[Lnc-business] Caryn Ann Harlos fundraising and membership recruitment
Caryn Ann Harlos
caryn.ann.harlos at lp.org
Sun Feb 25 14:53:40 EST 2018
There have been absolutely incorrect items mixed in. So I stand in my
comment.
It was reported.
I doubt that will make the gossip rounds.
No matter that is life in the LP fortunately.
I’m sure a new outrage will be easily found.
I completely appreciate the legitimate concerns. Very much so. And
completely legitimate concerns can and have been salted with political
smear.
On Sun, Feb 25, 2018 at 12:40 PM Elizabeth Van Horn <
elizabeth.vanhorn at lp.org> wrote:
> Apparently, very few LNC members read your report.
>
> This also doesn't address the issue of this being discussed by the LNC,
> before a decision was made. Your report is after a decision was made,
> and without this board weighing-in.
>
> ---
> Elizabeth Van Horn
> LNC Region 3 (IN, MI, OH, KY)
> Secretary Libertarian Party of Madison Co, Indiana
> Chair-LP Social Media Process Review Committee
> Vice-Chair Libertarian Pragmatist Caucus
> http://www.lpcaucus.org/
>
> On 2018-02-25 14:17, Caryn Ann Harlos wrote:
> > Thank you Wes. Actually last night I did wake up and realize THIS WAS
> > IN MY REPORT. I put EVERYTHING in my reports.
> >
> > Any LNC member could have read that. It was sent to party members.
> > It
> > was posted online multiple places.
> >
> > I reported it.
> >
> > I hope that at least settles part of the political smear job that
> > has
> > ensued.
> >
> > And I am going to relisten to that entire NOLA meeting (though there
> > was equipment malfunction for part of the time) as I am pretty
> > positive
> > it was discussed informally there. Wes or Lauren may recall.
> >
> > All of our policies were followed. I DID DISCLOSE THIS TO THE LNC.
> >
> > -Caryn Ann
> >
> > On Sun, Feb 25, 2018 at 7:24 AM Wes Benedict
> > <[1]wes.benedict at lp.org>
> > wrote:
> >
> > Substantial updates below.
> > Robert Kraus, based on the general direction provided by the
> > chair (a
> > copy pasted below), please issue the reimbursement to Caryn Ann
> > Harlos
> > ($439.73 I believe), but wait until Tuesday morning to do it to
> > give
> > the LNC the opportunity to get a motion started to deny the
> > reimbursement in case they want to do that (something I think
> > is
> > unlikely, but of course possible). If a motion addressing these
> > issues
> > has co-sponsors, even though we won't know for 10 days whether
> > or
> > not
> > it would pass, if a motion were in process, I'd find it prudent
> > to hold
> > off on the reimbursement until such a motion has time to
> > complete.
> > Although it's among lots of other information, I think it's
> > worth
> > pointing out that Ms. Harlos included that she would be sent to
> > some
> > state convention in 2018 in her region report at the December
> > 2017 LNC
> > meeting in New Orleans. Excerpt below:
> > Membership Growth - "I have been obtaining the lists of
> > Regional
> > lapsed members for Region 1 and making calls to encourage
> > renewal
> > earlier this year. I also have been promoting National
> > memberships
> > at the state conventions and have personally signed up about
> > 150 new
> > members between in-person and on-line renewals. I am being
> > sent
> > to
> > several conventions in 2018 by the national party to recruit.
> > I
> > constantly coach and encourage my region regarding national
> > memberships."
> >
> >
> > [1][2]http://www.lp.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2017-12-09_LNC_Me
> > eting_
> > Region_1_Report.pdf
> > I do not recall if this program was discussed during some
> > portion
> > of
> > the LNC meeting (like budget or elsewhere). Daniel Hayes
> > mentioned he
> > recalls hearing about the program but that could have been
> > outside of
> > the meeting. I don't think I personally brought it up during
> > the
> > staff
> > portion of the meeting. In case anyone is inclined to do review
> > the LNC
> > meeting, the LNC meeting can be watched again here:
> > [2][3]https://www.lp.org/event/lnc-meeting-new-orleans-la/
> > Going forward . . .
