Libertarian County Chair Handbook

Roberts Rules of Order (made easy)

libhandbook — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:25:55 +0000

This link is to a slightly higher quality version of what is laid out below:
http://files.meetup.com/1279233/SimplifiedRobertsRulesofOrder.pdf
By no means is this everything, but it’s just about all you need to know to partipate.
Simplified Roberts Rules of Order
· Main ideas:
o Everyone has the right to speak once if they wish, before anyone may speak a second time.
o Everyone has the right to know what is going on at all times.
o Only urgent matters may interrupt a speaker.
o The [members] discuss only one thing at a time.
· How to do things:
1. You want to bring up a new idea before the group.
After recognition by the [president], present your motion. A second is required for the motion
to go to the floor for debate, or consideration.
2. You want a motion just introduced by another person to be killed.
Without recognition from the [president] simply state “I object to consideration.” This must
be done before any debate. This motion requires no second, is not debatable and requires a 2/3
vote.
3. You want to change some of the wording in a motion under debate.
After recognition by the [president], move to amend by
1. adding words,
2. striking words or
3. striking and inserting words.
4. You like the idea of a motion under debate, but you need to reword it beyond simple
word changes.
Move to substitute your motion for the original motion. If it is seconded, debate will continue
on both motions and eventually the body will vote on which motion they prefer.
5. You want more study and/or investigation given to the idea under debate.
Move to refer to a committee. Try to be specific as to the charge to the committee.
6. You want more time personally to study the proposal under debate.
Move to postpone to a definite time or date.
7. You are tired of the current debate.
Move to limit debate to a set period of time or to a set number of speakers. Requires a 2/3
vote.
8. You have heard enough debate.
Move to close the debate. Requires a 2/3 vote.
Or move to previous question. This cuts off debate and brings the assembly to a vote on the
pending question only. Requires a 2/3 vote.
9. You want to postpone a motion until some later time.
Move to table the motion. The motion may be taken from the table after 1 item of business
has been conducted. If the motion is not taken from the table by the end of the next meeting, it
is dead. To kill a motion at the time it is tabled requires a 2/3 vote. A majority is required to
table a motion without killing it.
10. You want to take a short break.
Move to recess for a set period of time.
11. You want to end the meeting.
Move to adjourn.
12. You are unsure that the [president]has announced the results of a vote correctly.
Without being recognized, call for a “division of the house.” At this point a standing vote will
be taken.
13. You are confused about a procedure being used and want clarification.
Without recognition, call for “Point of Information” or “Point of Parliamentary Inquiry.” The
[president] will ask you to state your question and will attempt to clarify the situation.
Simplified Robert’s Rules of Order page 2 of 2
14. You have changed your mind about something that was voted on earlier in the meeting
for which you were on the winning side.
Move to reconsider. If the majority agrees, the motion comes back on the floor as though the
vote had not occurred.
15. You want to change an action voted on at an earlier meeting.
Move to rescind. If previous written notice is given, a simple majority is required. If no notice
is given, as 2/3 vote is required.
· You may INTERRUPT a speaker for these reasons only:
o to get information about business – point of information
o to get information about rules – parliamentary inquiry
o if you can’t hear, safety reasons, comfort, etc. – question of privilege
o if you see a breach of the rules – point of order
o if you disagree with the [president]‘s ruling – appeal
· You may influence WHAT the [members] discuss:
o if you would like to discuss something – motion
o if you would like to change a motion under discussion – amend
· You may influence HOW and WHEN the [members] discuss a motion:
o if you want to limit debate on something – limit debate
o if you want a committee to evaluate the topic and report back – commit
o if you want to discuss the topic at another time – postpone or lay it on the table
o if you think people are ready to vote – previous question
Parliamentary Procedure Motions Chart
Adjourn S M
Recess S A M
Table S M
Close Debate S 2/3 R
Limit Debate S A 2/3 R
Postpone To Later Time S D A M R
Refer To Committee S D A M R
Amend Amendment S D M R
Postpone Indefinitely S D A M R
Main Motion S D A M R
·
· S = Must Be Seconded D = Debatable A = Amendable M = Requires A Simple Majority Vote
2/3 = Requires A 2/3 Vote R = May Be Reconsidered Or Rescinded
Adapted from Case Western Reserve Graduate Student Senate; changes in [ ]

http://www.cwru.edu/orgs/gradsenate/rules/handbook.html

Getting a new County Started

libhandbook — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:49:59 +0000

By Jim Prindle. Jim set up the Collin County Party from scratch, this is his take on the steps needed to do it properly:

Setting up initial Paperwork:

1. Get notified by State Chair that you are appointed County Chair. If an official letter is possible, that would be better as it will help in setting up a bank account.

