National Convention
Proposed Legislation
(by Topic)
National and Regional Alignment
Articles of Association
National Bylaws
Articles of Incorporation
Long Range Goals Report
Resolutions
Risk Management
Rituals, Toast Song, and other publications
Proposed Changes to The Bylaws
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-3 |
All References to "Member(s)-at-Large"
Amend by replacing, in all instances in the National Bylaws, the terms
"Member-at-Large" and "Members-at-Large" with, respectively, the terms "Program
Director" and "Program Directors." Such instances include:
- Article V - National Officers, Section 1. Elected National Officers, Paragraph 2.
- Article V - National Officers, Section 6. Duties of Members-at-Large of the National Board of Directors.
- Article V - National Officers, Section 11. Vacancy in the Office of Vice President.
- Article VI - National Board of Directors, Section 2. Members of the National Board of Directors.
- Article VI - National Board of Directors, Section 4. Membership of the Executive Committee.
- Article VII - National Committees, Section 3. National Alumni Committee, Paragraph 1.
- Article VII - National Committees, Section 4. National Membership and Extension Committee, Paragraph 1.
- Article VII - National Committees, Section 5. National Finance Committee, Paragraph 1.
- Article VII - National Committees, Section 6. National Service Committee, Paragraph 1.
- Article VII - National Committees, Section 7. National Leadership Development Committee, Paragraph 1.
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by Christopher Nelms, Life Member, Beta Psi, Director, Region VII | Chapter Operations Reference #: A-4 |
Amend by replacing the words "Pledge Trainer" with the words "Fraternity Education Officer" in all instances throughout the National By-Laws, the Articles of Association, (if applicable), Pledge Manual, National Pledge Standards, Ritual Ceremonies Book, National Board Policy Manual, Leadership Series, and all other applicable Fraternity publications.
Rationale:
Ever since I pledged the Fraternity myself in 1982, I thought the office
of Pledge
Trainer was
titled incorrectly. Consistently over the years as I have observed chapters in
action
at the chapter,
Sectional, Regional, and National levels, pledge programs have consistently
demonstrated
increased attention to Fraternity history, meaningful fellowship, and outstanding
service. As these
programs have progressed, it became more apparent to me that we are indeed not
training
students to be pledges, but educating students to be viable, long-term, active
members.
Pledge, at
best, is a transitional type of membership, and must continue to be. I have said it
myself and
heard it said many times by others - Îwe are not training pledges, we are training
actives'. The
title of Fraternity Education Officer (FEO) more accurately describes the function of
this office,
and projects a more positive message to rushees and the external world.
Secondly, there is a movement on the part of University and College administrations,
predominately in the Eastern U.S., to eliminate traditional pledging among Greek
letter
organizations. Pledging and pledge activities are in the news and in the collegiate
administration
journals. The message is usually bad news. While our pledge programs have so far
been
spared
scrutiny, pledging in general is developing a negative connotation. Changing the
title
of this very
important membership office at the chapter level allows for our Fraternity to
participate early in
this evolution, thereby gaining Alpha Phi Omega additional respect where we have
Chapters, and
to project a more positive image where we desire to start Chapters.
| Submitted by Alex Kohr, Service Vice President, Zeta Theta Chapter | National Organization II Reference #: A-5 |
Amend by changing all instances of "National" to "International"
Rationale:
Because we are not only in the United States, but we are also in the
Philippines and
will possibly
be in Canada shortly.
| Submitted by Alex Kohr, Service Vice President, Zeta Theta Chapter | Scouting Reference #: A-6 |
Article II - Purpose
Amend by adding a "*" after "...the Boy Scouts of America." and adding a separate
paragraph
with the meaning of the "*" written out, explaining that we are a separate entity
from
the Boy
Scouts of America. The word in ( ) could be left out. The following is how it would
look:
- "...the Boy Scouts of America* as embodied in its....."
- *Alpha Phi Omega is a separate (legal) entity from the Boy Scouts of America.
