Difference between revisions of "GPCA Budget FY2011-2012 Expense Narrative"

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'''0. INTRODUCTION'''
 
'''0. INTRODUCTION'''
  
We are using a three tiered approach in this budget.   
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The GPCA's FY2011-2012 Budget occurs amidst during a deep national and international economic crisis that became manifest in October of 2008. That crisis has made it challenging for non-profit organizations and other not-for-profit entities like the GPCA that survive primarily or exclusively on grassroots donations and fundraising. The economic crisis also came on the heels of the politically difficult period for the Green Party when it suffered the blowback of being blamed for the 2000 Bush presidency. Combined its own internal self-inflicted wounds over 2004 presidential strategy and other internal divisions, the cumulative effect of those trends led to a significant downturn in GPCA fundraising compared to the growth period the party experienced at the beginning of the last decade.
  
'''''Tier 1 Budget'''''
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In FY2011-2012, prospects are looking up for the GPCA. The political climate is favorable in light of a disappointing Obama administration combined with a far right fringe Tea Party movement on the federal level, combined with the lack of real answers by either Democrats or Republicans to the structural problems of our state. At the same time internally within the Green Party, there has been a growth in new activists interested in becoming involved, along with a return by many long time party activists. 
  
The tier 1 budget is $AMOUNT. The tier 1 budget is the basic operating expenses of GPCA and the required initial costs to launch  our statewide voter registration drive and Green 2012.  Basic operating expenses include essential party operations like paying for our PO box, insurance and FPPC filing softwareThe required initial costs for our statewide voter registration drive and Green 2012 include paying a consultant to help us fundraise, recruit, train and mobilize volunteers, upgrade our website, build a statewide contact management database and virtual phone banking to our voter file.  The tier 1 budget includes all of the requisite expenses necessary to expand our fundraising and voter registration drive activities.
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With this potential, the GPCA FY2011-2012 Budget seeks to establish a baseline of core expenses to ensure the maintenance of the party's basic, ongoing operations, based upon the same minimal level of fundraising experienced in the last few years, along with a plan to invest in growth opportunities that would bring in more money to fund more organizingThis Budget also seeks to establish a manner in which increased revenue will be dedicated to additional organizing in a predictable, transparent manner that will minimize the need for mid-year discretionary choices by either the General Assembly or the Coordinating Committee, yet correspond realistically to expected cash flow and political deadlines, along with provide enough flexibility to adapt to unpredictable circumstances.
  
'''''Tier 2 budget'''''
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On the income side, the FY2011-20122 Budget contains a plan to raise up to $163,750 -- with $60,500 projected between May and September 2011 and $103,250 between October 2011 and April 2012. The plan would expand the GPCA's fundraising capability by hiring a fundraiser to manage a fundraising campaign, along with creating a new GPCA contact relationship management (CRM) database to ensure high quality management functions such as donation tracking and GPCA supporter communications.
  
The tier 2 budget is $AMOUNT. The tier 2 budget is the second phase of our voter registration drive and Green 2012.  The key new expenditure in the Tier 2 budget is hiring an Executive Director.  Tier 2 budget will automatically begin when the income total for Tier 1 (INSERT AMOUNT) is raised.  The Tier 2 budget will be revised, if there is a revenue short faill, at the September 2011 General Assembly. The job description for an executive director can be found <<INSERT LOCATION>>.
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'''''Tier 3 budget'''''
 
 
 
The tier 3 budget is $AMOUNT. The tier 3 budget is the third phase of our voter registration drive and Green 2012.  The key new expenditures in the Tier 3 budget are for voter registration field organizers and voter registration activities like tabling fees and developing voter registration field materials. Tier 2 budget will automatically begin when the income total for Tier 2 (INSERT AMOUNT) is raised.  The Tier 3 budget will be revised, if there is a revenue short faill, at the September 2011 General Assembly. 
 
  
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'''1. BYLAWS COMMITTEE (no FY2011-12 budget draft submitted)'''
  
'''''1. BYLAWS COMMITTEE'''''
 
  
The Bylaws Committee did not submit a FY 2011-12 budget and work plan.
 
  
 
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'''2. CAMPAIGNS & CANDIDATES WORKING GROUP (CCWG)'''
 
'''2. CAMPAIGNS & CANDIDATES WORKING GROUP (CCWG)'''
  
'''''CCWG goals for FY 2011-2012'''''
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Tiered approach to budget for CCWG due to contingency of success of Marnie Glickmans's Green2012, first stage voter database set-up, analysis, and outreach to raise funding.
 +
Tier 1: worst case scenario, minimum funding needed
 +
Tier 2: moderate success, moderate funding requested
 +
Tier 3: best case scenario, funding appropriate to successful fundraising
  
 +
 +
GENERAL GOALS OF CCWG 2011 / 2012
 
• Continue to meet via teleconference every 2nd Wednesday of the month.  
 
• Continue to meet via teleconference every 2nd Wednesday of the month.  
 
• Continue to discuss ongoing issues relating to our mandate via email.  
 
• Continue to discuss ongoing issues relating to our mandate via email.  
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• Participate in on-going Stragetic Planning with GPCA as a whole.  
 
• Participate in on-going Stragetic Planning with GPCA as a whole.  
  
'''''First Quarter Plan (April-June 2011)'''''
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APRIL THROUGH JUNE 2011  
• Assess the success of Green 2012 pertaining to use and results of the CAVoterConnect data management system.  
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• Assess the success of Marnie Glickman's Green2012 Proposal implementation pertaining to use and results of the CAVoterConnect data management system.  
 
• Launch candidate recruiting drive, training for candidates, and assist in voter registration drive launch at Plenary.  
 
• Launch candidate recruiting drive, training for candidates, and assist in voter registration drive launch at Plenary.  
 
• Stay in communication with GPUS Delegates as to names for Presidental Primary.  
 
• Stay in communication with GPUS Delegates as to names for Presidental Primary.  
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• Continue to work on the GPCA Strategic Action Plan.  
 
• Continue to work on the GPCA Strategic Action Plan.  
  
'''''Second Quarter Plan (July-September 2011)'''''
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JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011  
 
 
 
• Continue candidate recruitment and training, Deadline for filing is March 9, 2012.  
 
• Continue candidate recruitment and training, Deadline for filing is March 9, 2012.  
 
• Make certain that the Candidate Fund Support Committee is in process of formation.  
 
• Make certain that the Candidate Fund Support Committee is in process of formation.  
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• Continue to work on the GPCA Strategic Action Plan.  
 
• Continue to work on the GPCA Strategic Action Plan.  
  
'''''Third Quarter Plan (October-December 2011)'''''
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OCTOBER THROUGH DECEMBER 2011  
 
 
 
• Continue candidate recruitment throughout the Fall.  
 
• Continue candidate recruitment throughout the Fall.  
 
• Make certain that either the Campaign Fund Support Committee or CCWG is in consistent contact with Candidates and following through with THE Questionnaire and following the criteria established for endorsing / funding candidates.  
 
• Make certain that either the Campaign Fund Support Committee or CCWG is in consistent contact with Candidates and following through with THE Questionnaire and following the criteria established for endorsing / funding candidates.  
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• Continue assist in creating Personnel Policy.  
 
