[NV Greens] Platform Committee update

[genelle]

Argh, I originally sent this August 3rd, but from my incorrect email 
address.  I apologize.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	Platform Committee update
Date: 	Thu, 03 Aug 2006 09:53:57 -0700
From: 	Genelle Baltutis-Denzin <gbdenzin at cox.net>
To: 	Clark County (NV) Green Party mailing list 
<clarkgreen at dasbistro.com>, nvgreen at dasbistro.com



I'm sorry it has taken me so long to forward information regarding 
what's going on with the Platform Committee.  Here's a summary update 
written by Holly following the meeting in Tucson:

GPUS PLATFORM COMMITTEE REPORT - 2006
July, 2006


The Green Party Platform is a consensus document, arrived at by a process 
involving submissions, input and feedback, based on the "4 D's" - democratic 
deliberation, discussion an debate - and open to members of all GPUS state and 
caucus affiliates.  The Platform presents to greens and to the general public 
the official policy on which most Greens reasonably agree, and is the basis for 
the national Presidential campaign.  The Platform is adopted by the presidential 
nominating convention, and goes through a "vetting" process designed to draw a 
broad population of Greens, not just the National Committee.

The Platform provides material for media releases, and has also been used for 
"issues briefs" found on the www.gp.org website, some position papers and 
brochures.  You'll see it quoted in brochures created by G-PAX, Eco-Action, 
Lavender and Women's Caucuses, and more.  The Platform also serves as a useful 
resource for questions on Green Party policy.

Most popular has been the Platform Summary, the booklet containing a condensed 
version of the Platform, designed to fit into a regular-sized envelope, easy for 
mailing.   The cost is $1.25 apiece (which covers printing and mailing; the cost 
is less for bulk orders).  During the annual meeting, we're offering a special:  
each delegate will receive a free copy in your packet, and you can purchase more 
copies for $1 apiece, or 12 for $10.  Get 'em while they're hot!!

During the past year, besides producing the Summary, the Platcom considered 
creating some brochures and papers.  This project didn't get off the ground, 
however,.  The Platcom did update out Policies and Procedures, and, most 
importantly, reviewed and set the Timeline and Process for the 2008 Green 
Platform.

REVIEW PLATFORM TIMELINE and PROCESS 2008
The Timeline will begin this fall with the first submission cycle...  NEW this 
time:  we are strengthening the "feedback loop," with a beefed-up ratings system 
and a pledge by Platcom members to work with affiliate states and caucuses to 
actively solicit feedback (approval, disapproval, suggestions).


A PLATFORM KICK-OFF will take place a year before the national presidential 
nominating convention.  Previously, Platform Hearings were held two years before 
the convention; however Platcom members felt that holding the hearings one year 
before would help maintain momentum.  As in 2002, we hope to hear "testimony" 
from constituents about what Greens want to see as Key Policy Points for the 
2008 Presidential campaign and Platform.  More news to come...

Finally, the Platcom welcomes two new officers.  Co-chair Howard Switzer, TN, 
will be joined by Jenefer Ellingston, DC, as newly elected Co-chair for a two-
year term.  Jenefer has been a long-time active member of the Platcom, and has 
provided important material in the areas of foreign policy and labor.  Mike 
Ewall, PA, is the newly elected committee Secretary.  He has also been an active 
and productive committee member, particularly in the area of energy policy.



Holly Hart/IA, Outgoing Co-chair
Howard Switzer/TN, Co-chair
GPUS Platform Committee