19-June-2008, Markus Heller:
Today the ICC send me 2 important papers related to the proposals on this page - please read them !
080619_wcn-eu-icc_financials-june-dec2008_for-AGM.xls (41 kb)
and
080619_responses-from-wcn-eu-icc-to-submitted-proposals-for-agm.doc (56 kb)

see list here: Provisional Member Organisations (until the 2008 AGM)

BACKGROUND INFO 1:\\

- The Carbusters survey done for the NESsT process (link published April 24 in [carfree_network])

BACKGROUND INFO 2:
(added June 18, 2008, by Markus Heller, AB)
- e-Mail from the CB-Editorial Collective and the ICC (Chris, Sam, Tanja and Theo) to [carfree_network], June-18, 2008: "Attached is a collection of word and excel files containing information upon the financial status and workings of Carbusters for the upcoming World Carfree Network's AGM (Friday June 20). Numerous agenda items were brought up concerning the future of Carbusters: making Carbusters online only, moving Carbusters to Portland/Budapest, changing the name of Carbusters, re-allocating staff to other tasks, and finally, liquidating the Resource Centre.
The following files contain the Editorial Collective's and International Coordination Centre's (ICC) response to these proposals, and suggestions for the future. (...)"

I object to this proposal because there are no clear criteria for what constitutes "obstructionism" in the WCN Statues.
Moreover, I also find no case for dismissal based on Article 5 d. Specifically, and at the risk of self-incrimination, I am not "seriously and deliberately disrupting the network's decision-making processes." I am sure this does not mean calling for accountability, which I freely admit to doing repeatedly.

- email posted by Todd Edelman on carfree_network@lists.riseup.net "minutes of Internal SC Meeting (Berlin, 1-3" on 24.5.2008
- email posted by Todd Edelman on carfree_network@lists.riseup.net "Healthy debate and respect" on 30.5.2008
- email posted by Joel Crawford on carfree_network@lists.riseup.net "Comments from Christi Brooks to AGM work groups" on 30.5.2008

I mainly object to this nomination as Randall Ghent seems to lack the ability to admit in any WCN fora any personal responsibility in the current crisis in WCN or - in a substantive way - the past failings and mistakes of WCN and the ICC since the inception of the Network. This also includes responding to specific allegations on any fora. My guess - only a guess - is that Randall hopes the issues will just "go away". Diplomacy needs honesty and transparency, in addition to the pleasant and de-escalating tones used by Randall in his occasional messages about other situations and issues on WCN fora.

BACKGROUND INFO:
- email on carfree_network@lists.riseup.net "minutes of Internal SC Meeting (Berlin, 1-3" on 24.5.2008
- email on carfree_network@lists.riseup.net "Healthy debate and respect" on 30.5.2008
- email on carfree_network@lists.riseup.net "Comments from Christi Brooks to AGM work groups" on 30.5.2008

ARGUMENTS AGAINST:
(submitted on 16 June by Todd Edelman from WCN member Green Idea Factory)

I mainly object to this nomination as Randall Ghent seems to lack the ability to admit in any WCN fora any personal responsibility in the current crisis in WCN or - in a substantive way - the past failings and mistakes of WCN and the ICC since the inception of the Network.

Furthermore, I think that AB member Markus Heller's nomination should be invalidated as he intentionally refused to provide the WCN "active individuals" with a summary of the SC meeting in Berlin in 2008, even after evidence that an SC member had agreed to provide this. The details of the meeting provided to WCN members, in conjunction with a more recent analysis by former WCN fundraiser Christi Brooks, which among other things back up my argument above, make it clear to me that Markus Heller is nominating Randall for other than professional reasons.

I also agree that Randall Ghent is an excellent carfree theoretician. However, there is no evidence that he has an interest in diplomacy with globally-functioning organisations which deal with sustainable transport and urban planning. If other AB members were doing this it would be possible that Randall's skills would be a complement; however there is also no evidence that they are engaged in the diplomacy I describe which makes Randall's role redundant, all the more so given his deficiencies which I describe above.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST:
(submitted on 16 June by Todd Edelman from WCN member Green Idea Factory)

I object to this proposal because there are no clear criteria for what constitutes "obstructionism" inside WCN.