• Continue assist in creating Personnel Policy.  
  
'''''Fourth Quarter Plan (January-March 2012)'''''
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JANUARY THROUGH MARCH 2012  
 
 
 
• Start working on the new WorkPlan and Budget.  
 
• Start working on the new WorkPlan and Budget.  
 
• Continue candidate recruitment and training.  
 
• Continue candidate recruitment and training.  
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• Continue assist in creating Personnel Policy if still applicable.  
 
• Continue assist in creating Personnel Policy if still applicable.  
 
• Continue working on the GPCA Strategic Action Plan.  
 
• Continue working on the GPCA Strategic Action Plan.  
 +
 +
 +
- Campaign Support Fund  Tier 1: $5,000 Tier 2: $10,000 Tier 3: $20,000
 +
- Strategy Meetings/Retreats
 +
- Candidate Training Sessions
 +
- Copying for meetings
 +
- Teleconference Reimbursements
 +
- Co-Cos Retreat Travel/Lodging
 +
- Voter Database Project
 +
    (Subtotal CCWG)
 +
- Campaign Support Fund Tier II
 +
- Field Organizer Tier II    Volunteer recruitment, volunteer coordination and administrative support (Field organizer)
 +
Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $1,200 Tier 3: $3,600
 +
 +
-  Campaign training/consulting for candidates, staff, volunteers (Executive director)
 +
Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $1,200 Tier 3: $3,600
 +
 +
- Voter file database management (Executive director)
 +
 +
Voter file database management (Executive director)
 +
Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $1,200 Tier 3: $3,600
 +
 +
- Miscellaneous Operational Expenses
 +
 +
Misc Operational Expenses
 +
Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $100 Tier 3: $200
 +
    (Subtotal CCWG Tier II)
 +
- Campaign Support Fund Tier III
 +
 +
- Field Organizer Tier III  Volunteer recruitment, volunteer coordination and administrative support (Field organizer)
 +
Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $1,200 Tier 3: $3,600
 +
 +
- Campaign training/consulting for candidates, staff, volunteers (Executive director)
 +
- Voter file database management (Executive director)
 +
 +
 +
Voter file database software: (non-tiered) $3,600
 +
*due to a contractual agreement with CAVoterConnect, this is required spending.
 +
 +
- Miscellaneous Operational Expenses 
 +
 +
Misc Operational Expenses
 +
Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $100 Tier 3: $200
 +
    (Subtotal CCWG Tier III)
 +
- Executive Director
 +
 +
Campaign training/consulting for candidates, staff, volunteers (Executive director)
 +
Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $1,200 Tier 3: $3,600
 +
 +
 +
- Field Director
 +
- Online Director
 +
    (Green 2012)
  
 
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'''3. CLEARINGHOUSE COMMITTEE'''
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'''3. CLEARINGHOUSE COMMITTEE (no FY2011-12 budget draft submitted)'''
 
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  Office Rent
The Clearinghouse Committee did not submit a FY 2011-12 budget and work plan.  Merchandise expenses for t-shirts, buttons, stickers, bilingual materials and shopping bags are included in the Finance Committee budget.
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  Post Office Box
 +
  Fax-Phone-Printing Machine
 +
  Phone
 +
  Office Supplies
 +
  Postage/shipping
 +
  GPCA merchandise (old "paraphenalia")
 +
  New materials and merchandise
 +
    (Subtotal Clearinghouse)
  
 
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'''4. COORDINATING COMMITTEE (CC)'''
 
'''4. COORDINATING COMMITTEE (CC)'''
 
 
  Insurance
 
  Insurance
 
  Legal
 
  Legal
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'''5. ELECTORAL REFORM WORKING GROUP (ERGS)'''  
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'''5. ELECTORAL REFORM WORKING GROUP (ERGS) (no FY2011-12 budget draft submitted)'''
 
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  Materials
The Electoral Reform Working Group did not submit a FY 2011-12 budget draft and work plan.
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  Media (cds, etc)( Old "Co-co retreat participation")
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  Postage(Old " Education Workshop")
 +
    (Subtotal ERWG)
  
 
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'''6. FINANCE COMMITTEE'''
 
'''6. FINANCE COMMITTEE'''
 +
  Fundraising Coordinator
 +
  FPPC Software
 +
  Mail house
 +
  Bulk mail permit
 +
  Prospect Mailings
 +
  Printing
 +
  Postage
 +
    (Subtotal Finance Committee)
 +
  Prospect Mailings Tier II
 +
  Donor Mailing Coordinator  Tier II
 +
  Treasurer  Tier II
 +
  Treasurer Assistant  Tier II
 +
    (Subtotal Finance Committee Tier II)
 +
Fundraising events, donor prospecting materials, postage and travel costs
 +
    (Green 2012)
  
The FInance Committee income did not submit a FY 2011-12 work plan. This work plan was designed by Marnie Glickman, GPCA consultant from January through April 2011. This work plan is based on results of fundraising and research conducted from January through April 2011.
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TREASURER (no FY2011-12 budget draft submitted)
 
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  Bank Charges
'''''Rationale for Finance Committee Expenses'''''
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  Data Entry Assistance
 
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  Legal
The Finance Committee work plan is the GPCA FY2011-2012 budget income narrative.  The Finance Committee expenses are significantly higher than they were in FY 2010-2011.  The primary reason is because it costs money to raise money. The secondary reason is that each new donor we acquire has significant value over time.  Additionally, we have more than 100,000 members.  We must have a daily contact persona available to recruit, train, mobilize and coordinate our thousands of volunteers and donors. 
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  Merchant Fees
 
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  Post Office Box
'''''Establish Executive DIrector position'''''
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  Postage
 
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  Printing
An executive director position is essential for GPCA growth.  There must be a staff position created with core responsibility for volunteer coordination, fundraising, marketing and information management. The Executive director will daily provide communications to donors, volunteers, and volunteer prospects. The executive director will serve as the main phone contact on the GPCA website and other materials. The job description for the Executive Director position can be found at <<INSERT LOCATION>>. The executive director shall be supervised by the personnel committee of the GPCA CC.
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  Software
 
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    (Subtotal Treasurer)
Key Executive Director responsibilities are:
 
 
 
1) Raise funds effectively, efficiently and in compliance with the law.
 
 
 
Tactics include: Reviewing existing GPCA donor database application, research and make changes where necessary to ensure management functions such as financial reports, de-duping of records and easy online data entry.  Reviewing and learning applicable federal, state and local political law.  Organizing periodic FPPC trainings for GPCA members in coordination with FPPC staff.
 
 
 
2)  Develop major donor program.
 
 
 
Tactics include: Conducting phone and in-person meetings with all major donors. Re-soliciting all major donors by phone or in-person.  Asking all major donors to identify new major donor prospects.  Conducting phone and in-person meetings with GPCA Greens who can help identify new major donor prospects.  Developing “Why donate?” flyer for major donors.
 
 
 
3) Develop telemarketing program.
 
 
 
Tactics include: Hiring telemarketing firm that uses predictive dialing and agrees to a no-loss call program.  Developing telemarketing materials 
 
 
 
4) Develop fundraising events program
 
 
 
Tactics include: Creating annual Bay Area fundraising event. Creating annual Los Angeles fundraising event.  Creating annual events program for county councils. Developing event invitation template.
 
