January 2015 - Lnc-business - Moellman Enterprises Email

updated Judicial Committee rules
by Alicia Mattson 15 Jan '15

15 Jan '15

I have been notified that the Judicial Committee adopted amended rules for the 2014 term. They chose to merely make minor changes to the rules from the prior term. Attached are two documents, one showing the changes from the prior set of rules, and the other showing those changes accepted into the text. Per Bylaws Article 9.3, the JC submits these rules to the LNC for approval, "which approval shall be deemed given unless denied by a 2/3 vote of the National Committee within 60 days of submission." Unless the LNC decides to veto these rules with a 2/3 vote before January 12, 2015, these rules will be approved. Alicia Mattson LNC Secretary

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Fwd: OAI announces state Lobby Days
by Wes Benedict 13 Jan '15

13 Jan '15

The formatting on that last email to the LNC looked messed up. I'm forwarding another version to see if you can see it better. Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. *New address: 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314* (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.benedict(a)lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: OAI announces state Lobby Days Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 07:14:03 -0700 From: charlesfrohman(a)ouramericainitiative.com To: Wes Benedict <wes.benedict(a)lp.org> Wes, below is what you could forward to your state chairs and board members, as a grassroots opportunity that would welcome LPers. As a 501c4 we can't support parties or candidates, but we can work with both to improve policy, whether ballot access laws or laws governing overspending, overreglation, overtaxation, overcriminalization, etc. We also have openings with our 50 state affiliates for LPers who want to broaden their skillset with grassroots organizing. Such organizing will expose them to new groups, thus indirectly helping their LP plans later. *P.S.* Honorary Chairman Gary Johnson has had recently many appearances in the media <https://ouramericainitiative.com/news.html>; he has been joined on the Advisory Board by Whole Foods founder John Mackey and Congressman Barry Goldwater, Jr. <http://www.examiner.com/article/goldwater-roemer-mackey-join-gary-johnson-t…>; and 100 high-profile, national experts have joined our Advisory Councils <https://ouramericainitiative.com/advisory-councils.html> and now are posting at LiveFreeBlog <http://www.livefreeblog.com/>. *P.P.S. *Support our national projects <https://www.ouramericainitiative.com/national-projects.html> to end warrantless NSA spying, abolish the IRS, repeal marijuana prohibition, and require debates to include all viable candidates. More of our 50 state affiliates <https://www.ouramericainitiative.com/state-projects.html> are ramping up their own projects - find your state and help us restore liberty! *P.P.P.S.* Please consider a recurring donation <https://ouramericainitiative.com/donate.html> and check out the privileges for membership in our donor clubs <https://ouramericainitiative.com/donor-clubs.html>. Thank you and take care, Charles Frohman Grassroots, (Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/OurAmericaInitiative>; Twitter <http://twitter.com/OurAmericaInfo>) 202-258-8027 * * *Click here to volunteer in your state <https://ouramericainitiative.com/news.html>* * <https://ouramericainitiative.com/events.html>* *Invite your friends to upcoming events <https://ouramericainitiative.com/events.html>* * * ** *The OUR America Initiative is a 501(c)(4) political advocacy committee and may receive unlimited donations from both individual and corporate donors, domestic or foreign. Contributions and gifts to Our America Initiative are not tax deductible. OAI Chair Gary Johnson is not a current candidate for any federal political office. -------- Original Message -------- Subject: OUR_AMERICA_INITIATIVE_ANNOUNCES_STATE_“LOBBY_DAYS” From: Our America Initiative <Media(a)ouramericainitiative.com <mailto:Media@ouramericainitiative.com>> Date: Tue, January 13, 2015 7:02 am To: CharlesFrohman(a)OurAmericaInitiative.com <mailto:CharlesFrohman@OurAmericaInitiative.com> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joe Hunter Media(a)OurAmericaInitiative.com <mailto:Media@OurAmericaInitiative.com> (801) 303-7924 OUR AMERICA INITIATIVE ANNOUNCES STATE “LOBBY DAYS” Activists Across the Country Will Advocate Liberty Priorities in State Capitals January 13, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT -- With legislatures in dozens of states gearing up for their 2015 sessions, the Our America Initiative has announced that members of the organization across the country will conduct “lobby days” in their respective states to make legislators aware of the concerns and priorities of liberty advocates. The Our America Initiative, led by Honorary Chairman Gov. Gary Johnson, is a national advocacy group that focuses on protecting civil liberties, reducing the size and cost of government and promoting economic freedom. Announcing the state-level efforts, Our America senior advisor Ron Nielson said, “The fight for greater individual freedom and less government is not just a federal one. Across the nation, state and local governments are taking actions and making decisions every day that impact liberty. As these decisions are made, it is essential that policy-makers hear from those who believe in reducing the role of government in our everyday lives. “As state legislatures begin their work for 2015, supporters of the Our America Initiative are organizing to provide that voice for liberty.” Our America’s legislative priorities in each state will be targeted toward efforts to reduce taxes, eliminate unnecessary regulation, and reverse trends toward over-criminalization and militarization of law enforcement. Protection and restoration of civil liberties, greater choices in education and health care, and increased transparency in government are likewise on the agenda in state capitals across the country. Advocacy efforts are already under way in numerous states, ranging from tax reform in Georgia to opposing Common Core in numerous states to judicial reform in Louisiana. Other issues include opposing the use of federal drug task force grants to militarize local law enforcement and resisting the over-regulation of Uber and other entrepreneurial transportation networks. More information regarding specific states and issues can be found at Our America in the States <https://u1312327.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/click?upn=G0ca4RSewD5icfRIZrspq-2FpSb4N…>, and at Lobby Days <https://u1312327.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/click?upn=G0ca4RSewD5icfRIZrspq-2FpSb4N…>. ### The OUR America Initiative is a 501(c)(4) political advocacy committee and may receive unlimited donations from both individual and corporate donors. Contributions and gifts to Our America Initiative are not deductible for Federal income tax purposes. To unsubscribe please click here <https://u1312327.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/unsubscribe?upn=l3fs1g-2F466j3y5fD5Q61K…> Our America Initiative PO Box 1985, Salt Lake City, UT 84114 1-800-662-9601

