On the June 21st edition of the Constitution Party Talk Radio show, Randy Stufflebeam was interviewing some guests regarding the Preamble of the Constitution Party. During that interview, both the guests and the callers expressed frustration about how hard it was to get delegates to the National Committee if you lived in a state that did not have a large membership. Since only a couple of states meet the requirements, most of our members are being denied representation at our conventions.
After listening and researching the process, I am afraid that I have to agree that our current setup does not allow for the majority of our members to participate in the direction that the party is going. I have heard the arguments regarding the current system and agree with the overall goal of the system to ensure that delegates are strong members of the party and who have demonstrated that they support the national party. The problem that I have with the system, however, is that the vast majority of Constitution Party members live in states that cannot meet the minimum requirements in the bylaws to become delegates. As such, their voices are not heard in deciding the direction of the party.
From what I have heard, the rationale for our system is to have delegates that have shown loyalty by both participation and donations. There is both a participation and financial requirement for states to be able to send delegates.
I want to emphatically state that I am not proposing anything at this time. All that I am asking is that we start a dialogue about how we can ensure that all of members are properly represented in making critical decisions that will impact this party.
As always, I am never shy about sharing my ideas or recommendations and this article will not be an exception. As such, I would like to recommend a system which allows maximum participation, generates needed funds for the party, and ensures that only loyal party members are attending our conventions and meetings.
Here is my input: We change the bylaws for both states and national that defines memberships into two categories: Associate Members and Full Members. The only difference is that Full Members pay $5 per month in membership dues to the National Party. Associate Membership is free. Of that $5 donation, $2.50 gets divided between the state that the member lives in and the National Party. If the state is so small that it does not have a bank account, the funds are put into a special account at national that is exclusive to building and marketing the party in that state. Full Members have voting privileges and can serve as officers and committee members. Associate Members can attend all meetings and participate in all activities but are not allowed to vote or serve.
Delegates must be Full Members and must be selected by the State Chair and/or State Executive Committee (depending on party organization). Each state is allowed to send 2 delegates (1 for each senator) and an additional delegate for every 100 Full Members. States are responsible for all expenses for the delegates to attend. National will be allowed to charge $100 per delegate for Convention expenses (convention room, etc.).
I feel that this system will address two major needs that we have. First, it will generate needed funds for both our state and national parties. Each organization will get $30 per year from their members to use for building the party. Many states will be able to raise thousands of dollars every year from this and national will be able to raise tens of thousands. Second, it will allow every member of party the opportunity to have their voice heard at national conventions. All they need to do is pay their dues and be able to pay expenses for attending the convention. This system also ensures that delegates are strong, dedicated party members.
This is just one recommendation and I am sure that there are others. I would be open to hearing your ideas and/or your comments on my recommendation. If your suggestion is lengthy, I offer the services of Contitunista.com to post your recommendation on this platform and I will share it with our Facebook readers. Simply comment that you want to write a blog with your recommendations and I will contact you.
There is no rush to decision and nobody is going to be changing our bylaws today. So nobody start screaming about how we are trying to change the party. I just felt that this is a worthy topic that I had not seen being discussed and wanted to bring it up.
constitunista 