2. Get a sample copy of County By-laws. Tailor to your specific Chapter. If the sample does not state, make sure that the Chair has the power to appoint Officers and Executive Committee. This is necessary to have problem-free chapter.

3. Ratify By-laws

a. As the only Member of the Chapter and appointed Chair, you are voting member, quorum, and total vote.

b. Advice: attach a ‘Ratified by date’ on/in these by-laws so there are no questions

4. Send copy of Ratified By-Laws to State

Setting up an EIN: An EIN, Employee Identification Number, is required for establishing a bank account, filing taxes, and other business matters. It is rather easy to apply. Start here: https://sa1.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp

1. Click BEGIN APPLICAYION button.

2. Check VIEW ADDITIONAL TYPES, INCLUDING TAX-EXEMPT AND GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS, and press ENTER

3. Click POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS and ENTER

a. A political organization is:

i. An organization that influences the selection, nomination, election, or appointment of any individual to any public office or office in a political organization

ii. An organization created and operated primarily for the purpose of accepting contributions, making expenditures, or both

iii. A party, committee, association, or fund (including a separate segregated fund described in Section 527(f)(3) set up by a Section 501(c) organization, or a similar organization).

4. CONTINUE and enter

5. Choose STARTING A NEW BUSINESS and CONTINUE

6. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE PARTY OF THE POLITICAL ORGANIZATION

a. I chose INDIVIDUAL and completed when I set up Collin County

b. It may be advantageous to choose EXISTING BUSINESS

i. This will require the State’s EIN

7. If you chose INDIVIDUAL, then, fill in requested information

a. Name

b. Social Security Number

c. Chose I AM DULY AUTHORIZED OFFICER OR BOARD MEMBER

8. Fill in address and CONTINUE

9. TELL US ABOUT THE POLITICAL ORGANIZATION

a. Legal Name – for example: Collin County Libertarians (this is a name of your choosing)

b. County – your county

c. Start date – use that day’s date

d. Closing Month – generally use calendar year (December 31)

e. Will you file FORM 8871 – YES

i. Form 8871 under Sec 527

1. Political organizations use Form 8871 (Political Organization Notice of Section 527 Status) to notify the IRS that the organization is to be treated as a tax-exempt Section 527 organization.

2. Download the instructions for this form here: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i8871.pdf

10. DO YOU HAVE, OR DO YOU EXPECT EMPLOYEE’S TO FILE W-2

a. NO

11. Click RECEIVE YOUR LETTER ONLINE.

a. Print and Save

12. Check IRS rules and seek professional advice! You may be required to complete a Tax Return if you receive or spend over a stated amount.

13. DISCLAIMER – I am NOT a tax professional, attorney, CPA, or in anyway portray myself to be. I am merely offering my experience as a baseline of what to expect. Please contact a tax professional for any specific advice.

a. JJ, I do have a friend that IS a CPA and Tax Expert. He is the Economic Advisor on my campaign. I will forward this to him to get his input.

Setting up a post office box:

1. Getting a mail box is recommended as this address will be public and could be attached to your name. However, this is another cost that you will have to come up with.

2. Print EIN.

3. Get a box at either a mail store or post office (but, remember you ARE a Libertarian, so advisable to use private industry.

4. Notify State of your address.

5. Check often.

Setting up a bank account:

1. You must have the printed letter of EIN from IRS, and official notification of Chair appointment.

a. In lieu of Official Notification, simple write a MINUTES OF MEETING of you Chapter and announce yourself as Chair/Treasurer

b. This is needed for paperwork

2. Chose a bank and go in to start account

a. Must have money to open account

3. Make sure the Bank opens your account as a Non-profit Business under 8871/Sec 527

4. Request Checkbook. You may want a debit card as well.

a. Sometimes banks will waive some of these fees, but, you will not know unless you ask!

5. Let them know that you may be adding a Treasurer to account and ask what you will need to do.

6. Maintain this account by reconciling monthly.

7. If you already have a PO Box, you should use this address for correspondence. If not, it is advisable to get a box number as this will be public.

Appointing a temporary committee:

1. After you get interest in your chapter, it is advisable to appoint Officers. But, vet your choice to make sure they are interested and not subversive. Be on guard.

2. Use your Chairmanship to appoint: Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer

3. Notify State.

Z Growth Plan 2

libhandbook — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:44:45 +0000

This was an idea for recruitment sent by Zackai

Fellow Texans and Patriots!

