[Durham INC] -Mission-

Tue Jul 12 15:55:37 EDT 2011

As Bill stated, I'd encourage delegates to not focus on whether one supports Gay Marriage, or whether you feel Federal Dollars are being wasted on the War.  Your feelings as to either are actually irrelevant to the greater matter we are discussing -which I will not allow to be derailed:  whether INC addressing these matters is consistent with previous action as it relates to previous issues that have been accepted, and disallowed by them allegedly not falling under the guise of INC Jurisdiction.

Whether or not INC has addressed a matter at the *State* level before, or not, is of absolutely no consequence to this discussion. 

Our question is what matters INC will accept as being able to be endorsed via resolution.  INC has intervened in *State* matters that directly were paramount, to the daily lives of Durham Neighborhoods and the peace therewith.  

I'd submit that INC's goal -and best benefit to remain effective- is to stick with local-grounded issues.  Otherwise, be fully prepared to accept pretty much every resolution suggestion that comes hereafter; and I have 20 or so myself.

Factual Reference, in contemplating this matter:

"Durham Interneighborhood Council   

Organized in 1984, the InterNeighborhood Council of Durham (INC) is a coalition of Durham’s neighborhood and homeowner’s associations. Our mission is to promote the quality, stability and vitality of Durham’s residential neighborhoods. Just as many heads are better than one, neighborhoods gain strength by working together.

Durham’s INC...

Fosters cooperation among existing neighborhood organizations.
Encourages the establishment of neighborhood organizations where none exist.
Takes positions on issues that affect our member neighborhoods.
Collects and disseminates information to stimulate awareness and interest in issues.
Works cooperatively with the City and County of Durham, and makes sure the voice of the citizen is heard via individual neighborhood organizations.
Holds monthly meetings and invite government officials to deliberate issues, educate neighbors and brainstorm solutions.
Recognizes Durham’s neighborhood heroes through an annual awards program.

By attending to both headline-making issues and everyday matters, the INC has been an effective advocate for neighborhood residents and an influential participant in making Durham a better place to live."

--------------------
Darius M. Little 
Executive Business Consultant  and
Strategic Marketing Analyst
(c) 919-641-4124
(web) www.linkedin.com/in/dariuslittle

Manta Business Profile/Report:  
http://www.manta.com/c/mtlwj1m/little-s-business-consulting

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." [Matt 21:22]

-----Original Message-----
From: Joshua Allen <allen.joshua at gmail.com>
To: Darius Mercedes Little <duke1law at netscape.net>
Cc: TheOcean1 at aol.com; inc-list at durhaminc.org
Sent: Tue, Jul 12, 2011 3:41 pm
Subject: Re: [Durham INC] **INC War Funding & Gay Marriage Resolutions**

This is a *state* constitutional amendment being put forth by the *NC* state legislature which we are represented in by *local* representatives.  INC has weighed in on issues going before the general assembly on many occasions.

On Tue, Jul 12, 2011 at 3:24 PM, Darius Mercedes Little <duke1law at netscape.net> wrote:

Exactly - which is consistent with what I stated, for the record.  This is about a greater poloicy and procedure within INC; which I think it important to pin-down, as we seem to all be desirous of increasing involvement within the group to more neighborhoods.  As we continue to grow, more people will have more concerns.  This is the crux of my concern - big picture thinking.  Thanks Bill.

- DML

--------------------
Darius M. Little 
Executive Business Consultant  and
Strategic Marketing Analyst
(c) 919-641-4124
(web) www.linkedin.com/in/dariuslittle

Manta Business Profile/Report:  
http://www.manta.com/c/mtlwj1m/little-s-business-consulting

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." [Matt 21:22]

-----Original Message-----
From: TheOcean1 at aol.com
To: duke1law at netscape.net; allen.joshua at gmail.com
Cc: inc-list at durhaminc.org

Sent: Tue, Jul 12, 2011 3:13 pm
Subject: Re: [Durham INC] **INC War Funding & Gay Marriage Resolutions**

As I see it, the question is: Should INC only take up local issues, or are national issues also INC territory?

While historically INC has kept its focus on local only issues, there really isn't anything in the by-laws that says we can't take on national or global issues, too.

It's a good question.... for purposes of discussion, we should talk about that without the specific resolution on the table on top of it. Let's separate the discussion to the generally, should INC be involved in national issues, so that our thoughts on these two resolutions aren't mixed in.

Just an idea,

Bill Anderson

In a message dated 7/12/2011 12:36:54 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, duke1law at netscape.net writes:

Dear Fellow  INC'ers:

I hope all is well and that everyone is enjoying this weather.

The purpose of this communication is to highlight my previously   expressed concern as it relates to the resolution on "War Funding"   dollars; which was presented to us at the last INC Meeting. Furthermore, I'd   like to add that the new proposal which has been brought before us, from Duke   Park --relating to a "Gay Marriage Resolution"-- lends more support to my   original position that INC is not the appropriate venue for which to address a   lot of these, social issues.