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Fwd: [Statechairs] organizations wanting to reach Libertarians
by Wes Benedict 13 Jan '15

13 Jan '15

just fyi Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. *New address: 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314* (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.benedict(a)lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: [Statechairs] organizations wanting to reach Libertarians Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:54:06 -0500 From: Wes Benedict <wes.benedict(a)lp.org> To: statechairs(a)hq.lp.org <statechairs(a)hq.lp.org> Below are notes from three groups wanting to reach Libertarians. I often get requests to publicize other groups' offers. I do not plan to email the information below directly to the entire national LP email distribution list, but you are welcome to analyze these offers and forward to contacts in your state as you see fit. Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. *New address: 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314* (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.benedict(a)lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership -------- Original Message -------- Subject: OUR_AMERICA_INITIATIVE_ANNOUNCES_STATE_âLOBBY_DAYSâ From: Our America Initiative <Media(a)ouramericainitiative.com <mailto:Media@ouramericainitiative.com>> Date: Tue, January 13, 2015 7:02 am To: CharlesFrohman(a)OurAmericaInitiative.com <mailto:CharlesFrohman@OurAmericaInitiative.com> Â Â FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joe Hunter Media(a)OurAmericaInitiative.com <mailto:Media@OurAmericaInitiative.com> (801) 303-7924 Â Â Â OUR AMERICA INITIATIVE ANNOUNCES STATE âLOBBY DAYSâ Â Activists Across the Country Will Advocate Liberty Priorities in State Capitals Â January 13, 2015, Salt Lake City, UT -- With legislatures in dozens of states gearing up for their 2015 sessions, the Our America Initiative has announced that members of the organization across the country will conduct âlobby daysâ in their respective states to make legislators aware of the concerns and priorities of liberty advocates. Â The Our America Initiative, led by Honorary Chairman Gov. Gary Johnson, is a national advocacy group that focuses on protecting civil liberties, reducing the size and cost of government and promoting economic freedom. Â Announcing the state-level efforts, Our America senior advisor Ron Nielson said, âThe fight for greater individual freedom and less government is not just a federal one. Across the nation, state and local governments are taking actions and making decisions every day that impact liberty. As these decisions are made, it is essential that policy-makers hear from those who believe in reducing the role of government in our everyday lives. Â âAs state legislatures begin their work for 2015, supporters of the Our America Initiative are organizing to provide that voice for liberty.â Â Our Americaâs legislative priorities in each state will be targeted toward efforts to reduce taxes, eliminate unnecessary regulation, and reverse trends toward over-criminalization and militarization of law enforcement. Protection and restoration of civil liberties, greater choices in education and health care, and increased transparency in government are likewise on the agenda in state capitals across the country. Â Advocacy efforts are already under way in numerous states, ranging from tax reform in Georgia to opposing Common Core in numerous states to judicial reform in Louisiana. Other issues include opposing the use of federal drug task force grants to militarize local law enforcement and resisting the over-regulation of Uber and other entrepreneurial transportation networks. Â More information regarding specific states and issues can be found at Our America in the States <https://u1312327.