Rationale:
This should be voted this way because it flows better and sounds less
conceited than
the
current
version of the Purpose (not defining a definition with itself) and it still gets the
point across that
the Boy Scouts of America are NOT responsible for our actions. Besides, we are based
on
these
ideals and not some other undefined ideals. Why should we butcher something that
flowed
and
sounded right with this extra add on of "The rich heritage of Alpha Phi Omega is
derived
from the
fellowship of the principles of the Boy Scouts of America as embodied in its Scout
Oath
and Law.
It just does not sound correct the way it is.
| Submitted by Zeta Theta Chapter, Drexel University | Scouting Reference #: A-7 |
Article II - Purpose
Amend by deleting "Alpha Phi Omega" and inserting "the Scout Oath and Law"
Amend by deleting the entire last sentence, beginning with "The rich heritage..."
Rationale:
We have come to accept the rationale beyond the moves to differentiate
ourselves from
the
organization of the Boy Scouts of America , but we do not accept the disassociation
from
the
Scout Oath and Law. We feel so strongly on this issue that it is very difficult to
put
down every
rationale, but we will try to list just a few. The current Purpose reads as if we
were
found on one
set of principles and recognize that, but now we have moved on to another set of
principles that
are some way related to the originals. This change would make it clear that this has
not occurred.
We have always been taught it is incorrect to use the word being defined in the
definition. The
Purpose, should, in essence, say who we are and it is foolish to say Alpha Phi Omega
is
the
principles of Alpha Phi Omega. And finally (for now), if we misunderstand what is
going
on
(which we greatly hope we have not) and there are members of Alpha Phi Omega that do
not
feel
that the principles of the Scout Oath and Law are worth following, not just due to
their
association with the Boy Scouts of America, but fundamentally, then we believe they
should form
a new organization devoid of such principles. We pledged Alpha Phi Omega because,
like
our
founders, we believed that Scout Oath and Law are an excellent standard of manhood to
stand the
test of time and by getting others to join an organization that promoted these
principles and by
following them, we were improving society. After the last convention, we and others
like us
(many who were never Boy Scouts), began to believe this organization was disavowing
these
same principles. We hope this change is passed and we can once again set out on the
challenge
presented to us by our founders, "To do our best to due or duty to God and our
country..." and
"to be Trustworthy, Loyal, Friendly..."
| Submitted by Barbara R. Anderson, Region 5 Director | Membership Reference #: A-8 |
Article III - Membership, Section 2. Types and Conditions of Membership.
Subsection 2, Active Membership.
Amend by striking the following phrase:
- "who are encouraged, but not required, by their chapter upon activation to be a registered member of any Scout movement; and who have successfully completed an approved membership education program."
- "who have successfully completed a membership education program structured in accordance with the guidelines established in the National Pledging Standards and the Membership Policies of the Fraternity; and who are encouraged, but not required, by their chapter to be a registered member of any Scout movement."
Rationale:
At present the wording of this section places an phrase that
"encourages" prior to a
phrase that
states a specific requirement. Further, the present wording states "approved
membership
education program" when no formal process is in place to approve the membership
programs
of
our active chapters. Additionally, the statement "upon activation" alludes that
registration in a
Scout movement should occur after activation rather than being encouraged of all our
members,
pledge and active.
By incorporating the Fraternity documents upon which all chapters should base their
membership
education programs within the text of this section, the question over approval, how
and
by who,
is removed while maintaining the standards we all see as an integral part of the
Fraternity.
| Submitted by Aaron Wendt, Interchapter Relations Officer, Xi Delta Chapter | Chapter Operations Reference #: A-9 |
Article III - Membership, Section 2. Types and Conditions of Membership.
Subsection 2. Active Membership.
Amend by inserting the following Subsection after Subsection 2 and renumbering others
accordingly:
- IN GOOD STANDING. A member is said to be in good standing with the chapter if, and only if, the member has completed at least 20 hours of service to the college, to the Fraternity, to the community, or to the Nation as participating citizens in both the fall and spring semesters. All service hours must be completed before chapter elections. If a member fails to complete at least 20 hours of service he is said to be not in good standing. A member not in good standing may not vote on any item of business at any chapter, Section, Region, or National meeting or convention. A member not in good standing may not hold an elected or appointed office within the chapter, Section, Region, or National level.