AGM AND STRATEGIC MEETINGS

1) Proposal regarding structure of AGMs\\

STATUTES

PROJECTS

ARGUMENTS AGAINST:
(added May 15/21, 2008, by "cb"/"CB". Note: this is from wiki history. Please add name here! "cb" is not clear ! Thanks, Markus)\\

BACKGROUND INFO:
(added June 05, 2008, by Markus Heller, AB)\\

We need to know more facts here, so please ICC staff, publish as soon as possible:
- the NESsT feasibility study and business plan as well as the comments made by NESsT regarding those documents and the results of the survey\\

2) Network Projects Development Group\\

ADVISORY BOARD (AB)

STEERING COMMITTEE (SC)

INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION CENTER (ICC)

1) Improve the workings of the ICC\\

COMMUNICATIONS

WCN MEMBER ORGANISATIONS

- there is an obligatory fee,
- every member org pays the value of about 2 kilogram flour (grain) for each of its own members per year
(that may sound strange, so here is an example: My German member org autofrei leben! decided to pay 1 Euro/per member of autofrei leben!/per year. 1 Euro is the price for about 2 kilogram flour, that may be a comparable value world wide).
Beside that I would like to see a reduction or free membership for those members, who overtake important tasks for WCN (example: facilitiating the network mailinglist).
- this fee is dedicated to support staff salaries for
(a) membership-coordination,
(b) WCN News (monthly Bulletin),
(c) WCN website (incl. Carfree Green Pages, AA),
(d) EVS-coordination (if the administration costs are not covered by EVS grants),
(e) projects-coordination (if not covered by grants), and
(f) ICC administration (if not covered by grants).
Costs of Carbusters (CB) should be added, but perspectivly, CB should finance itself.
Other (of course: all) staff, date of implementation & technical issues: To be discussed at AGM.

3) Approval of pending member orgs\\

4) Yearly Membership Renewal Form\\

The survey done for the NESsT process demonstrated that a huge majority of current readers are not in favour of the idea of an online only version. On the other hand, many would like a combination online and print set-up. Since pricing was adjusted and the quantity of copies was significantly decreased in 2007, CB will no longer be losing money but could even make a very small profit. That will not be the case if we move to an online only version and lose most of our subscribers; furthermore, what will be the impact on the number of individual members when they do not get a subscription to the print magazine as a "thank you" for their gift? NESsT actually suggested offering monthly online versions as a supplement to the printed quarterlies, consider offering discounts to those who buy downloadable rather then printed versions and to offer other supplementary online services. This suggestion is extremely short-sided and does not take into account possible side effects that would negatively impact both the financial situation and the mission of the organisation. It is advisable to thoroughly review the NESsT feasibility study and business plan as well as the comments made by NESsT regarding those documents and the results of the survey.

BACKGROUND INFO
- The Carbusters survey done for the NESsT process (link published April 24 in [carfree_network])
For AGM more facts are needed here from ICC:
- Financial Statement for Business Plan Tool_with SU budget and funding plan.xls
- CB_dist.xls
- CARBUSTERS Break-Even Analysis-2008 prices.xls

The survey done for the NESsT process demonstrated that a huge majority of current readers are not in favour of the idea of an online only version. On the other hand, many would like a combination online and print set-up. Since pricing was adjusted and the quantity of copies was significantly decreased in 2007, CB will no longer be losing money but could even make a very small profit. That will not be the case if we move to an online only version and lose most of our subscribers; furthermore, what will be the impact on the number of individual members when they do not get a subscription to the print magazine as a "thank you" for their gift? NESsT actually suggested offering monthly online versions as a supplement to the printed quarterlies, consider offering discounts to those who buy downloadable rather then printed versions and to offer other supplementary online services. This suggestion is extremely short-sided and does not take into account possible side effects that would negatively impact both the financial situation and the mission of the organisation. It is advisable to thoroughly review the NESsT feasibility study and business plan as well as the comments made by NESsT regarding those documents and the results of the survey.\\