> > Caryn Ann Harlos, please resume our plans for you to attend
> > state
> > conventions, to recruit members, and to have your travel
> > reimbursed by
> > the LNC (again, like above, unless the LNC initiates a motion
> > aimed at
> > ending the practice in which case it would be wise to wait for
> > that
> > motion to complete). Going forward, I think we should restrict
> > reimbursements for visits outside of your region. Thank you for
> > your
> > service. Sorry about the kerfuffle.
> > If any other LNC members are interested in visiting a state
> > convention
> > to recruit members and to have the expenses covered by the
> > party,
> > please identify the state convention you'd like to try and I'll
> > let you
> > know if that one is covered yet and if I think it's a good
> > opportunity.
> > If interested, for transparency purposes, I think it's best to
> > make
> > your offer publicly on this LNC discuss list. Also, please
> > provide
> > projections on the expenses and revenue you expect. I'll not
> > personally
> > approve a trip that is very likely to have too poor of an ROI
> > (e.g. a
> > trip to an expensive place to reach with a likely low
> > attendance--no
> > offense intended, but Hawaii comes to mind--I'll not approve
> > Hawaii
> > unless someone makes a really good case for it). I will intend
> > to
> > report your results and based on your results from your first
> > state
> > we'll see if a second state is warranted.
> > LNC members, this project is not critical. It will likely cost
> > less
> > than 1% of our budget, and will likely bring in less than 1% to
> > 3% of
> > our members. If it's too much of a distraction, I will not be
> > offended
> > if you vote to end the program and it likely won't have a major
> > impact
> > (unless more LNC members participate and are more successful
> > than
> > I
> > anticipate).
> > I do like trying new things to get our membership up, and like
> > using
> > volunteers when they are available if the staff required to
> > support the
> > volunteers isn't overly burdensome. I also like having LNC
> > members use
> > their talents when available.
> > As usual, our operations director Robert Kraus is always happy
> > to
> > provide lists of people to LNC members to call for membership
> > renewals
> > and donations to the national party from the comfort of your
> > home. If
> > interested in making fundraising calls, let me or Robert know.
> > (The chair's comments are below as referenced above.)
> > Thanks,
> > --Wes Benedict
> > -------- Forwarded Message --------
> > Subject: [Lnc-business] Expense Reimbursement for Fundraising
> > Date: Fri, 23 Feb 2018 22:06:19 -0700
> > From: Nicholas Sarwark [3]<[4]chair at lp.org>
> > Reply-To: [4][5]lnc-business at hq.lp.org
> > To: [5][6]lnc-business at hq.lp.org
> > Dear All,
> > Expense reimbursements to LNC members have been made (and will be
> > made
> > in the future) according to the rules set out in our policy
> > manual.
> > The Chair and/or the Treasurer (depending on the situation)
> > approve
> > the expenses and no officer approves his or her own expenses.
> > When expense reimbursements for party business are made to a
> > member
> > of
> > the LNC, they are reported on the related party transactions
> > portion
> > of the Treasurer's report.
> > As our fundraising infrastructure has improved, there are more
> > opportunities for fundraising events than there is availability
> > from
> > only staff and the Chair. If LNC members are able to handle events
> > at
> > the direction of the Executive Director or Head of Development,
> > they
> > have been (and will continue to be) reimbursed for their expenses
> > associated with those events.
> > Membership recruitment is one part of an effective fundraising
> > strategy. When a person makes an initial financial commitment to
> > the
> > party, they are much more likely to make future financial
> > commitments
> > over their lifetime (and sometimes at the end of it).
> > Absent a change in the policy manual or specific guidance in the
> > form
> > of a vote of the national committee, it is my intention to proceed
> > as
> > we have been doing in consultation with the Treasurer, Executive
> > Director, and the Head of Development.
> > Yours in liberty,
> > Nick
> > Wes Benedict, Executive Director
> > Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
> > 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
> > (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, [6][7]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > [8]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
> > Join the Libertarian Party at: [7][9]http://lp.org/membership
> > Wes Benedict wrote on 2/23/2018 2:09 PM:
> > Thanks for the response.
> > Joshua, we have sent Chair Sarwark and Vice Chair Vohra to
> > fundraising events and have reimbursed their travel expenses.
> > Our Head of Development is setting up additional fundraising
> > events
> > with the intention of the chair to attend.
> > What do you think about that? Would you recommend we cease
> > reimbursing the travel expenses for sending the chair for
> > fundraising events?
