Subject: Re: a Convocation
From: jmath669642reng@--------)
Date: Sun, 20 Jun 1999 03:12:05 -0400 (EDT)
Citizens Of Nova Roma!!

Marcus Minucius Audens rises in Forum to address the topic of
Convocaton:

What I am going to now say will, to some, I am sure sound self-serving,
but such is not my intention. You have only my word for that, but I can
give no better assurance..

Two items which are important to consider carefully in putting together
a convocaton of Nova Romans is the fact that while much was done at the
Roman Days Meeting, there were relatively few of us, There was a clearly
defined short (6 items) agenda set forth, we were fortunate to have a
exerienced senior magistrate (Consul Cinncinnatus) on hand to keep our
attentions focused, and we also had an excelent secretary who took
detailed notes (Cassia) which she then sent out to all. These, I
believe, should be the hallmarks of any NR convocation in the near
future (1 to 3 years)..

The second item which was not available to us at Roman Days was a Senate
Quorum, so that some of the decisions could be approved and made final.
This ability would have made the Roman Days session, short though it
was, much more effective.

In our deliberations and discussions of a possible convocation, It is my
belief that these above items should be carefully weighed as opposed to
a large group of people and a long list of agenda items.

I live in a small bed-room village (Gales Ferry--Ledyard) about 5 miles
north of Groton / New London Connecticut very close by the U.S. Naval
Submarine Base on the Thames Estuary. We are almost directly on the
Interstate 95 corridor North and South, as well as a terminus for rail
and ferry lines. Boston is two and a half hours away and New York about
the same. Hartford (airport) is an hour and a half away, New Haven is
3/4 of an hour away and Providence, RI. is less than a hour away.. I
have been reviewing possible places in ths area to have some kind of
Roman get-together and have identified 4-5 places that would be willing
to let us have meeting facilities very reasonably. I have a front lawn
that is fairly large that could be turned into a tent city (I have three
tents and could probably get more) and some room (two-three couples-more
if you provide your own air mattresses) in my home...

I would be willing to host a convocation in this area winter summer,
fall or spring as the nearby coast moderates most of the extreme weather
that passes through the NE. I would welcome the assistance of those NR
Citizens who are presently living along the Eastern Seaboard as well,
but this is a serious offer whether or not I receive assistance.

I will also be traveling for a "family vacation to a point in Missouri,
North and East of Kansas City (you talk about being lonely!!!) in
October and would be willing to donate a couple of days to NR business
on that trip...

I really think until such time as NR can develop funding to assist in
such large member convocations in a central place, that localized
meetings, if a Senate quorum can be garnered, will do wonders for NR.
Those who for whatever reason cannot make a convocation could simply
write to a friend / colleague who will be willing to assist and ask that
their ideas be brought forward and assign a proxy vote.. With planning,
this idea could apply to the Senators as well.. This is the way
business in all of my wide-spread activities are handled and it seems to
answer well, within my world at least.

As a Quaestor, I believe this to be one of my duties to represent my
constituents, as the opportunities arise. I am sure that there will be
some problems, but most such are solvable with determination, and I
suppose that some may be discontented, but once the realization sinks in
that we are truly working towards a more unified and efficient NR, that
problem should go away, as well. Finally knowing myself to be very apt
to mistake, if anyone sees flaws in this plan, I would much appreciate
him / her taking the time to point them out.

My Ladies and Kind Sirs, I most appreciate your kind and polite
attention, and I now have done.

Most Respectfully;
Marcus Audens, Quaestor


Fair Winds and Following Seas!!!