ARGUMENTS AGAINST: The survey done for the NESsT process demonstrated that a huge majority of current readers are not in favour of the idea of an online only version. On the other hand, many would like a combination online and print set-up. Since pricing was adjusted and the quantity of copies was significantly decreased in 2007, CB will no longer be losing money but could even make a very small profit. That will not be the case if we move to an online only version and lose most of our subscribers; furthermore, what will be the impact on the number of individual members when they do not get a subscription to the print magazine as a "thank you" for their gift? NESsT actually suggested offering monthly online versions as a supplement to the printed quarterlies, consider offering discounts to those who buy downloadable rather then printed versions and to offer other supplementary online services. This suggestion is extremely short-sided and does not take into account possible side effects that would negatively impact both the financial situation and the mission of the organisation. It is advisable to thoroughly review the NESsT feasibility study and business plan as well as the comments made by NESsT regarding those documents and the results of the survey.

AGM AND STRATEGIC MEETINGS
1) Proposal regarding structure of AGMs

STATUTES\\

PROJECTS\\

2) Network Projects Development Group

ADVISORY BOARD (AB)\\

STEERING COMMITTEE (SC)\\

INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION CENTER
1) Improve the workings of the ICC

COMMUNICATIONS\\

WCN MEMBER ORGANISATIONS\\

3) Approval of pending member orgs
4) Yearly Membership Renewal Form

---

AGM AND STRATEGIC MEETINGS

1) Proposal regarding structure of AGMs (submitted by Justin Hyatt, Membership coordinator)

The structure of AGMs and strategical meetings needs to be thoroughly discussed.

Currently, the amount of strategic discussion and planning that is needed for this particular network to move towards fulfilling its objectives is insufficiently served by the yearly AGM.

Proposal: Maintain the structure of yearly 1-day AGMs, yet always include a second day following the AGM, for informal strategical discussion or the continuation of working group activity (or work plan creation) from the AGM.

Further, hold two other strategical meetings every year, one in the spring and one in the fall. These will be visited by Steering Committee members, Advisory board members, ICC members and others invited. They can also take place in different regions, to enable participation of as many members from different parts of the world as possible.

Fundraising and budgeting should take these meetings into account.

STATUTES

1) Proposal Re: Advisory Board term length\\

current wording:

Article 9 - Advisory Board
a) The network's Advisory Board - consisting of 10-15 well-known, respected individuals in the carfree movement - serves to provide additional input and non-binding recommendations as needed, but not on behalf of any member organisation.

proposed change:

change "10-15" to "any reasonable number of"

PROJECTS

1) Proposal Re: Carbusters Magazine
(submitted by Joel Crawford, AB)

I propose to discuss the future of CarBusters at the AGM. There are some issues that are affecting the organization now that may require us to cut costs and allocate staff to other projects. This is a good time to evaluate the role of CarBusters in WCN and the resources it consumes.
We already know that the magazine does not serve the many non-English-speaking organizations in WCN as well as it might. The Bulletin actually seems to be quite useful in this role.
One possibility would be to continue publication but on the Internet only. Another possibility would be to publish a paper edition only once a year.
I therefore propose to establish a work group at the AGM to consider all the options and make recommendations to the AGM as a whole.

2) Network Projects Development Group

If the proposal itself can be considered as the "argument in favour" - those opposed can list "arguments against" below any proposal. Please notice also the opinions page, where you can refer to the proposals here.

CONTENTS:

AGM AND STRATEGIC MEETINGS

1) Proposal regarding structure of AGMs (submitted by Justin Hyatt, Membership coordinator)

The structure of AGMs and strategical meetings needs to be thoroughly discussed.

Currently, the amount of strategic discussion and planning that is needed for this particular network to move towards fulfilling its objectives is insufficiently served by the yearly AGM.

