Indiana Green Party 2024 Annual Congress

The annual Indiana Green Party Congress is a gathering of environmental and justice advocates to conduct our state party business, engage in organizational development and participate in presentations. As we continue in our commitment to inclusion, our meeting will be once again be held virtually, where you can connect through your computer or smart phone. Those with landlines may join as well, as there is a conference call number. The Indiana Green Party is excited about our work since our 2023 Congress, and we will be sharing with you what we have been doing as well as strategically plan for the next year and beyond.

Nominations Received

Party Chair

Michael Cooper

Nominated August 26th

Why this Person is Being Nominated
As a long time local environmental activist located along the south shore of Lake Michigan in Portage, I have a deep passion for protection and restoration of our important natural areas. Currently I serve as both the Treasurer of the Indiana Green Party and the Communications Director. This is my second time as our state party treasurer as I was required by Indiana campaign finance law to resign when I formed my own candidate committee to run for Mayor of Portage in 2023. As Treasurer I have been diligent in completing the required reporting to the state as well as monthly reports to the state Coordinating Committee. Over my many years as Communications Director for the party I have kept Greens across the state informed through our Firefly emails, re-imagined the website and facilitated Green campaigns and locals in email lists. I am putting my name forward now for the position of Indiana Green Party Chair. This is a pivotal time for the Indiana Green Party. Coming off two major loses in our work to get ballot access in Indiana we need to as a party take a hard, difficult look at how we are organized in Indiana. That is why along with my decision to seek the office of chair I worked with my local NWI Green Party leaders to craft a new iteration of our state party bylaws. A proposed structure that hopefully will put me out of the job as county co-organizers are more empowered for the administration, operations and platform of our state party. I have experience as a Green Party candidate. In 2019 I was on my local ballot as a Green Party candidate for Portage City Council and then four years later I ran for Mayor of Portage. In my city I have organized residents against a proposed lead casting plant next to a city park, spoke against several high-density commercial developments along Willow Creek and advocated for our wetlands and greenspace along the Indiana Dunes National Park. With the NWI Green Party I have stood many hours in the sun (and rain) at festivals handing out Green Party literature and free Milkweed Seeds (for healthy butterflies and communities). Aside from my political work I have also been a member of NWI Medicare for All and served on the Portage Ethics Commission. I want our Green movement to succeed in the hardest state in the US for Green Party candidates. That is why I am running for Indiana Green Party State Chair.

Pluto Brand

Nominated October 4th by Mitsy Soellinger
Picture credit: John D. Shearer

Why this Person is Being Nominated
Pluto Brand has been a tireless advocate for justice, change, and environmental protection for decades. His commitment to representing all voices—regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or ability—makes him a true champion of justice and equality.

Describe the experience, skills or traits that they would bring to this position
Pluto Brand was one of the founders of the Indiana Green Party in 2013 and has been the chair of the Indiana Green Party for three terms including this current one. He was also a founder of United Activists of Fort Wayne, as well as vice-president of Heartland Communities. As a member of several minority communities, Pluto’s leadership reflects the diversity and strength of the Indiana Green Party.

Describe their previous work or connection within the Green Party movement
His work demonstrates his lifelong commitment to social justice, grassroots organizing, and community empowerment. The dedication and sacrifices that he has given to help grow and strengthen the party are numerous, but I will list one that to me stands out as a true act of a leader. When Jill Stein needed volunteers to drive to multiple counties on short notice Pluto came with me on 2 different trips of over 11 hours each, one time the day after serious eye surgery. When anyone else would have stayed home he instead drove with an eye patch in pain to make sure that the party succeeded. The people he has encouraged and empowered who have now joined the Green Party and his indomitable spirit make him a true asset to us as a whole. With Pluto Brand as our state chair the Indiana Green Party has made huge progress this election year, and if re-elected he would help to guide the party to even greater heights.