 
 
5) Develop online fundraising program
 
 
 
Tactics include: Developing quarterly email solicitations and online fundraising campaigns. Developing online fundraising materials.
 
 
 
6) Develop direct mail program
 
 
 
Tactics include:  Writing quarterly donor re-solicitation letters. Developing persuasive, timely and beautifully-designed direct mail materials.
 
 
 
7) Develop merchandising program
 
 
 
Tactics include: Designing and selling GPCA t-shirt, button and stickers.  Exploring prospects for bilingual materials and shopping bags.
 
 
 
'''''Provide backup support and technological assistance to the Treasurer'''''
 
  
We must scope of GPCA Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer’s roles to accommodate increased scope of fundraising. If possible, we should allocate a monthly stipend to the GPCA Treasurer, allocate funds for data entry and other support staff work to the Treasurer.
 
  
 
There is a fee that we pay each year for the software to file with FPPC.  It is true that FPPC has free on-line software.  If the GPCA chooses to use the free software, in which each donation has to be listed by scratch, then you will definitely have to find another treasurer.  Craftware, our software vender, gives us a special discounted price, which has remained $1250 for some time.  That is 50% of the regular price.
 
There is a fee that we pay each year for the software to file with FPPC.  It is true that FPPC has free on-line software.  If the GPCA chooses to use the free software, in which each donation has to be listed by scratch, then you will definitely have to find another treasurer.  Craftware, our software vender, gives us a special discounted price, which has remained $1250 for some time.  That is 50% of the regular price.
 
'''Building a Contact Relationship (CRM) Database Software'''
 
 
GPCA does not have an online database of our volunteers, donors, email subscribers, volunteer prospects, donor prospects. We must create one to be a viable political party now and in the future. The database will allow us to track donations, volunteer commitments, email subscriptions, issue interests, privacy requests and more.  It will make us more efficient and effective. The CRM will be available to all County Councils.  The GPCA Executive Director will train volunteers in database management and data entry. 
 
  
 
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'''7. GREEN ISSUES WORKING GROUP (GIWG)'''
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'''7. GREEN ISSUES WORKING GROUP (GIWG) (no FY2011-12 budget draft submitted)'''
 
 
No FY 2011-12 budget draft submitted.
 
 
 
 
   Coalition Building/Project Initiative Costs
 
   Coalition Building/Project Initiative Costs
 
   Green Actions (replaces Convergences)
 
   Green Actions (replaces Convergences)
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'''8. GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING WORKING GROUP (GROW)'''
 
'''8. GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING WORKING GROUP (GROW)'''
 
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  Green Focus
GROW did not submit a work plan with their budget request. This work plan was designed by Marnie Glickman, GPCA consultant from January through April 2011. This work plan is based on results of volunteer mobilization and research conducted from January through April 2011.
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  Green Focus Bulk Postage
 
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  Green Focus Printing & Shipping
'''''Launch Green 2012, the campaign to register 100,000 Greens by Election Day 2012.'''''
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  Registration support (Old " Voter Registration Drive")
 
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  Volunteer Coordinator
We registered 103,000 Green Party members during our party’s first voter registration drive in 1990-1991. We can do it again. And we must do it again, to strengthen the influence of Green values in California and nationally.
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  County Council Support
 
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  County Organization Grant Program
Our main target for voter registration is young voters, because we are a youthful party. California Greens have the largest percentage of registered voters below 50 years of age of all California political parties, with the exception of the Peace and Freedom Party. Nearly one-quarter of all California Greens are under the age of 25. One-sixth of all California Greens are between the ages of 29 and 34. These young voters are the future of our political movement; we should invest in organizing them now because they are our future.
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  County State fundraising (Prospect Mailings)
 
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  Campus Greens
The first phase of our voter registration drive will be launched in May 2011.  Volunteers will work with GPCA staff and leaders as well as County Council members to organize voter registration tables at spring and summer events, naturalization ceremonies and other strategic locations across the state. Voter registration drive volunteer recruitment, training, mobilization and coordination by the GPCA consultant and Executive Director. GROW will develop a well-written, beautifully-designed “Why Register Green” flyer.
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  Diversity Outreach
 
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  Rural Outreach
The second phase of the voter registration drive will begin as soon as we complete raising the GPCA tier 1 budget. The second phase will involve paying organizers to conduct voter registration efforts and funding more tabling and material costs.
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  General Grow Funding (Old "Additional Printing")
 
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    (Subtotal GROW)
'''''Recruit, train, coordinate and energize more GPCA volunteers.'''''
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Organizing and Voter Registration Materials
 
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Organizing and Voter Registration Organizers
Tactics include: Developing “How to Volunteer Green” flyer. Recruiting and training campaign managers for GPCA candidates. Recruiting and training webmasters for GPCA candidates. Recruiting and train campaign fundraisers and treasurers for GPCA candidates. Recruiting and training webmasters and online organizers for every county council. Recruiting, training and managing online content publishing team for GPCA website and social network pages. Recruiting and managing graphic design volunteers. Developing a broad-based membership event component for bi-annual GPCA General Assemblies and/or Gatherings. Develoingp a calendar of GPCA internal and external events and political deadlines and ensure the capacity for county council members and other interested party members to receive this information.
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    (Subtotal GROW-related Green 2012)
 
 
'''''Green Focus''''' 
 
 
 
NEED TEXT
 
  
 
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'''9. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GROUP  (IT)'''
 
'''9. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GROUP  (IT)'''
 +
  Server Hosting
 +
  Server Backup Services
 +
  Voting/Polling Page
 +
  Staff
 +
  (Reserve)
 +
Contribution to Open STV
 +
  (Domain Name not expiring)
 +
    (Subtotal IT)
 +
  Web redeisgn/CMS Implementation/Misc. projects Tier II
 +
    (Subtotal IT Tier II)
  
The IT group did not submit a work plan.  Marnie Glickman, GPCA consultant, provided work plan text for this section.
 
 
'''''Update the GPCA website.'''''
 
 
Tactics include: Redesigning information architecture. Creating new universal navigation bar and sub-navigation menus. Updating graphic look and feel of website. Redesigning web page template using CSS stylesheets. Researching and selecting content management system (CMS) for website. Developing standard GPCA web site template for county Green Parties to use if they want. Developing templates for campaign websites for GPCA candidates. Provide design support to candidates endorsed by their county Green Party or the GPCA, where applicable. Addressing the issue of county web sites that are significantly out of date. Reviewing all existing web page on the GPCA website for accuracy.
 
 
'''''Build larger and more vibrant online communications networks.'''''
 
 
Tactics include: Researching and selecting an email distribution system with the capacity to reach large numbers of GPCA members efficiently and effectively. Reviewing existing GPCA email listserv management system, recommend changes as necessary.  Reviewing existing GPCA statewide announcement email lists, recommend changes where necessary. Developing protocol for GPCA members to opt-in/opt-out of GPCA email lists. Writing and sending email news/announcement at least twice each month to GPCA members who have opted in.  Expanding GPCA supporter networks on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
 
  
 
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'''10. INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOL COMMITTEE'''
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'''10. INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOL COMMITTEE (no FY2011-12 budget draft submitted)'''
 
 
No FY2011-12 budget draft submitted.
 