> > Wes Benedict, Executive Director
> > Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
> > 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
> > (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, [8][10]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > [11]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
> > Join the Libertarian Party at:
> > [9][12]http://lp.org/membership
> > On 2/23/2018 1:56 PM, Joshua Katz wrote:
> > 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
> > [10]<[1][13]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,
> > [[11]3][14]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > [4][15]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
> > Join the Libertarian Party at:
> > [5][12][16]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
> <https://maps.google.com/?q=Joshua+A.+Katz&entry=gmail&source=g>
> > On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 11:11 AM, Wes Benedict
> > [13]<[1][6][17]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][14][18]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][[15]9][19]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > [6][10][20]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
> > Join the Libertarian Party at:
> > [7][11][16][21]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
> > [17]<[1][8][12][22]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][[18]14][23]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > [2][4][12][15][24]facebook.com/libertarians
> > @LPNational
> > Join the Libertarian Party at:
> > [3][5][13][16][19][25]http://lp.org/membership
> > -------- Forwarded Message --------
> > Subject: Harlos Fundraising
> > Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:27:47 -0500
> > From: Robert S. Kraus
> > [4][20]<[6][14][17][26]robert.kraus at lp.org>
> > To: Wes Benedict
> > [5]<[7][15][[21]18][27]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
> > [[22]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][[23]19][28]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 2.
> > [10][17][20][24][29]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 3.
> > [11][18][21][25][30]http://lp.org/membership
> > 4.
> > mailto:[12][19][[26]22][31]robert.kraus at lp.org
> > 5.
> > mailto:[13][20][[27]23][32]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 6. mailto:[[28]14]Operations at LP.org
> > References
> > 1. mailto:[21][[29]24][33]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 2. tel:[22][25](202) 333-0008 ext. 232
> > 3. mailto:[23][[30]26][34]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 4.
> > [24][27][31][35]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 5. [25][28][32][36]http://lp.org/membership
> > 6. mailto:[26][[33]29][37]robert.kraus at lp.org
> > 7. mailto:[27][[34]30][38]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 8. tel:[28]202.333.0008 x 231
> > 9. mailto:[29][[35]31][39]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 10.
> > [30][32][36][40]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 11. [31][33][37][41]http://lp.org/membership
> > 12. mailto:[32][[38]34][42]robert.kraus at lp.org
> > 13. mailto:[33][[39]35][43]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 14. mailto:[[40]34]Operations at LP.org
> > References
> > 1. mailto:[[41]36][44]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 2.
> > [37][42][45]https://www.lp.org/lnc-meeting-archives/
> > 3. [38][43][46]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:[[44]40][47]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 6. [41][45][48]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 7. [42][46][49]http://lp.org/membership
> > 8. mailto:[[47]43][50]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 9. [44][48][51]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:[[49]46][52]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 12. [47][50][53]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 13. [48][51][54]http://lp.org/membership
> > 14. mailto:[[52]49][55]robert.kraus at lp.org
> > 15. mailto:[[53]50][56]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 16. mailto:[[54]51][57]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 17. [52][55][58]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 18. [53][56][59]http://lp.org/membership
> > 19. mailto:[[57]54][60]robert.kraus at lp.org
> > 20. mailto:[[58]55][61]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 21. mailto:[[59]56][62]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 22. tel:[57](202) 333-0008 ext. 232
> > 23. mailto:[[60]58][63]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 24. [59][61][64]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 25. [60][62][65]http://lp.org/membership
> > 26. mailto:[[63]61][66]robert.kraus at lp.org
> > 27. mailto:[[64]62][67]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 28. tel:[63]202.333.0008 x 231
> > 29. mailto:[[65]64][68]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 30. [65][66][69]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 31. [66][67][70]http://lp.org/membership
> > 32. mailto:[[68]67][71]robert.kraus at lp.org
> > 33. mailto:[[69]68][72]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 34. mailto:[[70]69]Operations at LP.org
> > References
> > 1. [71]mailto:[73]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 2. [72]tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
> > 3. [73]mailto:[74]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 4. [74][75]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 5. [75][76]http://lp.org/membership
> > 6. [76]mailto:[77]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 7. [77][78]https://www.lp.org/lnc-meeting-archives/
> > 8. [78]tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
> > 9. [79]mailto:[79]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 10. [80][80]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 11. [81][81]http://lp.org/membership
> > 12. [82]mailto:[82]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 13. [83]tel:(202)
> <https://maps.google.com/?q=3%5Dtel:(202)&entry=gmail&source=g>333-0008
> ext. 232
> > 14. [84]mailto:[83]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 15. [85][84]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 16. [86][85]http://lp.org/membership
> > 17. [87]mailto:[86]robert.kraus at lp.org
> > 18. [88]mailto:[87]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 19. [89]mailto:[88]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 20. [90][89]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 21. [91][90]http://lp.org/membership
> > 22. [92]mailto:[91]robert.kraus at lp.org
> > 23. [93]mailto:[92]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 24. [94]mailto:[93]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 25. [95]tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
> > 26. [96]mailto:[94]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 27. [97][95]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 28. [98][96]http://lp.org/membership
> > 29. [99]mailto:[97]robert.kraus at lp.org
> > 30. [100]mailto:[98]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 31. [101]mailto:[99]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 32. [102][100]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> > 33. [103][101]http://lp.org/membership
> > 34. [104]mailto:[102]robert.kraus at lp.org
> > 35. [105]mailto:[103]wes.benedict at lp.org
> > 36. [106]mailto:[104] <wes.benedict at lp.org>
-------------- next part --------------
There have been absolutely incorrect items mixed in. So I stand in my
comment.