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/click?upn=G0ca4RSewD5icfRIZrspq-2FpSb4N…>, and at Lobby Days <https://u1312327.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/click?upn=G0ca4RSewD5icfRIZrspq-2FpSb4N…>. Â ### Â Â Â The OUR America Initiative is a 501(c)(4) political advocacy committee and may receive unlimited donations from both individual and corporate donors. Contributions and gifts to Our America Initiative are not deductible for Federal income tax purposes. Â Our America Initiative PO Box 1985, Salt Lake City, UT 84114 1-800-662-9601 ======================================= -----Original Message----- From: Gary Greer [mailto:gary@voteforme.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2014 1:35 PM To: Subject: [LP.org Query] free resources for candidates From: Gary Greer<gary(a)voteforme.com> Subject: free resources for candidates Message Body: Bob; Is there a way to effectively notify party candidates about VoteForMe.com. Each Candidate has a free listing, with a picture and unlimited updates and postings . We tested VFM in Shreveport, and florida this past election. Achieved a phenomenal number of VOTERS looking at our site. We are unique in that the only thing that attracts our user, is voter information. 77% of our visitors polled as undecided voters. Help us get the word to the candidates at all levels. Thanks. G Greer -- This e-mail was sent from a contact form on Libertarian Party (http://www.lp.org/contact) ======================================= -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: RE: CandidateVerification + LP? Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 11:56:10 -0800 From: david doud <daviddoud(a)hotmail.com> To: Wes Benedict <wes.benedict(a)lp.org> /"Voters deserve to know a little about the candidates who are running to represent them and one great way is through a background check.Â That is why I was happy to submit to candidate verification and contribute money to the cause and I hope you do the same."/ *Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Jake Porter (L): candidate For Iowa Secretary of State* Dear Wes,Â Happy 2015 and nice to reconnect yesterday on the telephone. Â I'm writing to update you on the progress of our non-profit, CandidateVeification, and ask you to please forward this message to any of your state affiliates or contacts who might be interested in supporting our mission and using our service.Â CandidateVerification is like the 'CarFax' of politics, providing candidates with a free self-authorized background from one of the largest employment screening companies in the United States. Â 2014 was a strong proof of concept phase for our work, with the majority of incumbent and challenge candidates in King County participating upon the suggestion of PACs and Parties.Â Here's an editorial from the Seattle Times summarizing our work:Â http://seattletimes.com/html/opinion/2024685649_erinmccallumnoelframeopedel… Each background check costs $200, and we raise money from the participating organizations and donors to underwrite our work. Â In addition to our success locally in Washington, we also have seeds of traction nationally. Â A brave blogger in Palm Springs California challenged every city council candidate to participate in our program, and even tipped a race over:Â http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/politics/2014/09/22/craig-kelliher-indi… Thank you for helping to raise awareness, support, and participation in our mission to raise the bar of transparency and disclosure for all candidates. Â Please reach out if you have any questions or to discuss potential avenues of cooperation further.Â Sincerely,Â David Doud Executive Director CandidateVerification www.candidateverification.org <http://www.candidateverification.org> cell 425 440 1244 ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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LP Ohio Chair Resignation
by Brett Bittner 13 Jan '15

