[Lnc-business] Caryn Ann Harlos fundraising and membership recruitment
Joshua Katz
planning4liberty at gmail.com
Fri Feb 23 13:56:02 EST 2018
As I said, what's done is done. You should send the funds. That's just my
opinion, of course, since I can't act for this organization, but it's my
opinion.
Joshua A. Katz
On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 12:50 PM, Wes Benedict <wes.benedict at lp.org> wrote:
> Here's where we stand expense-wise on this if I have my facts correct--and
> I have gotten facts wrong on this so I want to be transparent and corrected
> if I'm wrong.
>
> So far, we have reimbursed Caryn Ann Harlos $198.96 for SW Airlines under
> "Membership Fundraising Costs" and I think that was for the Arizona state
> convention.
>
> Additionally, Caryn Ann submitted expenses for reimbursement for $439.73
> to be paid for fundraising at the WA state convention.
>
> I submitted those expenses to the treasurer with a request for approval,
> received the approval, but we haven't sent those funds to Caryn Ann yet.
> Approval attached, if attachments are working today.
>
> Now I'm unsure what I should do about the $439.73.
>
> I'm pretty sure I should go ahead and have the funds issued, because, this
> was all done in compliance with the policy manual and with the knowledge of
> the chair and treasurer.
>
> Is there any opposition to me issuing the funds to Caryn Ann for the
> $439.73?
>
> Today coincidentally we received the memberships in the mail from WA: a
> total of 16 memberships for $690 total plus a $25 a month donor.
>
> Josh, what do you think? Do you think I should issue the payment of
> $439.73 to Caryn Ann?
>
> Wes Benedict, Executive Director
> Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
> 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
> (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.benedict at lp.org
> facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
> Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership
>
> On 2/23/2018 12:35 PM, Joshua Katz wrote:
>
>> I agree with the ED on scenario 1. I lean towards agreeing about
>> Scenario 2.
>> There should also be LNC training, at the start of each term (or, at
>> least, this is my suggestion to future LNCs) about recognizing issues
>> relating to duties of directors.
>>
>> Joshua A. Katz
>> On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 11:11 AM, Wes Benedict <[1]
>> wes.benedict at lp.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Scenario 1.
>> If the LNC wants to encourage the chair to approve reimbursing Caryn
>> Ann Harlos for expenses for travel outside of her region for the
>> purpose of recruiting dues-paying members, then the LNC can pass a
>> motion to that effect.
>> ==========
>> Unless that happens, I lean towards taking Joshua's advice of
>> discontinuing the practice, given that no one has spoken up in
>> support, and that Caryn Ann has rescinded her willingness.
>> I think Caryn Ann probably recruited more dues-paying members to the
>> national LP in the past 12 months than all other LNC members
>> combined.
>> Aaron Starr started a program called "Give or Get". It was quite
>> successful, was in 2006 to 2008 and you can read about in the LNC
>> minutes here:
>> [2]https://www.lp.org/lnc-meeting-archives/
>>
>> I believe flights and hotel expenses were covered for a few LNC
>> members for the "Give or Get" program. I point that out because
>> there's a precedent for paying travel expenses for LNC members to do
>> fundraising.
>> The LNC has routinely reimbursed the current and former Chairs for
>> travel expenses related to party business including fundraisers, but
>> excluding LNC meetings, and in accordance with the Policy Manual.
>> ==========
>> Scenario 2.
>> While typing this note a donor has offered to help cover Caryn Ann's
>> expenses for this purpose. If the donor is willing to cover 100% of
>> those expenses, and if the donor reimburses Caryn Ann directly, and
>> then the donor reports the reimbursements to me as an in-kind
>> contribution (probably with the assistance of Caryn Ann), that would
>> take control of the process out of my hands and out of the LNC's
>> hands.
>> ==========
>> I recommend the LNC vote regarding Scenario 1, so you can make it
>> more clear whether or not you approve having LNC members have
>> expenses reimbursed for raising funds, but that's up to you all. As
>> we ramp up our fundraising efforts, it will help me to know if I
>> should make staff the primary relationship builders with our donors,
>> or if I should keep the opportunity open for board members as well.