Rationale:
While pledges are often required by chapters to complete a certain
number of service
hours before
they may become active members, it is uncommon for chapters to require active members
to
do
the same on a semesterly basis. This proposed amendment hopes to stimulate a
reaffirmation of
each active member's lifelong obligation to provide Service to humanity. Active
members must
be role models for pledges. We cannot ask them to do something we are not willing to
do
alongside them. Active members who do not fulfill their lifetime commitment to be
unselfish in
service and devotion to the welfare of others cannot be allowed to lead on
organization
so
dedicated. Active members must be ever mindful of their duty to help other people at
all times.
| Submitted by:
Robert E. Lee Correll, IV, Region III Director John Conover, Jr., Region III Extension Coordinator Jamie Conover, Section 81 Chair Michael Leahy, Zeta Beta Advisor |
Chapter Operations Reference #: A-10 |
Article III-Membership, Section 2. Types and Conditions of Membership.
Subsection 4, Advisory Membership.
Amend by adding, "directing the supervision of pledges, directing the establishment
of
pledge or
active membership programs and policies," after the words "except those of voting."
Rationale:
This verbage is taken directly from Alpha Phi Omega Membership Policies,
Section III,
paragraph
H. It further clarifies the appropriate role of an advisor, and places this
limitation
on advisors in a
document which chapters are more likely to refer to, when attempting to understand
limitations of
advisor membership.
| Submitted by Tony Ploughe, Region 10 Membership Extension Chair | Membership Reference #: A-11 |
Article III - Membership, Section 2. Types and Conditions of Membership.
Subsection 5, Honorary Membership. Paragraph 1.
Amend by adding ", petitioning group upon charter approval" after "collegiate
chapter."
So it reads: "Honorary membership may be conferred by any collegiate chapter,
petitioning group
upon charter approval or the National Board of Directors, upon...."
Rationale:
In the process of chartering a chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, there are
individuals "who
have
contributed significantly to the ideals and purposes of Alpha Phi Omega." Some of
these
petitioning group members graduate and leave the University/College prior to the
activation of the
chapter.
Currently, to be a chartering member, you must be either a student at the
University/College or an
advisor to the petitioning group. This amendment is intended to provide for
individuals
who were
past petitioning group members that are no longer students at that school to be
recognized as
charter members of the chapter, upon approval of the chapter.
| Submitted by John Conover, Jr., Region III Extension Coordinator | Membership Reference #: A-12 |
Article III-Membership, Section 2.Types and Conditions of Membership,
Subsection
5, Honorary Membership, Paragraph 1.
Amend by adding the words: "of the institution by which the charter is held, or
institutions where
extension efforts are ongoing. Honorary Membership may be bestowed upon
undergraduates
of
institutions where extension efforts may not be attempted due to institutional
regulations" after
"undergraduate students."
Rationale:
This will allow for a transfer of membership-type in the event that
extension
membership
is
deleted in the National Bylaws.
| Submitted by Tony Ploughe, Region 10 Membership Extension Chair | Membership Reference #: A-13 |
Article III - Membership, Section 2. Types and Conditions of Membership.
Subsection 5, Honorary Membership.
Amend by adding the following paragraph before the last paragraph:
- "Selection of honorary members by a petitioning group shall require the
approval
by
vote of at least three-fourths of the petitioning group membership, shall be
recognized
upon
charter approval, shall be included as a chartering member."
Rationale:
In the process of chartering a chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, there are
individuals "who
have
contributed significantly to the ideals and purposes of Alpha Phi Omega." Some of
these
petitioning group members graduate and leave the University/College prior to the
activation of the
chapter.
Currently, to be a chartering member, you must be either a student at the
University/College or an
advisor to the petitioning group. This amendment is intended to provide for
individuals
who were
past petitioning group members that are no longer students at that school to be
recognized as
charter members of the chapter, upon approval of the chapter.
| Submitted by Robert E. Lee Correll, IV, Region III Director and Region III Staff | Membership Reference #: A-14 |
Article III - Membership, Section 2. Types and Conditions of Membership,
Subsection 7, Alumni Membership.
