[Lnc-business] Caryn Ann Harlos fundraising and membership recruitment
Joshua Katz
planning4liberty at gmail.com
Fri Feb 23 16:54:49 EST 2018
I agree with most of Ms. Van Horn's points, although I'd emphasize that my
issue is more about disclosure of potential issues to the board ahead of
time and the potential fiduciary issues I see here. I explained some, I
can find more. The solution to that is, in the future, disclosure to the
board of transactions involving LNC members, and the orientation I
mentioned earlier. Anyway, I am writing to express disagreement with one
point: I almost always disagree with clawbacks or requested clawbacks
absent actual malfeasance. I would disagree with requesting the return of
funds or stopping funds in progress.
Joshua A. Katz
On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 3:21 PM, Elizabeth Van Horn <
elizabeth.vanhorn at lp.org> wrote:
> Wes, here's my feedback, and I don't mind saying that I was shocked to
> read that an LNC member is being reimbursed to attend state conventions
> within their own region.
>
>
> 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.
>
> I've no problem with this. LNC representatives often attend state
>>>> conventions within their own region, and if she works to boost national
>>>> membership while there, that's cool.<<<
>>>>
>>>
>
> 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.
>
> < This is something that should have been told to the LNC, and even
>>> discussed. Why are we only finding this out, after someone inquired?
>>> Where's the transparency?<<<
>>>
>>
>
> 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 have a problem with this. Many LNC Regional Representatives will
>>>> attend state conventions within their region. If any of them do membership
>>>> recruiting for national while there, that's something they choose to do.
>>>> Are you suggesting that Caryn Ann wouldn't have tried to boost membership
>>>> at a state convention within her region, if she wasn't reimbursed?
>>>> Because, I doubt that. This was something she was doing as she chose to
>>>> do, while attending conventions within her own region. This isn't something
>>>> that an LNC member should be reimbursed for. <<<
>>>>
>>>
> 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.
>
> Wes, you don't know what others have done regarding recruiting, as most
>>>> people do it as a normal part of being in the LP. I, nor most others, keep
>>>> a log of the people we've gotten to join the LP, as I see it as a given
>>>> this is done.<<<
>>>>
>>>
> Wes, do you know why my own state affiliate has let national membership
>>>> drop? Because, they're unhappy with the national LP. At my last state
>>>> convention, our officers said that they want people to keep state
>>>> memberships current, but national doesn't do anything for them, so they
>>>> don't care much about that. I had to mention that our delegate count is
>>>> tied to national membership, and since then, I followed -up on that, but
>>>> our numbers still have dropped. I've been thinking of a way to reverse
>>>> that, but if LPIN is successful in reversing that trend, it's because our
>>>> volunteers are passionate about the LP and liberty actions. Not because
>>>> anyone is being reimbursed for the expenses of travel and time. (My state
>>>> isn't the only one that feels this way, btw)<<<
>>>>
>>>
>
> 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 personally wouldn't send anyone to state conventions to boost national
>>>> membership, if the national LP is paying for it. Instead, we should work
>>>> to create a better LP that's responsive to it's members and the public, and
>>>> we grow through people seeking to join us. Organic growth.<<<
>>>>
>>>
>
> 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.
>
> It's a matter of principal. Byreimbursing Caryn Ann Harlos for traveling
>>>> to state conventions within her own region, the LP is subsidizing her
>>>> efforts as a regional representative. This is inappropriate.<<<
>>>>
>>>
>
> 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.
>
>
> Yes, I'm requesting a stop to reimbursing LNC members for travel to state
>>>> conventions within their own region. I also am requesting that Caryn Ann
>>>> repay the LP for the reimbursement costs of any state conventions she
>>>> attended within her region.
>>>>
>>>
> As for "sending her" to other state conventions, this should be discussed
> by the LNC.<<<
>
> 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
> to try that. And then we can report the results.
>
>
> Wes, I know a woman who renewed her membership due to a FB post that Andy
>>>> Craig made. (She publicly wrote that he's the reason she renewed) I'd
>>>> wager that Andy is responsible for quite a number of people renewing or
>>>> joining the LP. As Andy's an excellent advocate for the cause that is the
>>>> LP. If you want to find someone who's out there building up hope in the
>>>> LP, and getting people on board, he's the one. You probably don't know
>>>> this stuff, as Andy doesn't seek to be recognized for his efforts, he
>>>> probably sees it as normal for people who support the LP.
>>>>
>>>
> Nor, do I know of others within the LP who keep track of how many people
> they've recruited. So, your statement asking people to "prove your
> ability", is moot.<<<
>
>
>
> (truncated)
>
>
> ---
> Elizabeth Van Horn
>
>
>
> On 2018-02-22 22:56, Wes Benedict 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 n
>> <https://maps.google.com/?q=n+Ann+and+Jess+Mears+together+are+n&entry=gmail&source=g>ot
>> 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
>> 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
>> (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, [1]wes.benedict at lp.org
>> [2]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
>> Join the Libertarian Party at: [3]http://lp.org/membership
>>
>> -------- Forwarded Message --------
>> Subject: Harlos Fundraising
>> Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:27:47 -0500
>> From: Robert S. Kraus [4]<robert.kraus at lp.org>
>> To: Wes Benedict [5]<wes.benedict at lp.org>
>> I have Harlos pegged as solicitor for a total of $2,33
>> <https://maps.google.com/?q=Harlos+pegged+as+solicitor+for+a+total+of+$2,33&entry=gmail&source=g>5.00
>> 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: 202.333.0008 x 231
>>
>> References
>>
>> 1. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 2. http://facebook.com/libertarians
>> 3. http://lp.org/membership
>> 4. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
>> 5. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
>> 6. mailto:Operations at LP.org
>>
>
-------------- next part --------------
I agree with most of Ms. Van Horn's points, although I'd emphasize that
my issue is more about disclosure of potential issues to the board
ahead of time and the potential fiduciary issues I see here. I
explained some, I can find more. The solution to that is, in the
future, disclosure to the board of transactions involving LNC members,
and the orientation I mentioned earlier. Anyway, I am writing to
express disagreement with one point: I almost always disagree with
clawbacks or requested clawbacks absent actual malfeasance. I would
disagree with requesting the return of funds or stopping funds in
progress.