>> I also encourage feedback from individual LNC members regarding
>> Scenario 2 even though technically I don't think approval is
>> required. I'd like that feedback because I'm willing to cooperate
>> with Caryn Ann and the donor if there's not a lot of opposition by
>> the LNC. If there's a lot of opposition by the LNC, I'll be less
>> cooperative with Caryn Ann as she recruits members and raises funds
>> for the party.
>> Thanks,
>> Wes Benedict, Executive Director
>> Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
>> [3]1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
>> [4](202) 333-0008 ext. 232, [5]wes.benedict at lp.org
>> [6]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
>> Join the Libertarian Party at: [7]http://lp.org/membership
>>
>>
>> On 2/23/2018 12:01 AM, Joshua Katz wrote:
>>
>> Wes,
>> Thank you for opening a discussion on this. I do not believe it
>> is
>> proper to use party funds to send LNC members to state conventions
>> unless they are "lame ducks" (and, honestly, probably not then
>> either). The facts provided are enlightening and important, but
>> the
>> question here is about the principle, not the people or the
>> individual
>> circumstances. The principle is that, as you note in your email,
>> this
>> is a discretionary decision by staff. Staff is determining,
>> based,
>> to
>> be sure, on perfectly legitimate factors, which LNC members are
>> being
>> sent and where. There is nothing compelling staff in the future
>> to
>> use
>> the factors you identify here, and different, less legitimate
>> factors,
>> could be used in the future. The way to prevent that is "all or
>> nothing." But "all" is impractical, and also not a good idea.
>> Other corporations handle this in a more direct fashion - they pay
>> directors. We don't do that (and I'm not suggesting it). In
>> fact,
>> we
>> encourage directors to donate, and I highly appreciate that Ms.
>> Harlos
>> does so. I don't see how it changes this arrangement, though. We
>> have
>> rules against being an employee and a director simultaneously - to
>> the
>> extent an LNC member benefits (in addition to the party benefits)
>> from
>> such travel paid for by the party, the arrangement is somewhat
>> akin
>> to
>> employing that director to provide a service: in this case,
>> membership
>> recruitment. Maybe Ms. Harlos gets no benefit at all from such
>> travel,
>> but will that be true for future LNC members? The potentials for
>> self-dealing are numerous. Directors play a role in selecting and
>> hiring staff - could directors hire and retain staff who will
>> provide
>> travel for those specific directors, and in turn, then enjoy an
>> advantage in future LNC elections?
>> I have every confidence that Ms. Harlos does not campaign while at
>> these conventions. If an LNC member attends a convention and is
>> highly
>> visible (you can't recruit national members if you sit in the back
>> of
>> the room quietly), benefits are still gained, albeit incidentally
>> and
>> without that being the motive, in future elections. It's not a
>> policy
>> manual violation because they're no campaigning, but the conflicts
>> remain potentially large. By definition, it is a benefit not
>> available
>> to other candidates - the reason it doesn't violate the policy
>> manual
>> is that it's not done in the role of candidate.
>> Be that as it may, we could still decide that the benefits
>> outweigh
>> the
>> dangers. That would be a reasonable decision. However, I am of
>> the
>> opinion that before it began, it should have been disclosed to the
>> board and a vote taken of the disinterested directors. It could
>> be
>> pointed out that, potentially at least, there would be no
>> disinterested
>> directors in such a decision (at least in spirit) - that would be
>> a
>> reason not to do it.
>> Your answer to why you aren't sending other LNC members to state
>> conventions is perfectly appropriate and rational. You should not
>> send
>> people to state conventions at party expense who will not produce
>> a
>> positive return on investment (I, for instance, probably
>> wouldn't). Of
>> course, other LNC members could, conceivably, produce value in
>> other
>> ways. I have provided parliamentary services for several state
>> parties, sometimes with funding from the state party, sometimes at
>> my
>> own expense. That's not something that produces funds for the
>> party,
>> of course, but it does provide affiliate support, something we
>> also
>> do. I most certainly should not do that on party funds. What,
>> precisely, is the difference? Well, membership brings in money
>> and, as
>> you note, numbers have been falling. Does that make it a priority
>> over
>> providing other services, or the many other things we could send
>> LNC
>> members to do? Well, maybe. The LNC did not adopt any goals this
>> term. Last term, the LNC adopted goals, and retaining/increasing
>> membership wasn't one of them. I believe you told us that you
>> weren't
>> focusing on membership numbers, as a result. As has come up in
>> prior
>> discussions, I agree with not prioritizing membership numbers - I
>> think
>> that, over the long term (granted, not the immediate term) we need
>> to
>> focus on relying less on membership for revenue and developing
>> other
>> streams. To your credit, staff (and especially Lauren) has been
>> developing other revenue streams, and doing so very effectively.