Amend by striking the second sentence, "Advisory members shall be recognized as
alumni
members when they become Life Members or upon leaving their respective chapters."
Rationale:
Clarification that Life Membership is independent of having left the
chapter, and
therefore, of
being alumni. Advisors do not necessarily leave the chapter upon becoming Life
Members.
Becoming a Life Member does not mean that one is an alumni. The rest of the sentence
is
redundant.
| Submitted by Tony Ploughe, Region 10 Membership Extension Chair | Membership Reference #: A-15 |
Article III - Membership, Section 2. Types and Conditions of Membership,
Subsection 8, Extension of Membership
Amend to strike the paragraph and renumber the successive sub-sections accordingly.
Rationale:
Extension Membership might have provided for the need of one or even a
few
individuals
to learn
about our cardinal principles and become a member of the fraternity. However, it
does
not
encourage the growth of Alpha Phi Omega on the campus without the chapter, which is
the
intent
of Extension Membership.
The Petitioning Group process is becoming an excellent process and direction for
starting
chapters and the concept of Extension Membership does not meet our needs. Our time
and
energy need to be directed toward the main goal of starting the chapter on the
students'
campus
immediately.
| Submitted by Thomas G. Barnhill, Jr., Chapter President Alpha Rho | Membership Reference #: A-16 |
Article III - Membership, Section 2. Types and Conditions of Membership,
Subsection 8, Extension of Membership
Amend by striking paragraph 8 in its entirety and by adding the following:
- "Extension membership can be used by chapters to help students enrolled in a
nearby
institution of higher education in which a chapter is not located to form a
Petitioning
Group at
that institution.
- Extension Members may attend all of the chapter's functions and events on a regular basis as a guest of that chapter. This includes, but is not limited to, meetings, service projects, and social events. Extension members are excluded from all other active member rights. These excluded rights include, but are not limited to, paying dues, voting, holding office, and serving on a committee.
- In order to grant such membership, the chapter shall first obtain written authorization from the National Membership and Extension Committee and any other required authorization specific to that institution. Such authorization may be given for up to four students from an institution without a chapter. Upon the application of a fifth student for extension membership, these students must form a Petitioning Group at the institution without a chapter.
Rationale:
Most universities will not allow student organizations to have members
that are not
students
currently enrolled in that university. The main reasons for this are liability and
control through the
appropriate office of student affairs. At the University of Texas at Austin, our
chapter had a
student from the Austin Community College who wanted to Pledge. Alpha Rho thought
this
was
great and was about to work on gaining written authorization. After talking to the
Office of
Student Affairs, we found that while this was fine with APO, it violated a major UT
policy. Any
person with "all the rights and privileges and responsibilities of active members"
(National APO
Bylaws, Art. III, Sec. 2, Par.8) is a member, and therefore must be a student at UT
Austin. After
talking to John R. Anderson, Membership and Extension National Board Member-at-large,
and
William Kuhfal, Region VII Director, I found that UT is not unique in this type of
policy. By
leaving Extension Membership in the National Bylaws, APO is demonstrating its
interest
in
forming chapters at colleges and universities where chapters do not already exist.
| Submitted by Milton D. Smith, alumnus of Kappa | Membership Reference #: A-17 |
Article III - Membership, Section 2. Types and Conditions of Membership,
Subsection 8, Extension of Membership
Amend to delete the paragraph in its entirety and renumber the remaining paragraphs.
Rationale:
The quickest way to start a chapter is to have interested students, with
the support
of
the Section
Chairman, form a recognized interest group. By allowing a chapter to induct up to
four
undergraduates from an outside institution of higher learning only delays this
process.