It was reported.
I doubt that will make the gossip rounds.
No matter that is life in the LP fortunately.
I’m sure a new outrage will be easily found.
I completely appreciate the legitimate concerns. Very much so. And
completely legitimate concerns can and have been salted with political
smear.
On Sun, Feb 25, 2018 at 12:40 PM Elizabeth Van Horn
<[1]elizabeth.vanhorn at lp.org> wrote:
Apparently, very few LNC members read your report.
This also doesn't address the issue of this being discussed by the
LNC,
before a decision was made. Your report is after a decision was
made,
and without this board weighing-in.
---
Elizabeth Van Horn
LNC Region 3 (IN, MI, OH, KY)
Secretary Libertarian Party of Madison Co, Indiana
Chair-LP Social Media Process Review Committee
Vice-Chair Libertarian Pragmatist Caucus
[2]http://www.lpcaucus.org/
On 2018-02-25 14:17, Caryn Ann Harlos wrote:
> Thank you Wes. Actually last night I did wake up and realize THIS
WAS
> IN MY REPORT. I put EVERYTHING in my reports.
>
> Any LNC member could have read that. It was sent to party
members.
> It
> was posted online multiple places.
>
> I reported it.
>
> I hope that at least settles part of the political smear job
that
> has
> ensued.
>
> And I am going to relisten to that entire NOLA meeting (though
there
> was equipment malfunction for part of the time) as I am pretty
> positive
> it was discussed informally there. Wes or Lauren may recall.
>
> All of our policies were followed. I DID DISCLOSE THIS TO THE
LNC.
>
> -Caryn Ann
>
> On Sun, Feb 25, 2018 at 7:24 AM Wes Benedict
> <[1][3]wes.benedict at lp.org>
> wrote:
>
> Substantial updates below.
> Robert Kraus, based on the general direction provided by
the
> chair (a
> copy pasted below), please issue the reimbursement to
Caryn Ann
> Harlos
> ($439.73 I believe), but wait until Tuesday morning to do
it to
> give
> the LNC the opportunity to get a motion started to deny
the
> reimbursement in case they want to do that (something I
think
> is
> unlikely, but of course possible). If a motion addressing
these
> issues
> has co-sponsors, even though we won't know for 10 days
whether
> or
> not
> it would pass, if a motion were in process, I'd find it
prudent
> to hold
> off on the reimbursement until such a motion has time to
> complete.
> Although it's among lots of other information, I think
it's
> worth
> pointing out that Ms. Harlos included that she would be
sent to
> some
> state convention in 2018 in her region report at the
December
> 2017 LNC
> meeting in New Orleans. Excerpt below:
> Membership Growth - "I have been obtaining the lists of
> Regional
> lapsed members for Region 1 and making calls to
encourage
> renewal
> earlier this year. I also have been promoting National
> memberships
> at the state conventions and have personally signed up
about
> 150 new
> members between in-person and on-line renewals. I am
being
> sent
> to
> several conventions in 2018 by the national party to
recruit.
> I
> constantly coach and encourage my region regarding
national
> memberships."
