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I have heard from some people who have decided not to attend CD3 meetings anymore. There are two reasons: 1) meetings often depart from things that are appropriate for the body's consideration, and 2) our discussions seem, at times, limitless. The core officers have been discussing ways to make the meetings  better (though these comments are mine so hassle me if you would like to quibble).

Having better meetings is really a function of how the meeting is conducted and understanding what belongs in a CD3 meeting and what does not. I suggest these things in the interest of having substantive and efficient meetings.



First, here's what the Core Officers will do:

• A motion will be made at the next meeting to adopt a rule to use the method the state party uses for discussion: three people for and three against a motion. If more discussion is absolutely necessary the body can vote to extend discussion. If discussion is not extended the motion will proceed to a vote.


• We will try better to shut down off-point comments. Please do not be offended!


• We will try to be better at parlimentary procedure. If you are knowledgeable about this, please do not be afraid to prod us along with a point of order. We're all learning here!


• We've discussed ways of making our individual reports better. For example, I will be reporting more on what I have been doing in the CD and not holding training/pep sessions.


• We will try to be fair and let everyone speak -under the rules we adopt.

Here's what we're asking members to do:
First, if you are speaking please come to the front of the room  to speak and speak loudly. If you have a hard time hearing, please sit up front. Members are not professional speakers and will often not project their voices appropriately.

Next, if you wish to introduce a motion, consider whether the motion really belongs in a Central Committee meeting:

• Is it important to the whole CD?
• Does this really need to be a motion? I.e., does the body really need to make a decision? Ask if you are unsure.
• Is there another way to solve the issue?
• Have you contacted the core officers or a Director Team? Can they solve the problem?
• If the motion invloves expenditures, have you run it through the budget team? 

If you believe the issue is appropriate for the body, consider these things:

• Prepare your motion: write it out clearly and succinctly.
• Get it on the agenda. Provide the text of your motion and supporting documentation to Leslie well in advance of the meeting so she can get them out with the meeting announcement.
• Please let Marge know of your motion. It would be nice to include the other core officers too.
• Having three people prepared to speak for your motion will make it more likely to pass. Build support for your motion outside of the meeting with e-mails, blogs, face to face...
• Surprises are a bad idea. If you are asking the body to make a decision, do them the courtesy of letting them know what it's about well beforehand. Meeting time is not really the time to educate members with lengthy background information.

If you are commenting on a motion:

• It is not necessary to comment on every motion. (You know who you are!)
• Think about what you will say and keep your comments short and to the point.
• Wait to be recognized.
• Is your comment directly relevant to the motion or are you dragging the discussion off track?
• Please do not repeat what has already been said! There is no need to say "I agree with so and so" if you have nothing new to add.
• Let others speak. Some people are thinking the same things you are and will likely get to your point if you let them.
• If you have ignored information sent out before the meeting, please do not ask for it to be repeated at the meeting.

If you have an announcement:

• Does this really need to be announced at the meeting? If you are simply passing along information or recounting an experience, please consider the many other avenues for disseminating that information.
• Consider announcing an event but providing details in a handout.
• Is the event posted on the CD3 calendar?

Our goal is to keep things on task, efficient and fair while we make important decisions.

An introduction to Robert's Rules of Order

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