I agree with Jim. We have in the USW a simular way of submiting resolutions for the International Conventions. And belive me it is almost impossible to get any resolution passed. The ExComm of the USW rejects 99% of resolutions.
mike
===================== From: James Kotcon jkotcon@wvu.edu Date: 2008/08/17 Sun PM 07:02:07 EDT To: duane330@aol.com, freesource@cheat.org, klastone@cisunix.unh.edu, blittle@citynet.net, kgrubb@fairmontstate.edu, monwimmer@gmail.com, nate.askins@gmail.com, pjgrunt@gmail.com, sandra.cress@gmail.com, william.depaulo@gmail.com, mdavis@hsc.wvu.edu, daves@labyrinth.net, allantweddle@msn.com, bill.price@sierraclub.org, greyhawkwv@verizon.net, regina1936@verizon.net, carve@wirefire.com, jkotcon@wvu.edu, bhaddaka@yahoo.com, brbr_fallon@yahoo.com, jim_scon@yahoo.com, sallywilts@yahoo.com Cc: ec@osenergy.org Subject: Re: Excom: Resolutions and State of Chapter
Jonathon, et al.
The "Resolutions" process appears to be the work of a bureaucratic mindset from people who have too little to do and too big an impression of their own power. Unless someone can convince me that this is truly needed, I recommend that we oppose this. My main concern is that this is the type of thing that old-timers would develop to stifle dissent and inhibit newcomers. Volunteers who are primarily focussed on saving the planet have better things to do with their time than file the proper paeprwork in triplicate two hours in advance of the meeting. I am sure they mean well, but one of the things our Chapter needs is less time spent on this kind of bureaucracy, and more time spent on advancing environmental protection activities.
With regard to the Chapter assessment, we have some very good goals, but we need more help in translating complex technical/legal issues into grass-roots volunteer-building campaigns. The Wilderness Campaign was doing that, and we have been making some progress with other grassroots groups on energy issues, but mostly we are on the defensive against what the other guys are doing, and need to find ways to work our issues on the turf where we are strongest. Waiting for Allegheny and AEP to file an application on PATH is not a good way to win those battles, as we will spend the bulk of our resources in an arena where the other side has all the aces.
Hope these tidbits help. I will not be able to attend the ExCom next weekend.
JBK
Jonathan Rosenbaum freesource@cheat.org 08/15/08 3:19 PM >>>
I am the Delegate for WVSC to the Annual Sierra Club Council Meeting this September. Attached are two documents. The first, INFO_ResolutionsProcess.pdf describes the procedure to apply in writing a Resolution that would be submitted to National at the meeting. If there is a resolution you'd really like to see passed on a National level, this is a great opportunity, so please bring it to the next ExCom, and email it to both Jim Sconyers and me, regardless of whether or not you can attend the ExCom.
The second, State-of-the-Chapter.pdf, explains what information National wants about the State of our Chapter, i.e., Conservation Goals, Working Relationships, Budget & Finances, and Other Resource Needs. Please bring input on the various areas that apply to you at the next ExCom meeting, and email both Jim and me regardless of whether or not you can attend the ExCom. This is another great opportunity to express to National what we as a Chapter need in order to succeed.
Thanks!
-Jonathan