Our resolution D017 "Moving Toward a Paperless Convention" went before the the committee on Structure. Kit Tobin was present to answer questions at the beginning of the session. Later the committee reported out its recommendation to reject. Given that the Secretary of the House of Deputies used that title phrase yesterday, it is surprising. We will have to find out why it was rejected and offer amendments when it comes before the house.
It's about time we stopped bringing down forests to print every resolution.
A group supporting a resolution on Palestine sent us all a large glossy booklet at home, distributed another copy on the floor AND had it all printed as a part of their resolution. Without regard to the content of the resolution that is incredible waste.
Below is our Resolution.
D017 TOPIC: TECHNOLOGY
RESOLUTION TEXT
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 77th General Convention
call upon the planners of the 78th General Convention to make all materials
available electronically, both prior to and during the convention, and to make
WiFi available on the floor of both houses. In addition, planners are called upon
to make electrical outlets available on the floor of both houses for participants
who wish to use laptop computers or other electronic devices to access these
materials.
EXPLANATION
The actions outlined above would provide a number of important benefits. The transmission of information
(resolutions, amendments, announcements, etc.) via electronic means could streamline the convention process
dramatically, allowing for faster and more accurate dissemination of up-to-date materials.
Significant reductions to printing and paper costs would offset the expense of providing access to electrical
outlets on the convention floor.
In order to be responsible stewards of the earth's resources, it is our duty to drastically reduce the amount of
paperwork generated by Convention. The potential for cost savings and greater efficiency provides added
incentive to plan for a "paperless" convention.
The Resolution came to the floor of the House of Deputies. I spoke to it. It was amended to remove the last sentence about electrical outlets was removed.
This became the first resolution to require a use of electronic voting. It passed by 58% voting in the affirmative.
The resolution as passed in the House of Deputies, reads....
D017 TOPIC: TECHNOLOGY
RESOLUTION TEXT
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 77th General Convention
call upon the planners of the 78th General Convention to make all materials
available electronically, both prior to and during the convention, and to make
WiFi available on the floor of both houses.
Now on to the House of Bishops
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