Bylaw Change Procedure

[Philistine]

One thing that all the bylaws talk going back and forth has reminded me is that there was/is a Bylaw Committee which was/is reviewing the bylaws with an eye to revising them both in general, and with an eye towards USOC suggestions/requirements.

Here are a couple of threads talking about it about a year-and-a-half ago.

The (second) one dealing with discussions of the proposed bylaws by Mr. Streb and the vote to determine whether or not to accept them talks about the Bylaw Committee giving a report at to 2006 Summer meeting. I know this is a little beyond the scope of the election--but did they ever do that? And where is the process now?

Anyway--for the officers--(here probably more the President), I'm not asking what you think the new bylaws should say, becasue that's a pretty convoluted question--but I would ask how you think that should be decided?

AIUI, there are 3 ways to change the bylaws:

1. At the annual membership meeting at summer nationals, by vote of the membership present in person or proxy.

2. At a special membership meeting called for that purpose by the President or BOD. Which requires only 25 members to be present in person or by proxy.

3. By the BOD--which then must be approved by the next annual or special membership meeting held at least 60 days after the BOD action.

My concern is that a huge change in representation/BOD composition/etc. is likely to at least be on the table, and so far it seems that the membership is being kept (in keeping with grand USFA tradition) completely in the dark.

Presumably, what will happen is that at some meeting there will be a proposed set of bylaws on which the membership will be asked to vote up or down on, without having any imput into their formation.

So, to actually get to a question.... do you have any plans for either (1) casting light on the process or (2) making sure that the interests of all types of fencers get some imput?

If so, what?

--Philistine

[oso97]

Originally Posted by Philistine

Presumably, what will happen is that at some meeting there will be a proposed set of bylaws on which the membership will be asked to vote up or down on, without having any input into their formation.

Depends entirely upon how you define "input into their formation."

As someone who will be serving on the BOD in the next season (elected from my Section), I can assure you that any bylaws amendments I am presented with will be discussed quite thoroughly with the members of my Section. Contact your representatives on the BOD if you want to be kept "in the loop."

Now, that being said, in what manner should the membership input be? We have two methods for representation of the membership on the BOD - from the Sections and from the Divisions, via the Congress. Its probably unworkable to have every last member of the USFA be involved in the discussions and formulation, therefore representation is important.

Analogy: When the Constitution of the USA was drawn up, the entire population of the USA did not converge on Philadelphia. They sent representatives. Those representatives discussed and compromised, and then presented a final document to be ratified by the citizens.

In a similar manner, yes, the USFA needs a bylaws overhaul. What mechanisms do you think should be utilized for representation in the "bylaws convention."

[Philistine]

Originally Posted by oso97

{snip}What mechanisms do you think should be utilized for representation in the "bylaws convention."

Initially, I'd like some sort of report of what is the purpose and scope of the bylaw changes. Something setting out what the USOC has "suggested" and what problems have been identified in the current bylaws.

From there, it depends on how far the Bylaw Committee gotten so far. To the extent they've got proposals, I'd suggest they post them, with their rationale, and invite comment.

To the extent they don't, there are several ways--one is to appoint a broader base to the Bylaws Committee. Another is to ask them to provide an outline of concerns and invite comments (perhaps only to the Congress).

I'm not looking for an extended debate--what I'm really after is something that will allow the membership to both be informed as to any changes made, and feel that they have had an opportunity to have their concerns heard before they're given a take-it-or-leave-it chocie on the bylaws.

--Philistine