First of all, let me begin by stating that my strong opposition to both   of these resolutions is procedural.  While I personally do not endorse   gay marriage, as a Christian who has his own areas that need constant   improving, I don't cast stones, or stand in judgment of others. I leave the   judgment as to the behavior of others, to God as my bible says all   have fallen short and in life, we typically judge others rather firmly: based   upon "what" they did (without looking at "why" they did it). Yet, when   we, or someone we like, or care about, stands in judgment, we want others to   understand "why" something happened, not to look at the act alone.  We're   all inconsistent!  So, as a human, my job is to do my best, each day and   be a blessing to others in the ways in which I am gifted.  Now,   to the War dollars:  I, along with everyone else on earth, realize   that the dollars going to support the War, could be utilized in our State   Governments and trickled down to our local governments.  So, I'll firmly   say I support ending the war and bringing our dollars home.

Having said all of that, my opposition to both of these resolutions stems   upon the fact that, as stated in my initial email:  I do not believe,   based upon the Mission Statement of INC, as well as the Precedent which has   been established by leadership, that we can remain consistent and fair in   policy, by allowing eithr of these resolutions to be presented, and approved   by our General Body.  

Some have expressed the accurate belief that 'War Dollars' (public tax   dollars), as well as 'Gay Marriage' (Social Justice: I'm not going to say   Civil Rights b/c I don't feel the framers of our Constitution were thinking of   Gay Marriage when they were creating such tenants; but that's a discussion for   dinner) are issues which affect "neighborhoods" due to the fact that they are   popular stances, about which all individuals have an opinion.  I agree,   they are issues worthy of discussion in any public, communal capacity.    However, the INC Mission Statement specifically expresses the   following:  "Our mission is to promote the quality,   stability and vitality of Durham's residential   neighborhoods."

Neither of these resolutions' passages will directly result in the   specific addressing of matters which adversely affect the "quality, stability   and vitality" of the Durham Neighborhoods we represent, nor the Durham   Community at-large.

I feel emotions ar high, at a time when a lot of National Issues are   receiving limelight and that peole --with good intention-- are reaching for   any, and every, avenue by which to have "their" most important issue,   supported.  That is god.  It's called lobbying.  However, what   seperates INC from every other social and political entity is the fact that we   have not, historically, just jumped into every catfight.  We have   addressed issues, successfully and aggressively, that directly, and in   dramatic fashion, affect Neighborhoods in Durham.  Neither the War, nor   Gay Marriage, are issues which are the bedrock of the sustainability of our   Durham Neighborhoods.  They are good discussion material and teach us a   lot, however, they are not consistent with what INV addresses.

Now, before anyone feels I am belittling their efforts (I am not), let me   add the fact that I have brought issues to INC which I felt were important,   and have been told that they were more social issues, than Neighborhood Issues   and as such, INC was not the avenue to address them.  These were issues   related to Fayetteville Street, the African-American Community and needs,   which I felt were important.  But INC did not address them.  I was   not offended, and did not interpret these matters as a slight to my   concern.  I realized that INC's effectiveness would dwindle, if it became   viewed as an organization that entangled itself in every fist fight.    We've been effective because we are unique in our battle selection.  And   our successes carry weight, in my opinion, only because we choose battles that   are close to home, which we can have our collective hands on and fight,   directly.  We leave the larger issues to our City Council, County   Commissioners, School Board and Durham Legislative Delegation, to lobby; the   Matricular Consular, for example.  Everything that occurs in Duham   affects its Citizens, which in-turn, affects every neighborhood.  If we   entertain and allow the passage of these resolutions, we will open a pandora's   box and will not, be able to fairly, reject anything that comes before us   hereafter.

Now, if people are hellbent on addressing these issues through INC, I'd   submit there must be a change in ByLaws and Mission Statement.  So, as I   originally stated: this discussion, again, is procedural.  Is INC   equipped to address these issues from a standpoint of being "effective"   (because remember, we are seeking quality, stability and vitality in our   battles for "Durham Neighborhoods")?  If so, then the Mission Statement   needs to be changed, to be more broad.  And furthermore, we need to   create a policy for which issues we entertain, and which we do not.

Lastly, we need to address participation.  According to the   Secretary and Treasurer, only seven (7) neighborhoods have paid their   dues.  So, are we going to open the floodgates of issues we address to   anything across the State and Globe, yet not enforce participation   requirements?  I ask this because though I've been attending for quite a   while now, consistently, until I paid dues, and got on the books officially,   my participation was restricted.

So these are my thoughts and I'd love feedback.  I thoroughly enjoy   INC and the time we've all gotten to actually get to know one another.  I   care about each of you, and consider you friends.  These are my opinions   and they are heartfelt, so I hope that no individual was offended.  If   so, I apologize.  I am simply addressing what I feel are legitimate   concerns.

