Cumberland County Progressives Bylaws

Cumberland County Progressives Minutes – June 19, 2010

The Cumberland County Progressives met Saturday, June 19, 2010, at 2:00 pm at Sunset Coffee House on Murchison Road. Chair Roderick Lewis opened the meeting with a welcome and introductions.

Treasurer’s Report: Lewis distributed copies of the treasurer’s report, which shows an ending balance of $xxx.xx.

Old Business:

Progressives Film Series: The movie “Slingshot Hip Hop” was shown at Sunset Coffee House on Thursday, June 17, at 6:30 pm to nine CCP members and attenders. Appreciation was expressed to Chip Smith, who brought the DVD from Rocky Mount. In giving feedback, those who viewed the film thought it was excellent and that the topic was timely. There was discussion on how we might reach a larger audience with our film series. Lewis will have the next presentation announced on WIDU radio station. The next showing will be “Food, Inc.”, scheduled for Friday, July 9, at 6:30 pm at Sunset Coffee House. Tentative plans were made to show
“Capitalism: A Love Story” in August. Jim can bring the DVD.

Gaza Awareness Concert: The issue was raised that we need to state why it is important to have a consciousness-raising event on the Gaza situation. Discussion included these reasons: We are an educational organization; The Palestinians need a homeland; The Palestinians need an advocate to present their side of the issue. These ideas will be incorporated into a funds appeal letter that will reach a local, state, and national list of likely supporters. It was noted that we need to contact the Islamic community here and across the state. State Senator Larry Shaw was mentioned as a good contact person for that. Progressive churches in town would also be solicited. Lewis will draft a funds appeal letter. Nancy will contact “Kool ‘n the Gang”, whom she knows, to see if they will perform at the concert. The tentative date for the concert was set for early October 2011. Lewis will contact Dr. Melissa Barlow about getting a venue at FSU. (CCP realizes there will be some negative reaction to the concert. As an example: Some extremely negative comments came in on CCP’s YouTube account from someone who mistakenly believed that the Progressives had sponsored the recent “Free Gaza” rally at the markethouse.)

Progressives TV: There was feedback discussion of last month’s show, which featured guest Donna Mansfied. Comments were that the interview was especially good. The news was interesting, though we may have tried to get too much in. An opening glitch on the original taping was corrected for later viewing. Nancy did not have as much time to prepare because of campaigning for Congress. Next month’s guest may be either Rebecca Campbell, retiring Chair of the Sr. Citizens’ Advisory Committee, the new chair of the committee, or another representative from the organization to discuss the use of funds.

Up-Loading the TV Show: John Autry has informed CCP about a free Ripper program (Hand brake) that would allow us to put the TV show on desk top and then upload it. This process would prevent the program from crashing. Thanks go to John Autry for the tip and to Lewis for spending many hours perfecting the procedure.

501c3: Lewis took the grant application for a 501c3 to Adam Beyah for preliminary approval. Mr. Beyah gave us some helpful advice on making a few changes. After making these changes, we will re-submit it to him for a second review, hopefully by July 1. Once we become a tax-exempt non-profit organization, we should be able to get more contributions.

Progressives Summer Book Series: CCP plans to have a book study on Web of Debt by Ellen Brown on Saturday, August 21 at 1PM at Sunset Coffee House. (This will be am hour before the regular meeting time there.) There are 2 copies of the book in the library. Copies can also be purchased from Amazon.

CCP E-Newsletter: The newsletter is being emailed through MailChimp under the title “Progressive Espresso”. The open rate for the newsletter ranged from a high of 46.51% to a low of 28.57%. In feedback discussion of the dwindling number of readers, it was suggested that people may just be getting too much information on-line and/or the news articles may be a little bit old.

New Business:

Talking Points for Elaine Marshall Visit: Elaine Marshall, who is in a primary run-off to be the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate to oppose Senator Richard Burr(R), will appear at the Sunset Coffee House on Monday, June 21, at 1:30 pm. CCP members discussed pertinent questions to present to her at the meeting. Suggestions included asking her stand on: collective bargaining, the war in Afghanistan, and protecting pensions for senior citizens.

City Council Meeting June 21: An important call-meeting of the City Council will be held Monday, June 21, at 5:00 pm at City Hall. Items on the agenda include the proposal to raise bus fares and items on the Budget Ordinance Amendment 2010-7. These include the emergency telephone system fund, the transit fund, and stormwater management funds. The Progressive voice would be helpful at this meeting.