13 Jan '15

Team, I received word in the last day or so that LP Ohio's Chairman Kevin Knedler resigned from his position as he begins his retirement. Sarah Bevins is currently serving as the Interim Chair for the state affiliate, per my conversation with Kevin. Brett C. Bittner brett(a)brettbittner.com 404.492.6524 "I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it." -- Thomas Jefferson

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first draft of 6/26/14 LNC meeting minutes
by Alicia Mattson 12 Jan '15

12 Jan '15

Since the LNC has still not received draft minutes from last-term's pre-convention LNC meeting onsite in Columbus, I have taken the time to construct them from an audio recording. It has been quite a chore for such a short meeting. I couldn't just look around the room and see who was/wasn't there, but I built the attendance list based on paying attention to whose voices I heard on the recording, checking delegate lists for who was/wasn't even at the convention, and then emailing others to ask if they were at the meeting. As you review, please double check the attendance section and let me know if you have different knowledge. I didn't have copies of all the reports for the appendices except the paper copies from the binder or handed out at the meeting. Just scanning those to PDF would have meant the text would not have been searchable. I was able to obtain some of them by emailing regional reps and asking for them. Two reports I just re-typed from the printed versions. Since the LNC members at the time this meeting occurred are not the current LNC members, I have cc'd both the current LNC and the past LNC members who attended this meeting. Auto-approval of these minutes is no longer an option, so after I allow a reasonable amount of time for feedback, I'll ask for an email ballot to approve them. Please send any comments on this draft to me by January 25th. Alicia Mattson LNC Secretary

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Fwd: [Statechairs] help create list of all 2015 state conventions
by Wes Benedict 10 Jan '15

10 Jan '15

Forwarding a note I sent to the state chairs in case any region reps already have some of the info and they'd like to send it to me. Updates will be posted here: http://www.lp.org/blogs/staff/2015-state-conventions Beth Vest (and perhaps Vicki Kirkland) have volunteered to help call state chairs to collect more of the info. -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: [Statechairs] help create list of all 2015 state conventions Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 16:23:45 -0500 From: Wes Benedict <wes.benedict(a)lp.org> To: statechairs(a)hq.lp.org Dear State Chairs: I plan to publish a list of all known state conventions on one convenient blog entry, similar to what we did in 2014: http://www.lp.org/blogs/staff/2014-state-conventions I plan to update it throughout the year. State conventions will also be posted on our events pages http://www.lp.org/event but it's also nice to have them all listed in one place on a blog entry. I think this list will be useful to the LNC and its committees as they plan meetings, but also to other states as they plan their conventions, and to members who want to attend multiple conventions. Additionally, we'll publish this information in LP News. I've met quite a few people who first got started as activists by attending a state convention, so we want to help publicize state conventions to members everywhere. Please reply to me directly at wes.benedict(a)lp.org with your convention information. Or, let me know if you have not set a date for your convention yet. *Please fill out this form, and send it to me at wes.benedict@lp.org:* ========= State: Convention dates: Link to more information: Not scheduled yet? No problem. Say so here so I'll stop bothering you: ===end=== *Below is the start of my list. Please send any corrections.* Saturday, April 25 New York Friday, May 1 - Saturday, May 2 Ohio Other states: Louisiana holds conventions every four years (presidential years). Texas hold conventions in even numbered years. Thanks for your help. -- Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. 2600 Virginia Ave. NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20037 (202) 333-0008 ext. 232,wes.benedict(a)lp.org Join the Libertarian Party at:http://lp.org/membership

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Fwd: updated file with Libertarian success over major parties
by Wes Benedict 07 Jan '15