Assistant Party Chair

Sarah Dillon

Nominated September 19th

Why this Person is Being Nominated
A little bit about myself. My name is Sarah Dillon. I reside in Terre Haute, IN. Was born in East Chicago, IN in 1974; and lived over the years in Whiting, IN and Waterville, OH before permanently moving to Terre Haute in 1981. I graduated from Terre Haute South Vigo High School in 1993 and from Indiana State University in 1998 [with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science]. Further details about me can be found at https://dillon2thcc.wordpress.com/about/ 

Describe the experience, skills or traits that they would bring to this position
I’ve been a long time Green Party member [voted for Ralph Nader in 2000; officially became a Green in 2005] and have ran twice for local office [for Terre Haute City Council in 2015 and 2019]. I also tend to focus on matters related to the Indiana General Assembly while they’re in session.

Stuff that I’ve recently done on the National Committee include:
1. Was the Indiana reporter at both the 2020 and 2024 GPUS Presidential Nominating Conventions
2. Worked closely with the Howie Hawkins/Angela Walker campaign members in 2020 and with Jill Stein/Butch Ware campaign in 2024, especially in cases of ballot access;
3. Am on GPUS’ Fundraising Committee [FunCom], and – as the lead fundraiser in Indiana – raising money for INGP’s lawsuit and various other things;
4. Of course, deal with controversial items in front of the NC, including the revising of the national party’s platform [to include language declaring so called “gender critical beliefs” are NOT Green]; and
5. Worked as a liaison between the Indiana Green Party and various leaders Green Party of the United States.
6. Finally, have worked with a diverse group of people that we may occasionally disagree with, but are working to make towards making the Green Party successful in the long term.

If I was (re-)elected, some of the things I would work on:
1. Assisting down-ticket candidates during the 2026 election cycle and beyond
2. Still work with Fundraising, other committees on helping to get assistance for the 2026 Secretary of State’s candidacy, other opportunities, and – similar to what the INGP FunCom has done – work on a fundraising strategic plan.

I hope you would consider me a valuable choice. I wish all my opponents well at Sunday’s Congress.

John Vaught

Nominated October 4th by Andromeda Moor

Why this Person is Being Nominated
I’m nominating John Vaught because he is a passionate person and a true advocate for justice; and who better to pick than a working class father who is fighting for not his children’s future, but ours as well? The American people have lost authentic government representation, and with people like John as Vice Chair of the Green Party, we’ll be able to have proper representation that will be backed up by direct action.

Describe the experience, skills or traits that they would bring to this position
John is an exceptionally hard worker and even more technologically skilled than most people you come by, which is helpful to those who aren’t and he is always happy to assist! Not only that but he is also an intuitive comrade to work with individually and through group efforts.

Describe their previous work or connection within the Green Party movement
One instance I can recall with absolute clarity is when John, myself and other Green Party members were on a call together and he had mentioned he made an online resource of videos and reading material for new members to go through and watch for educational/enlightening purposes and I remember how excited I was to hear him say that. It’s so difficult to find people who are that willing and that patience to make learning accessible to others and I thought that was incredibly refreshing; it certainly made me feel less stressed knowing there’s someone in our ranks who shows that level of dedication to the cause!

Treasurer

Documentarian

Communications Director

National Party Delegate [2 positions, 1 alternate]

Sarah Dillon

Nominated September 19th

Why this Person is Being Nominated
A little bit about myself. My name is Sarah Dillon. I reside in Terre Haute, IN. Was born in East Chicago, IN in 1974; and lived over the years in Whiting, IN and Waterville, OH before permanently moving to Terre Haute in 1981. I graduated from Terre Haute South Vigo High School in 1993 and from Indiana State University in 1998 [with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science]. Further details about me can be found at https://dillon2thcc.wordpress.com/about/ 

I’ve been a long time Green Party member [voted for Ralph Nader in 2000; officially became a Green in 2005] and have ran twice for local office [for Terre Haute City Council in 2015 and 2019]. I also tend to focus on matters related to the Indiana General Assembly while they’re in session.

