Agenda/Minutes for the Founding Meeting of the Global Distributists

Members in Attendance: Andrii Zvorygin (Canada), Iver Lofving (US), Phillip Woodard (US), Andrew Hunt (Canada), Eric Anton (American Solidarity Party, US as non-voting observer), Simon Michaux (briefly, Finland), Thomas Dagostino

Meeting video: Part 1: https://youtube.com/live/6AiBk46Pq_Q
Part 2: https://youtube.com/live/J5h1jFDDIgo

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks
   1.1. Greetings and introduction by the meeting chair
   1.2. Explanation of the purpose and objectives of the founding meeting

2. Introduction of Participants
   2.1. Brief self-introductions by participants, including their backgrounds and interests in distributism
   Overview of Distributism and Its Relevance Globally
   3.1. Presentation on the principles of distributism and its potential for addressing global challenges
   3.2. Discussion on how distributism can be adapted and promoted in different countries and contexts

3. Establishing the Global Distributist Party: Vision, Mission, and Goals
   4.1. Discussion on the proposed vision, mission, and goals of the Global Distributist Party
   
   GPT4:
   The Global Distributist Party envisions a world where economic democracy and social equity are the foundations of thriving, sustainable communities. Our mission is to advocate for distributist policies and principles on a global scale, fostering a shift towards decentralized, locally-driven decision-making, and widespread ownership of productive assets. Our goals include promoting the adoption of distributist policies in various countries, supporting the growth of cooperatives and small businesses, and encouraging sustainable development that preserves the environment for future generations. By working together with individuals, communities, and governments, we seek to create a more equitable and resilient global society, grounded in the principles of subsidiarity, solidarity, and the common good.
   
   4.2. Reaching consensus on the party's guiding principles and objectives
   
   Guiding Principles:
   Subsidiarity: Prioritizing local decision-making and empowering communities and individuals.
   Agreed

• Solidarity: Fostering cooperation and mutual support among individuals, communities, and nations.
  Agreed

• The Common Good: Promoting the well-being of all members of society, ensuring that no one is left behind.
  Agreed
  
  Sustainable Development: Balancing environmental stewardship and social equity.
  Agreed
  
  Economic Democracy: Advocating for widespread ownership of land, capital, and other productive assets.
  Agreed
  
  Objectives:
  Advocate for the adoption of distributist policies in various countries, influencing national and international policy-making.
  Agreed

• Support the growth and development of cooperatives, small businesses, and family-owned enterprises, as they embody distributist principles.
  Agreed
  
  

• Encourage sustainable development practices that preserve the environment for future generations and promote equitable resource distribution.
  Agreed
  
  Foster collaboration and partnerships with organizations and individuals that are aligned with our guiding principles to advance the distributist agenda.
  The distributist agenda aims to create a more equitable and sustainable society by advocating for decentralized decision-making, widespread ownership of productive assets, and fostering strong local communities based on cooperation, solidarity, and the common good.
  Agreed
  
  Raise awareness and educate the public about distributism, its principles, and its potential to address pressing global challenges.
  Agreed

• Establish and maintain a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas among distributists from different countries and backgrounds.
  Agreed
  
  

• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of distributist policies and their impact on global challenges such as income inequality, environmental sustainability, and community resilience.
  Agreed
  
  Part 2 of video

4. Drafting the Global Distributist Party Charter
   5.1. Presentation of a draft charter, outlining the party's values, principles, and organizational structure
   5.2. Group discussion and feedback on the draft charter
   5.3. Finalization and approval of the Global Distributist Party Charter
   Approved as is.
   
   
   

5. Election of Party Leadership and Organizational Structure
   6.1. Nominations and elections for key party positions, such as chairperson, secretary, and treasurer
   Chairperson Andrii Zvorygin
   Secretary Iver Lofving
   Treasurer TBD (interim Andrii Zvorygin)
   
   6.2. Establishment of working committees or subcommittees (e.g., membership, policy development, communications)

6. Development of a Membership Recruitment Strategy
   7.1. Discussion on target audiences and potential members
   7.2. Brainstorming and agreement on membership recruitment tactics and materials
   
   Postponed for next meeting

7. Creating the Global Distributists Brand: Logo and Slogan
   8.1. Discussion on the visual identity and messaging for the Global Distributists
   8.2. Formation of a design committee to develop logo and slogan options
   Agreed to keep curren t logo:
   
   
   

8. Planning for the Global Distributists Website and Online Presence
   9.1. Overview of the purpose and objectives of the party's website and social media accounts
   9.2. Formation of a digital communications committee to develop and manage the party's online presence
   Approved as is

9. Fundraising and Financial Planning
   10.1. Presentation of an initial budget and fundraising plan
   10.2. Discussion on fundraising strategies and financial management
   Postponed for next meeting

10. Next Steps and Timeline
    11.1. Development of a timeline and action plan for the coming months, including key milestones and events
    11.2. Assignment of responsibilities for implementing the action plan
    Postponed for next meeting

11. Closing Remarks and Adjournment
    12.1. Summary of the meeting outcomes and appreciation for participants' contributions
    12.2. Adjournment of the founding meeting