  
 
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'''11. MEDIA COMMITTEE'''
 
'''11. MEDIA COMMITTEE'''
  
'''''Mission'''''
 
  
 +
Mission
 
The Green Party of California Media Standing Committee seeks to promote and foster a positive image of the GPCA through media channels. We particularly want to increase our presence in online social media (facebook, twitter, etc.), but will continue to seek coverage in print and broadcast media. The Media Standing Committee seeks to garner the attention of and gain credibility with the mainstream and alternative media. The Media Committee issues press releases and provides spokespersons to help get the Green Party message out to the public through the media.   
 
The Green Party of California Media Standing Committee seeks to promote and foster a positive image of the GPCA through media channels. We particularly want to increase our presence in online social media (facebook, twitter, etc.), but will continue to seek coverage in print and broadcast media. The Media Standing Committee seeks to garner the attention of and gain credibility with the mainstream and alternative media. The Media Committee issues press releases and provides spokespersons to help get the Green Party message out to the public through the media.   
 
+
Objectives
'''''Objectives'''''
 
 
 
 
A. Research, write, solicit, edit and distribute press releases, advisories, op-eds, letters, articles, social networking sites, blog posts and press kits for media outlets in California.
 
A. Research, write, solicit, edit and distribute press releases, advisories, op-eds, letters, articles, social networking sites, blog posts and press kits for media outlets in California.
 
 
a. press releases will usually be written or edited  by the GPCA Press Secretary
 
a. press releases will usually be written or edited  by the GPCA Press Secretary
 
b. draft releases may also be submitted to the Media Committee by any registered Green; such a release will then be subjected to our Committee's editing and/or approval process: press releases require 2 persons to approve the release before dissemination. Current authorized approvers are Erika McDonald, Lisa Taylor, Bert Heuer, Mike Feinstein, Wes Rolley, Hank Chapot and any GPCA spokesperson, which includes Laura Wells, Chapot, Feinstein, Derek Iversen and Susan King
 
b. draft releases may also be submitted to the Media Committee by any registered Green; such a release will then be subjected to our Committee's editing and/or approval process: press releases require 2 persons to approve the release before dissemination. Current authorized approvers are Erika McDonald, Lisa Taylor, Bert Heuer, Mike Feinstein, Wes Rolley, Hank Chapot and any GPCA spokesperson, which includes Laura Wells, Chapot, Feinstein, Derek Iversen and Susan King
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f. the Media Committee may also solicit press releases/op-eds/articles by requesting that a Green "issue expert", official, or candidate write a draft
 
f. the Media Committee may also solicit press releases/op-eds/articles by requesting that a Green "issue expert", official, or candidate write a draft
 
g. distribution of press releases via fax and/or email; this duty will typically be performed by our Press Secretary, but media committee members and local GP media contacts are welcome to assist with distribution and add contacts to our distribution list.
 
g. distribution of press releases via fax and/or email; this duty will typically be performed by our Press Secretary, but media committee members and local GP media contacts are welcome to assist with distribution and add contacts to our distribution list.
 
 
B. Promote Green blogs such as California Greening and green social networking sites such as GreenChange.org.
 
B. Promote Green blogs such as California Greening and green social networking sites such as GreenChange.org.
 
 
C. Post thoughts on the news of the day/week/month on the cagreens.org home page. Use a Twitter account for the Green Party of California for microblogging.
 
C. Post thoughts on the news of the day/week/month on the cagreens.org home page. Use a Twitter account for the Green Party of California for microblogging.
 
 
D. Build relationships with editors and reporters through phone and personal contact with our spokespeople, media committee members, press secretary and local media contacts
 
D. Build relationships with editors and reporters through phone and personal contact with our spokespeople, media committee members, press secretary and local media contacts
 
 
E. Organize press conferences and media events as needed
 
E. Organize press conferences and media events as needed
 
 
F. Provide resources, training and support to local GP media contacts and candidates; this may include advising local Green candidates about media relations by phone and/or in person; participating in candidate training workshops; providing media lists to candidates and local Green Party chapters  
 
F. Provide resources, training and support to local GP media contacts and candidates; this may include advising local Green candidates about media relations by phone and/or in person; participating in candidate training workshops; providing media lists to candidates and local Green Party chapters  
 
 
G. Maintain effective Media Committee organization; conduct quarterly (at least) conference calls; post press releases and articles on the web site at cagreens.org.  
 
G. Maintain effective Media Committee organization; conduct quarterly (at least) conference calls; post press releases and articles on the web site at cagreens.org.  
 +
H. Recruit and develop spokespeople for the Green Party of California.
  
H. Recruit and develop spokespeople for the Green Party of California.
 
  
'''''Press Secretary compensation and office allowance'''''
+
The Media Committee acknowledge monies are not yet available to fund the bulk of the Visibility Campaign – which is crucial to our fundraising, voter registration, candidates and overall visibility – and will be willing to adjust spending as the monies become available.
  
$300 monthly, the same as 2010-11, and nearly half what was charged in 4 previous years: includes phone/fax distribution costs, travel and misc. expenses. In addition to writing and disseminating news releases statewide, and coordinating media for GPCA, NEW additional duties will include: Writing, creation, design and coordination of the GPCA fundraising appeals (in conjunction with Finance Committee) and writing, editing and design of Green Focus, and scripting and production responsibility for "Visibility Campaign" as noted below. Press Secretary will also be lending his assistance to GPCA candidates on statewide, and local ballots, including helping formulate all earned and paid media strategic planning, writing and disseminating releases when possible.
+
- Fax & email distribution
 +
- Phone & fax allowance
 +
- Press Secretary/Communications Director Compensation and Expenses - $3600
  
'''''Green Party Visibility Campaign'''''
+
Press Secretary compensation and office allowance: $300 monthly, the same as 2010-11, and nearly half what was charged in 4 previous years: includes phone/fax distribution costs, travel and misc. expenses. In addition to writing and disseminating news releases statewide, and coordinating media for GPCA, NEW additional duties will include: Writing, creation, design and coordination of the GPCA fundraising appeals (in conjunction with Finance Committee) and writing, editing and design of Green Focus, and scripting and production responsibility for "Visibility Campaign" as noted below. Press Secretary will also be lending his assistance to GPCA candidates on statewide, and local ballots, including helping formulate all earned and paid media strategic planning, writing and disseminating releases when possible.
  
The Media Committee acknowledge monies are not yet available to fund the bulk of the Visibility Campaign – which is crucial to our fundraising, voter registration, candidates and overall visibility – and will be willing to adjust spending as the monies become available.  The total requested amount for television and video spots is $25,000.
+
- Green Party Visibility Campaign (Television and Video Spots) $25,000  
  
 
This project will benefit the party in its presence to the voting public, which  will assist GPCA candidates, fundraising and major donor campaigns and a plan to launch a massive voter registration drive. The 15 and 30 second television spots – to run on CNN, Headline News, MNBC and other cable networks - will be placed in strategic geographic areas, and will seek to take advantage of voter apathy with the current Dem and GOP parties. It will reinforce the GPCA name, enabling us to raise more monies, register more voters and expose our candidates and campaigns to the voter. The spots/ads could also be used as active content for our online presence. We spent $3,300 in 2010-11 on this program.
 