Example:
What if the four extension members have no desire in forming a chapter at their
institution of
higher learning? In addition, the integrity of the conferring chapter can be lost
because a
student(s) not matriculated in the host chapter institution can champion chapter
programs and
actions that are not in the best interest of the host chapter and host chapter
institution. The
sentence "Extension members shall have all rights and privileges and responsibilities
of
active
members of the chapter..." is particularly troublesome in this regard. This action
should not be
construed as to prevent interested students from participating as guests at open
meetings and
service projects of chapters of this fraternity.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Membership Reference #: A-18 |
Article III - Membership, Section 2. Types and Conditions of Membership.
Subsection 8, Extension of Membership
Amend by striking the following sentences:
- "In order to grant such membership, the chapter shall first obtain the written authorization of the National Membership and Extension Committee. Such authorization may be given for up to four students from an institution without a chapter."
- "Upon granting such membership, the necessary forms must be completed by the member Committee, and the conferring of membership must be appropriate according to the Bylaws for pledge or active membership, whichever pertains to the method or privileges granted in each extension situation. Up to four students from an institution without a chapter may become extension members."
Rationale:
Streamlines the extension membership process and lessens bureaucracy
involved.
Brings
the
conferring of extension membership more in line with the means of conferring pledge
and
active
membership. Enhances the extension program by replacing a prohibitive environment
with
a more
permissive one. Brings this section more in line with the duties of the National
Membership and
Extension Committee as described in Article VII, Section 4.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Membership Reference #: A-19 |
Article III - Membership, Section 2. Types and Conditions of Membership.
Subsection 8, Extension of Membership
Amend by adding the following to the end of the paragraph:
- "Brothers formerly initiated at another chapter who attended a school without a chapter, may become an extension member of a nearby chapter pursuant to the fulfillment of the requirements of these bylaws."
Rationale:
Further clarifies who can be an extension member and allows brothers to
continue
their
active
fraternity career despite choice of school. It may also inspire such brothers to
pursue
the
possibility of starting new chapters.
| Submitted by Tony Ploughe, Region 10 Membership Extension Chair | Membership Reference #: A-20 |
Article III - Membership, Section V. Honorary Membership.
Amend by adding the words "petitioning group upon charter approval" after
...collegiate
chapter
and before ...or the National Board of Directors upon...
Amend by adding the following paragraph in the same section:
- "Selection of honorary members by a petitioning group shall require the approval by vote of at least three-fourths of the petitioning group membership, shall be recognized upon charter approval, shall be included as a chartering member."
Rationale:
No rationale submitted.
| Submitted by Henry Marx, Epsilon Mu, University of Maryland at College Park | National Organization II Reference #: A-21 |
Article IV - National Conventions, Section 1. Membership.
Amend by striking the phrase "or chapter advisors," after "...who shall be active
members," and
before "one Alumni Voting Delegate..."
Rationale:
We are a fraternity of undergraduates. It is important that we continue
to be an
organization run
by our students. Advisors should do what their titles indicate: advise. Only active
members who
are students should be voting delegates.
| Submitted by Aaron Wendt, Interchapter Relations Officer, Xi Delta Chapter | National Organization II Reference #: A-22 |
Article IV - National Conventions, Section 1. Membership. Amend by inserting the words "in good standing with the chapter." after the words "active members"
Rationale:
This proposed amendment is linked to the proposed amendments to the
National Bylaws,
Article
III, Section 2 and the Standard Chapter Articles of Association, Article III defining
In
Good
Standing. Active members who fail to meet their obligation to provide Service to
humanity
cannot be allowed to make decisions affecting the Fraternity as a whole. Without a
displayed
commitment to the Fraternity's Cardinal Principles, members not in good standing must
not have a
hand in guiding the Fraternity into the next century.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | National Organization Reference #: A-23 |
Article IV - National Conventions, Section 1. Membership.
Amend by adding the following after "may observe but may not participate in floor
debate,"
- "except for nonvoting members who have authored the proposed amendment, bylaw or resolution being voted on at that time."
Rationale:
Allowing the nonvoting author of the current item to represent the item
in debate
will
help the
floor understand the letter and reasoning of the item better, and may make the debate
more
efficient.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | National Organization II Reference #: A-24 |
Article IV - National Conventions, Section 1. Membership.
