Organization
2021 Convention
2021 Convention Welcome and Information Center
The purpose of the Maine Green Independent Party is to transform public policy
through the implementation of our 10 Key Values and be publicly visible as the
party that stands for the common good.
Welcome to the Maine Green Independent Party 2021 Annual Convention Welcome Center!
Table of Contents
Community Agreements / Convention Rules / Convention Officers / Guidelines on Zoom Chat
State Committee/Officer Elections
This will serve as the convention packet of materials registrants would normally receive at the registration table at an in-person convention.
This year's convention will be held over a two-day period. Our business will be done entirely on Sunday, May 23 from 9 AM to 4 PM. The day before, on Saturday, May 22 from 6 PM to 8 PM (possibly later) we have set aside time to allow Green Independents to socialize and interact in an informal setting, to compensate for the in-person face-to-face interactions that are lost when meeting by video conference.
Both events must be registered for separately. Only enrolled Maine Green Independents and our invited speakers may register for any convention events. All others will be able to observe the events live as they are streamed on our Facebook page.
To reduce confusion, our two events are titled differently. Register for both events if you wish to attend both. If you only wish to attend one day, please make sure you register for the correct event.
Direct Democracy Forum: Saturday, May 22 6 PM to 8 PM (possibly later).
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvd-qvrD0vGtJ20pKY_qxRtuSWCrNHcvdL
Facebook Event: 2021 Maine Green Independent Party Convention: Direct Democracy Forum | Faceboo
We are accepting video submissions from enrolled Maine Green Independents, for presentation during the Direct Democracy Forum. Videos of five minutes or less may be forwarded to mainegreenindependent [at] gmail [dot] com by May 20.
Business Day: Sunday, May 23 9 AM to 4 PM.
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqfuyvrTIsEtP6kwS4ZxYJYRMEEojjyNTo
Facebook Event: 2021 Maine Green Independent Party Convention: Business Day | Facebook
Because our convention is only open to participation by enrolled Maine Green Independents, there may be a delay in processing registrations while we confirm each registrant's enrollment status. Last minute registrations may be denied if we are unable to confirm enrollment status with the voter lists available to us (updated as of April 2021). We encourage members to register immediately, even if they are still uncertain whether they can attend.
This is important. Please donate a convention registration fee if you can afford to, at https://www.mainegreens.org/donate . Checks may also be mailed to Maine Green Independent Party, PO Box 10345, Portland, ME 04104.
The recommended donation is $20, but any amounts are accepted. Nobody will be denied registration for inability to pay.
Our annual convention accounts for the largest portion of our budget and your genorosity to help fund the party is appreciated.
PREPARING FOR CONVENTION BUSINESS
The first thing you will want to do to prepare for the May 23 business convention is to locate two emails that were sent to you at some point after you registered for the convention.
One email has your unique registration information for the Zoom conference, which was sent in a subject line titled "Maine Green Independent Party 2021 Annual Convention Confirmation."
The second email contains your unique registration information for Direct Vote Live, with a subject line titled "MGIP Convention Ballots - Do Not Forward."
Both emails will be sent again on the morning of May 23 at about 8 a.m. so that the information will be newer in your inbox.
We recommend that you first login to DirectVote Live and have your browser save the password, so that if you are logged out do to inactivity, it will be easy to log back in with a saved password.
Keep the DirectVote tab open and readily available in your browser. When necessary to vote in an election or on certain proposals, we will all be taking a few moments to go into DirectVote Live and cast our votes.
If you keep the tab available and open, so that you do not have to search for the link in your email again, the voting will be seemless and easy.
Once you have DirectVote Live set up in a browser tab, proceed to login to the Zoom conference using the unique registration information sent to you. When entering the convention, the name you entered on your registration form will be the name that is displayed during the convention.
Registrants will find themselves in a waiting room and will be allowed into the convention starting at 9 a.m.
During the registration period from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., microphones will be muted and registrants will be greeted by music, including music from local Maine Greens.
The chat board, which can be found by clicking a button titled "chat" on the Zoom screen, is where members will be communicting, socializing and providing guidance to each other on the peculiarities of using Zoom. Feel free to introduce yourself or ask any questions you may have about today's convention.
9:00 Registration
9:55 Blessing by Dawn Neptune Adams
10:00 Community Guidelines / Convention Rules and Officers / Zoom Tutorial and Chat Guidelines
10:10 Welcome and introduction of officers by senior co-chair Linnea Maravell
10:15 Nominate/Elect convention secretary (1st), convention chair (2nd)
10:20 State of the Party by senior co-chair Linnea Maravell
10:25 Amend Bylaws
11:25 Set Party Goals
11:35 Approve Party Budget presented by Treasurer Allen Cooke (live stream will be discontinued for this section)
11:45 Featured Speaker: Dawn Neptune Adams
NOON: Lunch/Break
12:25 John Rensenbrink introduction of Pat LaMarche
12:30 Keynote Speaker: Pat LaMarche
1:10 Moment of Honor for Freddie Dolgon
1:20 Electoral Committee Report by Justin Beth
1:25 Green of the Year
1:30 Elect Party Co-Chair
1:50 Elect Party Secretary
2:00 Elect At-Large State Committee Members
2:20 Featured Speaker: Cheri Honkala
2:40 Maine Lavender Greens Caucus Report by Amanda Robbins Rowe
2:45 Determine Eligibility to Vote in 2022 Primary Election, presented by Justin Beth
3:15 Featured Speaker: Jill Stein
3:35 International Committee Report by Bahram Zandi
3:45 Elect Representatives to Mational and International Party Committees.
3:55 Closing Remarks by junior co-chair Jake Kulaw (soon to be senior co-chair at conclusion of convention!)
This schedule will be subject to change, including in real time during the convention proceedings.
MGIP Community Agreements
● Speak with honesty, listen with humility
● We acknowledge that oppressions exist and that
not all voices carry equal weight. We strive within
our space to correct that.
● We acknowledge that inherent bias exists in each of
us and may give and receive acknowledgement of
that without offense.
● We value relationship building over being “right.”
● Assume good intentions but recognize that impact
is greater than intent.
● One Person at a time. Progressive Stack.
● Be fully present and listen.
● Build up, do not break down.
● We invest in each other’s growth.
● If you speak a lot, listen more! And if you are shy,
speak up!
● Use correct pronouns.
1. CONVENTION OFFICERS
Convention proceedings begin by electing first a convention secretary, then a convention chairperson.
The convention secretary will record all official decisions of the convention.
The convention chairperson and two party co-chairs are convention facilitators.
The convention committee may establish other convention officer positions as it deems fit. These other officers may be appointed by the committee in advance of the convention or appointed by the facilitators at the convention.
A time keeper will keep facilitators informed of time apportionment limits.
2. FACILITATION
Facilitators oversee a process aiming for consensus on all decisions of the convention. If consensus cannot be realized within reasonable time, facilitators may call for the decision to be made by majority vote.
All motions for a decision require a second, except for motions made by the facilitator 'without objection.'
A facilitator will not facilitate an election of officers when that person is a candidate for the office being elected.
Facilitators will recognize speakers as equitably as possible to allow all people who want to speak an opportunity to do so.
Facilitators may institute time limits for speaking when necessary.
3. ELECTIONS
Elections that are uncontested may be decided by consensus or majority vote indicated by vocal expression or show of hands.
Contested elections are determined by paper write-in ballot or online voting.
Elections for one position shall be determined by majority vote using ranked choice voting when necessary, or, when online voting is unable to hande RCV, rounds of runoff voting with one candidate being removed in each round until a candidate attains majority.
Elections with multiple candidates running for multiple seats shall be determined by ranked approval voting. Each vote for a candidate regardless of rank is an equal vote; candidates with the most total votes are elected to the number of positions open. When a tie exists for a remaining position, rank determines the winner. When online voting is unable to handle ranked voting, ties may be resolved with subsequent voting instead of rank.
- Right to disable. Convention facilitators reserve the right to disable the chat room at any time should conversation in the forum become disruptive or distracting.
- Stay on topic. Members are asked to use the public chat room only to discuss agenda items that are currently in process. Members may interact with each other privately but use of the public chat room should be restricted to commentary directly related to the agenda subject at hand. Members are welcome to debate and discuss the issue at hand in the chat room as much as they wish instead of requesting the floor, or if they have exhausted their available time on the floor. Just stick to the topic please!