07 Jan '15

-------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: updated file with Libertarian success over major parties Date: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 13:06:50 -0500 From: Wes Benedict <wes.benedict(a)lp.org> To: statechairs(a)hq.lp.org <statechairs(a)hq.lp.org> It's rare for a Libertarian candidate to win an election by beating a Democrat or Republican in a straight forward partisan election. We are not considering the following kinds of elections in the attached: * Nonpartisan elections * Multiple-member elections ("vote for 3") * Elections where Libertarian had fusion with another party * Elections where multiple candidates appeared with the same party label. (For example, in the California gubernatorial recall election in 2003, multiple candidates appeared as Republicans or Democrats.) The exception is Chad Ivery Perry in 2014, who ultimately beat two Democrats. * Elections where the Libertarian appeared with a non-Libertarian label (independent, etc.) We know of 11 Libertarian winners that have met the criteria in 43 years. 6 of the 11 were in Indiana. The 2 newest were in Louisiana. If you know of others that have met the criteria in the attached spreadsheet, please send them to me along with your source of the election results. For those interested in more about the historical election successes, see page 4 and 5 of this LP News: http://www.lp.org/files/lp_news/2011-4_LP_News.pdf and for state legislative victories, see page 9 of this LP News: http://www.lp.org/files/lp_news/2011-2_LP_News.pdf Thanks, Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. *New address: 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314* (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.benedict(a)lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership

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March 28/29th LNC Meeting
by Robert Kraus 07 Jan '15

07 Jan '15

Here is the preliminary information for the March 28/29 <https://www.lp.org/lnc-march-2015> th LNC Meeting: What: LNC Meeting Sat Mar 28 from 9 am to Sun Mar 29 afternoon – Riverside I Meeting Room Where: Holiday Inn Suites Phoenix Airport North 1515 North 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008 http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/phoenix/phxff/hoteldetail Rooms: $139 single / $144 double per night – full hot breakfast included. PLEASE NOTE RESERVATION LINK AND DISCOUNT CODE WILL BE SENT EARLY NEXT WEEK. All rooms are suites. BTW - THIS IS OVER $100 OFF THEIR RACK RATE FOR THIS TIME PERIOD: Reserve: Info to be provided early next week. Please do not call in reservations until we receive our discount code. Thanks! Parking: Complimentary self-park. Other: * This property recently went thru a total renovation and has a lovely outdoor pool area and fitness center featuring Precor treadmills, elipticles, bike and free weights. It is very close to spring training facilities for you baseball fans. * Directions and FREE Air Port Shuttle info here: http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/phoenix/phxff/hoteldetail/direct… * Local highlights: http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/phoenix/phxff/hoteldetail/local-… Live Free! Robert Robert S. Kraus - Dir of Operations Operations(a)LP.org Libertarian National Committee, Inc. 1444 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Ph: 202.333.0008 x 231 Join today: https://www.lp.org/membership LP FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/libertarians

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Re: [Lnc-business] membership levels are not correct on the LP.org site for joining and contributing
by Wes Benedict 07 Jan '15

