BackTopic: WAML Bylaws Amendments
Date: September 14, 2018
Submitted by: Julie Sweetkind-Singer, Secretary
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Background:
The Executive Board is placing before the membership changes to two of the Bylaws that govern the Western Association of Map Libraries. The first is to extend the term of the Treasurer from two to three years (7.3). The second is to add Texas to the organization’s Principal Region (10.1).
According to the Bylaws, the proposed changes to the amendments will be read and discussed at the Business meeting of the Membership. The Secretary shall be responsible for submitting the proposed amendments to the entire Membership by ballot with appropriate explanatory comments with any arguments for or against the proposed amendments. The ballot will be sent to the members on October 1, 2018 and must be completed by October 31, 2018. The amendments will be adopted if approved by a majority of the valid ballots returned.
Proposed Bylaw Amendment: Treasurer Term Change
The Executive Board proposes that the WAML Bylaws be amended to extend the term of the Treasurer from two to three years.
Current Bylaw:
7.3 The term of office for each of the officers, with the exception of Treasurer, shall be one year and shall begin on July 1. The term of office for the Treasurer shall be two years and shall begin on July 1.
Proposed Bylaw:
7.3 The term of office for each of the officers, with the exception of Treasurer, shall be one year and shall begin on July 1. The term of office for the Treasurer shall be three years and shall begin on July 1.
Justification:
The Treasurer’s role involves legal dealings with the bank and other financial institutions, as well as knowledge of federal and state regulations related to non-profit organizations. Each transition from outgoing to incoming Treasurer involves legal transactions and extensive coordination. A longer term provides for more continuity and fewer transitions.
Proposed Bylaw Amendment: Add Texas to the Principal Region
The Executive Board proposes that the WAML Bylaws be amended to add Texas to the list of states and provinces in WAML’s principal region.
Current Bylaw:
10.1 The following states of the United States and provinces of Canada shall comprise the Principal Region for the purpose of selecting the sites of general meetings of the Membership:
Alaska
Alberta
Arizona
British Columbia
California
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Oregon
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Proposed Bylaw:
10.1 The following states of the United States and provinces of Canada shall comprise the Principal Region for the purpose of selecting the sites of general meetings of the Membership:
Alaska
Alberta
Arizona
British Columbia
California
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Justification:
Many members from Texas have joined WAML, and they are eager to play an active role in the organization. Although members may come from anywhere in the world, adding Texas to the principal region allows for members from Texas to host general meetings. While the WAML bylaws do not specify that the principal region must only include regions in the West, the name of the organization implies that the geographical location should be a consideration. However, Texas does lie west of the Mississippi River, and so can justifiably be considered geographically in the West.