***Vote this week or Next: Fiscal Sponsor - Which One?***

Since this discussion isn't as easy as a yes no decision (Step 1 Use a Fiscal Sponsor Yes or No)
we'll need to take some time to align on one fiscal sponsor, and make a proposal for one. (another way?)

There is info on the two candidates we have and another was mentioned on the call.
Fiscal Sponsors Info
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i2vI-FRCh4VFl5uXfAFAqr2tLTxBffunyHdGnBQG6N8/edit

Personally, I think both are good choices and are grassroots and movement friendly, with Janet of OTR being one of our own and on the planning group, and a number of subgroups, and has worked with financial matters for two decades.

AFGJ has a history with Occupy, and has served us well in the past. I have been a liaison with them for natgat2 and InterOccupy, so will abstain from the vote.

If most services are equal, and the fee is 2.5% less, it makes sense to go with OTR and #mutual aid the group more actively involved in Occupy.

+1 OTR

As far as fiscal agent goes, my criteria for justifying paying for services is -- can we get it for free? Do we really need it? If it's a vital service, and we've discussed if we can get it for free, and we can't--then yes, we need to pay for it.

I hope we have a robust discussion about this on this board and on the conference call. I don't know enough yet to make an informed vote.

I really like this Loomio platform, but I wish there was a "Not Sure" voting option. "Not sure" means just that--I care about the issue, I want my voice to be heard, I may vote one way or the other after I get more info, hear more people speak on the issue. It is not the same as abstaining.

Lisa, I think that's why you can set a long duration for discussion prior to voting on this platform.

That to me is one of the strengths of Loomio: Conference calls and in person meetings have the tendency to put pressure to make a decisions in a matter of minutes or hours, knowing that if a matter it tabled until next meeting it might never be decided at all.

With this tool, we can take a whole week to discuss at our convenience without anywhere near as much pressure to cast any sort of a "vote".

Actually: none of use have cast a vote in this discussion, because there isn't even a proposal on the floor yet.

That said, I also feel that I need consider the pros and cons of OTR vs. AFGJ prior to making a decision.

+1 - right, the way I understand it, just like a GA, we discuss and when it seems there is enough interest for a proposal, make the proposal.

like, now 2 people like OTR - if that moves to 5 or 10 (whatever number), then someone should make the proposal
"To use OTR for fiscal sponsor for natgat3"

The video said you can re-propose but I haven't seen how to do that - maybe have to close the one first.

also, Lisa, you can change votes as info develops, so perfectly ok to vote one way and then in comments say you are not sure but leaning towards up or down. I think it would be better, in test phase to see as many diff up and down votes as possible and then change and refine as info comes.

ha ha let's practice on the Loomio proposal

As I cleaned out 2 phishing attempts from the JCorg inbox today, that were not too bad, though ( to me) not impressive. And in the recent light of the Heartbleed exploit. A fiscal sponsor would be a good umbrella to have in security related matters. I would expect them to have better tools in place, than would be feasible for a short lived funding event.

I see that AFGJ offers 'connect to fundraising/grant networks'. Does this mean they will hook us up for additional fundraising, and help us apply for grants? That would be worth the higher fee if they could do that. Does anyone know if they were able to help the other occupies that way? Did NatGat get extra money last year generated from AFGJ?

Also, AFGJ's liability insurance sounds good. If any occupiers are hurt during natgat, it will be beneficial if we could cover their medical fees.

No, no extra money generated.

I am not sure about this part. I think perhaps they can just point us to possible.grant networks, and communicate fiscally with them, but not influence or do the grant writing.

Elane of AFGJ, who lives in Oakland, said she would be happy to do a conference call to talk about best practices and the fiscal sponsorship services.

not sure what would serve the group best - taking up time on a planning call or having finance wg have a call.

p.s. liability insurance covers Indoor events only.

early on a lot of the places mentioned by OS wanted insurance and other fees

Chatted with Janet this morning about the decision Wed. night, and she has re-considered due to too much on her plate.

Janet Wilson‎NatGat3 Planning Group
2 hrs ·
Sorry folks but I'm withdrawing from the NatGat finance group. With two donated houses that need work and another potential on the table my time is very limited. I know AFGJ will step up and take care of you. I must give my full attention to all that's going on in Pueblo, CO right now. I will still be available for some guidance if needed. I really think you ought to get a location before you start asking for funds....time is running out.
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So, it seems our decision Wed. night will be
1. should we have a fiscal sponosr
2. vote on proposal to use AFGJ