>> Membership does have the advantage of predictable cash flow,
>> admittedly. But I simply am not that worried about falling
>> membership
>> numbers persay - if anything, I think of membership numbers as the
>> tail, not the dog. That is, I think we can improve membership by
>> doing
>> things like electing candidates to public office and having them
>> implement libertarian policies. More importantly, this board
>> doesn't
>> seem to regard it as a priority. But that is a somewhat different
>> question.
>> Or, to use another example, members of the LNC travel to states
>> where
>> signatures are needed and gather hundreds of volunteer signatures.
>> Granted, they don't desire to be paid for their expenses in those
>> cases, but if they did, I don't think staff would agree to pay -
>> and I
>> think that would be the right call, most of the time at least.
>> That
>> also doesn't put money in our pocket, although it has the ultimate
>> effect (if history is any guide) of keeping money there that would
>> otherwise leave.
>> So, in summary, my position is that we should not fund LNC member
>> travel, even if the LNC member agrees not to run for reelection.
>> But I
>> recognize that opinions can differ on that, so my additional
>> opinion is
>> that the board is within its rights to decide otherwise, but that
>> potentially conflicted transactions involving board members should
>> be
>> discussed with the board ahead of time, and approved by a majority
>> of
>> disinterested directors. What's done is done. I think that
>> before
>> it
>> continues, action should be taken to approve it (or not) by a
>> majority
>> of disinterested directors. There's no rule that can compel that
>> outcome, it's just my opinion.
>> Joshua A. Katz
>>
>> On Thu, Feb 22, 2018 at 9:56 PM, Wes Benedict
>> <[1][8]wes.benedict at lp.org>
>>
>>
>> wrote:
>> Dear LNC,
>> Caryn Ann Harlos has recruited a lot of dues-paying members
>> by
>> attending state conventions and getting people to join or
>> renew.
>> At first, she did this at state conventions she was
>> attending
>> in her
>> region at her own expense.
>> Her results were so strong that I asked her if she would be
>> willing
>> to go to some other states outside of her region to do
>> similar
>> fundraising efforts if her travel expenses were reimbursed.
>> We have been struggling to keep membership from falling. We
>> send
>> renewal emails and renewal letters that perform reasonably
>> well
>> but
>> pretty much exhaust that method. Other methods we try have
>> very
>> low
>> ROI. Caryn Ann's ROI has been comparatively strong.
>> Caryn Ann attended the Washington State convention last
>> weekend
>> and
>> recruited 18 to 20 dues-paying members for the national LP.
>> That trip is one in which we have reimbursed her for her
>> travel.
>> I'd like to send Caryn Ann to more state conventions to
>> have
>> her do
>> this work. No one else has done this as successfully as
>> Caryn
>> Ann.
>> Caryn Ann is a volunteer so we don't pay her for her time.
>> For conventions that Caryn Ann is unable to take the time
>> to
>> attend,
>> I will be sending our staff member Jess Mears. The thing
>> with
>> Jess
>> is that we pay her for her hours to travel, attend, and
>> return
>> from
>> state conventions. She's unlikely to get as high of a ROI.
>> I received a complaint today that it is inappropriate for
>> someone
>> running for a position on the LNC to have travel
>> reimbursed.
>> I sympathize with the complaint, but do not think it's a
>> violation
>> of our policies.
>> Nevertheless, I bring this up to the LNC for your feedback.
>> If
>> you
>> request a stop to sending Caryn Ann Harlos or any other LNC
>> member
>> to state conventions for the purpose of recruiting
>> dues-paying
>> members, we can end the program.