Yours,

Darius Little

--------------------
Darius M. Little 
Executive   Business Consultant  and
Strategic Marketing Analyst
(c)   919-641-4124
(web) www.linkedin.com/in/dariuslittle

Manta Business Profile/Report:  

http://www.manta.com/c/mtlwj1m/little-s-business-consulting

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,   believing, ye shall receive." [Matt 21:22]

-----Original   Message-----
From: Joshua Allen <allen.joshua at gmail.com>
To:   TheOcean1 at aol.com
Cc: inc-list at durhaminc.org
Sent: Tue, Jul 12, 2011   11:35 am
Subject: Re: [Durham INC] [dukepark] Duke park--requesting   feedback on gay marriage resolution

I'm glad someone is   spearheading this!  I think the resolution is great.  It's so   important to have many diverse voices heard on this issue.  It's awesome   to have neighborhoods supporting the gay and lesbian community.   When   lawmakers hear only from the gays and lesbians, it just doesn't have the same   effect as having neighborhoods and business owners rally with support as well.   In NY, Republican business owners lobbied the state legislator in   support of gay marriage, which recently passed there.   That made a big   difference.   

We will take this up at our next Watts Hillandale board meeting.    Thanks.   

--Joshua Allen

WHHNA President

On Tue, Jul 12, 2011 at 9:43 AM, <TheOcean1 at aol.com>   wrote:

At the bottom is a resolution that is being test marketed on the Duke     Park listserv with unanimous results so far.

Please forward to your neighborhoods

Bill Anderson

In a message dated 7/11/2011 10:44:12 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, dorseymt at mindspring.com     writes:

Support the       resolution.

Mary on       Hollywood

From:       dukepark at yahoogroups.com       [mailto:dukepark at yahoogroups.com]       On Behalf Of readlaw at aol.com
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2011 11:41       AM
To: dukepark at yahoogroups.com
Subject: [dukepark]       Duke park--requesting feedback       on gay marriage resolution

We will take       this up at the August board meeting (Tuesday, August 9). If you do not       plan to attend and would like to express your position please reply to board at dukepark.org.        

Dan

Daniel       F. Read
President, Duke Park       Neighborhood Association
1424 Acadia       St., Durham NC       27701
readlaw at aol.com       919-688-0535 FAX 919-682-4955

In a message       dated 7/11/2011 11:12:31 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, gary_jddurham at yahoo.com       writes:

Hello         neighbors,

I, along with the         help of some other neighbors, have drafted a resolution to present to         the INC regarding pending legislation that would put an anti-marriage         equality amendment to the state constitution on the ballot in         2012.  The legislature will meet in September to consider this, and         it is important to show any of our state representitives or senators who         may be on the fence on this issue that         Durham's neighborhoods support its gay and         lesbian residents.  As this resolution would have to be approved by         Duke Park as well as the other         neighborhood associations, I am presenting it to the listserv for         approval or suggestions for alterations.  It is important to         indicate if you do or do not support the resolution so that our         representative can determine how to vote on our behalf.  If anyone         wishes to forward it to other neighborhood lists, that would be great as         I only subscribe to this one.  Hopefully if the resolution has a         favorable reception, we can bring it up for a vote at the next INC         meeting at the end of the month.  I'll attach and copy the         resolution below.  Thanks for your time and         support.

Gary Rosche, W         Knox

Whereas         Durham has a tradition of being a progressive beacon in         the state of North Carolina,         

And whereas         the neighborhood associations of Durham have         always served as incubators for the grassroots activism that has fueled         that progressive reputation, 

And whereas         our own elected officials have shown their commitment to making Durham a         welcoming community for gays and lesbians by passing resolutions         supporting marriage equality and providing  domestic partner         benefits to the employees of the City and the County of         Durham,

And whereas         Durham is rightfully proud of its ability to         embrace diversity and champion equality for all,

It is         therefore resolved that the InterNeighborhood Council of Durham (INC)         supports the civil rights of its gay and lesbian neighbors, including         the right to marry, and opposes SB 106 and HB 777 which would place on         the ballot in 2012 a referendum to amend the North Carolina Constitution         to prohibit marriage, and prohibit the recognition of any other form of         domestic legal union, between people of the same         gender.

SB         106: http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2011/Bills/Senate/PDF/S106v0.pdf

HB 777:         http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2011/Bills/House/PDF/H777v0.pdf

__._,_.___

Reply       to sender | Reply       to group | Reply       via web post | Start       a New Topic 
Messages       in this topic (7) 

RECENT       ACTIVITY:               New         Members 4       
Visit       Your Group 

Switch to: Text-Only,       Daily       Digest • Unsubscribe       • Terms       of Use

.

__,_._,___

_______________________________________________
Durham     INC Mailing List
list at durham-inc.org
http://www.durham-inc.org/list.html

_______________________________________________
Durham INC Mailing List
list at durham-inc.org
http://www.durham-inc.org/list.html

_______________________________________________
Durham   INC Mailing   List
list at durham-inc.org
http://www.durham-inc.org/list.html

-- 
Joshua

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://rtpnet.org/pipermail/inc-list/attachments/20110712/a739bad9/attachment.html>