Describe the experience, skills or traits that they would bring to this position
Stuff that I’ve recently done on the National Committee include:
1. Was the Indiana reporter at both the 2020 and 2024 GPUS Presidential Nominating Conventions
2. Worked closely with the Howie Hawkins/Angela Walker campaign members in 2020 and with Jill Stein/Butch Ware campaign in 2024, especially in cases of ballot access;
3. Am on GPUS’ Fundraising Committee [FunCom], and – as the lead fundraiser in Indiana – raising money for INGP’s lawsuit and various other things;
4. Of course, deal with controversial items in front of the NC, including the revising of the national party’s platform [to include language declaring so called “gender critical beliefs” are NOT Green]; and
5. Worked as a liaison between the Indiana Green Party and various leaders Green Party of the United States.
6. Finally, have worked with a diverse group of people that we may occasionally disagree with, but are working to make towards making the Green Party successful in the long term.

If I was (re-)elected, some of the things I would work on:
1. Assisting down-ticket candidates during the 2026 election cycle and beyond
2. Still work with Fundraising, other committees on helping to get assistance for the 2026 Secretary of State’s candidacy, other opportunities, and – similar to what the INGP FunCom has done – work on a fundraising strategic plan.

I hope you would consider me a valuable choice. I wish all my opponents well at Sunday’s Congress.

Mitsy Soellinger

Nominated October 6th

I am from Fort Wayne Indiana, I was born in a nonprofit and have participated in grassroots campaigns and organizations for my whole life. I graduated from Concordia and have 2 BAs from IPFW from 2016. I am on the board of Friends of the Third World as well as a member of TRACK and work closely with Indiana Center for Middle East Peace. I put on the Palestine Peace Protest here in Fort Wayne in 2021 with the help of ICEMP and work with numerous non-profits to this day. Being multi-racial, I feel this gives me a perspective on issues that could be of the benefit to the National Committee.

Joseph Conn

Nominated October 6th by Michael Cooper

I am Joseph Conn, the chair of the Northwest Indiana Green Party, with jurisdiction over Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. I most recently served as one of four Indiana delegates to the presidential nominating convention where I had the honor of voting for Dr. Jill Stein as our nominee for President of the United States.

I’m a graduate of Valparaiso University with a degree in English.  I served four years with the Peace Corps as an ag extension agent in Sierra Leone, West Africa.

I was a journalist for 38 years, working at a weekly newspaper, a daily newspaper and a trade magazine in Chicago covering the business of the U.S. healthcare industry. During that period, I served as president of the Gary Newspaper Guild Local 14.

On retirement in 2017, I co-founded a grass roots educational organization, Northwest Indiana Medicare for All, which I continue to serve treasurer.  I worked on the media committee for the Sierra Club’s Northwest Indiana Beyond Coal campaign and worked with its successor organization, NWI Just Transition, testifying at IDEM and U.S. EPA public hearings on coal ash regulation.

I joined the Green Party in 2016, serving as NWIGP treasurer for several years before becoming chairperson.

I was the first Green Party candidate for public office in Lake County, running in 2019 and again in 2023 for Hobart City Council At-Large.  I won a precinct, HO-16, in 2023, out-polling my two Democrat and one Republican opponents.  I’m still actively involved in local environmental issues, fighting against an industrial park on 800 acres of farmland in the geographical center of the city and the proposed demolition of an 1875 downtown building.

2024 Bylaw Proposal 1
Submitted by: James Mahoney

Section: Section 1: Membership Definition

Original Wording:
B. Membership shall be renewable annually and shall be in two categories — voting INGP members and non-voting INGP members.
1) Voting INGP members are:
c) have signed the INGP membership form
d) All voting INGP members shall participate actively in local and state organizations.
e) Only voting INGP members are eligible to be delegates to state gatherings and to vote on state issues.
2) Non-voting INGP members are:
a) all persons who join a local Green party in the state of Indiana but do not meet the criteria for voting members under ARTICLE III, SECTION 1, B-1 above.
C. All membership dues shall be reduced or waived upon request by a member with a financial hardship, such as family income below a living wage, by following the procedures in ARTICLE III, SECTION 4, C.