>> A reasonable question might be, "I'm willing to go to state
>> convention at the expense of the LNC and recruit
>> members--why
>> don't
>> you send me?" The answer is that Caryn Ann proved her
>> willingness
>> and capability within her own region. No other LNC members
>> have
>> mailed us several envelopes of dues-paying members from
>> their
>> states. Caryn Ann and Jess Mears together are not able to
>> attend
>> every state convention. If you are interested in helping,
>> and
>> willing to prove your ability first at a state in your
>> region
>> or at
>> another state at your own expense, let me know and we might
>> be
>> able
>> [9]to try that. And then we can report the results.
>> Below is a report from Robert Kraus with some of the
>> fundraising
>> results from Caryn Ann.
>> I welcome your feedback.
>> Wes Benedict, Executive Director
>> Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
>> 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
>>
>> [2][10](202) 333-0008 ext. 232, [1][3][11]wes.benedict at lp.org
>> [2][4][12]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
>> Join the Libertarian Party at:
>> [3][5][13]http://lp.org/membership
>> -------- Forwarded Message --------
>> Subject: Harlos Fundraising
>> Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:27:47 -0500
>> From: Robert S. Kraus [4]<[6][14]robert.kraus at lp.org>
>> To: Wes Benedict [5]<[7][15]wes.benedict at lp.org>
>> I have Harlos pegged as solicitor for a total of $2,335.00 for
>> 82
>> members 49 of which where new (these 82 folks have also
>> contributed
>> a
>> net total excluding conv related gifts of $6,261.74 since 2016
>> convention - bunch of them to Hist Preservation of course so
>> she has
>> her
>> fans)
>> In addition she is likely 95% responsible for the $12,120
>> raised for
>> Historic Preservation
>> Finally she has given $2181 herself since the 2016 convention
>> (non
>> convention related - however $1525 was for Hist Preservation)
>> --
>> Robert S. Kraus - Operations Director
>> [6]Operations at LP.org
>> Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
>> 1444 Duke Street
>> Alexandria, VA 22314
>> Ph: [8]202.333.0008 x 231
>> References
>> 1. mailto:[9][16]wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 2. [10][17]http://facebook.com/libertarians
>> 3. [11][18]http://lp.org/membership
>> 4. mailto:[12][19]robert.kraus at lp.org
>> 5. mailto:[13][20]wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 6. mailto:[14]Operations at LP.org
>> References
>> 1. mailto:[21]wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 2. tel:[22](202) 333-0008 ext. 232
>> 3. mailto:[23]wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 4. [24]http://facebook.com/libertarians
>> 5. [25]http://lp.org/membership
>> 6. mailto:[26]robert.kraus at lp.org
>> 7. mailto:[27]wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 8. tel:[28]202.333.0008 x 231
>> 9. mailto:[29]wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 10. [30]http://facebook.com/libertarians
>> 11. [31]http://lp.org/membership
>> 12. mailto:[32]robert.kraus at lp.org
>> 13. mailto:[33]wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 14. mailto:[34]Operations at LP.org
>>
>> References
>>
>> 1. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 2. https://www.lp.org/lnc-meeting-archives/
>> 3. https://maps.google.com/?q=1444+Duke+St.,+Alexandria,+VA+223
>> 14&entry=gmail&source=g
>> 4. tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
>> 5. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 6. http://facebook.com/libertarians
>> 7. http://lp.org/membership
>> 8. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 9. https://maps.google.com/?q=to+try+that.+And+then+we+can+repo
>> rt+the&entry=gmail&source=g
>> 10. tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
>> 11. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 12. http://facebook.com/libertarians
>> 13. http://lp.org/membership
>> 14. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
>> 15. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 16. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 17. http://facebook.com/libertarians
>> 18. http://lp.org/membership
>> 19. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
>> 20. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 21. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 22. tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
>> 23. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 24. http://facebook.com/libertarians
>> 25. http://lp.org/membership
>> 26. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
>> 27. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 28. tel:202.333.0008 x 231
>> 29. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 30. http://facebook.com/libertarians
>> 31. http://lp.org/membership
>> 32. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
>> 33. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 34. mailto:Operations at LP.org
>>
>>
>
-------------- next part --------------
As I said, what's done is done. You should send the funds. That's
just my opinion, of course, since I can't act for this organization,
but it's my opinion.
Joshua A. Katz
On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 12:50 PM, Wes Benedict <[1]wes.benedict at lp.org>
wrote:
Here's where we stand expense-wise on this if I have my facts
correct--and I have gotten facts wrong on this so I want to be
transparent and corrected if I'm wrong.
