GA - General Assembly - Informal Notes 8/25/2012

This is an informal report of the GA held Sat, August 25, 2012 . As the group was 8 people to start, we decided to have an informal discussion on the topic of the GA, its purposes and uses, but not to have a moderator, or take notes. At one point the group increased to 16 members, but it continued as an informal discussion.

Topics ranged from that of the GA, to the Good Neighbor policy, to the recent proposal about respect in the GA process. A former attendee of the GA came and offered to make a presentation on GMO’s. He encouraged us to oppose their use.

The following topics are possibilities for discussion at the next GA. The first two are left over from the previous GA, the second two grew out of the discussion on Sat.

Nic..for TPP

1) What to do for and about TPP negotiations Sept 5-11 Leesburg VA

2) Proposal by Uma...

“Because mutual respect is essential for the functioning of Horizontal Democracy using consensus process, it is proposed that any member of the GA who consistently exhibits disrespectful behavior to others in the circle will be asked to step out for three consecutive GA's. During that time they will not be able to participate in the GA or any subgroups. Disrespect is defined as interrupting, name calling, threatening or distracting behavior. The person may observe GA during this time in order to facilitate active and appropriate participation on their return.

Any member may initiate this action, however, it must be consensed on by at least 90% of those present.”

3) GA - It’s purpose and use.

4) The Good Neighbor Policy

Submitted by Uma 8,28, 2012