating in a follow-up event on the topic of the current political situation in Brazil.
Whereas the Political Education Committee fully supports this concept and would be happy to take the lead in planning and putting on the event.
Whereas the Committee expects the cost of venue will be lower than $250 and also expects to recuperate some of the cost through donations and swag sales at the event.
Therefore be it resolved the East Bay DSA will commit to holding an educational event with Pedro Fuentes in early November during his visit (11/7-10) at a time and location to be determined. The Political Education Committee requests up to $250 to secure a venue for this event.
After amendment, the resolution PASSED by unanimous vote.
Motion to Fund Use of CallHub for GOTV
Submitted and motivated by Sean M.
Whereas there are fewer than 3 weeks until the November 6th election and Chapter voted to prioritize electoral work in irs 2018 priorities resolution
Whereas the Campaign Super Committee requires some flexibility how it spends its money and does not want to make repeated tactic-specific requests
Therefore be it resolved that the Chapter approve the Campaign Super Committee to spend up to $4000 more on the campaigns to elect Jovanka Beckles and Pass Prop10 with the guidance of the Treasurer such that the Chapter not exceed the legal limit of $4400 of contributions to an electoral campaign
After amendment, the resolution PASSED by a vote of 7 in favor and 1 abstaining.
Steering Committee Discussion
Testing the Member Forum
Dominic D. opened the discussion, regarding the beta testing and launch of an online forum for the chapter. The discussion covered eligibility for participation, comparison of the forum features to Facebook, and the use of pseudonyms versus personally identifiable names. Based on the discussion, technical adjustments will be made related to admin access to emails.
Reviewing the New Member Handbook
Hannah E. opened the discussion, presenting the updated New Member Handbook that was produced by the Member Engagement Committee. The discussion focused on the content of the updated handbook. and recommendations for how Steering Committee members can provide feedback.
Rescheduling the December SC Meeting
There was a brief discussion about rescheduling the December Steering Committee meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6 p.m.