Proposal: Maintain the structure of yearly 1-day AGMs, yet always include a second day following the AGM, for informal strategical discussion or the continuation of working group activity (or work plan creation) from the AGM.

Further, hold two other strategical meetings every year, one in the spring and one in the fall. These will be visited by Steering Committee members, Advisory board members, ICC members and others invited. They can also take place in different regions, to enable participation of as many members from different parts of the world as possible.

Fundraising and budgeting should take these meetings into account.

2) Network Projects Development Group (submitted by Justin Hyatt, membership coordinator)

In the spirit of decentralisation, considering that a decentralised media group has formed and a decentralised Carbusters editorial group is also planned, I propose the following:

To establish the "Network Projects Development Group", which would consist of representatives from the active member groups. This group would focus on determining activities and projects that can be carried out jointly by different member groups.

This group would also contain a fundraising component, and new opportunities for both projects and fundraising would be more quickly realised, disseminated among members and collaborated on.

This group would be supported by both membership coordinator as well as fundraiser, but would ideally be coordinated by a representative of a member organisation.

   9. Earth Day Coalition's Clean Transportation Program (Cleaveland, OH, USA)

4) Yearly Membership Renewal Form (submitted by Justin Hyatt, Membership coordinator)

In order to increase both membership activity as well as payment of membership dues, I propose the following:

Yearly membership renewal. To make it easy for the member, it can be submitted by fax as well (unlike the charter, which should be sent by post)

The form includes a statement about paying the membership fee. Renewing members must indicate their preference of paying the regular yearly fee or choosing a reduced fee or a fee waiver.

The form also includes areas of activity that the member pledges to be active in, for the following year.

This way, only those groups who really can not afford it, will forgo their contribution. It should also help to maintain the network as one with more active members.

   7. Squeeky Wheels (Bainbridge Island, WA, USA)
   8. Bicicletada Curitiba (Curitiba, Brazil)
   9. Earth Day Coalition's Clean Transportation Program (Cleaveland, OH, USA)

   8. Bicicletada Curitiba
   9. Earth Day Coalition's Clean Transportation Program

3) Approval of pending member orgs

We propose to remove Todd Edelman from further participation in WCN on the grounds of obstructionism over a span of more than four years.

2) Approval of pending member orgs (submitted by Justin Hyatt, membership coordinator)

There are several organisations that can become full members of WCN at the AGM. At this point I do not have any reservations about any of them, and would propose all of them to become full members (I will keep updating the list as new charters come in)

   1. Bike-Evolution Association (Sofia, Bulgaria)
   2. Break the Gridlock (Chicago, IL, USA)
   3. Bicycology (St. Leonards on Sea, UK)
   4. Car-less Carbon, Inc. (Beaverton, OR, USA)
   5. Sustainable Ballard (Seattle, WA, USA)
   6. San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (San Francisco, CA, USA) 
   7. Squeeky Wheels
   8. Bicicletada Curitiba

- every member org pays the value of about 2 kilogram flour (grain) for each of its own members per year (that may sound strange, so here is an example: My German member org autofrei leben! decided to pay 1 Euro/per member of autofrei leben!/per year. 1 Euro is the price for about 2 kilogram flour, that may be a comparable value world wide). Beside that I would like to see a reduction or free membership for those members, who overtake important tasks for WCN (example: facilitiating the network mailinglist).
- this fee is dedicated to support staff salaries for (a) membership-coordination, (b) WCN News (monthly Bulletin), (c) WCN website (incl. Carfree Green Pages, AA), (d) EVS-coordination (if the administration costs are not covered by EVS grants), (e) projects-coordination (if not covered by grants), and (f) ICC administration (if not covered by grants). Costs of Carbusters (CB) should be added, but perspectivly, CB should finance itself. Other (of course: all) staff, date of implementation & technical issues: To be discussed.

We propose to remove Todd Edelman from further participation in WCN on the grounds of obstructionism over a span of more than four years.

I propose that the Steering Committee of WCN (the institution) should be placed on hiatus (suspended) and that all SC members should resign on the grounds that they have neglected their duties and/or intentionally withheld information from WCN members and active individuals and/or supported or have not supported certain ICC members and their actions for un-professional reasons.