>
>
>
[1][2][4]http://www.lp.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2017-12-09_LNC
_Me
> eting_
> Region_1_Report.pdf
> I do not recall if this program was discussed during some
> portion
> of
> the LNC meeting (like budget or elsewhere). Daniel Hayes
> mentioned he
> recalls hearing about the program but that could have been
> outside of
> the meeting. I don't think I personally brought it up
during
> the
> staff
> portion of the meeting. In case anyone is inclined to do
review
> the LNC
> meeting, the LNC meeting can be watched again here:
>
[2][3][5]https://www.lp.org/event/lnc-meeting-new-orleans-la/
> Going forward . . .
> Caryn Ann Harlos, please resume our plans for you to
attend
> state
> conventions, to recruit members, and to have your travel
> reimbursed by
> the LNC (again, like above, unless the LNC initiates a
motion
> aimed at
> ending the practice in which case it would be wise to wait
for
> that
> motion to complete). Going forward, I think we should
restrict
> reimbursements for visits outside of your region. Thank
you for
> your
> service. Sorry about the kerfuffle.
> If any other LNC members are interested in visiting a
state
> convention
> to recruit members and to have the expenses covered by the
> party,
> please identify the state convention you'd like to try and
I'll
> let you
> know if that one is covered yet and if I think it's a good
> opportunity.
> If interested, for transparency purposes, I think it's
best to
> make
> your offer publicly on this LNC discuss list. Also, please
> provide
> projections on the expenses and revenue you expect. I'll
not
> personally
> approve a trip that is very likely to have too poor of an
ROI
> (e.g. a
> trip to an expensive place to reach with a likely low
> attendance--no
> offense intended, but Hawaii comes to mind--I'll not
approve
> Hawaii
> unless someone makes a really good case for it). I will
intend
> to
> report your results and based on your results from your
first
> state
> we'll see if a second state is warranted.
> LNC members, this project is not critical. It will likely
cost
> less
> than 1% of our budget, and will likely bring in less than
1% to
> 3% of
> our members. If it's too much of a distraction, I will not
be
> offended
> if you vote to end the program and it likely won't have a
major
> impact
> (unless more LNC members participate and are more
successful
> than
> I
> anticipate).
> I do like trying new things to get our membership up, and
like
> using
> volunteers when they are available if the staff required
to
> support the
> volunteers isn't overly burdensome. I also like having LNC
> members use
> their talents when available.
> As usual, our operations director Robert Kraus is always
happy
> to
> provide lists of people to LNC members to call for
membership
> renewals
> and donations to the national party from the comfort of
your
> home. If
> interested in making fundraising calls, let me or Robert
know.
> (The chair's comments are below as referenced above.)
> Thanks,
> --Wes Benedict
> -------- Forwarded Message --------
> Subject: [Lnc-business] Expense Reimbursement for
Fundraising
> Date: Fri, 23 Feb 2018 22:06:19 -0700
> From: Nicholas Sarwark [3]<[4][6]chair at lp.org>
> Reply-To: [4][5][7]lnc-business at hq.lp.org
> To: [5][6][8]lnc-business at hq.lp.org
> Dear All,
> Expense reimbursements to LNC members have been made (and
will be
> made
> in the future) according to the rules set out in our policy
> manual.
> The Chair and/or the Treasurer (depending on the situation)
> approve
> the expenses and no officer approves his or her own expenses.
> When expense reimbursements for party business are made to a
> member
> of
> the LNC, they are reported on the related party transactions
> portion
> of the Treasurer's report.
> As our fundraising infrastructure has improved, there are
more
> opportunities for fundraising events than there is
availability
> from
> only staff and the Chair. If LNC members are able to handle
events
> at
> the direction of the Executive Director or Head of
Development,
> they
> have been (and will continue to be) reimbursed for their
expenses
> associated with those events.
> Membership recruitment is one part of an effective
fundraising
> strategy. When a person makes an initial financial
commitment to
> the
> party, they are much more likely to make future financial
> commitments
> over their lifetime (and sometimes at the end of it).
> Absent a change in the policy manual or specific guidance in
the
> form
> of a vote of the national committee, it is my intention to
proceed
> as
> we have been doing in consultation with the Treasurer,
Executive
> Director, and the Head of Development.
> Yours in liberty,
> Nick
> Wes Benedict, Executive Director
> Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
> 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
> (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, [6][7][9]wes.benedict at lp.org
> [8][10]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
> Join the Libertarian Party at:
[7][9][11]http://lp.org/membership
> Wes Benedict wrote on 2/23/2018 2:09 PM:
> Thanks for the response.