Revised Wording:
B. Membership shall renewable on an annual basis, with both paid or free membership available (by request and approval), and treated on an equal basis. All members will be eligible to vote for the Coordinating Committee and for our presidential primaries.
1) INGP members are:
c) have signed the electronic INGP membership form on our website
d) INGP members are eligible to be delegates to state gatherings and to vote on state issues.
Strike 2) and point a); all remaining points shall be relettered as f), g), and h).
f) Membership dues may be reduced or waived upon using the form on our website while registering with the party, detailed by ARTICLE III, SECTION 4, C.

Reason: This is a rewrite of the membership section of our bylaws to do away with the idea of non-voting membership. All registered members of the INGP should have the right to vote for those in the CC, or to be delegates of their locals, or to run for the CC once they meet the six-month membership in good standing requirement. The use of non-voting members is against the values of democracy the INGP should seek to uphold. If someone wishes to not vote, that should be allowed, but they should always be given the choice.
Also, fixed up any potential confusion involving the ‘INGP membership’ form, making it clear we’re not talking about a physical one, but one readily available online.

2024 Bylaw Proposal 2
Submitted by: James Mahoney

Section: SECTION 4. DUES

Original Wording:
A. Active: $25.00
C. Waiver: $0.00 up to $10.00 — provided a dated application for a waiver based on financial hardship as described in ARTICLE III, SECTION 1, C is made in writing to, and is approved by, the INGP Documentarian, a copy of which shall be forwarded to the INGP Treasurer.
D. Continually failing, after receiving written notice from the Documentarian, to renew membership — either by paying dues or applying for a waiver — will result in removal from the active member list.

Revised Wording:
A. Regular: $25.00

C. Free or reduced membership shall be offered as a request form on our website, and it is up to the Documentarian to either approve or reject a request. If there is a conflict of interest, it shall be passed to the Treasurer who shall make the decision.

D. Continually failing, after receiving written notice from the Documentarian, to renew membership — either by paying dues or applying for a waiver — will result in the member entering a grace period.

E. The grace period shall be for three months after the expiration date of a membership. If a member renews their membership within this time, they shall maintain the date of their original membership. If membership is not renewed, the membership date shall be reset, as will the six-month requirement for executive officers.

Reason: To bring this section in line with my proposed removal of ‘non-active’ memberships, wording has instead been changed to use the term ‘Regular’. The second on free or reduced membership has been rewritten to include a stipulation that conflicts of interests (e.g. a family member or friend requesting free membership) could exist, and how they should be handled.
A grace period has been added, to allow for mistakes that can happen in terms of membership. If someone lets their membership lapse a week due to a paycheck issue, it’s unfair to set them back to the start of working towards the six-month requirement to run for an Executive Office. On the other hand, this proposal allows for mistakes to not cause such an issue, and will make sure no one is unfairly denied a chance to run for the CC, while also making sure it’s not a free-for-all for extremely long lapses in membership.

2024 Bylaw Proposal 3
Submitted by: James Mahoney
Section: SECTION 4. TREASURER

Original Wording:
E. The Treasurer shall submit monthly financial reports to the executive officers, coordinating committee and the membership.

Revised Wording:
E. The Treasurer shall submit monthly financial reports to the executive officers, coordinating committee, and membership in good standing for a minimum of six (6) months.

Reason: Under current Bylaws, someone could apply for free membership, be accepted, and then request financial reports. This seems risky to the extreme, and could risk infiltration, so we should have some limit on that. Six months seems like a good starting point.

2024 Bylaw Proposal 4
Submitted by: James Mahoney

Section: SECTION 6. INGP COORDINATING COMMITTEE (CC)

Original Wording:
2) Replacement of executive officers and any other members of the CC, excluding those enumerated in ARTICLE IV, SECTION 6, E, 2, shall be nominated by any member of the CC and elected by a majority vote of the CC participating.
3) All vacant positions shall be filled no later than two months after the officer’s departure.