- Community Guidelines. Our community guidelines apply to the chat room--be respectful and kind! Offensive/insulting commentary is not welcome!
- Warnings. Facilitators may notify members if they are participating in the chat room inconsistent with these guidelines. Please respect and heed warnings by facilitators. Continued refusal to abide by these guidelines may result in removal from the chat room and/or convention.
There are five three at-large members of the state committee, elected at annual conventions for a term of …
Amend Article IV, Section E. Meetings, one sentence as follows:
Quorum for a state committee meeting shall be either a majority of all active state committee members or a majority of the nine state committee members that comprise the executive and at-large seats.
Sponsored by Benjamin Meiklejohn
AMENDMENT #2:
Amend Article IV, Section E. Meetings, one sentence as follows:
Quorum for a state committee meeting shall be either a majority of all active state committee members or a majority of the nine state committee members (excluding vacant seats) that comprise the executive and at-large seats.
Sponsored by Benjamin Meiklejohn
AMENDMENT #3:
There are five at-large members of the state committee, elected at annual conventions for a term of one to two years. A year term is defined as the time between two consecutive annual conventions.
After one year, at-large members with no more than three unexcused absences are entitled to a one-year renewal of their terms, which can be done by notifying the state committee at their last meeting before the convention. Only at-large members who were elected at a convention may renew their terms. Qualifying at-large members may only renew their term once, and after completing a two-year term, must stand again for election.
Sponsored by Jacqui Deveneau and Jake Kulaw
AMENDMENT #4:
Amend Article IV, Section G. Resignation, Removal and Replacement, one sentence removed and one paragraph added as follows:
Any state committee member may resign at any time by giving written notice to a party co-chair.
Resignations from the state committee or its sub-committees shall be effective immediately upon submission. Resignations may be submitted by email, phone, mail, verbally or any other means and shall be accepted and effective immediately upon timestamp and date stamp of the submission method.
Sponsored by Alan Brown
AMENDMENT #5:
Amend Article IV, Section G. Resignation, Removal and Replacement, to header renamed and paragraph added as follows:
Article IV, Section G. Resignation, Removal, and Replacement and Inegibility
Any state committee member who has been censured, suspended or removed is ineligible to serve on the state committee for the following one-year term, including by appointment to a county seat or renewal of term.
Sponsored by Jacqui Deveneau and Jake Kulaw
Any at-large or executive member whose term has not expired, or who has not been removed for excessive absences as outlined in these bylaws, may be removed by a vote of two-thirds of the state committee upon recommendation from the ethics committee to remove as outlined in Article IV Section H, or by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at a party convention as outlined in Article V of these bylaws.
Amend Article IV, Section H, Officers and Subcommittees, one paragraph added as follows:
The state committee will establish and maintain an ethics committee that amplifies and centers the voices of marginalized communities. The ethics committee will hold state committee members to standards of conduct and accountability established by the state committee. The ethics committee may recommend actions to the state committee, including moderation, censure, suspension or removal of members in accordance with established accountability standards
Sponsored by Jacqui Deveneau and Jake Kulaw
Setting the goals of the party, which shall be included as an addendum to these bylaws, titled, “Goals,”
Sponsored by Benjamin Meiklejohn
Near the end of each year term biennium leading to an even-numbered-year convention, the state committee shall review and compile position statements it made in the prior two years, and consider submitting to the convention platform positions proposals that reflect the positions taken by the state committee.
Sponsored by Benjamin Meiklejohn
The current goals 2020-2021 goals of the Maine Green Independent Party can be found at Goals (mainegreens.org).
Proposals for goals will be received on the floor of the convention.
ELECTION OF STATE COMMITTEE AND PARTY OFFICERS
More information on the duties of the state committee and its officers may be found in Article IV, Sections B-D of the state party bylaws: https://mainegreens.org/organization/bylaws
Article IV, Section C, Part 1. Co-Chairs
The co-chairs shall represent the party's values, platform and positions to the public and media, organize and facilitate state committee meetings, and oversee and direct the state committee's fulfillment of duties.
Article IV, Section C, Part 2. Secretary
The secretary shall be responsible for keeping party records and archives and advising the party on communication matters. The secretary shall record vote tallies of decisions made by the state committee and executive committee, or designate another to do so.
The secretary shall be responsible for maintaining records of party officers and reporting to the secretary of state when officer changes occur.
Article IV State Committee, Section D. Duties
The state committee will manage all state-level party operations and facilitate the establishment and growth of local groups to oversee party operations in their jurisdictions.
Duties of the state committee include:
Assuring the party meets its statutory obligations to hold caucuses and conventions, maintain a minimum level of party enrollment, and fulfill all other statutory requirements,
Filing state and federal reports,
Organizing conventions and working to achieve goals set at conventions,
Recruiting candidates for state and national offices and supporting local group recruitment of candidates in county, municipal and other jurisdictions,
Maintaining a visible statewide presence, acting as the official voice of the party and taking timely positions on important issues,
Communicating and engaging with local groups about state party meetings and activities,
Administering state party assets including the party's website and state voter list,
Managing state party finances and overseeing state party fundraising efforts, and
Establishing offices and subcommittees to help the state committee fulfill all duties, and oversee the fulfillment of duties by the executive officers.
Under Maine statute, qualified political parties may choose which voters are eligible to participate in that party's primary elections. If no notice is given to the secretary of state by Feb. 1 of the election year, the primary is automatically restricted to only members of that party.
The Maine Green Independent Party is the only party in the history of Maine to willingly open participation in its primary to other voters who are not enrolled members. In 2016, 2018 and 2020, the Green Independent Party opened its primaries, allowing unenrolled voters (commonly referred to as "Independents") to participate.
Our bylaws require the convention on every odd-numbered year, to determine primary election eligibility for the following election year.
This year, both the state committee and electoral committee are recommending the convention to allow all registered voters to participate in the Green Independent Party 2022 primary election.
This year's convention is dedicated to the memory and honor of Fred Dolgon.
“Freddie was a force, He was a little old man with white hair who loved to argue, but he was the sweetest person in the world. He just really cared a lot about everything. Freddie was always the person who kept us in humor. He had this amazing wit about him. He came to one of our meetings and brought this suitcase full of hats. He put on a hat and did a character. He put on another had and did a character. Everyone just loved him.” --Jacqui Deveneau
2022 Convention
2022 Convention Welcome and Information Center
The purpose of the Maine Green Independent Party is to transform public policy
through the implementation of our 10 Key Values and be publicly visible as the
party that stands for the common good.
Welcome to the Maine Green Independent Party 2022 Annual Convention Welcome Center!
Our annual convention of the Maine Green Independent Party will be held Saturday June 4th as an online event using Zoom.
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/2zRyD9reK
Table of Contents
Convention Rules / Convention Officers / Guidelines on Zoom Chat
State Committee/Officer Elections
This will serve as the convention packet of materials registrants would normally receive at the registration table at an in-person convention.
This year's convention will be held on Saturday, June 4.
Only enrolled Maine Green Independents and our invited speakers may register for the convention.
WHEN REGISTERING FOR CONVENTION: Please use your legal name and address where you are registered to vote!
PLEASE ALLOW FOR UP TO 48 HOURS FOR US TO MANUALLY CONFIRM YOUR REGISTRATION. When confirmed, ,you will receive an email with the meeting link.
Maine Green Independent Party 2022 Annual Convention: Saturday, June 4 -- 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpduqpqDspHt1SKmU0PPd6Vd_2dJ8CcV74
Because our convention is only open to participation by enrolled Maine Green Independents, there may be a delay in processing registrations while we confirm each registrant's enrollment status. Last minute registrations may be denied if we are unable to confirm enrollment status with the voter lists available to us. We encourage members to register immediately, even if they are still uncertain whether they can attend.
Please donate a convention registration fee if you can afford to, at 2022 Convention Registration Donation (mainegreens.org). Checks may also be mailed to Maine Green Independent Party, PO Box 10345, Portland, ME 04104.
The recommended donation is $20, but any amounts are accepted. Nobody will be denied registration for inability to pay.
Our annual convention accounts for the largest portion of our budget and your genorosity to help fund the party is appreciated.
PREPARING FOR CONVENTION BUSINESS
The first thing you will want to do to prepare for the business convention is to locate two emails that were sent to you at some point after you registered for the convention.