Joshua A. Katz
On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 3:21 PM, Elizabeth Van Horn
<[1]elizabeth.vanhorn at lp.org> wrote:
Wes, here's my feedback, and I don't mind saying that I was shocked
to read that an LNC member is being reimbursed to attend state
conventions within their own region.
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.
I've no problem with this. LNC representatives often attend state
conventions within their own region, and if she works to boost
national membership while there, that's cool.<<<
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.
< This is something that should have been told to the LNC, and even
discussed. Why are we only finding this out, after someone
inquired? Where's the transparency?<<<
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 have a problem with this. Many LNC Regional Representatives
will attend state conventions within their region. If any of them
do membership recruiting for national while there, that's something
they choose to do. Are you suggesting that Caryn Ann wouldn't have
tried to boost membership at a state convention within her region,
if she wasn't reimbursed? Because, I doubt that. This was
something she was doing as she chose to do, while attending
conventions within her own region. This isn't something that an LNC
member should be reimbursed for. <<<
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.
Wes, you don't know what others have done regarding recruiting, as
most people do it as a normal part of being in the LP. I, nor most
others, keep a log of the people we've gotten to join the LP, as I
see it as a given this is done.<<<
Wes, do you know why my own state affiliate has let national
membership drop? Because, they're unhappy with the national LP. At
my last state convention, our officers said that they want people to
keep state memberships current, but national doesn't do anything for
them, so they don't care much about that. I had to mention that our
delegate count is tied to national membership, and since then, I
followed -up on that, but our numbers still have dropped. I've been
thinking of a way to reverse that, but if LPIN is successful in
reversing that trend, it's because our volunteers are passionate
about the LP and liberty actions. Not because anyone is being
reimbursed for the expenses of travel and time. (My state isn't the
only one that feels this way, btw)<<<
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 personally wouldn't send anyone to state conventions to boost
national membership, if the national LP is paying for it. Instead,
we should work to create a better LP that's responsive to it's
members and the public, and we grow through people seeking to join
us. Organic growth.<<<
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.
It's a matter of principal. Byreimbursing Caryn Ann Harlos for
traveling to state conventions within her own region, the LP is
subsidizing her efforts as a regional representative. This is
inappropriate.<<<
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.
Yes, I'm requesting a stop to reimbursing LNC members for travel to
state conventions within their own region. I also am requesting
that Caryn Ann repay the LP for the reimbursement costs of any state
conventions she attended within her region.
As for "sending her" to other state conventions, this should be
discussed by the LNC.<<<
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
to try that. And then we can report the results.
Wes, I know a woman who renewed her membership due to a FB post
that Andy Craig made. (She publicly wrote that he's the reason she
renewed) I'd wager that Andy is responsible for quite a number of
people renewing or joining the LP. As Andy's an excellent advocate
for the cause that is the LP. If you want to find someone who's out
there building up hope in the LP, and getting people on board, he's
the one. You probably don't know this stuff, as Andy doesn't seek
to be recognized for his efforts, he probably sees it as normal for
people who support the LP.
Nor, do I know of others within the LP who keep track of how many
people they've recruited. So, your statement asking people to
"prove your ability", is moot.<<<
(truncated)
---
Elizabeth Van Horn
On 2018-02-22 22:56, Wes Benedict 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. Cary[2]n 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
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
[3](202) 333-0008 ext. 232, [1][4]wes.benedict at lp.org
[2][5]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
Join the Libertarian Party at: [3][6]http://lp.org/membership
-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: Harlos Fundraising
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:27:47 -0500
From: Robert S. Kraus [4]<[7]robert.kraus at lp.org>
To: Wes Benedict [5]<[8]wes.benedict at lp.org>
I have [9]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: [10]202.333.0008 x 231
References
1. mailto:[11]wes.benedict at lp.org
2. [12]http://facebook.com/libertarians
3. [13]http://lp.org/membership
4. mailto:[14]robert.kraus at lp.org
5. mailto:[15]wes.benedict at lp.org
6. mailto:[16]Operations at LP.org
References
1. mailto:elizabeth.vanhorn at lp.org
2. https://maps.google.com/?q=n+Ann+and+Jess+Mears+together+are+n&entry=gmail&source=g
3. tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
4. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
5. http://facebook.com/libertarians
6. http://lp.org/membership
7. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
8. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
9. https://maps.google.com/?q=Harlos+pegged+as+solicitor+for+a+total+of+$2,33&entry=gmail&source=g
10. tel:202.333.0008 x 231
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:Operations at LP.org
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