Revised Wording:
2) Vacancy of executive officers and any other members of the CC, excluding those enumerated in ARTICLE IV, SECTION 6, E, 2, shall be advertised to all registered members, in the newsletter and on party social media, as to ascertain interest in fulling the position. Once interest is expressed, any member of the CC can nominate the applicant, and the replacement must be elected by a majority vote of the CC participating.

3) If a position remains vacant after a period of a month after the first CC meeting they were absent, it shall be advertised in all electronic newsletters going forward, until the position is filled.

Reason: We cannot have a Bylaw saying that a position has to be filled; the INGP is unable create members out of thin air to fill these seats, nor should we vote to appoint members who may not be qualified just so we fill a vacancy within two months. The best we can do is let the membership of the INGP be aware of any open positions we possess, and let them know the CC will carefully consider anyone interested.

2024 Bylaw Proposal 5
Submitted by: James Mahoney

Section: SECTION 1. GENERAL POLITICAL PRACTICES

Original Wording:
J) Meeting minutes, financial records, membership lists and all other organizational records and materials shall be open to inspection by any member of good standing.

Revised Wording:
J) Meeting minutes, financial records, membership lists and all other organizational records and materials shall be open to inspection by any member who has been in good standing for a period of at least six (6) months.

Reason: To keep in line with a previous suggestion, we cannot risk people joining just to access our financial records or membership lists. It’s a risk to the party and all members.

2024 Bylaw Proposal 6
Submitted by: James Mahoney

Section: SECTION 3. AFFILIATED LOCAL AND REGIONAL CHAPTERS

Original Wording:
2) Have a minimum of three active INGP Members in the organization,
9) Apply to the CC for affiliation as a local, county or regional chapter within 12 months of INGP recognition as an unaffiliated local, county or regional caucus.
E. Reasonable extensions of the time frames under ARTICLE VII, Sec. 3, C, 9, may be granted by the CC on written request of the recognized caucus, if, in the judgment of the CC, the caucus is making sufficient progress toward meeting its affiliation requirements.

Revised Wording:
2) Have a minimum of three registered INGP Members in the organization,
Strike 9 from Bylaws
Strike E from Bylaws, continue points with E

Reason: To make the Bylaws more cohesive with the amendments accepted at our 2023 Congress, I think we should remove references to time limits for any forming locals. The CC should be helping to support the growth of any potential locals, be it sharing membership emails in the area, helping set up Bylaws, etc. We should strive to move away from more punitive actions, such as put a clock on the growth from an unaffiliated local to an affiliated one. Lastly, 2) is to bring Bylaws in line with removing the idea of ‘active’ membership of the INGP.

2024 Bylaw Proposal 7
Submitted by: James Mahoney

Section: SECTION 6. CONGRESS

Original Wording:
C. The INGP Congress shall be composed of delegates from the recognized local and regional caucuses, affiliated local and regional chapters, the ING Statewide Caucus, INGP Special Issue Caucuses, and any other recognized caucuses and confederations and as may be created by the Congress, and qualified individual INGP members as indicated in ARTICLE VII, SECTION 6,
D. As INGP Congress is composed of delegates from the recognized and affiliated Green bodies in Indiana, only delegates to Congress shall vote at the Congress, except as indicated in ARTICLE VII, SECTION 6, F.
E. Delegates shall be allocated a number of votes equal to the number of active INGP members who are also in good standing within their recognized local or regional caucuses, affiliated local or regional party organizations, the INGP Statewide Caucus or the INGP Special Issue Caucuses those delegates represent at the time of the Congress.
F. Individuals who are active INGP members who also are in good standing with their recognized local or regional caucus, or recognized local or regional chapters or the INGP Statewide Caucus or an INGP Special Issue Caucus, may choose to carry their own votes to Congress instead of voting through a delegate or in the absence of a delegate. In keeping with the principle of one-person/one vote, those individuals’ votes shall not be included in the vote allocations to the delegates of their local or regional party organizations or caucuses.
G. However, votes of active INGP members who are in good standing with their recognized local or regional caucus or affiliated local or regional chapter or the INGP Statewide Caucus and who also are members of one or more recognized INGP Special Issue Caucus shall have their votes pro-rated equally between their local or regional caucus or chapter and their Special Issue Caucus. For example, the vote of an active INGP member who is a member in good standing of the Circle City Greens and also is a member of the recognized INGP Special Issue Caucus (e.g, the INGP Black Caucus) would have 1/2 vote allocated to the Circle City Greens and 1/2 allocated to the INGP Black Caucus.

