NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE MEMO Date: February 16, 2007 To: International Court Council From: Russell Roybal, Director of Movement Building, The Task Force Subj: Report from International Court Convention Your Imperial Majesties… During the December 2005 International Convention in Palm Springs, CA several issues were raised and discussed by delegates from the different Empires represented. Below is a summation of those issues, ideas and recommendations. Overall, delegates desired greater leadership from the International Court Council on a variety of topics mentioned herein. Along with additional guidance from the leadership of the Court System, a greater degree of accountability of those leaders is also required. This resonated throughout the Convention as a means of strengthening and unifying the System. System-wide recommendations • Establish system-wide guidelines including: o Protocol o Elections o Code of conduct/ethics o Financial reporting • Establish a regular system of communication o Upgrade and make the website a greater resource o Resurrect the Court Communiqué (both print and electronic form) o Issue regular email communication from the Council o Connect Court work to other LGBT organizations • Create a national/international office with staff o Hire a Administrator/Prime Minister o Raise the profile of the Court amongst other national/international LGBT organizations • Hold an International Convention every two years • Create regions for the System and organize regional conferences • Select an annual charity for Courts to participate in and strive for 100% participation • Become more active in public policy issues affecting the LGBT community o Select issue specific causes to raise money for o Connect Court philanthropic work to advocacy o Have a larger presence in the LGBT movement International Court Council authority/accountability There was mixed feelings on how the Council is appointed, its power and authority, and general accountability to member Empires. A significant discussion was held about how the Council is appointed/elected, with the following results: • Remaining as is – Council appointed by titular head of the International Court Council o 23 votes • Have the Council regionalized with elections by regional Empires o 28 votes • The Council is elected at the International Convention by delegates o 34 votes General comments about the International Convention Positives • Voices are being heard • Feeling of empowerment – we’re doing something • Real nod or deference to international side of court system • Workshops were good – need more of them • Supplies were fabulous! (folders, posters, etc) • Political leaders making themselves seen in our “non-political” arena (very positive) • Worked well in Palm Springs and with the December dates • Who is Widow Norton / ICC 101 a regular topic • Websites 101(topic) • Improve communications within our own courts (topic) Improvement • Every 2 years - conference • Content for meetings should be better • More info for delegates prior to meeting • An agenda developed in advance • Getting heard – listening! More of it! • Results from our meeting sent out after to all courts • Continue workshops - disabilities, fundraising, grant writing, board development, protocol issues & balls • Education in procedures, and how to involve younger set • Allow general members to submit ideas • Legal education – re illegal issues & disciplinary protocol • Political leaders to come to us • Heir Apparents should be accountable to their jobs • Bring courts together • Steering committees to work on particular aspects • 25 minimum membership for Court to have delegate to Convention • No drag at next conference • Central location • Non-partisan realm • Proposals to host conference Empires are passionate about continuing this level of involvement on the national/international level. It is important to capture this enthusiasm, and harness the energy around more people wanting to be involved. In essence the Court must evolve and become more sophisticated in its organizational development. Failure to do so, could result in a system-wide breakdown of communication and stability. If I can assist you in the future development of the Court, I would be happy to do so. Yours in humble service… HIH Russell D. Roybal The Majestic Leonine Crown Prince Imperial Grandson to Empress I Jose, the Widow Norton