3) putting Steering Committee on hiatus
(submitted by Todd Edelman, from WCN Member Org. Green Idea Factory)

I propose that Steering Committee of WCN (the institution) should be placed on hiatus (suspended) and that all SC members should resign on the grounds that they have neglected their duties and/or intentionally withheld information from WCN members and active individuals and/or supported or have not supported certain ICC members and their actions for un-professional reasons.

INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION CENTER

1) Improve the workings of the ICC (submitted by Joel Crawford)

Established a committee to consider reforming existing ICC to function better or awarding ICC function to another organisation).

Please list your proposals below, following the formatting of the previous proposals. Please list your proposals under a specific topic, such as PROJECTS, COMMUNICATIONS, CHARTER, STATUTES, INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION CENTRE (ICC), STEERING COMMITTEE (SC), ADVISORY BOARD (AB), ETC.

(submitted by Joel Crawford, AB and Markus Heller, AB)

(submitted by Joel Crawford, AB)

ADVISORY BOARD (AB)

(submitted by Joel Crawford, AB and Markus Heller, AB)

STEERING COMMITTEE (SC)

(submitted by Markus Heller, AB and JH Crawford, AB)

2) Communication with Member Organisations
(submitted by Agustin Villegas)

WCN MEMBER ORGANISATIONS

1) Membership fees
(submitted by Markus Heller, AB)

To come towards a more sustainable funding for the ICC, independent from EU grants, I ask the AGM to consider about the need of obligatory fees for WCN member-orgs and individual members, how much that should be, and how it could be handled technically (avoiding high fees of bank transfers, etc.). Also I ask AGM to consider for which purposes these fees are dedicated. My proposals are:
- there is a obligatory fee,
- every member org pays the value of 2 liters milk for each of its own members per year (that may sound strange, so here is an example: My German member org autofrei leben! decided to pay 1 Euro/per member of autofrei leben!/per year. 1 Euro is the price for about 2 ltr. milk, that may be a comparable value world wide). Beside that I would like to see a reduction or free membership for those member-orgs or individual members, who overtake important tasks for WCN (example: facilitiating the network mailinglist).
- this fee is dedicated to support staff salaries for (a) membership-coordination, (b) WCN News (monthly Bulletin), (c) WCN website (incl. Carfree Green Pages, AA), (d) EVS-coordination (if the administration costs are not covered by EVS grants), (e) projects-coordination (if not covered by grants), and (f) ICC administration (if not covered by grants). Costs of Carbusters (CB) should be added, but perspectivly, CB should finance itself. Same for fundraiser staff.

Generally, the AGM (and between AGMs the Steering Committee) has the only power to decide upon the dedication of these fees. Same rule for reduction / free membership.

2) removal of Todd Edelman
(submitted by Joel Crawford, AB and Markus Heller, AB)

We propose to remove Todd Edelman from further participation in WCN on the grounds of obstructionism over a span of more than four years.

1) Reduce SC Quorum
(submitted by Markus Heller and JH Crawford)

Proposal to reduce the quorum (the minimum number of Steering Committee members necessary to make a decision) - to 50% of its members.

2) Elect non-voting back-up SC members
(submitted by Markus Heller and JH Crawford)

Consider electing back-up Steering Committee Members at the AGM who could replace SC members who are not able to remain active throughout their terms.

STEERING COMMITTEE

Consider options for replacing inactive SC members during their terms with non-voting SC members elected at an AGM.

2) Communication with Member Organisations - Submitted by Agustin Villegas

Propose that the letters that WCF send to the members could be more simple, the size no more that one page, easy to understand. Some times I received ones to long to read.

I propose that a working group at the AGM review and consider amending the WCN-list guidelines. Lately, people seem to use the list mostly as a bulletin board - sending lots of forwarded messages, general announcements and cross-postings. As the moderator, I don't feel it is worth my time or energy to limit that kind of thing even though those types of messages are not within the list guidelines. These kinds of messages seem harmless enough, but I think it is confusing to have rules (or even guidelines) on the books if they are not meant to be followed.

