ECDC October 20, 2018 Annual Dinner – Description

Motion to Approve modification to Bylaws Unanimously and to change Dues Month Passed

The motion is to:”

Change our Bylaws to include how that representation will be selected.
Adjust the effective date of dues paid during September of the year. “

Motion made by Benjamin LaForce
Seconded by Gloria Merrill

Event: 66th Annual Dinner, At the Arlington Community Church

52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA

6pm to 9pm

Featuring Kris Perry & Sandy Stier

Marriage Equality Pioneers

Book Signing went great

Thanks to:

Art and Sue Walenta (wine donations)
Al and Barbara Miller (bar help)
Gloria and Dwight Merrill (centerpieces)

Dinner Volunteers:

Hilary and Kip Crosby, Vera Lis, Marty Seuss, Michelle Fadelli, Mary Lyman, Scott and Katie Lyons

Order of the Program

6:00 pm Social hour

7:00 pm Dinner

7:30 pm Welcome & Introductions

7:40 pm Club Business

ByLaw Change
Precinct Walking
Holiday Party
Friday December 11, 7pm, 7 Pomona, Janet’s House

7:45 PM Presentation

Celebrating Marriage Equality Partners

Kris Perry and Sandy Stier

The litigants and victors in the United States Supreme Court Case against CA Proposition 8 discussed their involvement in the 2015 landmark case — which was the basis of the HBO documentary The Case Against 8. Copies of their book, Love on Trial, was available for signature for members.

Living in Berkeley with their four sons, Kris and Sandi had a modern family, but without the protections of legal marriage. In alternating voices, Love on Trial tells the story of each woman’s journey from their 1960s all-American childhoods to the US Supreme Court, sharing tales of growing up in rural America, coming out to bewildered parents, falling in love, and finally becoming a family. From wrangling teenagers and careers to hot flashes at the Supreme Court, Love on Trial provides an honest, amusing look at a family that landed in the middle of one of the most important civil rights battles of our era.

Paul Fadelli conducted a very interesting interview with the two authors, who gave much background on all of their events and challenges leading to the Supreme Court Case and the writing of their book.

Bylaw Changes

The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County also known as the Central Committee, made changes this year to allow for each Club to have voting representation on the Central Committee.

We need to change our Bylaws to include how that representation will be selected.
A second change adjusts the effective date of dues paid during September of the year.

Previously, new member dues paid after October 1 were applied to the following calendar year. The recommendation is for new member dues paid after September 1 be applied to the following year.

The Executive Board is requesting two changes to the Bylaws, including 1) changing the date regarding effectiveness for new dues, and 2) introducing a method for selecting representatives and alternatives to the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County (DPCCC), also known as the Central Committee.

The Executive Board proposes to change the underlined word from “October” to “September” as follows:
- IV. Annual Dues: The members shall determine the amount of the annual dues at the September meeting and shall be at least $5/year. Dues may be waived by the Executive Dues must be paid by June 1st. Annual dues paid after September 1st shall cover the remainder of the calendar year and the following calendar year.
The Executive Board recommends a process similar to how we select our pre-endorsement delegates (see Standing Endorsement Rules on the website). The Executive Board recommends adding a new section that reads:
- XII. Representation to the Contra Costa County Democratic Central Committee: ECDC is affiliated with the Contra Costa County Democratic Central Committee (DPCCC) and entitled to a voting delegate to the DPCCC. ECDC shall select a DPCCC numbered years, starting in January 2019. Members shall select the DPCCC Representative and DPCCC Alternate during the September meeting of even numbered years. The affirmative vote of at least 50% of the members present and voting, but not less than 5% of the membership or 10 members, whichever is greater, is necessary to select the DPCCC Representative and DPCCC Alternate. All members present at the meeting are eligible to vote. Before the vote, candidates may speak. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted. Balloting shall be by show of hands or by secret ballot at the discretion of the ECDC Executive Board. The ECDC Executive Board shall determine the process for voting administration, and may select a member of members to serve as judge(s) to monitor the fairness of the voting. Members are already DPCCC voting member are not eligible candidates to represent ECDC. The ECDC Executive Board shall appoint members to serve any unfilled delegate positions.