So far, we have reimbursed Caryn Ann Harlos $198.96 for SW Airlines
under "Membership Fundraising Costs" and I think that was for the
Arizona state convention.
Additionally, Caryn Ann submitted expenses for reimbursement for
$439.73 to be paid for fundraising at the WA state convention.
I submitted those expenses to the treasurer with a request for
approval, received the approval, but we haven't sent those funds to
Caryn Ann yet. Approval attached, if attachments are working today.
Now I'm unsure what I should do about the $439.73.
I'm pretty sure I should go ahead and have the funds issued,
because, this was all done in compliance with the policy manual and
with the knowledge of the chair and treasurer.
Is there any opposition to me issuing the funds to Caryn Ann for the
$439.73?
Today coincidentally we received the memberships in the mail from
WA: a total of 16 memberships for $690 total plus a $25 a month
donor.
Josh, what do you think? Do you think I should issue the payment of
$439.73 to Caryn Ann?
Wes Benedict, Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
[2](202) 333-0008 ext. 232, [3]wes.benedict at lp.org
[4]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
Join the Libertarian Party at: [5]http://lp.org/membership
On 2/23/2018 12:35 PM, Joshua Katz wrote:
I agree with the ED on scenario 1. I lean towards agreeing
about
Scenario 2.
There should also be LNC training, at the start of each term
(or, at
least, this is my suggestion to future LNCs) about recognizing
issues
relating to duties of directors.
Joshua A. Katz
On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 11:11 AM, Wes Benedict
<[1][6]wes.benedict at lp.org>
wrote:
Scenario 1.
If the LNC wants to encourage the chair to approve reimbursing
Caryn
Ann Harlos for expenses for travel outside of her region for
the
purpose of recruiting dues-paying members, then the LNC can
pass a
motion to that effect.
==========
Unless that happens, I lean towards taking Joshua's advice of
discontinuing the practice, given that no one has spoken up in
support, and that Caryn Ann has rescinded her willingness.
I think Caryn Ann probably recruited more dues-paying members
to the
national LP in the past 12 months than all other LNC members
combined.
Aaron Starr started a program called "Give or Get". It was
quite
successful, was in 2006 to 2008 and you can read about in the
LNC
minutes here:
[2][7]https://www.lp.org/lnc-meeting-archives/
I believe flights and hotel expenses were covered for a few LNC
members for the "Give or Get" program. I point that out because
there's a precedent for paying travel expenses for LNC members to
do
fundraising.
The LNC has routinely reimbursed the current and former Chairs
for
travel expenses related to party business including fundraisers,
but
excluding LNC meetings, and in accordance with the Policy Manual.
==========
Scenario 2.
While typing this note a donor has offered to help cover Caryn
Ann's
expenses for this purpose. If the donor is willing to cover 100%
of
those expenses, and if the donor reimburses Caryn Ann directly,
and
then the donor reports the reimbursements to me as an in-kind
contribution (probably with the assistance of Caryn Ann), that
would
take control of the process out of my hands and out of the LNC's
hands.
==========
I recommend the LNC vote regarding Scenario 1, so you can make it
more clear whether or not you approve having LNC members have
expenses reimbursed for raising funds, but that's up to you all.
As
we ramp up our fundraising efforts, it will help me to know if I
should make staff the primary relationship builders with our
donors,
or if I should keep the opportunity open for board members as
well.
I also encourage feedback from individual LNC members regarding
Scenario 2 even though technically I don't think approval is
required. I'd like that feedback because I'm willing to cooperate
with Caryn Ann and the donor if there's not a lot of opposition
by
the LNC. If there's a lot of opposition by the LNC, I'll be less
cooperative with Caryn Ann as she recruits members and raises
funds
for the party.