Future Capital Expenditures: CCP members were informed that the following expenditures are imminent: The payment for the domain name is due no later that August 1, payment to Adam Beyah, who is advising us on our 501c3 application, is coming up, and payment of $65.00 for the Umoja Festival is due by August 13.

Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Cumberland County Progressives will be held on Saturday, July 17, at 2:00 pm at Sunset Coffee House in Bronco Square on Murchison Road.

Ann Ashford, Secretary

Cumberland County Progressives Minutes – April 17, 2010
The Cumberland County Progressives (CCP) met Saturday, April 17, 2010, at 2:00 pm at Sunset Coffee House in Bronco Square on Murchison Road.

Treasurer’s Report:

Lewis passed out copies of the Treasurer’s Report, which shows an ending balance of $XXX.XX Expenditures since the last report include supplies for the Candidates Forum and display ads for the CCP.

Old Business:
Candidates’ Forum Feedback:

A discussion of the 8^th Congressional District Candidates’ Forum was held to determine what was successful and what could be improved. Suggestions for improvement included having more microphones, using larger fonts for the print on the program, and giving extra attention to impartial management of questions. It was a disappointment that only two candidates, Nancy Shakir (D) and Darrell Day (R) participated. It was felt that some invited candidates may have declined because the event was sponsored by the” Progressives” and the” HOPE” Coalition, two terms that Republicans may have decided were not “friendly” to their views. However, the intent was to keep the forum entirely fair and impartial. On the plus side, Lewis did a good job of advertising the event at short notice. Attendance was good, with over 40 people in the audience. The forum questions covered important issues. It was agreed that all in all, a great job was done on a very low budget. CCP will send a card to the H.O.P.E. Coalition thanking them for co-sponsoring the forum. A note will also be sent to Mr. Day expressing appreciation for his participation. Names and address collected at the event will be added to the CCP data base and “chimp” account.
501c3 Report:

Lewis and Stacey (who is on the West Coast) are working over the internet to complete the 501c3 application so that we can submit it to Adam Beyah for his professional input and for submission. A final CCP review of the application will take place in the near future when Stacey returns to Fayetteville.

Progressives TV:

* Last month’s Show: No one at this meeting had viewed last month’s show. It will be aired again on Tuesday, April 20, at 7:30 pm on Channel 7. Host Nancy Shakir’s guest on the show was Dr. Inder Nijhawan, who spoke on the impact of BRAC.
* Next Month’s Show: Tentative plans for next month’s show include a discussion of problems in the Shaw Heights area. Lewis will contact Ted Mohn to see if can provide information of the issue.
Web Radio:

Ideas for future radio shows include having Dr. Eric Mansfield as a guest and having a discussion of the Shaw Heights issue. Pictures of Shaw Heights will be needed.
Gaza Awareness Concert:

CCP is exploring the idea of having a consciousness-raising concert as a follow-up to Brian Profitt’s recent presentation on Gaza. It was pointed out that music has been a form of social protest for centuries. A number of issues will need to be addressed in organizing the event, including: media attention, funding, transportation, lodging and food for performers, setting a time and date, and inviting performers. In discussion of these items, Lewis said that Dr. Melissa Barlow has offered to try to arrange a venue at FSU. Members set a tentative target date for the spring of 2011, pending space available at that time. Suggested groups to invite are Rebel Diaz and Dasan Ahanu. It was pointed out that local, state, and national media would need to be contacted well ahead of time. A great deal of work needs to be done to make this concert happen. Members are asked to give it thought and bring ideas to the next meeting.

New Business:

Letter Campaign on Behalf of Moses Mathis::

Our member presented a concern about Moses Mathis, known in the community as “The Bicycle Man”. Mathis and his staff repair donated bicycles for his Christmas giveaway program to needy children. Mathis was forced to vacate the warehouse he had been using on Blue Street in December 2006 because of some requirements laid down by the MLK Committee which oversees the building as part of the MLK Park. Since then he has been using a building on Black and Decker Road, but now that space is not available. The MLK Committee has been asked to allow Mathis to reoccupy the Blue Street building which is part of the MLK Park. Without help from the MLK Committee or the offer of some other location,Mathis cannot continue his charitable work. For more background on this issue see The Fayetteville Observer Opinion pages on 3-12-10 and 3-15-10. Curtis requested that CPP members write letters to the Editor on Mathis’ behalf. Ann said she would draft a letter from CCP. Curtis will write a personal letter.

Announcements:

“People with Disabilities” will meet Wednesday, April 21, at 6:00 pm at the Kiwanis Recreation Center, 352 Devers St.

