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.