Revised Wording:
C. The INGP Congress shall be composed of delegates from the recognized local and regional caucuses, affiliated local and regional chapters, the ING Statewide Caucus, INGP Special Issue Caucuses, any other recognized caucuses and confederations, and registered and interested members of the INGP.
D. Both Delegates from the recognized and affiliated Green bodies in Indiana and registered INGP members shall be allowed to vote at all issues during the Congress. One must be a registered member of the INGP to vote.
E. Delegates shall be allocated a number of votes equal to the number of registered INGP members who are also in good standing within their recognized local or regional caucuses, affiliated local or regional party organizations, the INGP Statewide Caucus or the INGP Special Issue Caucuses those delegates represent at the time of the Congress.
F. Individuals who are registered INGP members may choose to carry their own votes to Congress instead of voting through a delegate or in the absence of a delegate. In keeping with the principle of one-person/one vote, those individuals’ votes shall not be included in the vote allocations to the delegates of their local or regional party organizations or caucuses, if applicable.
G. However, votes of registered INGP members who are in good standing with their recognized local or regional caucus or affiliated local or regional chapter or the INGP Statewide Caucus and who also are members of one or more recognized INGP Special Issue Caucus shall have their votes pro-rated equally between their local or regional caucus or chapter and their Special Issue Caucus, if applicable (e.g. a member of both an Indianapolis local and the INGP Black Caucus would have 1/2 vote allocated to the Indianapolis local and 1/2 allocated to the INGP Black Caucus).

Reason: This is a change designed to bring our Congress in line with the realities of the INGP at this state in time. Once more locals are up and running, we should discuss moving back to a primary delegate focus, but as of now our Bylaws should reflect that most members vote for themselves at the Congress, and do not use a Delegate, or even have a local to reasonably join. I will point out that this change does not do away with Delegates from locals, but it does grant ease of access to those INGP members who wish to partake at the votes in our Congress without having them jump through unreasonable hoops to do so. Wording also does away with the ‘active’ membership language, in line with a previous proposed Bylaw amendment.

2024 Bylaw Proposal 8
Submitted by: James Mahoney

Section: SECTION 6. CONGRESS H. Notice requirements & M. Participating and Voting at INGP Congress

Original Wording:
2) At least one week prior to the annual INGP Congress or special Congress, any qualified individual INGP member under ARTICLE VII, SECTION 6.. F, who chooses to carry his or her own vote to Congress instead voting through a local delegate or in the absence of a local delegate shall notify the INGP Documentarian of their intention to represent themselves at the Congress.
1) A list of the names of active and up-to-date INGP members who are also members in good standing within their local and regional caucuses, and local and regional chapters.
2) A list of the names of active and up-to-date INGP members of the INGP Statewide Caucus, and any INGP Special Issue Caucuses.
3) A list of the names of all qualified individual INGP members under ARTICLE VII, SECTION 4, F, & H, 2 planning on attending the Congress and casting their vote as individuals.
K. A quorum for the INGP Congress is 60% of the total votes available in all recognized local and regional caucuses, affiliated local and regional chapters, the INGP Statewide Caucus, the INGP Special Caucuses and any other caucuses or confederations created by the Congress, based on the report of the INGP Documentarian under ARTICLE VII, SECTION 4,
1) Any active member in good standing of the INGP shall have the right to speak to Congress regarding any proposal. The INGP Chairperson or Assistant Chairperson when the chairperson is unavailable or at the chairpersons’ request, shall determine the length and frequency of such speech with the goal of encouraging participation by everyone present.
2) Any active member in good standing of the INGP shall have the opportunity to submit proposals to Congress. Proposals must be submitted in writing to the INGP Chairperson or Assistant Chairperson at least 45 days prior to the Congress. The INGP Chairperson, or Assistant Chairperson when the chairperson is unavailable or at the chairpersons’ request, shall publish proposals on the INGP web site and general electronic mailing lists 30 days prior to Congress.