This project will benefit the party in its presence to the voting public, which  will assist GPCA candidates, fundraising and major donor campaigns and a plan to launch a massive voter registration drive. The 15 and 30 second television spots – to run on CNN, Headline News, MNBC and other cable networks - will be placed in strategic geographic areas, and will seek to take advantage of voter apathy with the current Dem and GOP parties. It will reinforce the GPCA name, enabling us to raise more monies, register more voters and expose our candidates and campaigns to the voter. The spots/ads could also be used as active content for our online presence. We spent $3,300 in 2010-11 on this program.
  
LENGTH OF AD: 15-30 second spots.
+
LENGTH OF AD: 15-30 second spots.
 
+
WHO: Comcast Cable (they have active advertising programs unlike Direct TV, etc.)
WHO: Comcast Cable (they have active advertising programs unlike Direct TV, etc.)
+
WHAT SHOW: Recommend targeting as follows:
 
 
WHAT SHOW: Recommend targeting as follows:
 
 
  • News Shows (regular voters): CNN, Headline News, Fox News, MSNBC, etc.)
 
  • News Shows (regular voters): CNN, Headline News, Fox News, MSNBC, etc.)
 
  • Shows for people of color (varies)
 
  • Shows for people of color (varies)
 
  • Shows for those who are Dems but should be Greens: Comedy Channel, etc.
 
  • Shows for those who are Dems but should be Greens: Comedy Channel, etc.
 +
FREQUENCY: What we run is based entirely on budget.
 +
MARKETS: Suggest 2-3 zones in SF Bay Area, LA, Sacramento, and others as strategy dictates. We could focus on zones where we have, or will have, active voter registration efforts and/or viable candidates around this.
 +
SMALLER MARKETS: We could, in above and in smaller markets, work a deal with local Greens in any market - the state will pay HALF of the cost of  running the spots if matched by locals. This would work well in rejuvenating counties.
 +
COSTS: Depends on zones. SF zones (there are at least 8 in the Bay Area) cost as little as $5 per 30 second spot for prime-time CNN (the most  expensive of the news shows. Average probably about $15-20 per :30 spot. *We could double our buys by having a shorter : 15 second spot. It  increases frequency but not the cost. - which I believe we could do with this campaign
 +
TOTAL BUY: $25,000 could hit most of California, especially the coast, inland, SoCal and NoCal, including Sacramento (which would reach political  reporters, etc. at the Capitol). We could also do a SPECIAL MAILING to our donor list to pay for all or part of it and use that for a second round.
 +
ADDITIONAL: When we put together the campaigns we should be able to get free media (example: In Alameda recently 5 TV stations, radio, etc. covered the unveiling of a spot where the total buy was only $800).
  
FREQUENCY: What we run is based entirely on budget.
+
- Online Media Advertising
 
 
MARKETS: Suggest 2-3 zones in SF Bay Area, LA, Sacramento, and others as strategy dictates. We could focus on zones where we have, or will have, active voter registration efforts and/or viable candidates around this.
 
  
SMALLER MARKETS: We could, in above and in smaller markets, work a deal with local Greens in any market - the state will pay HALF of the cost of running the spots if matched by locals. This would work well in rejuvenating counties.
+
3.  $5,000 Green Party Visibility Campaign - Online. Similar to the television campaign, this budget item will do much as the same but will be focused only on online advertising, such as Google and Facebook.
 +
Work Plan 2011-12
  
COSTS: Depends on zones. SF zones (there are at least 8 in the Bay Area) cost as little as $5 per 30 second spot for prime-time CNN (the most  expensive of the news shows. Average probably about $15-20 per :30 spot. *We could double our buys by having a shorter : 15 second spot. It  increases frequency but not the cost. - which I believe we could do with this campaign
 
  
TOTAL BUY: $25,000 could hit most of California, especially the coast, inland, SoCal and NoCal, including Sacramento (which would reach political  reporters, etc. at the Capitol). We could also do a SPECIAL MAILING to our donor list to pay for all or part of it and use that for a second round.
+
- CMS System
 
+
- Letters to Elected Officials/Candidates
ADDITIONAL: When we put together the campaigns we should be able to get free media (example: In Alameda recently 5 TV stations, radio, etc. covered the unveiling of a spot where the total buy was only $800).
+
- Videotapes
 
+
- Backdrop for Press Conferences
'''''Online Media Advertising'''''
+
- Teleconference Expenses
 
+
- GPUS List Service
Similar to the television campaign, this $5,000 budget item will do much as the same but will be focused only on online advertising, such as Google and Facebook.
+
  (Workshops)
 +
    (Subtotal Media)
  
 
----
 
----
  
?????BUDGET LINE ITEMS???
+
BUDGET LINE ITEMS
 
+
Donations to campaigns  
????Donations to campaigns???
 
  
 
----
 
----
  
'''12. GPUS DELEGATION'''
+
12. GPUS DELEGATION
 
 
 
  GPCA Delegate Support to GPUS ANM (National Meeting Travel Support)  
 
  GPCA Delegate Support to GPUS ANM (National Meeting Travel Support)  
 
   Advance Discounted 2010 ANM Registrations
 
   Advance Discounted 2010 ANM Registrations
Line 351: Line 373:
 
'''13. PLATFORM STANDING COMMITTEE'''
 
'''13. PLATFORM STANDING COMMITTEE'''
  
'''''Objectives
+
 
'''''
+
PLATFORM  WORKPLAN FOR 2011-2012
 +
A.  Platform Planks to be Submitted
 
1. California Tax Reform  
 
1. California Tax Reform  
 
2. Revision of GPCA platform planks as needed, for example, the language of the Disabled  and Violence in Society planks
 
2. Revision of GPCA platform planks as needed, for example, the language of the Disabled  and Violence in Society planks
 
3. New planks as these arise.
 
3. New planks as these arise.
  
'''''Anticipated activities'''''
+
B.  Other Anticipated Activities
 
 
 
1. Revision of the election brochure for any 2011 elections. This will not require funding.  Making copies will.
 
1. Revision of the election brochure for any 2011 elections. This will not require funding.  Making copies will.
 
2. Participation in monthly Co-Co telephone conference calls.  Funds may need to be allotted for this activity
 
2. Participation in monthly Co-Co telephone conference calls.  Funds may need to be allotted for this activity
Line 366: Line 388:
 
6. Respond to Platform list serve requests
 
6. Respond to Platform list serve requests
 
7. Increase Platform Committee membership and participation  
 
7. Increase Platform Committee membership and participation  
 +
C.  Requested Budget/Justification
 +
      1.  Updating Full Platforms and Platform Summaries
 +
The reserves hold  258 copies of full 2002 platforms, 258 copies of the 2005 addendum to the full platform, 158 copies of the 2006 platform summaries,  545 copies of the 2008 platform summaries, and 800 copies of the Addendum to the 2008 Platform Summary. 
 +
      1. 258 copies of updated full platforms should be sufficient in the form of 258 updates from 2005-2011 at a cost of $200.  The 2002 platforms would need a page indicating which planks in the 2002 platforms were revised and where to find them in the updates.  This alternative is much less expensive than getting 258 full 2011 platforms as one volume. 
 +
        2.  Transport costs to Co-Cos’ Strategy Retreat    $100.
 +
      3.  IT costs for posting and maintaining Platform Website:  $200. 
 +
Grand Total Requested:  $500
  
