----- Original Message ----
From: James Kotcon <jkotcon@wvu.edu>
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
Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:02:07 PM
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. I ditto this sentiment 200%. We need more than lawsuits and complex testimony etc. We need to activate the people. 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