One email has your unique registration information for the Zoom conference, which was sent in a subject line titled "Maine Green Independent Party 2022 Annual Convention Confirmation."
The second email contains your unique registration information for Direct Vote Live, with a subject line titled "MGIP Convention Ballots - Do Not Forward."
Both emails will be sent again on the morning of June 4 at about 8 a.m. so that the information will be fresh in your inbox.
We recommend that you first login to DirectVote Live and have your browser save the password, so that if you are logged out do to inactivity, it will be easy to log back in with a saved password.
Keep the DirectVote tab open and readily available in your browser. When necessary to vote in an election or on certain proposals, we will all be taking a few moments to go into DirectVote Live and cast our votes.
If you keep the tab available and open, so that you do not have to search for the link in your email again, the voting will be seemless and easy.
Once you have DirectVote Live set up in a browser tab, proceed to login to the Zoom conference using the unique registration information sent to you. When entering the convention, the name you entered on your registration form will be the name that is displayed during the convention.
Registrants will find themselves in a waiting room and will be allowed into the convention starting at 10:30 a.m.
.
The chat board, which can be found by clicking a button titled "chat" on the Zoom screen, is where members will be communicting, socializing and providing guidance to each other on the peculiarities of using Zoom. Feel free to introduce yourself or ask any questions you may have about today's convention.
1. CONVENTION OFFICERS
Convention proceedings begin by electing first a convention secretary, then a convention chairperson.
The convention secretary will record all official decisions of the convention.
The convention chairperson and two party co-chairs are convention facilitators.
The convention committee may establish other convention officer positions as it deems fit. These other officers may be appointed by the committee in advance of the convention or appointed by the facilitators at the convention.
A time keeper will keep facilitators informed of time apportionment limits.
2. FACILITATION
Facilitators oversee a process aiming for consensus on all decisions of the convention. If consensus cannot be realized within reasonable time, facilitators may call for the decision to be made by majority vote.
All motions for a decision require a second, except for motions made by the facilitator 'without objection.'
A facilitator will not facilitate an election of officers when that person is a candidate for the office being elected.
Facilitators will recognize speakers as equitably as possible to allow all people who want to speak an opportunity to do so.
Facilitators may institute time limits for speaking when necessary.
3. ELECTIONS
Elections that are uncontested may be decided by consensus or majority vote indicated by vocal expression or show of hands.
Contested elections are determined by paper or online write-in ballot.
Elections for one position shall be determined by majority vote using ranked choice or runoff voting when necessary.
Elections with multiple candidates running for multiple seats shall be determined by ranked or runoff approval voting. Each vote for a candidate regardless of rank is an equal vote; candidates with the most total votes are elected to the number of positions open. When a tie exists for a remaining position, rank or runoff determines the winner.
A ballot-counting committee may be appointed by the convention committee or the facilitators. Any participant of the convention may observe the counting of ballots.
If a person is unable to cast their votes using an online voting program, their vote may be counted by submitting their vote to a member of the ballot counting committee, who will then inform the facilitator to add the vote(s) to the online vote total.
- Right to disable. Convention facilitators reserve the right to disable the chat room at any time should conversation in the forum become disruptive or distracting.
- Stay on topic. Members are asked to use the public chat room only to discuss agenda items that are currently in process. Members may interact with each other privately but use of the public chat room should be restricted to commentary directly related to the agenda subject at hand. Members are welcome to debate and discuss the issue at hand in the chat room as much as they wish instead of requesting the floor, or if they have exhausted their available time on the floor. Just stick to the topic please!
- Community Guidelines. Our community guidelines apply to the chat room--be respectful and kind! Offensive/insulting commentary not welcome!
- Warnings. Facilitators may notify members if they are participating in the chat room inconsistent with these guidelines. Please respect and heed warnings by facilitators. Continued refusal to abide by these guidelines may result in removal from the chat room and/or convention.
The state committee will forward a proposal for goals to be approved by the convention. The state committee's proposed goals are as follows:
1. Rebuild and support municipal and county party infrastructure by increasing the number and activity of municipal and county committees.
2. Increase candidate recruitment efforts, with a target to increase the number of candidates for municipal or state office in every county.
3. Expand signature eligibility requirements for Maine Green Independent candidates, through legislative or legal actions.
4. Pursue utilizing ranked choice voting in all elections in Maine.
The state committee has taken several political positions in the time since the party passed the 2020 platform. The state committee proposes adding the following three amendments to complete our 2022 platform:
Under Education plank:
[The MGIP is committed to ....]
Opposing legisltation that bans transgender students from participating in interscholastic sports in Maine's public schools and universities, including intramural sports.
Under Energy plank:
[The MGIP will pursue...]
Development of publicly-owned infrastructure for energy delivery.
Under Agriculture plank:
[To that end we propose...]
Supporting and defending Maine's constitutional right to food.
ELECTION OF STATE COMMITTEE AND PARTY OFFICERS
More information on the duties of the state committee and its officers may be found in Article IV, Sections B-D of the state party bylaws: https://mainegreens.org/organization/bylaws
Article IV, Section C, Part 1. Co-Chairs
The co-chairs shall represent the party's values, platform and positions to the public and media, organize and facilitate state committee meetings, and oversee and direct the state committee's fulfillment of duties.
Article IV, Section C, Part 3. Treasurer
The treasurer shall be responsible for keeping records of party finances including expenditures and revenue sources, reporting financial disclosures to state and federal entities as necessary, and advising the party on financial matters. The treasurer shall expend party finances only as authorized by the state committee or executive committee.
The treasurer shall ensure that expenditures are made in accordance with an approved budget, will inform the state committee when budget lines are nearing their maximum expenditure levels, and advise the state committee when it is necessary to amend the budget.
The treasurer may forward nominations for any state party offices or subcommittees relating to finances, including but not limited to positions related to budget development and fundraising.
The treasurer may nominate a financial officer for appointment by the state committee, to help the treasurer fulfill the financial requirements of these bylaws.
The treasurer shall oversee the development of a budget to be proposed for approval at the annual convention. The state committee may finalize the proposed budget or authorize the treasurer or a standing subcommittee to finalize the proposed budget.
Article IV State Committee, Section D. Duties
The state committee will manage all state-level party operations and facilitate the establishment and growth of local groups to oversee party operations in their jurisdictions.
Duties of the state committee include:
Assuring the party meets its statutory obligations to hold caucuses and conventions, maintain a minimum level of party enrollment, and fulfill all other statutory requirements,
Filing state and federal reports,
Organizing conventions and working to achieve goals set at conventions,
Recruiting candidates for state and national offices and supporting local group recruitment of candidates in county, municipal and other jurisdictions,
Maintaining a visible statewide presence, acting as the official voice of the party and taking timely positions on important issues,
Communicating and engaging with local groups about state party meetings and activities,
Administering state party assets including the party's website and state voter list,
Managing state party finances and overseeing state party fundraising efforts, and
Establishing offices and subcommittees to help the state committee fulfill all duties, and oversee the fulfillment of duties by the executive officers.
2023 Convention
2023 Convention Welcome and Information Center
The purpose of the Maine Green Independent Party is to transform public policy
through the implementation of our 10 Key Values and be publicly visible as the
party that stands for the common good.
Welcome to the Maine Green Independent Party 2023 Annual Convention Welcome Center!
Our annual convention of the Maine Green Independent Party will be held Sunday May 7th as an online event using Zoom.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1412635269509742
Table of Contents
Convention Rules / Convention Officers / Guidelines on Zoom Chat
State Committee/Officer Elections
This will serve as the convention packet of materials registrants would normally receive at the registration table at an in-person convention.
This year's convention will be held on Sunday, May 7.
Only enrolled Maine Green Independents and our invited speakers may register for the convention.
WHEN REGISTERING FOR CONVENTION: Please use your legal name and address where you are registered to vote!
PLEASE ALLOW FOR UP TO 48 HOURS FOR US TO MANUALLY CONFIRM YOUR REGISTRATION. When confirmed, ,you will receive an email with the meeting link.
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN IN EARLY APRIL.
Maine Green Independent Party 2023 Annual Convention:
To register: LINK WILL BE PROVIDED IN EARLY APRIL.