'''''Updating Full Platforms and Platform Summaries'''''
 
  
The reserves hold  258 copies of full 2002 platforms, 258 copies of the 2005 addendum to the full platform, 158 copies of the 2006 platform summaries,  545 copies of the 2008 platform summaries, and 800 copies of the Addendum to the 2008 Platform Summary. 
+
  Printing and Supplies (Old "Full Platform printing")
 +
  Platform Summaries
 +
  Updating Full Platforms and Platform Summaries
 +
  IT costs for posting and maintaining Platform website
 +
  Travel to Retreats
 +
    (Subtotal Platform)
  
2258 copies of updated full platforms should be sufficient in the form of 258 updates from 2005-2011 at a cost of $200.  The 2002 platforms would need a page indicating which planks in the 2002 platforms were revised and where to find them in the updates.  This alternative is much less expensive than getting 258 full 2011 platforms as one volume. 
 
  
 
----
 
----

Revision as of 11:56, 17 April 2011

0. INTRODUCTION

The GPCA's FY2011-2012 Budget occurs amidst during a deep national and international economic crisis that became manifest in October of 2008. That crisis has made it challenging for non-profit organizations and other not-for-profit entities like the GPCA that survive primarily or exclusively on grassroots donations and fundraising. The economic crisis also came on the heels of the politically difficult period for the Green Party when it suffered the blowback of being blamed for the 2000 Bush presidency. Combined its own internal self-inflicted wounds over 2004 presidential strategy and other internal divisions, the cumulative effect of those trends led to a significant downturn in GPCA fundraising compared to the growth period the party experienced at the beginning of the last decade.

In FY2011-2012, prospects are looking up for the GPCA. The political climate is favorable in light of a disappointing Obama administration combined with a far right fringe Tea Party movement on the federal level, combined with the lack of real answers by either Democrats or Republicans to the structural problems of our state. At the same time internally within the Green Party, there has been a growth in new activists interested in becoming involved, along with a return by many long time party activists.

With this potential, the GPCA FY2011-2012 Budget seeks to establish a baseline of core expenses to ensure the maintenance of the party's basic, ongoing operations, based upon the same minimal level of fundraising experienced in the last few years, along with a plan to invest in growth opportunities that would bring in more money to fund more organizing. This Budget also seeks to establish a manner in which increased revenue will be dedicated to additional organizing in a predictable, transparent manner that will minimize the need for mid-year discretionary choices by either the General Assembly or the Coordinating Committee, yet correspond realistically to expected cash flow and political deadlines, along with provide enough flexibility to adapt to unpredictable circumstances.

On the income side, the FY2011-20122 Budget contains a plan to raise up to $163,750 -- with $60,500 projected between May and September 2011 and $103,250 between October 2011 and April 2012. The plan would expand the GPCA's fundraising capability by hiring a fundraiser to manage a fundraising campaign, along with creating a new GPCA contact relationship management (CRM) database to ensure high quality management functions such as donation tracking and GPCA supporter communications.


1. BYLAWS COMMITTEE (no FY2011-12 budget draft submitted)



2. CAMPAIGNS & CANDIDATES WORKING GROUP (CCWG)

Tiered approach to budget for CCWG due to contingency of success of Marnie Glickmans's Green2012, first stage voter database set-up, analysis, and outreach to raise funding. Tier 1: worst case scenario, minimum funding needed Tier 2: moderate success, moderate funding requested Tier 3: best case scenario, funding appropriate to successful fundraising


GENERAL GOALS OF CCWG 2011 / 2012 • Continue to meet via teleconference every 2nd Wednesday of the month. • Continue to discuss ongoing issues relating to our mandate via email. • Maintain updated and useful CCWG webpage. • Create documented set of criteria to use when considering candidate funding recommendations • Determine which ONE candidate questionnaire to use as standard, or create a new one. • Recruit new Campaign Fund Support Committee, AND IF THEY DO NOT CONVENE, SEEKS STEPS TO CHANGE OUR BYLAWS TO DISSOLVE THE COMMITTEE REQUIREMENT THEREBY REVERTING THE RESPONSIBILTY OF FUNDING ALLOCATIONS BACK TO CCWG. • Recruit new CCWG Co-Coordinators, as the current term(s) are over as of March 2012. • Recruit potential candidates and make certain they are endorsed by their local for funding purposes. • Provide tools, resources, training, and funding recommendations for candidates. • Conduct County Polling during State Proposition cycle. • Keep informed and share information regarding status of Proposition 14 legality and repercussions if not over-turned. • Continue to work with GROW, Media, IT, and ByLaws Committee(s) to improve GPCA. • Participate in on-going Stragetic Planning with GPCA as a whole.


APRIL THROUGH JUNE 2011 • Assess the success of Marnie Glickman's Green2012 Proposal implementation pertaining to use and results of the CAVoterConnect data management system. • Launch candidate recruiting drive, training for candidates, and assist in voter registration drive launch at Plenary. • Stay in communication with GPUS Delegates as to names for Presidental Primary. • Consider creating a Candidate Sustainer Form for neighborhood canvassing. • Continue to work with other committees on improving GPCA. • Assist in formation of Personnel Policy as it relates to this working group. • Continue assessment of Prop 14 status. • Continue to work on the GPCA Strategic Action Plan.

JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011 • Continue candidate recruitment and training, Deadline for filing is March 9, 2012. • Make certain that the Candidate Fund Support Committee is in process of formation. • Make certain we have created and have documented a set of criteria for CCWG to use in its funding support recommendations on behalf of candidates. • Propose types of and trainors for Candidate and Campaign related training sessions at Stragetic Gathering to be held in Ventura in (potentially) August. • Continue assessment of Marnie Glickman's Green2012 Proposal(s). • Form and propose any CCWG break-out sessions for Fall / Winter Plenary • Start recruiting new Co-Cos for CCWG • Continue communication with GPUS regarding status of Presidential nominee(s) process. • Continue assessment of Prop 14 status. • Continue to work on the GPCA Strategic Action Plan.

OCTOBER THROUGH DECEMBER 2011 • Continue candidate recruitment throughout the Fall. • Make certain that either the Campaign Fund Support Committee or CCWG is in consistent contact with Candidates and following through with THE Questionnaire and following the criteria established for endorsing / funding candidates. • Create various means and tools for candidate training and support. • Continue assessment of Prop 14 status. • Continue communication with GPUS regarding status of Presidential nominee(s) process. • Continue working on the GPCA Strategic Action Plan. • Start working on goals for CCWG next WorkPlan & Budget. • Continue assessment of Marnie Glickman's Green2012 Proposal • Continue assist in creating Personnel Policy.

