What You're Voting On...Bylaws, Amendments, and Resolutions, Oh MY!

We mentioned in Friday's Leadership post that we will have two business meetings while in Phoenix. And that we vote on Grand Council positions at the second of those business meetings, on Friday. That means our first business meeting on Thursday will cover Bylaws, Amendments, and Resolutions. But before we get to the actual vote, you have a few opportunities to understand what it is we are voting on while in Phoenix.

Voting delegates who attend Grand Convention are speaking for their chapters. That could be collegiate chapters, alumnae associations, or house corporations. You are the voice, but hopefully you've shared with your chapters back home what we will be voting on at Grand Convention, and have taken their input into account...

Herff Jones President's Gavel Charm

Step One. I will again refer you to Pride Online for the documents that you should be reviewing prior to our business meetings. Once you login to Pride Online you will see a Bylaws & Nominations link in the left hand navigation. Those documents will allow you to see how our Bylaws will read if all of the changes go into effect, as well as what additional amendments and resolutions will be brought to the floor for discussion. Print out copies of those documents and bring them with you to Phoenix. There are resolutions related to chapter housing and technology, and amendments related to Grand Council eligibility.

Step Two. When you arrive in Phoenix, one of your first events will be the PreConvention Information Session on the 22nd from 3:30-5:30. At this session you will learn more about the Bylaws Amendments and Resolutions.

Questions? Confused? Ask the Parliamentarian! On both Thursday and Friday prior to our business meetings you have the opportunity to meet the individual running the rules of order. Thursday from 7-7:45 am you can swing by and meet up with our parliamentarian, or Friday from 7:15-8:15 am. Don't be shy! This is a great opportunity to speak with an expert if you have questions or need clarification. You can always ask your advisors, province directors, or district team directors as well.

If you need chapter input prior to jetsettin' to Phoenix...you could always use your GIN tools to send out a message or post documents for review. Or create a survey using Survey Monkey to poll for feedback.

Any questions about voting?

Rock the Vote-Leadership

Grand Convention is a lot of fun.

We will hear from amazing speakers.

Who's that? Only Fox News' Ainsley Earhardt (Iota, Beta Epsilon)

speaking at Convention 2009

We sing songs (more on that later).

There will be skits.

The food is great. (Menus at your place setting every meal...leave the diet at home).

But we'll also get down to business in Phoenix. Important Business. We'll have two days of business meetings. The future of our organization is at stake. Leadership. Bylaws and Amendments. That's HUGE. Who is going to lead us into the next biennium? You decide.

So what do you need to know to get ready to vote?

One. Candidate Profiles. Each of the lovely ladies running for a spot on Grand Council has filled out a Candidate Profile. Just like chapter elections. These women bring with them remarkable experience, and they have it all laid out for you to see. If you login to Pride Online, you'll see a link in the left hand navigation for Bylaws & Nominations. Click there. Click on the Nominations PDF. Read. Review.

Maybe you want to be a Grand Council member one day...check out how these ladies have stayed involved in ADPi and follow their lead...

Two. Meet the Candidates. So, you've read and reviewed. Now you get to put a face with a name and get to know these women in person. Go ahead and mark this date in your planner. Or your iPhone. Your preference. Thursday, June 23rd 6:00-6:45 pm. Check your convention packet when you check in for the location of this very important event. It's your opportunity to meet the women hoping to lead our organization.

Three. Vote. During the Friday business meeting you will cast your vote for Grand Council elections. Chapter Presidents and International Officers, you should be set. Advisors, make sure you have your voting affidavits filled out and turned in so your voice can be heard.

Soak all that in and we'll be back on Monday with more on voting...Bylaws & Amendments Style.