> Joshua, we have sent Chair Sarwark and Vice Chair Vohra
to
> fundraising events and have reimbursed their travel
expenses.
> Our Head of Development is setting up additional
fundraising
> events
> with the intention of the chair to attend.
> What do you think about that? Would you recommend we
cease
> reimbursing the travel expenses for sending the chair
for
> fundraising events?
> Wes Benedict, Executive Director
> Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
> 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
> (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, [8][10][12]wes.benedict at lp.org
> [11][13]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
> Join the Libertarian Party at:
> [9][12][14]http://lp.org/membership
> On 2/23/2018 1:56 PM, Joshua Katz wrote:
> 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
> [10]<[1][13][15]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,
> [[11]3][14][16]wes.benedict at lp.org
> [4][15][17]facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
> Join the Libertarian Party at:
> [5][12][16][18]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.
> [19]Joshua A. Katz
> On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 11:11 AM, Wes Benedict
> [13]<[1][6][17][20]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][14][18][21]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][[15]9][19][22]wes.benedict at lp.org
> [6][10][20][23]facebook.com/libertarians
@LPNational
> Join the Libertarian Party at:
> [7][11][16][21][24]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
> [17]<[1][8][12][22][25]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][[18]14][23][26]wes.benedict at lp.org
>
[2][4][12][15][24][27]facebook.com/libertarians
> @LPNational
> Join the Libertarian Party at:
>
[3][5][13][16][19][25][28]http://lp.org/membership
> -------- Forwarded Message --------
> Subject: Harlos Fundraising
> Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:27:47
-0500
> From: Robert S. Kraus
> [4][20]<[6][14][17][26][29]robert.kraus at lp.org>
> To: Wes Benedict
> [5]<[7][15][[21]18][27][30]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
> [[22]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][[23]19][28][31]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 2.
> [10][17][20][24][29][32]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 3.
> [11][18][21][25][30][33]http://lp.org/membership
> 4.
> mailto:[12][19][[26]22][31][34]robert.kraus at lp.org
> 5.
> mailto:[13][20][[27]23][32][35]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 6. mailto:[[28]14]Operations at LP.org
> References
> 1.
mailto:[21][[29]24][33][36]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 2. tel:[22][25](202) 333-0008 ext. 232
> 3.
mailto:[23][[30]26][34][37]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 4.
> [24][27][31][35][38]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 5.
[25][28][32][36][39]http://lp.org/membership
> 6.
mailto:[26][[33]29][37][40]robert.kraus at lp.org
> 7.
mailto:[27][[34]30][38][41]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 8. tel:[28]202.333.0008 x 231
> 9.
mailto:[29][[35]31][39][42]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 10.
> [30][32][36][40][43]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 11.
[31][33][37][41][44]http://lp.org/membership
> 12.
mailto:[32][[38]34][42][45]robert.kraus at lp.org
> 13.
mailto:[33][[39]35][43][46]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 14. mailto:[[40]34]Operations at LP.org
> References
> 1. mailto:[[41]36][44][47]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 2.
> [37][42][45][48]https://www.lp.org/lnc-meeting-archives/
> 3.
[38][43][46][49]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:[[44]40][47][50]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 6.
[41][45][48][51]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 7. [42][46][49][52]http://lp.org/membership
> 8. mailto:[[47]43][50][53]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 9.
[44][48][51][54]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:[[49]46][52][55]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 12.
[47][50][53][56]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 13. [48][51][54][57]http://lp.org/membership
> 14. mailto:[[52]49][55][58]robert.kraus at lp.org
> 15. mailto:[[53]50][56][59]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 16. mailto:[[54]51][57][60]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 17.
[52][55][58][61]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 18. [53][56][59][62]http://lp.org/membership
> 19. mailto:[[57]54][60][63]robert.kraus at lp.org
> 20. mailto:[[58]55][61][64]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 21. mailto:[[59]56][62][65]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 22. tel:[57](202) 333-0008 ext. 232
> 23. mailto:[[60]58][63][66]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 24.
[59][61][64][67]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 25. [60][62][65][68]http://lp.org/membership
> 26. mailto:[[63]61][66][69]robert.kraus at lp.org
> 27. mailto:[[64]62][67][70]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 28. tel:[63]202.333.0008 x 231
> 29. mailto:[[65]64][68][71]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 30.