Thanks,
Wes Benedict, Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
[3]1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
[4][8](202) 333-0008 ext. 232, [5][9]wes.benedict at lp.org
[6][10]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
Join the Libertarian Party at: [7][11]http://lp.org/membership
On 2/23/2018 12:01 AM, Joshua Katz wrote:
Wes,
Thank you for opening a discussion on this. I do not believe
it is
proper to use party funds to send LNC members to state
conventions
unless they are "lame ducks" (and, honestly, probably not then
either). The facts provided are enlightening and important,
but
the
question here is about the principle, not the people or the
individual
circumstances. The principle is that, as you note in your
email,
this
is a discretionary decision by staff. Staff is determining,
based,
to
be sure, on perfectly legitimate factors, which LNC members are
being
sent and where. There is nothing compelling staff in the
future to
use
the factors you identify here, and different, less legitimate
factors,
could be used in the future. The way to prevent that is "all
or
nothing." But "all" is impractical, and also not a good idea.
Other corporations handle this in a more direct fashion - they
pay
directors. We don't do that (and I'm not suggesting it). In
fact,
we
encourage directors to donate, and I highly appreciate that Ms.
Harlos
does so. I don't see how it changes this arrangement, though.
We
have
rules against being an employee and a director simultaneously -
to
the
extent an LNC member benefits (in addition to the party
benefits)
from
such travel paid for by the party, the arrangement is somewhat
akin
to
employing that director to provide a service: in this case,
membership
recruitment. Maybe Ms. Harlos gets no benefit at all from such
travel,
but will that be true for future LNC members? The potentials
for
self-dealing are numerous. Directors play a role in selecting
and
hiring staff - could directors hire and retain staff who will
provide
travel for those specific directors, and in turn, then enjoy an
advantage in future LNC elections?
I have every confidence that Ms. Harlos does not campaign while
at
these conventions. If an LNC member attends a convention and
is
highly
visible (you can't recruit national members if you sit in the
back
of
the room quietly), benefits are still gained, albeit
incidentally
and
without that being the motive, in future elections. It's not a
policy
manual violation because they're no campaigning, but the
conflicts
remain potentially large. By definition, it is a benefit not
available
to other candidates - the reason it doesn't violate the policy
manual
is that it's not done in the role of candidate.
Be that as it may, we could still decide that the benefits
outweigh
the
dangers. That would be a reasonable decision. However, I am
of
the
opinion that before it began, it should have been disclosed to
the
board and a vote taken of the disinterested directors. It
could be
pointed out that, potentially at least, there would be no
disinterested
directors in such a decision (at least in spirit) - that would
be a
reason not to do it.
Your answer to why you aren't sending other LNC members to
state
conventions is perfectly appropriate and rational. You should
not
send
people to state conventions at party expense who will not
produce a
positive return on investment (I, for instance, probably
wouldn't). Of
course, other LNC members could, conceivably, produce value in
other
ways. I have provided parliamentary services for several state
parties, sometimes with funding from the state party, sometimes
at
my
own expense. That's not something that produces funds for the
party,
of course, but it does provide affiliate support, something we
also
do. I most certainly should not do that on party funds. What,
precisely, is the difference? Well, membership brings in money
and, as
you note, numbers have been falling. Does that make it a
priority
over
providing other services, or the many other things we could
send
LNC
members to do? Well, maybe. The LNC did not adopt any goals
this
term. Last term, the LNC adopted goals, and
retaining/increasing
membership wasn't one of them. I believe you told us that you
weren't
focusing on membership numbers, as a result. As has come up in
prior
discussions, I agree with not prioritizing membership numbers -
I
think
that, over the long term (granted, not the immediate term) we
need
to
focus on relying less on membership for revenue and developing
other
streams. To your credit, staff (and especially Lauren) has
been
developing other revenue streams, and doing so very
effectively.
Membership does have the advantage of predictable cash flow,
admittedly. But I simply am not that worried about falling
membership
numbers persay - if anything, I think of membership numbers as
the
tail, not the dog. That is, I think we can improve membership
by
doing
things like electing candidates to public office and having
them
implement libertarian policies. More importantly, this board
doesn't
seem to regard it as a priority. But that is a somewhat
different
question.
Or, to use another example, members of the LNC travel to states
where
signatures are needed and gather hundreds of volunteer
signatures.
Granted, they don't desire to be paid for their expenses in
those
cases, but if they did, I don't think staff would agree to pay
-
and I
think that would be the right call, most of the time at least.
That
also doesn't put money in our pocket, although it has the
ultimate
effect (if history is any guide) of keeping money there that
would
otherwise leave.