Revised Wording:
2) Any registered member of the INGP who chooses to attend and vote in the Congress shall be verified as a registered member by the INGP Documentarian. Once verified, they may vote on any issue that comes before Congress. The Documentarian will let the Congress know if anyone attending does not meet the membership requirement.

1) A list of the names of currently registered INGP members, and those who are also members in good standing within their local and regional caucuses, and local and regional chapters.

2) A list of the names of currently registered INGP members of the INGP Statewide Caucus, and any INGP Special Issue Caucuses.

Strike 3), continue points with 3)

K. A quorum for the INGP Congress is 60% of the total votes available in all recognized local and regional caucuses, affiliated local and regional chapters, the INGP Statewide Caucus, the INGP Special Caucuses and any other caucuses or confederations created by the Congress, or 50%+1 of the registered INGP membership at the time of the Congress if there are less than five (5) recognized or affiliated local and regional chapters and Caucuses.

1) Any registered member in good standing of the INGP shall have the right to speak to Congress regarding any proposal, and to vote for any proposal. The INGP Chairperson, or Assistant Chairperson when the chairperson is unavailable or at the chairpersons’ request, shall determine the length and frequency of such speech with the goal of encouraging participation by everyone present.

2) Any registered member in good standing of the INGP shall have the opportunity to submit proposals to Congress. Proposals must be submitted in writing to the INGP website form at least 45 days prior to the Congress. The current webmaster, or whoever such as access to the website, shall publish proposals on the INGP site and general electronic mailing lists 30 days prior to Congress.

Reason: The first points are all to bring the Bylaws in line with the proposed removal of the language for ‘active’ membership for the INGP. On the issue of quorum, we have struggled in recent years to maintain the number of even affiliated locals to make having a quorum based on delegates from said locals logical. A direct democracy should be favored in times of hardship, and it should be allowed for officially in our Bylaws for individual INGP members to represent themselves at our Congress until we regain our former number of active locals.

2024 Bylaw Proposal 9
Submitted by: James Mahoney

Section: ARTICLE VIII SECTION 1. THE CC’S ROLE

Original Wording:
A. The CC shall elect the INGP delegates to the GPUS Presidential Nominating Convention.

Revised Wording:
A. The CC shall elect the INGP delegates to the GPUS Presidential Nominating Convention (PNC).

B. All selected by the CC who accept the PNC delegate offer must, at ten (10) days before the PNC, be registered members of the INGP, confirmed by the Documentarian.

C. If a selected delegate is not a registered member of the INGP at the ten (10) day mark, an alternate shall replace them at the PNC.

D. The CC shall strive to send the maximum number of delegates allotted to the INGP for PNC representation, plus as many alternates who accept the offer.

E. Alternate delegates must be registered members of the INGP at the time fifteen (15) days before the PNC, in case they are called on to fill-in for a PNC delegate.

Reason: This is a more comprehensive section regarding the GPUS PNC, making sure all membership registrations are taken care of before any vote could be cast, and encourages more members to step up to this smaller but very important role every presidential election cycle.

2024 Bylaw Proposal 10
Submitted by: Michael Cooper

Section: The INGP Bylaws in it’s entirety

Revised Wording: Replace the INGP Bylaws with the PDF document below

Reason: The current organizational structure has not produced the momentum to be an engaging grassroots force in Indiana. The proposed restructuring seeks to jump start the INGP out of its decline with a new visioning for the state party.