Because our convention is only open to participation by enrolled Maine Green Independents, there may be a delay in processing registrations while we confirm each registrant's enrollment status. Last minute registrations may be denied if we are unable to confirm enrollment status with the voter lists available to us. We encourage members to register immediately, when registration opens in April, even if they are still uncertain whether they can attend.
Please donate a convention registration fee if you can afford to, at 2023 Convention Registration Donation (mainegreens.org).
Checks may also be mailed to Maine Green Independent Party, PO Box 10345, Portland, ME 04104.
The recommended donation is $20, but any amounts are accepted. Nobody will be denied registration for inability to pay.
Our annual convention accounts for the largest portion of our budget and your genorosity to help fund the party is appreciated.
PREPARING FOR CONVENTION BUSINESS
INFO TO BE PROVIDED WHEN REGISTRATION OPENS
12:00 Blessing/Land Acknowledgment
12:05 Welcome/Introduction/State of the Party - Lyn Maravell
12:10 election of convention secretary
12:15 election of convention chair
12:20 amend bylaws
12:45 elect party co-chair
1:00 elect party secretary
1:15 John Rensenbrink Memorial
1:30 elect state committee
2:00 Maine Green of the Year
2:10 elect GPUS and IC delegates
2:30 approve party budget -Alan Brown
2:45 closing remarks - Fred McCann
1. CONVENTION OFFICERS
Convention proceedings begin by electing first a convention secretary, then a convention chairperson.
The convention secretary will record all official decisions of the convention.
The convention chairperson and two party co-chairs are convention facilitators.
The convention committee may establish other convention officer positions as it deems fit. These other officers may be appointed by the committee in advance of the convention or appointed by the facilitators at the convention.
A time keeper will keep facilitators informed of time apportionment limits.
2. FACILITATION
Facilitators oversee a process aiming for consensus on all decisions of the convention. If consensus cannot be realized within reasonable time, facilitators may call for the decision to be made by majority vote.
All motions for a decision require a second, except for motions made by the facilitator 'without objection.'
A facilitator will not facilitate an election of officers when that person is a candidate for the office being elected.
Facilitators will recognize speakers as equitably as possible to allow all people who want to speak an opportunity to do so.
Facilitators may institute time limits for speaking when necessary.
3. ELECTIONS
Elections that are uncontested may be decided by consensus or majority vote indicated by vocal expression or show of hands.
Contested elections are determined by paper or online write-in ballot.
Elections for one position shall be determined by majority vote using ranked choice or runoff voting when necessary.
Elections with multiple candidates running for multiple seats shall be determined by ranked or runoff approval voting. Each vote for a candidate regardless of rank is an equal vote; candidates with the most total votes are elected to the number of positions open. When a tie exists for a remaining position, rank or runoff determines the winner.
A ballot-counting committee may be appointed by the convention committee or the facilitators. Any participant of the convention may observe the counting of ballots.
If a person is unable to cast their votes using an online voting program, their vote may be counted by submitting their vote to a member of the ballot counting committee, who will then inform the facilitator to add the vote(s) to the online vote total.
- Right to disable. Convention facilitators reserve the right to disable the chat room at any time should conversation in the forum become disruptive or distracting.
- Stay on topic. Members are asked to use the public chat room only to discuss agenda items that are currently in process. Members may interact with each other privately but use of the public chat room should be restricted to commentary directly related to the agenda subject at hand. Members are welcome to debate and discuss the issue at hand in the chat room as much as they wish instead of requesting the floor, or if they have exhausted their available time on the floor. Just stick to the topic please!
- Community Guidelines. Our community guidelines apply to the chat room--be respectful and kind! Offensive/insulting commentary not welcome!
- Warnings. Facilitators may notify members if they are participating in the chat room inconsistent with these guidelines. Please respect and heed warnings by facilitators. Continued refusal to abide by these guidelines may result in removal from the chat room and/or convention.
The state committee will forward a proposal for goals to be approved by the convention.
ELECTION OF STATE COMMITTEE AND PARTY OFFICERS
More information on the duties of the state committee and its officers may be found in Article IV, Sections B-D of the state party bylaws: https://mainegreens.org/organization/bylaws
Article IV, Section C, Part 1. Co-Chairs
The co-chairs shall represent the party's values, platform and positions to the public and media, organize and facilitate state committee meetings, and oversee and direct the state committee's fulfillment of duties.
Article IV, Section C, Part 3. Treasurer
The treasurer shall be responsible for keeping records of party finances including expenditures and revenue sources, reporting financial disclosures to state and federal entities as necessary, and advising the party on financial matters. The treasurer shall expend party finances only as authorized by the state committee or executive committee.
The treasurer shall ensure that expenditures are made in accordance with an approved budget, will inform the state committee when budget lines are nearing their maximum expenditure levels, and advise the state committee when it is necessary to amend the budget.
The treasurer may forward nominations for any state party offices or subcommittees relating to finances, including but not limited to positions related to budget development and fundraising.
The treasurer may nominate a financial officer for appointment by the state committee, to help the treasurer fulfill the financial requirements of these bylaws.
The treasurer shall oversee the development of a budget to be proposed for approval at the annual convention. The state committee may finalize the proposed budget or authorize the treasurer or a standing subcommittee to finalize the proposed budget.
Article IV State Committee, Section D. Duties
The state committee will manage all state-level party operations and facilitate the establishment and growth of local groups to oversee party operations in their jurisdictions.
Duties of the state committee include:
Assuring the party meets its statutory obligations to hold caucuses and conventions, maintain a minimum level of party enrollment, and fulfill all other statutory requirements,
Filing state and federal reports,
Organizing conventions and working to achieve goals set at conventions,
Recruiting candidates for state and national offices and supporting local group recruitment of candidates in county, municipal and other jurisdictions,
Maintaining a visible statewide presence, acting as the official voice of the party and taking timely positions on important issues,
Communicating and engaging with local groups about state party meetings and activities,
Administering state party assets including the party's website and state voter list,
Managing state party finances and overseeing state party fundraising efforts, and
Establishing offices and subcommittees to help the state committee fulfill all duties, and oversee the fulfillment of duties by the executive officers.
2020 Convention
The purpose of the Maine Green Independent Party is to transform public policy
through the implementation of our 10 Key Values and be publicly visible as the
party that stands for the common good.
Welcome to the Maine Green Independent Party 2020 Annual Convention Welcome Center!
Table of Contents
State Committee/Officer Elections
Endorsement of Lisa Savage for U.S. Senate
Presidential Nomination/Election of Delegates to National Convention
This will serve as the convention packet of materials registrants would normally receive at the registration table at an in-person convention.
PREPARING FOR TODAY'S CONVENTION
The first thing you will want to do to prepare for today's convention is to locate two emails that were sent to you at some point after you registered for the convention.
One email has your unique registration information for the Zoom conference, which was sent in a subject line titled "Maine Green Independent Party 2020 Annual Convention Confirmation."
The second email contains your unique registration information for Direct Vote Live, with a subject line titled "MGIP Convention Presidential Ballot - Do Not Forward."
Both emails will be sent again in the morning at about 8 a.m. so that the information will be newer in your inbox.
We recommend that you first login to DirectVote Live and have your browser save the password, so that if you are logged out do to inactivity, it will be easy to log back in with a saved password.
Keep the DirectVote tab open and readily available in your browser. When necessary to vote in an election, we will all be taking a few moments to go into DirectVote Live and cast our votes.
If you keep the tab available and open, so that you do not have to search for the link in your email again, the voting will be seemless and easy.
Once you have DirectVote Live set up in a browser tab, proceed to login to the Zoom conference using the unique registration information sent to you. When entering the convention, the name you entered on your registration form will be the name that is displayed during the convention.
Registrants will find themselves in a waiting room and will be allowed into the convention starting at 9 a.m.
During the registration period from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., microphones will be muted and registrants will be greeted by music, including music from local Maine Greens.
The chat board, which can be found by clicking a button titled "chat" on the Zoom screen, is where members will be communicting, socializing and providing guidance to each other on the peculiarities of using Zoom. Feel free to introduce yourself or ask any questions you may have about today's convention.