I posted an abridge version of this to the “Idea” section. Thank you to the couple of you who “liked” it. I wanted to post it again here so I can field your responses. I want to see if this thing is doable and if there are those who are willing to work hard for the cause of Liberty. We are in Dallas County which is the 9th most populous county in the USA. There are roughly 2.4 Million people out there! Our group has 184 of them. We must take action! We have got to reach these 2.4 Million people. They aren’t going to come find us. They aren’t just randomly going to show up. We have got to meet them where they are and share with them the Libertarian message. The best part is people are ready! They are tried of this gov’t and its encroachment on our personal freedom. What are we waiting for?

The Problem
What should be the greatest goal of the LP Dallas? I would like to propose that it should be growth. Never has the time been more prime for action. Never have the people of Dallas County been so fed up with the status quo. We must strike while the iron is hot!

The Place
In Dallas County we have almost a dozen different major shopping centers. These shopping centers are major epicenters that bring in thousands of Dallas County residents every weekend.
Northpark
Valley View
Grapevine Mills
Galleria
Town East
Southwest
Irving
Firewheel
Richardson Square
Uptown @ Cedar Hill
West Village
If I have forgotten any in Dallas County let me know…

The Plan
I propose that we take a grassroots approach and focus on reaching out at these shopping centers. One weekend a month we should strategically focus on a shopping center and canvass it. Working in 2 hour shifts would be best. Friday 4pm-6pm, Saturday 10am-2pm and 4-6pm and Sunday 10am-2pm. During this time we would be handing out flyers and smallest political quizzes, fielding questions about the party and putting flyers on cars in the parking lots. IT DOESN’T STOP THERE! Each flyer will have a personal invitation to a meetup that we will conduct Sunday evening at 6pm at a local restaurant or bar..

The Need
Lots of volunteers… Ideally we are talking once a month and 4 working shifts and an evening of sharing the LP with potential party members! The minimum people per shift is two. At this number it will be the teams prerogative if they want to spend their time handing out flyers or putting them on cars. Ideally we will have 4 people on a shift and 2 can focus on hand outs and 2 can focus on cars. It really does all boil down to warm bodies and you are more than welcome to work multiple shifts in a weekend and come to the meetup. All involvement is encouraged. The more people we have involved the more people we reach! The most important part would be the evening meet up where interested people would connect with people from LP Dallas. We need representatives there fielding questions and building relationships with future LPers. During this evening we will try to obtain contact information for each person who comes by. We will need people to do follow ups. These will be non-obtrusive, just a simple thanks for coming and do you have anymore questions, here is some contact info and have a great night! It’s not rocket surgery, but it takes time and effort!

If this plan is a hit, people are willing to invest time and effort, then the first step will be to establish the first MP Weekend. Prior to this weekend all interested volunteers will need to be at a mandatory training that I will set up. (Preferably this will take place at the business that we will do the meetup just so we can get a feel/home field advantage.) This training will be pivotal. People will ask you questions and you need answers to those questions. More importantly you need to learn how to deal with the lonely 74 year old lady that wants to talk your ear off, and how to deal with her in such a way that she doesn’t go away hurt and offended.

This plan takes 2 simple ingredients. Time and commitment. With this we can grow and develop the most rocking county party in the whole of the LP!!

For Liberty,
Zack

Z Growing plan by Alex Snitker

libhandbook — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:57:35 +0000

Alex Snitker suggested this as a reasonable county Growth Plan:
I have enclosed a plan that will build up the numbers on the county level. The only way we will win elections is if we have a strong county structure. If the county chairs execute this plan the Libertarian party will flourish.

1. The county chair should PRINT out a list of all the libertarians in the county. Put the following information on this list

Name
Phone number
Address
Alt phone number

Leave a space empty for

Email address
Cell phone number
Notes from call

Have 30 names on each page and give out as many pages as people are willing to take

2. Give them each a script that will accomplish the following tasks

A. Reach out to each person and let them know where you meet and that they are invited to the next meeting

B. Get a current email address and cell phone number

C. Ask them to make a donation to either the local party or a candidate

D. tell them about all the upcoming events for the next 30 days.

3. Hand out the list and the script to everyone who is willing to call. Let everyone know that their goal should be to bring in at least 3 new members per meeting.

4. Assign one person with the task of sending out the weekly newsletter that lists upcoming events, candidate information, a call to action item and some kind of article.

Every month should do a monthly meeting, A mixer and 2 recruiting events per month.

Monthly Meetings: They should have a professional structure. We all need to get to business and right now the business is building the membership the county affiliates, getting candidates identified and elected. Have a handout with the Meeting structure, upcoming events and important information.

The Monthly Mixer: This event should be fun and casual. It should be a place where the group comes together.

Events: We need to recruit. Put up a booth at least 2 times a month. I think you can sell t shirts and bumper stickers to make some money for your group. Make up a cool shirt that people would like to buy. Have 3 to 4 people man the booth and start getting people to register as Libertarians. Have a flyer that lists all the up coming events for the next 30 days. Only have 2 to 3 different handouts.