07 Jan '15

Based on Mr. Starr's comments below, as well as comments from our Treasurer in another email, and after further consideration myself, I do plan to make some changes to the labeling and amounts on the contribution pages provided we don't run into major technical hurdles. I'll let you know when we're ready to have one of you make sure the $15,000 and $25,000 contribution levels work on the website. Thanks, Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. *New address: 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314* (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.benedict(a)lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership On 1/7/2015 3:24 AM, Aaron Starr wrote: > > Hello Wes, > > If you or Alicia Mattson could forward this to the LNC, I would > appreciate it. > > I understand your frustration and concern, and my position is probably > pretty close to your own. However, it appears that the LNC adopted a > different position. > > Just so we are clear, I did not draft the language that was adopted by > the LNC in 2011. It is quite different from the proposals I advocated > and were adopted in 2009-2010. To give context to this discussion, > back in May 2010 the relevant section of the Policy Manual read as > follows: > > > 1)Membership Forms > > Membership forms produced by the LNC shall include a membership > statement that meets the requirements of Article 5, Section 1 of the > Party Bylaws. Any new wording for the membership statement shall be > subject to the same review process as all other Party Literature. > > > 2)Association Levels > > The following levels of association are recognized by the Party: > > * Basic $25 annual dues payment > * Regular $50 annual dues payment > * Supporting $100 annual dues payment > * Sponsor $250 annual dues payment > * Patron $500 annual dues payment > * Torch Club $1,000 in dues or > contributions prior twelve months > * Chairman's Circle $5,000 in dues or contributions > since last convention > > > 3)Life Membership Status > > A member who contributes at least $1,000 during any twelve-month > period shall be granted life membership in the Party.[i] <#_edn1> > > > 4)Benefits > > Non-member contributors shall be provided all benefits provided to > member contributors, except for those rights specifically granted only > to members or sustaining members by the Party Bylaws or this Policy > Manual. > > A member or non-member contributor with a future benefits lapse date > shall be entitled to the following basic benefits: > > * Customized Party membership card, updated annually, identifying > the individual’s level of association and lapse date > * Subscription to LP News > > Those maintaining Torch Club status shall also be entitled to the > following benefits: > > * Special mailings > * Invitation to the Torch Club event at the convention > > Those maintaining Chairman’s Circle status shall also be entitled to > the following benefits: > > * Special mailings > * Invitation to the Torch Club event at the convention > * Invitation to the Chairman's Circle event at the convention > * Participation in special conference calls with the Chair > > Staff shall have the discretion to create and bestow additional benefits. > > > 5)Benefits Lapse Date > > An individual’s benefits lapse date is independent of the sustaining > membership lapse date defined by the Party’s Bylaws.[ii] <#_edn2> > > Individuals making a first contribution shall have a benefits lapse > date established one year from the date of receipt. Individuals who > remit the required amount of dues in response to a membership renewal > request shall have the benefits lapse date extended by one year from > the existing lapse date or one year from the date of receipt, > whichever is later. > > Individuals who remit the required amount other than dues during the > Renewal Period shall have the benefits lapse date extended by one year > from the existing lapse date or one year from the date of receipt, > whichever is later. > > Individuals pledging at least $10 per month using an automated > recurring payment method, such as a valid credit card or ACH debit, > shall have their benefits lapse dates extended to the last day of the > following December. > > Other contributions in response to other than a membership renewal > appeal shall not as a policy extend the benefits lapse date, however > Staff shall have the discretion on a case-by-case basis to extend a > contributor’s benefits lapse date up to one year from the last > contribution date, if failure to do so would damage donor relations. > > Notwithstanding the above, an individual who has contributed an amount > sufficient to have qualified for life membership status shall be > entitled to lifetime basic benefits. > > The language “The following levels of association are recognized by > the Party:” precedes an enumerated list of the levels of association > authorized by the LNC. It specifies the levels recognized, and > therefore no other levels may be recognized. In contrast, staff is > given much leeway to create and grant additional benefits to existing > levels of association (“Staff shall have the discretion to create and > bestow additional benefits.”). To create additional or different > levels of association, however, requires a change be made to the > Policy Manual. This limiting phrase did not change after 2010. > > Back in 2010, dues payments (not contributions) were what established > association levels in the Policy Manual. Dues payments were typically > received in response to a renewal request during the Renewal Period. > (As defined in the Policy Manual, “Renewal Period” for an individual > is the period commencing with the first membership renewal appeal sent > to that individual until the receipt of a contribution sufficient to > extend that individual’s benefits lapse date.) > > However, the LNC does not send renewal requests for dues to monthly > pledgers. To accommodate these loyal donors and not have their > benefits lapse do to a lack of a dues payment, the following language > was included: “Individuals pledging at least $10 per month using an > automated recurring payment method, such as a valid credit card or ACH > debit, shall have their benefits lapse dates extended to the last day > of the following December.” That language was designed to make it > easier for staff to administer the pledge program; it did not create a > new level of association. That language did not change in 2011. > > Some of the updates made in 2011 created internal consistency issues. > For example, the new language adopted by the LNC concerning the > association levels specifies contributions (not just dues) be included > for measuring whether an individual has achieved an association level; > however, the following language was not updated at the time of the > change: “Other contributions in response to other than a membership > renewal appeal shall not as a policy extend the benefits lapse date, > however Staff shall have the discretion on a case-by-case basis to > extend a contributor’s benefits lapse date up to one year from the > last contribution date, if failure to do so would damage donor > relations.” It is difficult when such language conflicts arise. I > can certainly empathize with your position. You may want to suggest > some clean-up language. In the interim, when you do encounter a > conflict between existing language and new language, it is proper to > give more weight to the new language, as that is more likely to be in > line with the legislative intent of the board that last decided the > matter. > > Does the Policy Manual require that you put membership levels on the > website? It never occurred to me that staff would need direction to > do that. I suppose we don’t have to ask for donations at all on the > website, though I don’t recommend that. It seems to me that the > intent of the authors would be to have all the options for association > marketed to potential donors in one manner or another. I think you > would run into some hot water if you promote only some levels of > association and not the others. To be prudent, you should seek > guidance from the LNC on that question. > > I hope that was at least somewhat helpful. > > Aaron Starr > > (805) 583-3308 Home > > (805) 404-8693 Mobile > > starrcpa(a)gmail.com > > *From:*Wes Benedict [mailto:wes.benedict@lp.org] > *Sent:* Monday, January 05, 2015 2:06 PM > *To:* Kevin Knedler; lnc-business(a)hq.lp.org; Aaron Starr > *Subject:* Re: [Lnc-business] membership levels are not correct on the > LP.org site for joining and contributing > > For more background on this, I wrote an article that is on page 15 of > LP News here: > http://www.lp.org/files/lp_news/2014-4_LP_News.pdf > > Although the article is pretty long, I think I did leave out some of > the details like explaining "Torch Club." > > Wes Benedict, Executive Director > Libertarian National Committee, Inc. > *New address: 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314* > (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.benedict(a)lp.org <mailto:wes.benedict@lp.org> > facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational > Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership > > On 1/5/2015 2:46 PM, Wes Benedict wrote: > > Dear Kevin Knedler, Aaron Starr, and the LNC: > > I'd like to get our publications in line with the new membership > plans in the policy manual as soon as practical. > I think we came close months ago, but Mr. Knedler has pointed out > some things he thinks may not be in compliance. > I think one of the things he may be right about, but some he may > not be, or it is an area subject to interpretation. > > I've had some discussions with the APRC and Mr. Knedler about > complying with the new membership policies, but discussions with > the APRC have the feature of being confidential. Therefore, I'd > like to do this in the open with the LNC to see if we can all get > on the same page and in a manner that can be shared be referred > back to and shared with others publicly as needed. > > Most of you probably don't need to spend your time or mental > energy on this. However, I'm including the whole LNC because > handling this more privately has resulted in people not being on > the same page. > > I've copied Mr. Starr on this email because I believe he was a > primary designer of some of the Policy Manual language for the > prior membership plan clarifications adopted in the 2009-2010 time > frame. Sometimes in the past when I would read the policy manual > and make an interpretation, Mr. Starr held a different view and > typically I found that the LNC was willing to go with Mr. Starr's > interpretation as was I once I clearly understood what was > intended. So I wanted to bring Mr. Starr into the conversation > before issuing a request to a programmer to have our website > updated. I'm guessing whatever changes are finally agreed upon > won't cost a lot if I wait until we're all on the same page before > making the changes. > > I'd like to finish updating our old website before working on our > new website. > > Mr. Knedler's suggested corrections are in his email below. > > I've put my comments in red. > > Additionally, I'd like to put in a request to our secretary to see > if she thinks she can re-write pages 37-41 of our Policy Manual > (without changing the meaning) to be more easily understood. I > made an attempt to make the policy manual language more > understandable on the website although I already know it's not > complete, but to explain things completely gets really complicated: > here: https://www.lp.org/membership-levels > > Since I know where Mr. Knedler stands, my preferred next step is > to wait to see if Mr. Starr has specific recommendations on the > things below. > > Thanks, > > Wes Benedict, Executive Director > Libertarian National Committee, Inc. > *New address: 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314* > (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.benedict(a)lp.org > <mailto:wes.benedict@lp.org> > facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational > Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership > > On 1/4/2015 7:16 PM, Kevin Knedler wrote: > > Happy New Year everyone. > > I took a look and it is still not accurate per the LNC > approved policy manual that goes back to an LNC vote in August > of 2011. > > Just to be clear, the LNC postponed implementation until August 1, > 2014, a deadline which was met for the most part. > > On the page for donations on the lp.org site there are errors > > One-time donation > > MISSING $25,000 > > MISSING $15,000 > > MISSING $2,500 > > There are at least two donation pages. > One I'll refer to as the "membership" page: > https://www.lp.org/membership > and the other I'll refer to the "contribute" page > https://www.lp.org/contribute > > Neither has the $25,000, $15,000, or $2,500 options. I don't > believe the Policy Manual language requires all association levels > and amounts to be printed on all online donation forms. So I don't > think we are required to put those amounts on either page. > However, if I've interpreted the Policy Manual incorrectly, I will > have those donation options added. Even if they are not required > to be there, I'll add them if the Chair asks me to or if Aaron > Starr and several on the LNC write to me that they think it's a > good thing to do. > > I'll need the requests to state whether those donation levels > belong on just the membership page, or also on the contribute page. > > There was a time in the past when contributions that were NOT in > response to a renewal offer were not counted towards membership > association levels. I think maybe they do count now with Mr. > Knedlers new plan, but that's not clear (see next paragraph). We > typically have NOT put membership levels on non membership > contribution forms like this one https://www.lp.org/contribute or > on typical fundraising letters. > > Page 40 of the Policy Manual says (and I believe Mr. Starr was the > original source of this) "Other contributions in response to other > than a membership renewal appeal shall not as a policy extend the > benefits lapse date, however Staff shall have the discretion on a > case-by-case > basis to extend a contributor’s benefits lapse date up to one year > from the last contribution date, if failure to do so would damage > donor relations." > > I think our website is already too cluttered and our membership > programs are too complicated, plus we're supposed to get a new > website soon, so I'm not inclined to initiate an optional change > that makes things more complicated and cluttered without clear > support from the LNC. > > > Monthly Pledge > > MISSING $2,500 a month > > MISSING $1,500 a month > > Same as above. > > Also there is a $10 a month level and that is not part of the > policy manual. > > $15.00 is the lowest level > > Of course if someone wants to give $10 it can be in the “Other > amount box” in the monthly pledge section. > > It sounds like Mr. Knedler wants me to remove the $10/month > amounts from > here https://www.lp.org/membership > and here: https://www.lp.org/contribute > > I disagree with Mr. Knedler's interpretation. I don't think the > policy manual prohibits offering $10/month pledges. In fact, the > policy manual on page acknowledges the existance of $10/month > pledges saying "Individuals pledging at least $10 per month using > an automated recurring payment method, such as a valid credit card > or ACH debit, shall have their benefits lapse dates extended to > the last day of the following December." > > Plus, the $10/month amount is quite popular. I will not remove > those unless that is specifically ruled a requirement by the APRC, > or if the Chair or LNC directs me to remove the $10 per month option. > > > The levels correspond in increments: > > $25,000 or 2,500 a month > > $15,000 or 1,500 a month > > $5,000 or 500 a month > > $2,500 or 250 a month > > $1,500 or 150 a month This level and above is Lifetime and > Torch Club level. > > $500 or 50 a month > > $250 or 25 a month > > $150 or 15 a month > > $50 one time with nothing per month > > $25 one time with nothing per month > > I'm not sure that the info above is requesting. However, I think > we should add to this page: > https://www.lp.org/membership > "This level and above is Lifetime and Torch Club level." > in the two places I put red circles in the image below: > > > > > Please take a look and I really hope this can be fixed. > > A lot of time was put into the policy changes . > > Thank you. > > Kevin Knedler > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Lnc-business mailing list > > Lnc-business(a)hq.lp.org <mailto:Lnc-business@hq.lp.org> > > http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > [i] <#_ednref1>Authorized by Bylaw 5.2. > > [ii] <#_ednref2>Qualifications for sustaining membership are defined > by Bylaw Articles 5.3 and 5.5. >

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updated draft minutes of 12/13/14 LNC session
by Alicia Mattson 06 Jan '15

06 Jan '15

The period for comments on the 12/13/14 draft minutes ended yesterday. Attached is the updated draft, with Waldo removed and years incremented in the dates on page 1. Without objection, this draft will be auto-approved on January 12, 2015. Alicia Mattson LNC Secretary

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