2020 Maine Green Independent Party Annual Convention Program
9:00 Registration
9:55 Blessing Dawn Neptune Adams
10:00 Nominate/Elect convention secretary (1st), convention chair (2nd)
10:10 Convention Rules and Guidelines / Zoom Tutorial
10:15 Welcome and introduction by senior co-chair Niomi Larrivee
10:30 Approve Party Budget, presented by Treasurer Allen Cooke
10:45 Amend Bylaws, Pass 2020 Platform, Set Goals
11:15 Speaker: John Rensenbrink
11:25 Elect Party Co-Chair
11:35 Elect Party Treasurer
11:45 Elect 5 At-Large State Committee Members
12:15 Speaker: Jake Kulaw of the Maine Lavender Greens
12:20 A Word from Our Legislative Candidates
12:35 Endorsement of Lisa Savage for U.S. Senate
1:00 Green of the Year Awards
1:10 Video Presentations from Presidential Candidates
1:30 Vote on Presidential Nomination
2:00 Speaker: Anna Trevorrow
2:10 Elect representatives to national and international party committees. Report on openings on various Green Party of the United States subcommittees.
2:30 Elect 12 delegates to GPUS national convention in proportion to presidential nomination votes
3:00 Elect four party electors (2 at-large, 1 from each Congressional district) [Ben]
3:10 Elect County and District Committees
3:30 Speaker: Closing remarks from co-chair Linnea Maravell
3:45 EXTRA TIME / SOCIAL TIME / ORGANIZING TIME
1. CONVENTION OFFICERS
Convention proceedings begin by electing first a convention secretary, then a convention chairperson.
The convention secretary will record all official decisions of the convention.
The convention chairperson and two party co-chairs are convention facilitators.
The convention committee may establish other convention officer positions as it deems fit. These other officers may be appointed by the committee in advance of the convention or appointed by the facilitators at the convention.
A time keeper will keep facilitators informed of time apportionment limits.
2. FACILITATION
Facilitators oversee a process aiming for consensus on all decisions of the convention. If consensus cannot be realized within reasonable time, facilitators may call for the decision to be made by majority vote.
All motions for a decision require a second, except for motions made by the facilitator 'without objection.'
A facilitator will not facilitate an election of officers when that person is a candidate for the office being elected.
Facilitators will recognize speakers as equitably as possible to allow all people who want to speak an opportunity to do so.
Facilitators may institute time limits for speaking when necessary.
3. ELECTIONS
Elections that are uncontested may be decided by consensus or majority vote indicated by vocal expression or show of hands.
Contested elections are determined by paper write-in ballot or online voting.
Elections for one position shall be determined by majority vote using ranked choice voting when necessary, or, when online voting is unable to hande RCV, rounds of runoff voting with one candidate being removed in each round until a candidate attains majority.
Elections with multiple candidates running for multiple seats shall be determined by ranked approval voting. Each vote for a candidate regardless of rank is an equal vote; candidates with the most total votes are elected to the number of positions open. When a tie exists for a remaining position, rank determines the winner. When online voting is unable to handle ranked voting, ties may be resolved with subsequent voting instead of rank.
Article III. Local and Caucus Groups
Members of the party meeting a minimum of four times annually shall be considered a local group or caucus of the party. The local group officers may communicate local concerns, questions, proposals, etc. of the group to the state committee, as well as relay information from the state committee to the group. ....
Article III, Section C. Access and Notice
Any municipal or county committee or otherwise qualifying local group may propose items to the state committee for consideration of action.
The state committee shall provide notice, agenda and minutes of its meetings to any municipal or county committee or other qualifying local group. The state committee will keep the committees and groups informed of its actions and pose questions to them, via each local group's officers or designated contacts who have email addresses.
The Platform of the Maine Green Independent Party envisions a future based on the Ten Key Values of the Green movement.
Our vision focuses on a peaceful and prosperous community life characterized by values-based grassroots democracy, equal treatment and access for all people, environmental and economic sustainability, fulfilling and gainful work and leisure, and interdependence of individuals and their environment.
This platform is an evolving document, originally envisioned by the Maine Green Party of 1996. The party shall use this document to develop strategies and policies for moving our values forward.
This 2020 platform of the Maine Green Independent Party sets forth our vision of a new democracy, one which recognizes ecological balance as a priority for the betterment of humanity.
As an affiliated member of the Green Party of the United States, we endorse the national platform as our own, offering this state platform as a specific green vision for the State of Maine. This platform focuses on state issues, deferring to the national platform on issues of national scope. The Maine Green Independent Party reserves the right to differ on particulars of the national platform, and will note such differences if they should occur.
Ten Key Values
Community-based Economics
Decentralization
Ecological Wisdom
Feminism and Gender Equality
Future Focus and Sustainability
Grassroots Democracy
Non-Violence
Personal and Global Responsibility
Respect for Diversity
Social Justice and Opportunity
The Maine Green Independent Party seeks to achieve:
A basic income
Jobs with living wages
Equitable pay for men and women
Health care and housing as human rights
Universal Childcare
Accessible regional/statewide energy-efficient public transportation systems
Nurturing care and stewardship of the environment and natural resource
Plank on Economic Development
The Maine Green Independent Party realizes that international trade agreements place corporate greed above human needs. We oppose agreements that do not enshrine environmental, labor, and human rights above profits or the rights of corporations. Economic measurements must include pollution and the depletion of resources into the full accounting of production costs.
If elected, Maine Green Independents will pursue:
Regional economic self-sufficiency
A state bank to hold all deposit dollars of Maine agencies.
Prevention of monopolistic practices and price gouging in essential markets such as heating oil, electricity, and gasoline.
Tax and incentive policies that reward businesses that provide living wages and employ sustainable resource practices.
Creation and retrofitting of industries that create jobs, spare the environment or save energy.
Tax penalties for businesses that create unsafe work places, low wages or increased automation that reduces jobs.
Safe, healthy living and working conditions for migrant laborers.
Employee buy-out and ownership of businesses.
Economic development and tax codes that favor Maine-owned and based businesses and self-employed persons.
Tax penalties for pollution and resource depletion.
Use of renewable and non-polluting heating systems and fuels.
Supporting community based cooperatives including agricultural ventures and daycare centers.
Rural economic development through production and consumption of locally produced organic food and products.
Hemp-based and other alternative-fiber industries; incentivizing the retrofitting and opening of closed paper mills to manufacture alternative-fiber products for an emerging eco-market.
Incentives to convert abandoned farms to produce fibers to supply a transitioning paper industry.
Development of rail and other transportation alternatives to car and truck use.
Purchase of equipment and materials whenever possible from within state of Maine.
Plank on Political Democracy
The Maine Green Independent Party believes that grassroots democracy is the best way to organize a civil and just society. We want:
The US Constitution amended to declare that money is not free speech and corporations are not people.
An end to corporate dominance and influence in politics.
A multiplicity of political parties in Maine.
Greater civic participation, especially among women and minorities.
A diverse legislature including women proportionate to their percentage in the population.
If elected, Maine Green Independents will pursue:
Appointing or electing women in leadership roles
Ranked choice voting for all statewide elections
Banning PAC, corporate and "soft" party contributions to all political campaigns in Maine.
Campaign spending limits.
Protecting the Maine Clean Elections law.
Easier ballot access
Protecting the referendum process.
Election Day in November as a state holiday.
Ratifying a U.S. constitutional amendment to allow national citizen initiatives and referendums.
Prohibiting contributions to initiative and referendum campaigns from entities that are not natural persons.
Amending the Maine Constitution to lower the voting age to seventeen.
Plank on Education
We expect public education to provide the following to all:
A learning environment free of corporate and military advertising.
Awareness of the individual's inherent rights as residents of the state, country and world.
Skills to use the tools and resources required to function in modern society.
Knowledge about the laws that govern communities.
Freedom to explore areas of interest.
A connection to the larger community.
A sense of personal, social and global responsibility.
The Maine Green Independent Party is committed to:
Alternative healthy eating options in public schools, including vegetarian/vegan, organic and locally grown foods.
Curricula and instruction equal to today's complex challenges.
Putting language on mandatory emergency cards to allow students and parents to opt-out from their contact information being provided to U.S. military forces.
Universal access and equity of education opportunity in a lifelong context.
Detracking school systems; ending the sorting of students based on perceived ability, which results in learners segregated by class and race.
Organizing schools as democratic educational institutions where students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the community, share responsibility.
Ending high stakes testing; funding schools based on need.
Community-based decision-making with neighborhood involvement.
Safe and healthy learning environments.