FAMPO: A Bicycle and Pedestrian Connective Study meets Thursday, April 29, from 4:00-7:00 at Smith Recreation Center, 1520 Slater Ave.

Next CCP Meeting:

The Cumberland County Progressives next meeting will be held on Saturday, May 15 at 2:00 pm at the Sunset Coffee House on Murchison Road.

The meeting adjourned at 4:00 pm.

Submitted by Ann Ashford, CCP Secretary

The Cumberland County Progressives (CCP) met Saturday, February 20, 2010, at 2:00 pm at Firehouse #14 on Langdon Street.

Members asked her questions regarding the HOPE Coalition and the proposed transportation hub. She suggested that those who want to voice their concerns attend the public forum held on 2d and 4th Monday nights at City Hall. One can call 433-1FAY or sign up at 6:30 pm to get on the agenda.

Shakir Candidacy: Congratulations were given to Nancy Shakir who has announced that she is running for Congress in the 8th Congressional District. She will run as a Democrat, opposing incumbent Larry Kissell.
Constant Contact: Thanks to Stacey Milbern for setting up Constant Contact, a mass email program that can provide the organization with helpful information. For example, it has shown that only 15.2% of CCP emails are being opened.
Candidates Forum: The question has been raised as to whether CCP should hold a candidates forum. Nancy suggested sponsoring a forum in partnership with other organizations such as NOW, Peace with Justice, and Democracy Fayetteville. Members agreed we should pursue this proposal.

Forum DVD: Sales of the Anti-Racism Forum DVD have slowed down. Copies are still available for a $10.00 donation.
Progressives TV Show: Thanks were given to Lewis, Thomas, Stacey, and host Ann for this month’s show featuring guest Charles Evans. The regular show time was pre-empted by a City Council meeting, but there were subsequent showings on Channel 7. The show can now be viewed on-line. CCP has learned that we cannot use our TV show to air a Candidates Forum as per telephone conference with TWC.
Web Radio: Guests on web radio this month were Jim Stolz speaking on food wars and Brian Profitt reporting on his visit to Gaza. The web radio show CAN be used to air a Candidates Forum.
County Commissioners Report: Jim Stolz, who reports on the meetings for CCP, said that the new commissioner is Mr. Gilfus.
Membership Dues: Membership dues of $10.00 can be sent by mail or Pay Pal.

Announcements:

The next KFC rally will be held Sunday, March 6 in front of the KFC on Raeford Road. Contact: Jim Stolz.
The School of Our Lorde will meet March 3 at Sunset Coffee House on Murchison Road. Contact: Stacey Milbern.
HKonJ will hold its third annual rally in Raleigh on February 27. Contact: NAACP office.
The HOPE Coalition will meet Feb. 23 at 6:30 in the Headquarters Library.
Next Meeting: The next meeting of Cumberland County Progressives will be held Saturday, March 20, 2010, at Sunset Coffee House, Bronco Square, Murchison Road, at 2:00 pm.

The Business meeting adjourned around 3:15 pm, followed by the guest speaker.

Following the CCP Business Meeting, Brian Profitt , teacher and activist from Durham, gave a report on his recent visit to Gaza. Brian gave a very complete, informative, and interesting talk, illustrated with pictures from his trip. After summarizing the history of the Palestinian conflict and defining terms, Brian told of his experiences in Gaza and the West Bank. Brian believes the solution to the conflict there is to make Palestine a singular, secular democratic state. He explained why he thinks this is preferable to a two-state solution.

Brian’s first- hand witness to the conflict in Palestine and his understanding of the history of the region are important resources for anyone wanting to know more about this troubled region. It is hoped that Brian can give another presentation here to a larger audience.

Cumberland County Progressives

Minutes – January 2, 2010

The Cumberland County Progressives (CCP) met Saturday, January 2, 2010, at 2:00 pm at K&W Cafeteria.

Old Business:

CCP Protest: The CCP protest against ( Group protests Kissell's vote on health care ... )Larry Kissell’s stand on health care and other issues was reported on in the “Washington Post”. CCP’s have thus received national recognition for their political action.

CCP’s rally against the escalation of the war in Afghanistan:

The event was reported on in “The Fayetteville Observer” with an article and a picture. Afterwards, CCP wrote a letter to the editor clarifying who organized the rally. They had mistakenly reported that it was organized by Quaker House. Nancy Shakir wrote an op-ed piece opposing the troop escalation which appeared in the paper in December.

The movie”Avatar” was attended by some members of CCP. They found the several levels of meaning in the movie and its special effects very interesting.

