Suggested SLOLA MEETING AGENDA, 15 January, 2011

1. Welcome to new and old members
2. Secretary has minutes of last meeting
3. Treasurer's report
4. Committee Chair's reports
   A. Database
   B. Membership
   C. Organizational/Bylaws
   D. Web/Outreach
5. Old Business
6. New Business
   A. Vice-chair
   B. Approval of committee actions
   C. New meeting plan to dispense with monthly meetings to be replaced with two meetings annually that are larger and more festive
   D. New Member Accord, the Safe Seed Pledge*
   E. New committees
   F. New members assigned to committees
   
   

New Member Accord (including the 'Safe Seed Pledge") as Proposed:

SLOLA New Member Accord

THE SAFE SEED PLEDGE*

Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative,

I pledge that I do not knowingly buy, grow, share or trade
genetically engineered seeds or plants.

The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. I feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, I wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately people and communities.

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SLOLA Member Date

Furthermore, as a member of the Seed Library of Los Angeles, I pledge to grow plants according to best practices and save the seeds of those plants according to best practices to insure that I return viable seed that will produce seeds true to the variety I label them to be. If I do not know how to properly follow the Library's published 'best practices,' I will contact someone with the Library to help me. I understand I am dealing with a living thing and the responsibility that comes with this. I pledge to participate in this project and acknowledge the sacred bond between the seeds, the other members of the Library and myself and will be honest and forthright in all my dealings with the seeds, the other members of the Library and the Library itself.

______________________________________________ ________________________________

SLOLA Member Date

* The Safe Seed Pledge originated with The Council for Responsible Genetics founded in 1983, ...and comprised of scientists, lawyers, public health advocates and citizens concerned about the social, ethical and environmental impact of new genetic technologies. SLOLA did not create it, but adopted it as a standard for our organization.

  Additional agenda items should be noted in the comments below so they can be added....

david