Universal access to state public post-secondary institutions for Maine residents.
Awareness in schools about gender-based societal pressures and their effects upon individuals.
Equitable distribution of public funds among public schools.
55% or more of the cost of elementary and secondary public education to be funded by the state.
Elementary school foreign language education.
Institute diversity, civil rights, and conflict resolution programs at all levels in grades K-12.
Plank on Health
The Maine Green Independent Party believes that the health of all people is both a personal and community responsibility. Human health is affected by our physical environment and personal behavior. It is the community's responsibility to support health maintenance for all and promote healthy behavioral patterns and preventative health practices. If elected, Maine Green Independents will pursue:
A state-funded single payer health care system with comprehensive healthcare for all, including vision, hearing, mental and dental health, regardless of ability to pay.
Financial support for public health, with an emphasis on community-based and preventive health care.
Eliminating toxins emissions and pollution.
Nutrition education.
Elimination of herbicide use.
Access to medical marijuana.
Dental services in rural areas.
A woman's right to choose whether or not to have an abortion; the availability of free abortion services.
Access to a broad range of services and complimentary therapies.
Supporting the training and services of alternative health care practitioners.
Individual access to regular monitoring of health, especially for individuals in high risk groups.
Mandatory labeling of all foods that have been genetically-engineered, irradiated, or to which chemical pesticides have been applied.
Access to prescription drugs, regardless of ability to pay.
Funding research into cause, prevention and treatment of disease, including the ways by which toxic chemicals cause disease.
The right to death with dignity.
Making Narcan and Narcan administration training freely available to save lives
Legalization of all drugs; making addiction treatment freely available without cost at point of service.
Free and comprehensive elder care services, including nursing care, death and dying counseling, physical and occupational therapies, orthotic care, and medical equipment and assistive devices
Plank on Energy
The Maine Green Independent Party believes in energy use that does not waste resources or cause environmental harm. In a world of finite natural resources, we cannot consume them without regard for conservation and sustainability. Individuals, communities, government and industry share the responsibility for making these changes. We believe in a no-waste policy of energy production and use. If elected, Maine Green Independents will pursue:
Preventing the construction of the Central Maine Power transmission line through the state from Canada to Massachusetts.
Standards for energy efficient buildings and appliance technology in new construction and retrofitting.
Primary reliance on renewable energy use in all public buildings.
Replacing the state fleet and public transport with hybrid, electric or fuel-efficient vehicles.
Incentives for homeowners and businesses who follow energy conservation practices and invest in new and retrofitted use of renewable energy sources.
Incentives for the purchase and use of fuel-efficient and fossil-fuel alternative vehicles.
Use of non-toxic materials, natural lighting in commercial and public buildings, and siting for optimum solar gain.
Alternative energy technologies, including active and passive solar, hydrogen, wind, low-head hydropower, alcohol, tidal, geothermal, bio-energy, methane and fuel cells.
Municipal access to Gulf of Maine wind energy turbines,
Ending subsidies for fossil fuel use and production.
Research efforts for increased efficiencies in wood and fossil fuel burning technologies.
Public transportation development and accessible and strategically arranged bike and walking paths.
Zero pollution, a healing ecosystem and clean and efficient renewable energy.
Plank on Natura Resources
The Maine Green Independent Party believes we must reassert our authority over what is allowed into our air and water. No individuals or companies should be allowed to destroy and poison our natural resources for any form or gain. We encourage stewardship of the Earth. The Maine Green Independent Party believes the following actions must be taken:
Eliminate toxic chemical emissions and solid waste pollution.
Develop ZERO TOXIC EMISSIONS for all businesses and forms of transportation.
Eliminate the production and use of pesticides.
Recycle all recyclable materials including batteries, compost all compostables, and forbid the importation of radioactive waste.
Manage wildlife and plant species based on biodiversity and the overall health of Maine's woods and waters, not on the pressures of special interests.
Phase out dragging, drift-netting and gill-netting.
Conserve and protect common fish-breeding and fishing grounds from coastal development.
Encourage training and hiring of out-of-work fisherman to patrol our shores and inland waterways for sources of pollution and illegal fishing.
Require accountable waste disposal from contained salmon farms.
Encourage sustainable, labor-intensive and chemical-free forestry practices.
Recognize Maine's offshore marine environment as a precious and threatened natural resource, and consider the risks imposed upon it by human development.
Publicly purchase available lands for the purpose of conserving it in perpetuity as an undeveloped natural resource.
Create a Maine Woods National Park and expand eco-tourism opportunities throughout the state.
Protect and conserve Maine's groundwater resources; regulate for-profit water extraction to prevent unsustainable depletion of groundwater.
Support access to clean water as a human right; support democratic control over decision-making on water control by local officials.
End all non-sustainable forest practices.
Plank on Sustainable Agriculture
The Maine Green Independent Party believes in supporting the use of locally grown food and supporting those small family farmers who provide us with this basic necessity of life. To that end we propose:
Supporting small family farms and eliminating bureaucratic paper work whenever possible.
Developing financial incentives to support the transition of farms from traditional farming to organic agriculture.
Legislating high end Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Markedly reducing the use of pesticides with mandated sales reports from the State Board of Pesticide Control.
Regulation and notification regarding the use of pesticides inside buildings, especially in rental properties and public buildings.
Outlawing the labeling of toxic industrial waste as "fertilizer"; authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to craft regulations on this subject.
Right-to-know labeling for all GMO containing food.
Banning persistent herbicides in fertilizer and compost.
Legislating a better system for chain of custody of those components of commercial compost.
Promoting agricultural diversification.
Plank on Social Justice
The Maine Green Independent Party believes in the equitable, respectful, and humane treatment of all people. The following actions must be taken:
Ensure meaningful access to the courts for low-income individuals; increase the availability of free and affordable legal representation, advice, and information materials.
Improve the response to child abuse and overhaul the foster care system.
Continue to oppose the death penalty in Maine.
Eliminate racial profiling.
Strengthen and enforce laws against hate crimes of all types, domestic violence and child abuse.
Create support systems that provide basic needs to the people of Maine.
Oppose prejudice and discrimination in all its forms and increase the awareness of, and sensitivity to, differences among people.
End discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities.
Support the sovereignty of the indigenous people of Maine, including the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy Nations and work with them to provide viable, cooperative economic ventures.
Advocate for the demilitarization of police and the implementation of citizen review or democratic oversight of police forces.
Support community policing and rapid response social work programs to replace traditional police use wherever possible.
Oppose the use of state National Guard forces being used in illegal foreign military operations according to international law, so that they can be available for emergencies.
Oppose the use of state National Guard forces being used against citizens exercising peaceful protests and freedom of assembly.
The goals of the Maine Green Independent Party for 2020-2021 shall be to:
1. Support the development of municipal and county groups that will be equipped to recruit and support candidates, advocate for issues and be visible in their communities.
2. Recruit and support candidates for U.S. Senate and/or U.S. Congress, State Legislature and local offices, and inform membership on all the party's candidates.
ELECTION OF STATE COMMITTEE AND PARTY OFFICERS
For more information on the duties of the state committee and its officers, please review Article IV, particularly Sections B-D of the state party bylaws: https://mainegreens.org/organization/bylaws
Further information and links about our candidates may be found at https://mainegreens.org/elect/candidates .
ENDORSEMENT OF LISA SAVAGE FOR U.S. SENATE
Further information about the Lisa for Maine campaign may be found at https://www.lisaformaine.org/ .
The votes entered at our municipal caucuses earlier in the year and the votes made at this convention will be combined into a total that will be used to determine how many of Maine's 12 nationalo convention delegates will be awarded to certain candidates, no nominee or unpledged.
Every 8.33% of the total vote is equal to one delegate.
Our page on the presidential nomination will provide you with all the necessary links to learn more about the candidates: https://mainegreens.org/organization/caucuses/203-2020-presidential-nomination .
The tally from caucuses is as follows:
Howie Hawkins, 12
Dario Hunter, 25
Kent Mesplay, 1
No nominee, 10
The overall percentages to each candidate will be adjusted when convention votes are added to the tally.
County committees for each of Maine's 16 counties are elected at this year's convention from nominations made at caucuses and nominations made on the convention floor.
Committees may be formed for counties with at least two nominations. Nominations from the convention floor will help us to fill vacancies. When there are less than two nominations in a county, forming a county committee will be deferred to the state committee for future action. Once county committees are formed, that committee may appoint additional members as it wishes.