Sales of the Anti-Racism Forum DVD are going well. A few copies remain for sale at $10.00 each. Lewis reported that our new Pay-Pal account is successfully receiving payments. People who have viewed the DVD are making positive comments about the forum.

Progressives’ TV: Last month’s show was briefly reviewed. It will be uploaded on Jan. 6 so that it can be viewed on home computers. The January show will feature Charles Evans, former City Councilperson, as guest. The topic will be treatment of the evicted residents of the Prince Charles Hotel. Ann Ashford will fill in for Nancy Shakir as host.

Web Radio: Last month’s show on the topic of the homeless featured Curtis Stobie as the guest. The show can be heard from a link on the CCP website. CCP will try to arrange for reports from the City Council and the County Commission to be aired on the show. In discussion, Jim Stolz reported that the County Commisioners meeting he attended recently opened with a Christian prayer. There will be follow-up on this.

New Business:

Fund-raising: There was a brief discussion as to whether CCP should have another gas card raffle to raise funds. It was decided to table the issue until we are clear on how much money was raised by the last raffle. Nancy Shakir made a motion that we request future treasurer’s reports to include itemized accounts of specific receipts, such as, raffles, DVD sales, membership dues, etc. Ann seconded and the motion carried. In discussion of the motion, Lewis said that a computer program to accomplish this could be quite expensive.

CCP Telephone Calling Tree: The question was raised as to whether CCP should have a telephone calling tree to announce meeting dates and other events. After members agreed to this, Lewis circulated a list for attenders to give their names and phone numbers.

Announcements:

KFC Rally: A rally will be held Sunday,
January 3, at 1:00 in front of the KFC on Raeford Rd. The event is held monthly to protest KFC’s inhumane treatment of chickens. Jim Stolz is the contact person.

501c3 Meeting: There will be a meeting to review our application for 501c3 status on Wednesday, January 6, at 10:00 am at Village Coffee House. Interested members are invited to attend.

Hope Coalition meeting: There will be a meeting of the Hope Coalition on Jan. 16 from 9-12. Charles Evans will conduct training on how city ordinances are enacted. Contact Nancy Shakir for information on the place.

Next CCP Meeting: The next meeting will be held Feb. 20 at 2:00. Lewis will try to arrange for the meeting to be held at one of the fire stations. Members will be notified.

Ann Ashford, CCP Secretary

ARTICLE I ORGANIZATION
1. The name of the organization shall be Cumberland County Progressives

ARTICLE II PURPOSES
The following are the purposes for which this organization has been
organized: The purpose of the Cumberland County Progressives is to promote economic, social, and environmental justice, peace and sustainability in North Carolina; to maximize the democratic process, to advocate for today’s most pressing issues and to serve as a voice of conscience.
Our ultimate goal is to educate, bring unbiased and informative political information for the citizens of Cumberland County and the means by which citizens can effect change.

ARTICLE IV MEETINGS
The annual membership meeting of this organization shall be held on the
_Third Saturday of June each and every year except if such day be a
legal holiday or a place of meeting is unavailable then and in that event, the Board of Directors shall fix the day but it shall not be more than four weeks from the date fixed by these By-Laws.
The Secretary shall cause to be mailed to every member in good standing
at his email address as it appears in the membership roll book in this
organization a notice telling the time and place of such annual meeting.

Regular meetings of this organization shall be held at the Cumberland County Library or any other designated place determined by the Board of Directors.
The presence of not less than two of the members and two members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum and shall be necessary to conduct the business
of this organization.
Special meetings of this organization may be called by the Chair
when deemed for the best interest of the organization.. Notices of
such meeting shall be mailed to all members at their email addresses as they
appear in the membership roll at least three (3) days before the
scheduled date set for such special meeting. Such notice shall state the
reasons that such meeting has been called, the business to be transacted
at such meeting and by whom it was called.

ARTICLE V VOTING
At all meetings, except for the election of officers and directors, all
votes shall be by voice. For election of officers, ballots shall be
provided and there shall not appear any place on such ballot that might
tend to indicate the person who cast such ballot.

At any regular or special meeting, if a majority so requires, any
question may be voted upon in the manner and style provided for election
of officers and directors.
At all votes by ballot the chairman of such meeting shall,
prior to the commencement of balloting, appoint a committee of three who
shall act as "Inspectors of Election" and who shall, at the conclusion
of such balloting, certify in writing to the Chair the results.
No inspector of election shall be a candidate for office or shall be
personally interested in the question voted upon.