Amend by adding the following to the end of the paragraph:
- "All chapters must either send at least one representative to the National Convention or notify the National Office at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the Convention of their inability to attend."
Rationale:
Within reason, mandates chapter participation in the National
Convention.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | National Organization II Reference #: A-25 |
Article IV - National Conventions, Section 6. Powers and Duties of the
National
Convention.
Amend by adding the following paragraph at the end:
- "The National Convention shall record the minutes of all committee and legislative sessions, including vote counts, and shall have them available in a timely manner for any member to review. Non-initiated members many not review minutes concerning rituals, however.
Rationale:
Ensures that all members can be fully aware of what transpired at the
convention,
even
though it
is impossible to see everything. Members can learn from reading the debate
materials.
In case of
failed or controversial legislation, review of the minutes can help improve future
motions or
revisions to proposed legislation. Excerpts may be used to teach convention
operations
and
parliamentary procedure applications to new members. Vote totals can help track
voting
trends in
various fraternity subject areas.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | National Organization II Reference #: A-26 |
Article IV - National Conventions, Section 6. Powers and Duties of the
National
Convention.
Amend by adding the following:
- "Voting power not solely restricted to National Conventions as described in this section, may be exercised at Sectional Conferences, according to the guidelines in Article X, Section 3.
Rationale:
Allows more efficient use of voting sessions at Nationals by allowing
localized
voting
at
Sectionals on select legislation, motions, etc. Also allows more immediate action in
appropriate
legislative circumstances.
| Submitted by Milton D. Smith, alumnus of Kappa | Time & Place Reference #: A-27 |
Article IV - National Conventions, Section 7. Time and Place
Amend as follows, with italicized words being added and words in [ ] being
removed:
- Southern - Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi,
Alabama,
Georgia, [and] Florida, and all other Commonwealths, territories and possessions
of
the
United States located in the eastern waters.
- Western - All Pacific Seaboard states, and the states of Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii [and the Island of Guam], and all other Commonwealths, territories and possessions of the United States located in the western waters.
Rationale:
The United States maintains possesses other islands in both the Atlantic
and Pacific
Oceans. For
the same reason that Puerto Rico is specifically listed in a convention area, all of
the
territories
and possessions of the United States should be included, if not by name, but by their
general
geographic location. If a future chapter located on either the Virgin Islands or the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands presented a convention bid, no one would
currently know as to which convention area that particular island belongs. For many
years, the
Canal Zone was included in the Convention area listing, even though there was no
recorded active
chapter.
Territories and possessions in the eastern waters include: Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico,
Virgin
Islands and Navassa.
Territories and possessions in the western waters include: American Samoa, Guam,
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Wake (and adjacent atolls), Midway (and
adjacent atolls), Johnston, Howland, Jarvis, Baker and Palmyra. Palau, Marshall
Islands
and
Micronesia are no longer Trust Territories of the United States.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Time & Place Reference #: A-28 |
Article IV - National Conventions, Section 7. Time and Place.
Amend by adding the following:
- "Until the neighboring nations of Canada and Mexico establish their own
independent
Alpha Phi Omega National Organizations, they shall fall into the Convention areas as
follows:
- Eastern: The Canadian Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Quebec, the section of Ontario east of the 80 W longitudinal line.
- Southern: The sections of Mexico east of the 105 W longitudinal line.
- Western: The Canadian Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon Territories. The section of Mexico west of the 105 W longitudinal line.
- Northern: The Canadian Provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and the areas of Ontario west of the 80 W longitudinal line.
Rationale:
To stimulate growth of Alpha Phi Omega in neighboring nations and to
give each
nation's
members, including those in the United States, foreign conference experience
possibilities.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | National Organization Reference #: A-29 |
Article IV - National Conventions, Section 8. Summer National Service and
Fellowship Event.
Amend by adding the following:
The National Fraternity shall hold an annual nationwide service and fellowship event
during the
summer. The event shall last at least 3 days and straddle a weekend. The location
of
the event
shall rotate as follows:
- Even-numbered years: The convention region diametrically opposite that which
would be hosting the National Convention that December.