Have one person behind the booth to sell or give out the t shirts and bumper stickers. Have 2 people out front with the flyers handing them out and engaging the passers by to talk to them. Have 1 or 2 people collecting names, email addresses and cell numbers. Gun shows will be a great place to start but any event that has people that you are permitted to set up booth will do.

Even if you start with 5 people that are willing to help you would be surprised how fast you can grow it if you stick to the plan.

1st month 6 total

2nd month 25 people. (the original 6, the 13 that you got from the list of libertarians and 6 that you found from the events.)

3rd month 60 people (give everyone that will take a list and task them with getting 2 people to show. this will not double it by itself but the 2 events will pick up the slack)

If this plan is implemented there is no way that you cannot achieve these numbers but it may take 4 to 5 meetings for some.

Communication: Every person needs to be contacted via email 2 to 3 separate times before each event. This email is different than the weekly newsletter.
A week before the event
The day before the event
The day of the event

Every person also needs to be texted with a meeting reminder
A week before the event
The day before the event
The day of the event

when you hand out the list those people can do the texting but have one person send out the emails. Make sure the emails are fun and informative. Below are some Email examples that may help.

Certificate of Party Affiliation

libhandbook — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:25:53 +0000

http://www.harrislp.org/files/2010/precinctconventions/CertificateofPartyAffiliation.pdf

Files Art and Pdf links

libhandbook — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:23:35 +0000

Handy Files For Administration:

Roster of Participants of Precinct Conventions
http://www.harrislp.org/files/2010/precinctconventions/RosterofParticipants.pdf

Oath of Affiliation
http://files.meetup.com/1279233/OathofAffiliation.pdf

Certificate of Party Affiliation
http://files.meetup.com/1279233/CertificateofPartyAffiliation.pdf

Art Files:

Texas Libertarian Sticker
http://files.meetup.com/1279233/TexasLib%20Sticker%209×3.pdf

LP Texas Yard Signs
http://files.meetup.com/1279233/LPTX%20Yard%20Signs%2024×12%20v7.pdf

None of the Above .jpg (ballot with NOTA on it)
http://files.meetup.com/1279233/NOTA.jpg

Libertarian Party Logo Vector
http://files.meetup.com/1279233/libertarian%20party%20logo%20vector.pdf

Left VS Right showing similarities
http://files.meetup.com/1279233/leftvsright.pdf

Interesting Related Pdfs:

Gun Fact Sheet
http://files.meetup.com/1279233/GunFacts5-0-screen.pdf

Oath of affiliation

libhandbook — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:22:02 +0000

http://www.harrislp .org/files/ 2010/precinctcon ventions/ newoath.doc

submitted by Guy Mclendon

Maps you may need

libhandbook — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:37:46 +0000

Dallas county precincts divided by Senate Districts
Dallas County Map showing the 4 Districts

Election Cycle Dates (from 2003-4) updates may be required

libhandbook — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:23:14 +0000

2004 ELECTION CLYCE CALENDAR
The following calendar summarizes the important deadlines detailed in the
manual above. Please use this as a quick reference after a detailed reading
of the instructions.
December 3, 2003 Filing period opens. Beginning accepting
Application for Nomination forms.
January 2, 2004 Filing period for Application for Nomination
closes at 5:00pm
January 12, 2004 Deadline to submit List of Candidates Who Have
Filed Applications for Nomination to Secretary of State.
March 1, 2004 Deadline to submit Notice of ________ Convention
to the county clerk announcing precinct conventions.
March 9, 2004 Hold precinct conventions after 7:00pm.
March 3, 2004 Deadline to submit Notice of ________ Convention
to the county clerk announcing county conventions.
March 12, 2004 Deadline to collect Roster of Participants from
precinct chairmen.
March 13, 2004 Hold county convention.
March 20, 2004 Hold/attend district convention if applicable.
April 2, 2004 Deadline to submit Certification of Nominees for
the November, __(year)___ General Election to
county clerk for local races and/or the Secretary of
State for district races nominated at county convention.
April 9, 2004 Deadline to submit Certification of Nominees for
the November, __(year)___ General Election to
the Secretary of State for district races nominated at
district convention.
May 14, 2004 Deadline to submit Roster of Participants from
precinct conventions to state party chairman for
submission as part of our ballot access drive.
(But don’t wait this long. Try to send by March 5,2004)
June 11-13, 2004 State Convention: College Station
November 2, 2004 General election day and end of 2004 election cycle.

Social Media

libhandbook — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:16:27 +0000

using facebook, twitter, and meet up to your advantage.