ARTICLE VI ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. Welcome
2. Reading of the Minutes of the preceding meeting.
3. Reports of Committees.
4. Reports of Officers.
5. Old and Unfinished Business.
6. New Business.
7. Adjournments.

ARTICLE VII BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The business of this organization shall be managed by a Board of
Directors consisting of 5 members, together with the officers of this
organization.
The directors to be chosen for the ensuing year shall be chosen at the
annual meeting of this organization in the same manner and style as the
officers of this organization and they shall serve for a term of two (2) years.
The Board of Directors shall have the control and management of the
affairs and business of this organization. Such Board of Directors shall
only act in the name of the organization when it shall be regularly
convened by its chairman after due notice to all the directors of such
meeting.

Twenty-Five (25%) percent of the members of the Board of Directors
shall constitute a quorum and the meetings of the Board of Directors
shall be held regularly .
Each director shall have one vote.
The Board of Directors may make such rules and regulations covering its
meetings as it may in its discretion determine necessary.
Vacancies in the Board of Directors shall be filled by a vote of the
majority of the remaining members of the Board of Directors for the
balance of the year.

The President of the organization by virtue of his office shall be
Chair of the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors shall select from one of their members a secretary.
A director may be removed when sufficient cause exists for such removal.
The Board of Directors may entertain charges against any director.

ARTICLE VIII OFFICERS
The initial officers of the organization shall be as follows:
President/Chair
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer
Permanent Committee Chairs

The President/ Chair shall preside at all membership meetings.
The Chair shall by virtue of the office be Chairman of the Board of
Directors.
The Chair shall present at each annual meeting of the organization an annual
report of the work of the organization.
The Chair shall appoint all committees, temporary or permanent.
The Chair shall see all books, reports and certificates required by law are
properly kept or filed.
The Chair shall be one of the officers who may sign the checks or drafts of
the organization.
The Chair shall have such powers as may be reasonably construed as belonging
to the chief executive of any organization.

The Vice President shall in the event of the absence or inability of the
President to exercise the office become acting president of the
organization with all the rights, privileges and powers as if
the duly elected president.

The Secretary shall keep the minutes and records of the organization in
appropriate books.
It shall be that duty to file any certificate required by any statute,
federal or state.
The Secretary shall give and serve all notices to members of this organization.
The Secretary shall be the official custodian of the records and seal of this
organization.
The Secretary may be one of the officers required to sign the checks and drafts
of the organization.
The Secretary shall present to the membership at any meetings any communication
addressed as Secretary of the organization.
The Secretary shall submit to the Board of Directors any communications which
shall be addressed as Secretary of the organization.
The Secretary shall attend to all correspondence of the organization and shall
exercise all duties incident to the office of Secretary.

The Treasurer shall have the care and custody of all monies belonging to
the organization and shall be solely responsible for such monies.. The Treasurer shall cause to be deposited in a regular business bank or trust company any sums
that the Board of Directors may cause such funds to be invested in such investments as shall be legal for a non-profit corporation in this state.
The treasurer must be one of the officers who shall sign checks or drafts of the
organization. No special fund may be set aside that shall make it
unnecessary for the Treasurer to sign the checks issued upon it.
The Treasurer shall render at stated periods as the Board of Directors shall
determine a written account of the finances of the organization and such
report shall be physically affixed to the agenda of the Board of
Directors of such meeting.
The Treasurer shall exercise all duties incident to the office of Treasurer.
Officers and Permanent Committee Chairs shall by virtue of their office be members of the Board of Directors.
No officer shall for reason of their office be entitled to receive any
salary or compensation, but nothing herein shall be construed to prevent
an officer or director for receiving any compensation from the
organization for duties other than as a director or officer.

ARTICLE IX SALARIES
The Board of Directors shall hire and fix the compensation of any and
all employees which they in their discretion may determine to be
necessary for the conduct of the business of the organization.

ARTICLE X COMMITTEES
All committees of this organization shall be appointed by the Board of
Directors and their term of office shall be for a period of two years or
less if sooner terminated by the action of the Board of Directors.
The permanent committees shall be: Homelessness; Communications Director

ARTICLE XI DUES
The dues of this organization shall be payable upon membership to the organization and is payable in three levels:
Silver Membership: $10.00 per annum
Gold Membership $11.00 to $49.00 per annum
Platinum Membership $50.00 or more per annum

These By-Laws may be altered, amended, repealed or added to by an
affirmative vote of not less than 10% members in attendance at a regular or called meeting.