The current standing nominations made from this caucuses earlier in the year are as follows:
Androscoggin
Andrea Winn, Mechanic Falls
(one more nomination needed)
Aroostook
Henry Bear, Houlton
Gwydion Griffith, Houlton
Cumberland
(at least two nominations needed)
Franklin
James Mitchell, Kingfield
(one more nomination needed)
Hancock
Cathy Kozaryn, Ellsworth
Benjamin Meiklejohn, Mount Desert
Kennebec
Lori Beaulieu, Fayette
David Dowdy, Fayette
Joseph Young, Fayette
Knox
(two nominations needed)
Lincoln
(two nominations needed)
Oxford
Peter Zack, Porter
(one more nomination needed)
Penobscot
(two nominations needed)
Piscataquis
Jaco Deertrack, Abbot
Samuel Swenson, Sangerville
Sagadahoc
(two nominations needed)
Somerset
(two nominations needed)
Waldo
David Gibson, Morrill
(one more nomination needed)
Washington
(two nominations needed)
York
Michael Barden, Limington
Alan Brown, Biddeford
Allen Cooke, Saco
Gil Harris, Limerick
Linnea Maravell, Saco
Subcommittees
The state committee is authorized by the bylaws to "establish subcommittees to help the state committee fulfill all duties and oversee the fulfillment of duties by the executive officers" (Article IV, Section D. Duties).
"The state committee shall oversee the establishment and dissolution of state party subcommittees to help execute the goals of the party and duties of the state committee. The state committee shall define the purpose of each subcommittee. The state committee may also designate authority to its subcommittees to act on behalf of the party. All subcommittees, including their purpose, membership and the authority granted to them, shall be recorded as an addendum to these by-laws titled, “Subcommittees.” The state committee holds ultimate decision-making authority over all subcommittees." (Article IV, Section H. Officers and Subcommittees)
According to state committee rules, the two co-chairs are ex-officio members of all subcommittees of the state committee.
Addendum 5 of the bylaws are as follows:
5.A. Convention Committee (approved 8/2/15)
Purpose: To organize party conventions that fulfill the requirements of party bylaws and state law.
Membership: As appointed by the state committee.
Justin Beth (appointed 1/3/21), Benjamin Meiklejohn (appointed 1/3/21, appointed chair 2/13/21), Jacqui Deveneau (appointed 4/11/21), Reggie Dunton (appointed 4/11/21); Jake Kulaw (retained after co-chair term 10/17/21), (party co-chairs ex-officio)
Quorum: 3
Process: The Convention Committee meets through email, face-to-face and phone meetings, as the majority of members want and commit to the meeting.
Consensus is sought, but decisions may be made by majority vote when a majority of members deem it reasonable to cease striving for consensus.
Authority: To determine the details of party conventions, including location, date, time, program and rules of conduct.
5.B. Communications Committee (approved 11/8/15)
Purpose:
The purpose of the Communications Committee (ComCom) is to facilitate internal communication of the Maine Green Independent Party (MGIP) and to support the party secretary in fulfilling their duties. This includes relaying information from the state committee to the state contact persons of local groups, and managing the website, mailing lists, database and social media sites.
Membership:
The secretary of the party shall be the chair of the communications committee. The state committee appoints members to or removes members from the communications committee as it sees fit. The secretary may also appoint members to the communication committee as long as the person has not been previously removed by the state committee.
Ben Meiklejohn (Chair), Justin Beth (appointed 5/29/18), Alan Brown, Allen Cooke (11/4/18), Gil Harris, Brian Leonard (6/3/18) and David Gibson (appointed 6/17/19), Jake Kulaw (retained after co-chair term 10/17/21), Fred McCann (appointed 10/17/21); (party co-chairs, ex-officio)
Quorum: 5
The secretary may appoint administrators and moderators of the party's various forums. All administrators and moderators of the party's communication forums must be members of the communications committee unless the state committee approves otherwise.
Duties:
The communications committee shall work to--
-maintain a consolidated list of all the party's communication mediums (website, social media sites, listserves and email lists),
-maintain a visible ongoing presence on all of the party's communication mediums, and utilize all of them to the fullest extent as appropriate,
-administer the party's social media sites and communication forums in accordance with the party's Universal Terms of Agreement,
-publicize the activities of the party and other subcommittees of the state committee upon request,
-forward to the press committee any activities or events that might be noteworthy of a party press release,
-promote local groups and candidates of the party,
-update the website with relevant news and blog articles (without infringing on copyright) written about platform-related issues, and activities of the Maine Green Independent Party, its local groups and candidates,
-update the website with relevant information about party candidates and active local groups,
-manage the dashboard of mainegreens.org for volunteer signups for various activities and connect signups with appropriate contacts,
-establish fundraising links on the party website to the accounts of MGIP candidates, or to the accounts of local groups of the party, upon request,
-establish fundraising links on the party website for targeted campaigns that have been approved for within the state budget by the finance, executive or state committees, upon request,
-assist or train the state committee and its subcommittees in managing and maintaining their email lists, listserve groups and other communication tools,
-distribute voter lists for appropriate jurisdictions, or otherwise make the lists accessible, to party candidates, party officers, officers of local groups or conveners of municipal caucuses, and
-maintain and update the party's voter database list as information becomes available.
Since the duties listed above are primarily tasks to be executed, the committee may distribute amongst themselves individual responsibilities for duties, or the secretary may authorize individuals to perform them.
Group decisions:
The committee may establish and maintain best practices guidelines or procedures to guide members in executing the duties, which shall be recorded as addendum to this charter. The committee may establish new mediums of communication (new social media sites, forums, websites, listserves, etc.) as long as the committee is committed to maintaining them and keeping them visible, current and populated with content. The committee may develop large-scale strategy proposals related to the party's communication and image, including brand and logo redevelopment, website overhaul and redesign, elimination of forums, or changes to the Universal Terms of Service, among other substantive proposals, for approval by the state committee.
Secretary support:
The secretary may turn to the communications committee for support in executing the secretary's duties, and may authorize individuals to perform them as appropriate:
-maintain and archive party records, including minutes, decisions and vote tallies of the state and executive committes,
-maintain records of party officers and reporting to the secretary of state when changes in officers occur,
-keep records of the active and inactive statuses of state committee members as outlined in the budget,
-compile and archive any minutes or bylaws of local groups or committees that have been submitted to the state committee in accordance with the bylaws,
-maintain accurate and up-to-date records of party bylaws, platform, subcommittee charters and other organizational documents on the party website,
-maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the addendum of party bylaws on the party website,
-maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the statuses of local groups, and which ones qualify for the benefits afforded local groups in the bylaws (that meet four times annually and have designated a state contact person).
Meetings:
When necessary for the communications committee to meet as a group to decide matters, the committee may meet in person, or by phone, email or other means. A majority of members must participate in the meeting to constitute quorum. Decisions will be made by consensus if possible, but if consensus cannot be achieved, the committee may move to a majority vote.
If the committee regularly cannot achieve quorum due to absenteeism or lack of participation by certain members, then the secretary may recommend the state committee remove those members.
Amendments:
This charter may be amended by the state committee.
5.B.1. Addendum. Party Database Management Guidelines. (approved by Communications Committee 7/4/17)
All lists of contacts and contact information collected at tabling events, meetings and through online campaigns sponsored by MGIP, including copies of voter registration cards, shall be submitted to the communications committee, which will enter the data into a consolidated database.
All requests for access to the party's database, or portions of it, shall be made to the communications committee, which will distribute the appropriate lists as allowed: Party candidates, officers, officers of local groups and conveners of municipal caucuses may receive the portion of the list relevant to their appropriate jurisdiction, after signing a non-disclosure agreement form. Requests for access to the list by other entities must be approved by the state committee, and after a non-disclosure agreement form is signed by the recipient.
5.C. Finance Committee (approved 4/4/15)
Purpose: the purpose of the Finance Committee is to support the Treasurer and Financial Officer in overseeing the Party's finances and financial reporting requirements.
Membership and Officers: The Finance Committee will consist of the Treasurer, Financial Officer and members appointed directly by the State Committee. The Treasurer shall chair the Finance Committee.
