Notetaker: Noah, Facilitator: Jen, ~18 present
Announcements
Chaos reported on State GA in Fond du Lac:
- Occupy Milwaukee endorsed “Day of Rage” following recall election, regardless of outcome to send message that the people are still vigilant on political process.
- State GA wants to support Penokee Mines
- Milwaukee has buses to go to NATO meeting in Chicago
Allen: asked people to contact him if they want to use farmers market table for Occupy Madison on Saturdays; he also has information on a city permit to have table during the week; please contact him if interested (veryeasytrumpet@gmail.com).
Proposals
Aaron presented two proposals:
1) Proposed modified consensus: To pass a proposal: 3/4′s (75%) of the GA must say yes, 26% against would shoot down a proposal. If 74% or less are in support, regardless if others abstain or are against, the proposal must go into further discussion or be tabled. If 100 people, 71 for and 23 against and 6 abstain, then discuss or table. Aaron pointed out we do not have an official policy for how things pass, and it’s been dependent on the GA and facilitator to choose modified consensus, majority, or consensus. He argued that this gave power to the minority voice as well as power to those who abstain.
2) Quorum of 8: for a GA to be empowered to make decisions, 8 people must be present. Friendly amendment: GA’s must stick to ratified schedule to be official.
Discussion on 1) Modified consensus: straw poll: 14 for, 2 against, 4-5 abstain. After further discussion, vote: 16 for, 2 against, 1 abstain. Proposal passed.
GA ended, and Proposal #2 tabled from time.
In the discussion, other points raised were: 1) suggestion (not proposed) that proposals be presented in a GA, and then discussion+voting would take place at the next GA 2) that it is challenging when people come late to a GA, and the issue needs to be rehashed or they vote w/o being adequately informed.