[65][66][69][72]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 31. [66][67][70][73]http://lp.org/membership
> 32. mailto:[[68]67][71][74]robert.kraus at lp.org
> 33. mailto:[[69]68][72][75]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 34. mailto:[[70]69]Operations at LP.org
> References
> 1. [71]mailto:[73][76]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 2. [72]tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
> 3. [73]mailto:[74][77]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 4. [74][75][78]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 5. [75][76][79]http://lp.org/membership
> 6. [76]mailto:[77][80]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 7.
[77][78][81]https://www.lp.org/lnc-meeting-archives/
> 8. [78]tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
> 9. [79]mailto:[79][82]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 10. [80][80][83]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 11. [81][81][84]http://lp.org/membership
> 12. [82]mailto:[82][85]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 13. [8[86]3]tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
> 14. [84]mailto:[83][87]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 15. [85][84][88]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 16. [86][85][89]http://lp.org/membership
> 17. [87]mailto:[86][90]robert.kraus at lp.org
> 18. [88]mailto:[87][91]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 19. [89]mailto:[88][92]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 20. [90][89][93]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 21. [91][90][94]http://lp.org/membership
> 22. [92]mailto:[91][95]robert.kraus at lp.org
> 23. [93]mailto:[92][96]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 24. [94]mailto:[93][97]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 25. [95]tel:(202) 333-0008 ext. 232
> 26. [96]mailto:[94][98]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 27. [97][95][99]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 28. [98][96][100]http://lp.org/membership
> 29. [99]mailto:[97][101]robert.kraus at lp.org
> 30. [100]mailto:[98][102]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 31. [101]mailto:[99][103]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 32. [102][100][104]http://facebook.com/libertarians
> 33. [103][101][105]http://lp.org/membership
> 34. [104]mailto:[102][106]robert.kraus at lp.org
> 35. [105]mailto:[103][107]wes.benedict at lp.org
> 36. [106]mailto:[104]
References
Visible links
1. mailto:elizabeth.vanhorn at lp.org
2. http://www.lpcaucus.org/
3. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
4. http://www.lp.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2017-12-09_LNC_Me
5. https://www.lp.org/event/lnc-meeting-new-orleans-la/
6. mailto:chair at lp.org
7. mailto:lnc-business at hq.lp.org
8. mailto:lnc-business at hq.lp.org
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. http://facebook.com/libertarians
14. http://lp.org/membership
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. https://maps.google.com/?q=Joshua+A.+Katz&entry=gmail&source=g
20. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
21. https://www.lp.org/lnc-meeting-archives/
22. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
23. http://facebook.com/libertarians
24. http://lp.org/membership
25. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
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. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
38. http://facebook.com/libertarians
39. http://lp.org/membership
40. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
41. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
42. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
43. http://facebook.com/libertarians
44. http://lp.org/membership
45. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
46. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
47. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
48. https://www.lp.org/lnc-meeting-archives/
49. https://maps.google.com/?q=144
50. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
51. http://facebook.com/libertarians
52. http://lp.org/membership
53. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
54. https://maps.google.com/?q=to+
55. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
56. http://facebook.com/libertarians
57. http://lp.org/membership
58. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
59. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
60. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
61. http://facebook.com/libertarians
62. http://lp.org/membership
63. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
64. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
65. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
66. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
67. http://facebook.com/libertarians
68. http://lp.org/membership
69. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
70. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
71. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
72. http://facebook.com/libertarians
73. http://lp.org/membership
74. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
75. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
76. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
77. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
78. http://facebook.com/libertarians
79. http://lp.org/membership
80. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
81. https://www.lp.org/lnc-meeting-archives/
82. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
83. http://facebook.com/libertarians
84. http://lp.org/membership
85. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
86. https://maps.google.com/?q=3]tel:(202)&entry=gmail&source=g
87. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
88. http://facebook.com/libertarians
89. http://lp.org/membership
90. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
91. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
92. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
93. http://facebook.com/libertarians
94. http://lp.org/membership
95. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
96. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
97. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
98. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
99. http://facebook.com/libertarians
100. http://lp.org/membership
101. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
102. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
103. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
104. http://facebook.com/libertarians
105. http://lp.org/membership
106. mailto:robert.kraus at lp.org
107. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
Hidden links:
109. mailto:wes.benedict at lp.org
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