Allen Cooke (Chair), Alan Brown, Ben Meiklejohn; (party co-chairs ex-officio).
Quorum: 2
Process: The Finance Committee meets through email as a general thing. Face-to-face meetings or meetings by phone are possible if a majority of members want it, and if those voting for it commit to being present. The committee will operate by seeking consensus. If consensus is not reached, a decision may be made by majority vote, after two members call to move into a majority voting mode on that decision, and so long as every committee member has been contacted about a vote and had a chance to weigh in. Any decisions not made by consensus will be recorded with the number of votes noted. Committee members who intend to be unavailable for any extended period of time are asked to "check out" from the ongoing meeting so that consensus is not held up because of non-responsiveness, and then "check in" when they are ready to resume participation. Decisions of the Finance Committee shall not supersede any authority granted to the Treasurer or Financial Officer in the bylaws or by the State Committee.
All decisions made by the Finance Committee will be reported to the Party Executive Committee, to be included in a committee report presented at the next subsequent regular State Committee meeting
Authority: The Finance Committee has the authority to fulfill the financial duties of the Treasurer or Financial Officer at the request of the officer, or when an emergency requires the Party's finances and reporting requirements to be managed if or when the Treasurer or Financial Officer is unable to do so.
The Finance Committee may make minor amendments to the State Party budget, transferring up to $100 from one expenditure line to another, or creating a new expenditure line of up to $100. Any amendments resulting in an increase to the Party's overall expenditure amount can only be made if there is a corresponding increase in revenue associated with the expenditure.
The Finance Committee may propose amendments to the budget that result in a budgeted expenditure line being increased by more than $100. If a proposed expenditure increase is more than $100 and up to $500, the Party's Executive Committee must approve the budget amendment. Any proposed expenditure line increases greater than $500 must be approved by the State Committee.
Any expenditure line of a budget that has previously been increased by the Finance Committee by $100 cannot be repeatedly increased by the Finance Committee by amounts less than $100 in separate actions. In other words, the Finance Committee's authority to increase any expenditure line by $100 is for an aggregate increase total within any one budget year. After increasing an expenditure line by $100, any further increases may only be approved by the Executive Committee or State Committee as outlined above.
Charter Changes: This charter may only be amended by the State Committee.
5.D. Press Committee (approved 4/4/15)
Purpose: the purpose of the Press Committee is to develop and generate press releases for approval by the Party Co-Chairs and to distribute approved press releases to relevant media contacts. The Press Committee will work to regularly generate content that keeps the MGIP and its positions visible to the public.
As a secondary purpose, the Press Committee may work to support and train local groups of the party in developing media presence in their own jurisdictions upon request.
Membership and Officers: The Press Committee will consist of up to seven and no less than five members appointed directly by the State Committee. The State Committee may designate one or more among those members to serve as chair or chairs of the Press Committee, to direct meetings and guide decision-making.
The Press Committee will select from among themselves one person to be the party's Press Contact, who may respond to inquiries from reporters, refer members of the press to appropriate party members, and speak on behalf of the party when Party Co-Chairs are not readily available. The Press Committee will select from among themselves one person to be the committee's Copy Editor, who is preferably a person who is familiar with AP Stylebook Guidelines, who will suggest edits for press releases.
With Party Co-Chairs approval, the Press Committee may designate additional spokespersons to speak on behalf of the MGIP for certain issues or occasions as necessary.
The committee membership is limited to a set number, to provide for an ability of the committee to act and respond expeditiously on a regular and consistent basis. In the case of inquiries for participation from party members in addition to the six committee members, the Press Committee will work with those party members to support them in developing media teams for their own county or municipal party committees.
Members: Nancy Allen, Ben Meiklejohn (Copy Editor), John Rensenbrink, Andrea Winn (appointed 2/2/20), (party co-chairs, ex-officio).
Quorum: 3
Process: The Press Committee meets through email as a general thing. Face-to-face meetings are possible if the members by majority vote want it, and if those voting for it commit to being physically present. Press releases are drafted, copy edited, finalized, approved by the co-chairs and then distributed. Party Co-chairs have final authority to approve press releases, but may defer that authority to the Press Committee as they wish.
The committee will operate by seeking consensus. If consensus is not reached, the decision will be made by majority vote. All decisions are advisory to the Party Co-Chairs who have the final say. Any decisions not made by consensus may be presented to the Party Co-Chairs for approval with the number of votes noted. Committee members who intend to be unavailable for any extended period of time are asked to "check out" from the ongoing meeting so that consensus is not held up because of non-responsiveness, and then "check in" when they are ready to resume participation.
Authority: To generate press releases and visual or audio media content, and to designate party spokespersons, as authorized by the Party Co-Chairs, and distribute press releases and other media content approved by the Party Co-Chairs.
Changes to Charter: Since the Press Committee serves to support and enhance the role of the Party Co-Chairs in representing the party to the public, the Party Co-Chairs may temporarily amend this charter if needed (by consensus of both chairs), to better serve their ability to execute their duties. Any charter changes made by the Party Co-Chairs will be reported to the Party Secretary and then reviewed by the State Committee at its subsequent meeting for final approval.
5.E. Tabling Committee (approved 8/15/16)
Purpose: To represent the MGIP at fairs, concerts, parades, conventions and other venues.
Membership: Open to all MGIP members and confirmed by the state committee.
Niomi Larravee (co-chair of subcommittee), Lyn Marravell (co-chair of subcommittee) Jacqui Deveneau, Patricia Jackon, KC Salter, Allen Cooke (party co-chairs, ex-officio).
Quorum: 4
Process: The Tabling Committee meets through email, face-to-face and phone meetings. Consensus is sought, but decisions may be made by majority vote when a majority of members deem it reasonable to cease striving for consensus.
Authority: To oversee registration and staffing at SC approved activities, and design and procure informational items and other products for distribution or sale at such events. Donations, payments and contact information collected through the activities of the Tabling Committee will be forwarded to the State Committee Treasurer and Secretary.
5.F. Fundraising Committee (approved 2/4/17)
Purpose: to establish protocol and procedures for raising funds.
Membership: as determined by state committee.
Niomi Larrivee (appointed 4/11/21); (party co-chairs, ex-officio).
Quorum: 2
Process: The committee meets through email, face-to-face and phone meetings, as the majority of members want and commit to meeting. Consensus is sought, but decisions may be made by majority vote when a majority of members deem it reasonable to cease striving for consensus.
Authority: none granted.
5.G. Electoral Committee (approved 3/3/19)
Purpose: The purpose of the electoral committee is to develop and implement strategies to recruit and elect candidates to public office, identify electoral opportunities, support party candidates for office and assist county and municipal committees in recruiting and supporting local candidates.
Membership: Membership to the electoral committee shall be by appointment of the state committee or by majority vote of the entire current membership of the electoral committee. Members who have missed three consecutive meetings, or members who request, will be considered inactive members and no longer count as the total for which quorum is required. Inactive members may return to being a full voting active member upon attending a meeting.
Officers: The electoral committee may elect its own chair or co-chairs and other officers as it sees fit.
Members: Justin Beth (appointed 3/3/19, elected chair 5/19), Jacqui Deveneau (appointed 8/11/19), Ben Meiklejohn (appointed 3/3/19), Kim Pfusch (appointed 3/3/19), John Rensenbrink (appointed 3/3/19), Sam Swenson (appointed 3/3/19), James Grinnell (appointed 2/10/21), Carolyn Silvius (appointed 2/10/21), Reggie Dunton (appointed 3/3/21); party co-chairs (ex-officio).
Quorum: 5 (when all members are active)
Process: The committee meets through email, face-to-face and phone meetings, as the majority of members want and commit to meeting. Consensus is sought, but decisions may be made by majority vote when a majority of attending members deem it reasonable to cease striving for consensus.
Authority: The electoral committee may develop and implement long-term electoral strategies at the direction of the state committee. The committee may oversee recruitment efforts for candidates for statewide or congressional offices, coordinate with local groups to support their recruitment and support of local candidates, and assist Greens in the development of local groups in areas where there are no active groups. The electoral committee is authorized to assist any Green candidate for office that seeks party support by connecting them with available party resources and offering campaign guidance, and helping to develop local groups if there are none in the candidate's jurisdiction. In the case of multiple candidates for the same office, the electoral committee shall offer equal support to each candidate unless otherwise directed by the state committee.
