Addendum to the Branch

[Anonymous]

Addendum to the Branch minutes for 13 December 2015

Branch minutes 13-12-15 wrote:

4. Annual Conference 2016 – Motions and Amendments to RuleTwo motions were proposed; one on the issue of 'voluntary contributions', the other on the party logo. In view of the shortage of time it was AGREED to delegate Rob and Dave to formulate the text for these two motions and write supporting statements which would then be submitted online to other branch members for their consideration. It was also AGREED that a discussion item relating to 'voluntary contributions' would be required.

After much online deliberation spanning the period between 14 December, 2015 and 2 January, 2016 the following two motions and one discussion item were AGREED nemine contradicente by the five participants.Motion on voluntary contributions“Conference recognises that the decision in 2013 to abolish dues in favour of voluntary contributions, while being well intentioned, was a mistake and should be reversed. Branches are encouraged to discuss the implications of this, with a view to submitting an amendment of Rule 2 to Conference 2017, to allow dues to be re-introduced.”Motion on party logo“That the original version of the currently registered election emblem (*see EC meeting 10/1/2015, motion 10 and Appendix One: Party Emblem*) with the Electoral Commission, containing the full party name, be recognised as the official party logo and henceforth be used (either in full colour, greyscale or monochrome) in the Socialist Standard, on the Party website, Meetup group and Yahoo! lists (Spintcom and Spopen) and in other suitable publications such as pamphlets, leaflets and posters.”Discussion Item on voluntary contributions“If most Party members agree that the decision to abolish dues in favour of voluntary contributions was a mistake which should be reversed, how should this happen. Should we revert straight back to the 265 word-strong Rule 2 of 2012, or do we need to take account of the situation as it is now and how much of the old Rule 2 we would welcome back.”