JANUARY THROUGH MARCH 2012 • Start working on the new WorkPlan and Budget. • Continue candidate recruitment and training. • Form and propose any CCWG break-out sessions for the Spring Plenary • Continue assessment of Prop 14 status. • Continue communication with GPUS regarding status of Presidential nominee(s) process. • Continue working with other committees to improve GPCA. • Continue assessment of Marnie Glickman's Green2012 Proposal • Continue assist in creating Personnel Policy if still applicable. • Continue working on the GPCA Strategic Action Plan.


- Campaign Support Fund Tier 1: $5,000 Tier 2: $10,000 Tier 3: $20,000 - Strategy Meetings/Retreats - Candidate Training Sessions - Copying for meetings - Teleconference Reimbursements - Co-Cos Retreat Travel/Lodging - Voter Database Project

   (Subtotal CCWG)

- Campaign Support Fund Tier II - Field Organizer Tier II Volunteer recruitment, volunteer coordination and administrative support (Field organizer) Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $1,200 Tier 3: $3,600

- Campaign training/consulting for candidates, staff, volunteers (Executive director) Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $1,200 Tier 3: $3,600

- Voter file database management (Executive director)

Voter file database management (Executive director) Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $1,200 Tier 3: $3,600

- Miscellaneous Operational Expenses

Misc Operational Expenses Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $100 Tier 3: $200

   (Subtotal CCWG Tier II)

- Campaign Support Fund Tier III

- Field Organizer Tier III Volunteer recruitment, volunteer coordination and administrative support (Field organizer) Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $1,200 Tier 3: $3,600

- Campaign training/consulting for candidates, staff, volunteers (Executive director) - Voter file database management (Executive director)


Voter file database software: (non-tiered) $3,600

  • due to a contractual agreement with CAVoterConnect, this is required spending.

- Miscellaneous Operational Expenses

Misc Operational Expenses Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $100 Tier 3: $200

   (Subtotal CCWG Tier III)

- Executive Director

Campaign training/consulting for candidates, staff, volunteers (Executive director) Tier 1: $0.00 Tier 2: $1,200 Tier 3: $3,600


- Field Director - Online Director

   (Green 2012)

3. CLEARINGHOUSE COMMITTEE (no FY2011-12 budget draft submitted)

 Office Rent
 Post Office Box
 Fax-Phone-Printing Machine
 Phone
 Office Supplies
 Postage/shipping
 GPCA merchandise (old "paraphenalia")
 New materials and merchandise
   (Subtotal Clearinghouse)

4. COORDINATING COMMITTEE (CC)

Insurance
Legal
CC Retreat
Phone
Office Supplies
Recordings of CC meetings
Bank Charge
Other CC
General Assemblies
  Hosting Costs


- Site Rental - Damage Deposit lost (if applicable) - Equipment Rental (Microphones/Sound System/Power Point/Projection, Video Cameras, other) - Food - Travel Expense Subsidies - Lodging Expense Subsidies - Minutes taker(s) - Video tapes (has been paid separately by state party) - Honoraria for speakers or workshop leaders or music - Administrative (copies, other) - Friday CC meeting (food, copies, space rental) - Repaying GPCA loan


  Participant Payments for Plenaries
  CC Plenary Dinners
  Plenary Administration
  Plenary Travel Support (Hardship)
  (Subtotal CC)

5. ELECTORAL REFORM WORKING GROUP (ERGS) (no FY2011-12 budget draft submitted)

 Materials
 Media (cds, etc)( Old "Co-co retreat participation")
 Postage(Old " Education Workshop")
   (Subtotal ERWG)

6. FINANCE COMMITTEE

 Fundraising Coordinator
 FPPC Software 
 Mail house
 Bulk mail permit
 Prospect Mailings
 Printing
 Postage
   (Subtotal Finance Committee)
 Prospect Mailings Tier II
 Donor Mailing Coordinator  Tier II
 Treasurer  Tier II
 Treasurer Assistant  Tier II
   (Subtotal Finance Committee Tier II)
Fundraising events, donor prospecting materials, postage and travel costs
   (Green 2012)

TREASURER (no FY2011-12 budget draft submitted)

 Bank Charges
 Data Entry Assistance
 Legal
 Merchant Fees
 Post Office Box
 Postage
 Printing
 Software
   (Subtotal Treasurer)


There is a fee that we pay each year for the software to file with FPPC. It is true that FPPC has free on-line software. If the GPCA chooses to use the free software, in which each donation has to be listed by scratch, then you will definitely have to find another treasurer. Craftware, our software vender, gives us a special discounted price, which has remained $1250 for some time. That is 50% of the regular price.


7. GREEN ISSUES WORKING GROUP (GIWG) (no FY2011-12 budget draft submitted)

 Coalition Building/Project Initiative Costs
 Green Actions (replaces Convergences)
 Printing, Copying, Mailing - General Office
 Teleconferences
 Research
 Formatting and Distributing Proposals
 Writing and Distributing Notices and Minutes
 Update Organizing Webpages
 Retreat
 (Healthy Community Alliance)
 Requested for all efforts
 (Rural Organizing)
   (Subtotal Green Issues)

8. GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING WORKING GROUP (GROW)

 Green Focus
  Green Focus Bulk Postage 
  Green Focus Printing & Shipping
 Registration support (Old " Voter Registration Drive")
 Volunteer Coordinator
 County Council Support
 County Organization Grant Program
County State fundraising (Prospect Mailings)
 Campus Greens
 Diversity Outreach
 Rural Outreach
 General Grow Funding (Old "Additional Printing")
   (Subtotal GROW)
Organizing and Voter Registration Materials
Organizing and Voter Registration Organizers
   (Subtotal GROW-related Green 2012)

9. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GROUP (IT)

 Server Hosting
 Server Backup Services
 Voting/Polling Page
 Staff 
 (Reserve)
Contribution to Open STV
 (Domain Name not expiring)
   (Subtotal IT)
 Web redeisgn/CMS Implementation/Misc. projects Tier II
   (Subtotal IT Tier II)



10. INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOL COMMITTEE (no FY2011-12 budget draft submitted)


11. MEDIA COMMITTEE


Mission The Green Party of California Media Standing Committee seeks to promote and foster a positive image of the GPCA through media channels. We particularly want to increase our presence in online social media (facebook, twitter, etc.), but will continue to seek coverage in print and broadcast media. The Media Standing Committee seeks to garner the attention of and gain credibility with the mainstream and alternative media. The Media Committee issues press releases and provides spokespersons to help get the Green Party message out to the public through the media. Objectives A. Research, write, solicit, edit and distribute press releases, advisories, op-eds, letters, articles, social networking sites, blog posts and press kits for media outlets in California. a. press releases will usually be written or edited by the GPCA Press Secretary b. draft releases may also be submitted to the Media Committee by any registered Green; such a release will then be subjected to our Committee's editing and/or approval process: press releases require 2 persons to approve the release before dissemination. Current authorized approvers are Erika McDonald, Lisa Taylor, Bert Heuer, Mike Feinstein, Wes Rolley, Hank Chapot and any GPCA spokesperson, which includes Laura Wells, Chapot, Feinstein, Derek Iversen and Susan King c. any registered Green may seek the advice of the Media Committee on where to place an op-ed/article written about any given issue; these are not subject to approval unless the op-ed/article claims to explicitly speak for the GPCA d. press releases submitted by Media Committee members shall be posted to our Committee's list serve for editing/approval e. press releases submitted by registered Greens not active in the Media Committee shall be submitted to a Media Committee Co-Coordinator and/or Press Secretary f. the Media Committee may also solicit press releases/op-eds/articles by requesting that a Green "issue expert", official, or candidate write a draft g. distribution of press releases via fax and/or email; this duty will typically be performed by our Press Secretary, but media committee members and local GP media contacts are welcome to assist with distribution and add contacts to our distribution list. B. Promote Green blogs such as California Greening and green social networking sites such as GreenChange.org. C. Post thoughts on the news of the day/week/month on the cagreens.org home page. Use a Twitter account for the Green Party of California for microblogging. D. Build relationships with editors and reporters through phone and personal contact with our spokespeople, media committee members, press secretary and local media contacts E. Organize press conferences and media events as needed F. Provide resources, training and support to local GP media contacts and candidates; this may include advising local Green candidates about media relations by phone and/or in person; participating in candidate training workshops; providing media lists to candidates and local Green Party chapters G. Maintain effective Media Committee organization; conduct quarterly (at least) conference calls; post press releases and articles on the web site at cagreens.org. H. Recruit and develop spokespeople for the Green Party of California.


