Johnson County Green Party Business Meeting
August 9th, 2005
7:00 p.m.
Uptown Bill's Small Mall

Attendance: Kevin Owens, David Sacks, Gail Ardery, Holly Hart

I. Discussion of the upcoming University of Iowa Activities Fair. David and Kevin want to re-activate Campus Greens and set up a table.

II. Discussion of possible city council races in which we might wish to be involved.

Holly suggested several good candidates. The Campaign for Public Power needs help with
GO-TV, canvassers and phone calling. Campus Greens and Johnson County Green Party members will volunteer.

II Update on the PeaceFest, planned for September 11, at Hubbard Park.

Kevin is working with Brian Gryzlak to secure plans. The Johnson County Green Party will have a table there, and plan to have local, state and national literature (platforms, brochures, whatever looks good). Holly will order platform summaries.

III. Update on Black Hawk County (Jim O'Loughlin) letter to the state party concerning Lamoni/bottle bill.

This hasn't been an issue locally, but elsewhere in Iowa, counties are moving to eliminate point of purchase redemption options, which hinder rural efforts toward bottle returns and recycling. Black Hawk County suggests that the Iowa Green Party take this up as a statewide issue, especially looking at rural areas.

IV. United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ) call for a March on Washington, September 24.

The Johnson County Green Party approved a motion to officially endorse this call; Holly will sign up the JCGP on their list of membership organizations. A motion was also approved to propose that the Iowa Green Party be listed as a member organization, and message to this effect has been posted on the Iowa work list. Gail Ardery offered to make a financial contribution. Holly will forward the relevant web page information to the list.

Busses will be leaving from around the state; there will be a sign-up sheet at the PeaceFest for those wishing to go, or willing to sponsor someone.

V. Alaska Coalition - Wilderness Week.

David Sacks is following this issue and will forward more information. Activities may involve a trip to Alaska!

VI. Climate Conference.

Holy received notice of a conference call from national coordinator Ted Glick. Noone present will be able to make the call, but members are interested. Gail offered to be kept apprised; Holly will send her the notice and put her in touch with the organization.

VII. General Discussion. At last month's national meeting, Larry Orr (Iowa Green Party delegate to the Green Party of the United States national committee) attended an excellent state fundraising workshop put on by HI's Jeff Turner, and has some great ideas. We discussed potential local fundraising as a means of outreach as well as raising funds.
A general discussion of outreach to people who share Green values and politics followed.

The question was asked, Do we want to move to more than one meeting a month? Since there was no firm answer, for now, we're sticking with the status quo. For next meeting, Kevin suggests discussion about 2006, especially potential races, including the governor's race.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, September 6the, 2005; 7:00 p.m. Location Uptown Bill's Small Mall.

Holly Hart
Secretary, Johnson County Green Party
8/10/05