I propose that we de-emphasis some of the less important guidelines and instead work on developing stronger rules about requiring respectful communication on the list. I also propose that we clarify our process for removing people when they are rude, disrespectful, etc.

I think we also should also consider limiting WCN-list membership to people who really want to support and be actively involved in WCN activities. Alternately, we could create a seperate list for people who want to be more active and help with WCN tasks.

Please list your proposals below, following the formatting of the previous proposals. Please list your proposals under a specific topic, such as PROJECTS, COMMUNICATIONS, CHARTER, STATUTES, INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION CENTRE, STEERING COMMITTEE, ETC.

MEMBERSHIP/PARTICIPATION

1)

Article 9 - Advisory Board\\

1) Nomination of Randy Ghent\\

COMMUNICATIONS

1) Carfree_network Discussion List - Review of Guidelines & Goals
(submitted by Sara Stout, current list moderator)

People seem now to use the list mostly as a bulletin board - sending lots of forwarded messages, general announcements and cross-postings. As the moderator, I don't really feel it is worth my time or energy to limit that kind of thing, because spam like that seems harmless enough (my delete button works just fine) and people don't seem to heed the moderator anyway. But meanwhile, - I loathe to have rules (or even guidelines) on the books if they are not meant to be followed. So - I think we should consider amending the list guidelines. I think better just to have very strong and clear guidelines about respect + a clear process for kicking people off when they are rude, disrespectful, etc.
I think we also should also consider having a list for people who want to be more active and help with WCN tasks.

If the proposal itself can be considered as the "argument in favour" - those opposed can list "arguments against" below any proposal.

ADVISORY BOARD

1) Nomination of Randy Ghent (submitted by Joel Crawford and Markus Heller)

We would like to formally nominate Randy Ghent as a member of the WCN Advisory Board.
Randy's service to the organization and its predecessors is not exceeded by anyone. His diplomacy, understanding of NGOs, and dedication to the movement are legendary. He has been tireless and generous in his support of WCN, starting with the first Towards Carfree Cities conference in Lyon, more than ten years ago.
He is a sound researcher and writer who understands the carfree agenda through and through. We need his deep understanding of both the carfree movement and the operation of WCN available to the organization.
We would be delighted to have him as a fellow member of the AB.

1) Proposal Re: Advisory Board term length\\

Article 9 - Advisory Board

a) The network's Advisory Board - consisting of 10-15 well-known, respected individuals in the carfree movement - serves to provide additional input and non-binding recommendations as needed, but not on behalf of any member organisation.

change "10-15" to "any reasonable number of"

PROJECTS

1) Proposal Re: Carbusters Magazine
(submitted by Joel Crawford)

I propose to discuss the future of CarBusters at the AGM. There are some issues that are affecting the organization now that may require us to cut costs and allocate staff to other projects. This is a good time to evaluate the role of CarBusters in WCN and the resources it consumes.
We already know that the magazine does not serve the many non-English-speaking organizations in WCN as well as it might. The Bulletin actually seems to be quite useful in this role.
One possibility would be to continue publication but on the Internet only. Another possibility would be to publish a paper edition only once a year.
I therefore propose to establish a work group at the AGM to consider all the options and make recommendations to the AGM as a whole.

Please list your proposals below, following the formatting of the first proposal. Please list your proposals under a specific topic, such as PROJECTS, COMMUNICATIONS, CHARTER, STATUTES, INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION CENTRE, STEERING COMMITTEE, ETC.

STATUTES

Proposal Re: Advisory Board term length
(submitted by Joel Crawford and Markus Heller)

current wording:

''Article 9 - Advisory Board

a) The network's Advisory Board - consisting of 10-15 well-known, respected individuals in the carfree movement - serves to provide additional input and non-binding recommendations as needed, but not on behalf of any member organisation.''

proposed change:

change "10-15" to "any reasonable number"