The Media Committee acknowledge monies are not yet available to fund the bulk of the Visibility Campaign – which is crucial to our fundraising, voter registration, candidates and overall visibility – and will be willing to adjust spending as the monies become available.

- Fax & email distribution - Phone & fax allowance - Press Secretary/Communications Director Compensation and Expenses - $3600

Press Secretary compensation and office allowance: $300 monthly, the same as 2010-11, and nearly half what was charged in 4 previous years: includes phone/fax distribution costs, travel and misc. expenses. In addition to writing and disseminating news releases statewide, and coordinating media for GPCA, NEW additional duties will include: Writing, creation, design and coordination of the GPCA fundraising appeals (in conjunction with Finance Committee) and writing, editing and design of Green Focus, and scripting and production responsibility for "Visibility Campaign" as noted below. Press Secretary will also be lending his assistance to GPCA candidates on statewide, and local ballots, including helping formulate all earned and paid media strategic planning, writing and disseminating releases when possible.

- Green Party Visibility Campaign (Television and Video Spots) $25,000

This project will benefit the party in its presence to the voting public, which will assist GPCA candidates, fundraising and major donor campaigns and a plan to launch a massive voter registration drive. The 15 and 30 second television spots – to run on CNN, Headline News, MNBC and other cable networks - will be placed in strategic geographic areas, and will seek to take advantage of voter apathy with the current Dem and GOP parties. It will reinforce the GPCA name, enabling us to raise more monies, register more voters and expose our candidates and campaigns to the voter. The spots/ads could also be used as active content for our online presence. We spent $3,300 in 2010-11 on this program.

LENGTH OF AD: 15-30 second spots.
WHO: Comcast Cable (they have active advertising programs unlike Direct TV, etc.)
WHAT SHOW: Recommend targeting as follows:
• News Shows (regular voters): CNN, Headline News, Fox News, MSNBC, etc.)
• Shows for people of color (varies)
• Shows for those who are Dems but should be Greens: Comedy Channel, etc.
FREQUENCY: What we run is based entirely on budget.
MARKETS: Suggest 2-3 zones in SF Bay Area, LA, Sacramento, and others as strategy dictates. We could focus on zones where we have, or will have, active voter registration efforts and/or viable candidates around this.
SMALLER MARKETS: We could, in above and in smaller markets, work a deal with local Greens in any market - the state will pay HALF of the cost of  running the spots if matched by locals. This would work well in rejuvenating counties.
COSTS: Depends on zones. SF zones (there are at least 8 in the Bay Area) cost as little as $5 per 30 second spot for prime-time CNN (the most  expensive of the news shows. Average probably about $15-20 per :30 spot. *We could double our buys by having a shorter : 15 second spot. It  increases frequency but not the cost. - which I believe we could do with this campaign
TOTAL BUY: $25,000 could hit most of California, especially the coast, inland, SoCal and NoCal, including Sacramento (which would reach political  reporters, etc. at the Capitol). We could also do a SPECIAL MAILING to our donor list to pay for all or part of it and use that for a second round.
ADDITIONAL: When we put together the campaigns we should be able to get free media (example: In Alameda recently 5 TV stations, radio, etc. covered the unveiling of a spot where the total buy was only $800). 

- Online Media Advertising

3. $5,000 Green Party Visibility Campaign - Online. Similar to the television campaign, this budget item will do much as the same but will be focused only on online advertising, such as Google and Facebook. Work Plan 2011-12


- CMS System - Letters to Elected Officials/Candidates - Videotapes - Backdrop for Press Conferences - Teleconference Expenses - GPUS List Service

 (Workshops)
   (Subtotal Media)

BUDGET LINE ITEMS: Donations to campaigns


12. GPUS DELEGATION

GPCA Delegate Support to GPUS ANM (National Meeting Travel Support) 
 Advance Discounted 2010 ANM Registrations
 Advance Discounted Repayments
 Presidential National Nomination Convention Registration
 GA Plenary Travel
 ANM subsidy for 2010 (Old "Polling Software")
 QPNC Subsidy for 2012
 Planning Honorarium for Web Page Assistance
    for all GPCA Committees and Working Groups
   (Subtotal GPUS)

13. PLATFORM STANDING COMMITTEE


PLATFORM WORKPLAN FOR 2011-2012 A. Platform Planks to be Submitted 1. California Tax Reform 2. Revision of GPCA platform planks as needed, for example, the language of the Disabled and Violence in Society planks 3. New planks as these arise.

B. Other Anticipated Activities 1. Revision of the election brochure for any 2011 elections. This will not require funding. Making copies will. 2. Participation in monthly Co-Co telephone conference calls. Funds may need to be allotted for this activity 3. Participation in any Strategy Retreat. This may require funding 4. Production of brochures on platform topics. The creative effort will not require funding but producing copies may. One request is already fulfilled: Earth Day 2011. 5. Participation in any prioritization of 2011-2012 election issues 6. Respond to Platform list serve requests 7. Increase Platform Committee membership and participation C. Requested Budget/Justification

      1.   Updating Full Platforms and Platform Summaries

The reserves hold 258 copies of full 2002 platforms, 258 copies of the 2005 addendum to the full platform, 158 copies of the 2006 platform summaries, 545 copies of the 2008 platform summaries, and 800 copies of the Addendum to the 2008 Platform Summary.

      1. 258 copies of updated full platforms should be sufficient in the form of 258 updates from 2005-2011 at a cost of $200.  The 2002 platforms would need a page indicating which planks in the 2002 platforms were revised and where to find them in the updates.   This alternative is much less expensive than getting 258 full 2011 platforms as one volume.  
       2.  Transport costs to Co-Cos’ Strategy Retreat     $100.
      3.  IT costs for posting and maintaining Platform Website:  $200.   

Grand Total Requested: $500


 Printing and Supplies (Old "Full Platform printing")
 Platform Summaries
 Updating Full Platforms and Platform Summaries
 IT costs for posting and maintaining Platform website
 Travel to Retreats
   (Subtotal Platform)