So, in summary, my position is that we should not fund LNC
member
travel, even if the LNC member agrees not to run for
reelection.
But I
recognize that opinions can differ on that, so my additional
opinion is
that the board is within its rights to decide otherwise, but
that
potentially conflicted transactions involving board members
should
be
discussed with the board ahead of time, and approved by a
majority
of
disinterested directors. What's done is done. I think that
before
it
continues, action should be taken to approve it (or not) by a
majority
of disinterested directors. There's no rule that can compel
that
outcome, it's just my opinion.
Joshua A. Katz
On Thu, Feb 22, 2018 at 9:56 PM, Wes Benedict
<[1][8][12]wes.benedict at lp.org>
wrote:
Dear LNC,
Caryn Ann Harlos has recruited a lot of dues-paying
members
by
attending state conventions and getting people to join
or
renew.
At first, she did this at state conventions she was
attending
in her
region at her own expense.
Her results were so strong that I asked her if she would
be
willing
to go to some other states outside of her region to do
similar
fundraising efforts if her travel expenses were
reimbursed.
We have been struggling to keep membership from falling.
We
send
renewal emails and renewal letters that perform
reasonably
well
but
pretty much exhaust that method. Other methods we try
have
very
low
ROI. Caryn Ann's ROI has been comparatively strong.
Caryn Ann attended the Washington State convention last
weekend
and
recruited 18 to 20 dues-paying members for the national
LP.
That trip is one in which we have reimbursed her for her
travel.
I'd like to send Caryn Ann to more state conventions to
have
her do
this work. No one else has done this as successfully as
Caryn
Ann.
Caryn Ann is a volunteer so we don't pay her for her
time.
For conventions that Caryn Ann is unable to take the
time to
attend,
I will be sending our staff member Jess Mears. The thing
with
Jess
is that we pay her for her hours to travel, attend, and
return
from
state conventions. She's unlikely to get as high of a
ROI.
I received a complaint today that it is inappropriate
for
someone
running for a position on the LNC to have travel
reimbursed.
I sympathize with the complaint, but do not think it's a
violation
of our policies.
Nevertheless, I bring this up to the LNC for your
feedback.
If
you
request a stop to sending Caryn Ann Harlos or any other
LNC
member
to state conventions for the purpose of recruiting
dues-paying
members, we can end the program.
A reasonable question might be, "I'm willing to go to
state
convention at the expense of the LNC and recruit
members--why
don't
you send me?" The answer is that Caryn Ann proved her
willingness
and capability within her own region. No other LNC
members
have
mailed us several envelopes of dues-paying members from
their
states. Caryn Ann and Jess Mears together are not able
to
attend
every state convention. If you are interested in
helping,
and
willing to prove your ability first at a state in your
region
or at
another state at your own expense, let me know and we
might
be
able
[9]to try that. And then we can report the results.
Below is a report from Robert Kraus with some of the
fundraising
results from Caryn Ann.
I welcome your feedback.
Wes Benedict, Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
[2][10][13](202) 333-0008 ext. 232,
[1][3][11][14]wes.benedict at lp.org
[2][4][12][15]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
Join the Libertarian Party at:
[3][5][13][16]http://lp.org/membership
-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: Harlos Fundraising
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:27:47 -0500
From: Robert S. Kraus
[4]<[6][14][17]robert.kraus at lp.org>
To: Wes Benedict [5]<[7][15][18]wes.benedict at lp.org
>
I have Harlos pegged as solicitor for a total of $2,335.00
for
82
members 49 of which where new (these 82 folks have also
contributed
a
net total excluding conv related gifts of $6,261.74 since
2016
convention - bunch of them to Hist Preservation of course
so
she has
her
fans)
In addition she is likely 95% responsible for the $12,120
raised for
Historic Preservation
Finally she has given $2181 herself since the 2016
convention
(non
convention related - however $1525 was for Hist
Preservation)
--
Robert S. Kraus - Operations Director
[6]Operations at LP.org
Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
1444 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Ph: [8]202.333.0008 x 231
References
1. mailto:[9][16][19]wes.benedict at lp.org
2. [10][17][20]http://facebook.com/libertarians
3. [11][18][21]http://lp.org/membership
4. mailto:[12][19][22]robert.kraus at lp.org
5. mailto:[13][20][23]wes.benedict at lp.org
6. mailto:[14]Operations at LP.org
References
1. mailto:[21][24]wes.benedict at lp.org
2. tel:[22][25](202) 333-0008 ext. 232
3. mailto:[23][26]wes.benedict at lp.org
4. [24][27]http://facebook.com/libertarians
5. [25][28]http://lp.org/membership
6. mailto:[26][29]robert.kraus at lp.org
7. mailto:[27][30]wes.benedict at lp.org
