Greetings –

We are writing to inquire about the recent fundraising activities of EQCA.  In early July, it was brought to our attention that EQCA had hired a professional fundraising corporation known as Grassroots Campaigns Inc (www.grassrootscampaigns.com).  Since then, we have heard numerous reports that this money was being raised with a script promoting 2010 – Several people on this list, including Stacey Simmons and Robert Polzoni can attest to this.  On August 5th, Melissa Staten, a director for Grassroots Campaigns, confirmed that her organization has raised $530,000 in the San Francisco Bay Area and over $ 1 million dollars statewide for EQCA’s “repeal of Prop 8 in 2010.”  We have a few questions as it relates to the money for 2010 and EQCA’s announcement later today:

A) Should EQCA announce that they are supporting and/ or in favor of 2010, will a portion of this money be used to pay for the additional research?  The Courage Campaign, along with Winner & Mandabach, have stated that we need to raise nearly $200,000 to conduct additional polling, research, and focus groups to solidify ballot language and a campaign plan.

B) On August 11th, 2009 at 2:31pm, Becky – director of the San Francisco office of Grassroots Campaigns Inc. (415-447-9396) – confirmed that money being raised is for 2010.  If EQCA announces 2012, we have two questions: 1) will the money that was raised using a script for 2010 be given to support the efforts of the grassroots moving forward or 2) will this money be refunded?  At the very least, people should be able to request a refund, if they wish, as numerous individuals were assured that their money was being used for 2010.

C) In addition to the million-plus dollars EQCA has raised since May, the Courage Campaign has raised over a $100,000 in a week’s time.  Regardless of a particular campaign date, it has become evident that significant funds can be raised at the grassroots level, despite major donor’s reluctance.

Our final question: what systems are in place to assure accountable and transparent use of funds being raised?  Perhaps this is a question better suited for the August 22nd campaign structuring meeting – but it is a question that the community should ask nonetheless.

Sincerely,

Yes! on Equality