Proposal Number 008-08

Date Proposed: July 22, 2008

1. Sponsors: Claire Ryder, state co-chair, Tom Kelly

2. TITLE:
Endorsement/Membership of the Alliance for Real Democracy
(www.realdemocracy2008.org)

3. FULL PROPOSAL:
Proposed that the GPOC endorses and/or becomes a member of the Alliance for Real Democracy
(www.realdemocracy2008.org), a coalition of groups formed to protest/make a statement during the DNC in Denver in August 2008. Our presidential and vice presidential candidates will be here, in Colorado for the DNC, so it important for the GPOC to lend support as well as show solidarity with other local and national groups.

4. BACKGROUND:
The DNC will be held in Denver in August 2008. The Alliance for Real Democracy was formed as a democratic, non-violent coalition of local and National groups to make a statement during the DNC. The Denver and Arapahoe county Greens are members of the group already and several members have been attending meetings, as well as reading the listserve. It is very important at this critical time, and in our home state, to lend our name to this Alliance.

5. JUSTIFICATION/GOALS:
To express solidarity and support for the events and protests of the DNC August 24-28, 2008, in Denver. To have a link to our website to further promote the GPOC as well as our presidential candidates.

Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente will be part of the ARD anti war march and rally on Aug 24th. The Green Party has been asked to lead one of the feeder marches. GPAX (National Green Party peace action committee) is considering endorsing this group and it has been asked to have it submitted to the NC for endorsement. By linking the GPOC on the site, and having us as a member it increases the strength of a possible national endorsement.

6. PROS:
By endorsing/becoming a member of this alliance, it will further the GPOC by increasing our profile, allowing us to work with other groups and give media coverage to the GPOC/GPUS. Since the eyes and ears of the world will be on Denver this week, the GP can be shown in a positive light in the media. This is especially important since our candidates will be in Denver.

7. CONS:
None.