8. tel:[28]202.333.0008 x 231
9. mailto:[29][31]wes.benedict at lp.org
10. [30][32]http://facebook.com/libertarians
11. [31][33]http://lp.org/membership
12. mailto:[32][34]robert.kraus at lp.org
13. mailto:[33][35]wes.benedict at lp.org
14. mailto:[34]Operations at LP.org
References
1. mailto:[36]wes.benedict at lp.org
2. [37]https://www.lp.org/lnc-meeting-archives/
3. [38]https://maps.google.com/?q=144
4+Duke+St.,+Alexandria,+VA+22314&entry=gmail&source=g
4. tel:[39](202) 333-0008 ext. 232
5. mailto:[40]wes.benedict at lp.org
6. [41]http://facebook.com/libertarians
7. [42]http://lp.org/membership
8. mailto:[43]wes.benedict at lp.org
9. [44]https://maps.google.com/?q=to+
try+that.+And+then+we+can+report+the&entry=gmail&source=g
10. tel:[45](202) 333-0008 ext. 232
11. mailto:[46]wes.benedict at lp.org
12. [47]http://facebook.com/libertarians
13. [48]http://lp.org/membership
14. mailto:[49]robert.kraus at lp.org
15. mailto:[50]wes.benedict at lp.org
16. mailto:[51]wes.benedict at lp.org
17. [52]http://facebook.com/libertarians
18. [53]http://lp.org/membership
19. mailto:[54]robert.kraus at lp.org
20. mailto:[55]wes.benedict at lp.org
21. mailto:[56]wes.benedict at lp.org
22. tel:[57](202) 333-0008 ext. 232
23. mailto:[58]wes.benedict at lp.org
24. [59]http://facebook.com/libertarians
25. [60]http://lp.org/membership
26. mailto:[61]robert.kraus at lp.org
27. mailto:[62]wes.benedict at lp.org
28. tel:[63]202.333.0008 x 231
29. mailto:[64]wes.benedict at lp.org
30. [65]http://facebook.com/libertarians
31. [66]http://lp.org/membership
32. mailto:[67]robert.kraus at lp.org
33. mailto:[68]wes.benedict at lp.org
34. mailto:[69]Operations at LP.org
References
1. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
2. tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
3. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
4. http://facebook.com/libertarians
5. http://lp.org/membership
6. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
7. https://www.lp.org/lnc-meeting-archives/
8. tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
9. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
10. http://facebook.com/libertarians
11. http://lp.org/membership
12. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
13. tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
14. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
15. http://facebook.com/libertarians
16. http://lp.org/membership
17. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
18. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
19. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
20. http://facebook.com/libertarians
21. http://lp.org/membership
22. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
23. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
24. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
25. tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
26. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
27. http://facebook.com/libertarians
28. http://lp.org/membership
29. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
30. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
31. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
32. http://facebook.com/libertarians
33. http://lp.org/membership
34. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
35. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
36. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
37. https://www.lp.org/lnc-meeting-archives/
38. https://maps.google.com/?q=1444+Duke+St
39. tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
40. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
41. http://facebook.com/libertarians
42. http://lp.org/membership
43. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
44. https://maps.google.com/?q=to+try+that.+And+then+we+can+report+the&entry=gmail&source=g
45. tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
46. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
47. http://facebook.com/libertarians
48. http://lp.org/membership
49. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
50. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
51. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
52. http://facebook.com/libertarians
53. http://lp.org/membership
54. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
55. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
56. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
57. tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
58. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
59. http://facebook.com/libertarians
60. http://lp.org/membership
61. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
62. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
63. tel:202.333.0008 x 231
64. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
65. http://facebook.com/libertarians
66. http://lp.org/membership
67. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
68. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
69. mailto:Operations at LP.org
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