- Odd-numbered years: Either of the two convention regions that won't be eligible to host in the preceding or following even-numbered years.
The event shall be held between June 1 and August 31 each year, and each subsequent conference must be held at least 7 days before or after the anniversary of the preceding year's conference dates.
The conference shall be sponsored by the brothers and staff members of the host convention region.
The purpose of the event is for service and fellowship only. The only business that will transpire will be to choose the time and place of the conference two years hence by National Convention- style voting. The first conference will be held in the summer of 1999, and the National Convention in December, 1998 will vote on the time and place of the 1999 and 2000 national summer events.
Rationale:
This event is designed for those brothers who may have trouble going to
a National
Convention
during Christmas week and for those who want more national service and fellowship
opportunities and on a more frequent basis. The host convention region is in charge
of
running a
service and fellowship oriented event that lasts at least 3 days and spans at least
one
weekend,
with no upper limit, to allow for a full conference-like experience. The constantly
changing time
and place allows for almost anyone to attend, regardless of location and bad holiday
or
family-
event weekends that could affect the decision to attend an occasional event always
held
on the
same date in any given year. The summer season will allow for outdoor activities,
better
sightseeing, and safer travel. Since many of the attendees would have had major
difficulty
attending a National Convention, and to keep the National Convention legislative
sessions from
being bogged down by summer event concerns, the time and place voting will be done in
a
session
at the summer event in a similar fashion as National Convention voting.
| Submitted by:
Robert E. Lee Correll, IV, Region III Director John Conover, Jr., Region III Extension Coordinator Lee Peters, Section 84 Chair Jamie Conover, Section 81 Chair Michael Leahy, Zeta Beta Advisor |
National Organization II Reference #: A-30 |
Article V-National Officers, Section 1. Elected National
Officers.
Amend by adding the following words, "Registered delegates entitled to vote,
representing
chapters in attendance at the..." at the beginning of the first paragraph.
Amend by striking the first word, "The" from the first paragraph.
Amend by adding the following words, "Registered delegates entitled to vote,
representing
chapters in attendance at the" at the beginning of the second paragraph.
Amend by striking the first word, "The" from the second paragraph.
Rationale:
This amendment will place the authority to elect all National Officers
into the hands
of
the
chapters. Additionally, sitting members of the National Board of Directors currently
have an
unfair advantage over non-members of the Board during these elections, because they
may
vote
for themselves.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-31 |
Article V - National Officers, Section 1. Elected National Officers,
Paragraph
2.
Amend by replacing the term "Members-at-Large" with the term "Program Directors."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-32 |
Article V - National Officers, Section 2. Appointed Officers.
Amend by deleting the "and" after the term "National Legal Counsel," and adding the
words "and
the International Relations Director" after the term "National Archivist".
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-33 |
Article V - National Officers, Section 6. Duties of Members-at-Large of the
National
Board of Directors.
Amend by replacing the term "Members-at-Large with the term "Program Directors."
Amend replacing the entire existing section with the following new section:
- "SECTION 6. DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTORS. The National President shall appoint five of the National Program Directors to serve, respectively, as the National Membership and Extension Director, the National Leadership Development Director, the National Service and Communication Director, the National Finance and Operations Director, and the National Alumni Relations and Volunteer Development Director. The National President shall appoint the remaining National Program Director to serve in such capacity as the President deems is in the Fraternity's best interest."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-34 |
Article V - National Officers. New Section
Amend by inserting the following new section after Section 9. Duties of the National
Archivist
and before Section 10. Succession, renumbering the sections accordingly:
- "SECTION 10. DUTIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DIRECTOR. It shall be the duty of the International Relations Director to coordinate the international affairs of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity (USA), including its participation in the International Council of Alpha Phi Omega, and to advise the National President and the National Board of Directors of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity (USA) on its relations with other national Alpha Phi Omega organizations."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-35 |
Article V - National Officers, Section 11. Vacancy in the office of Vice
President.
Amend by replacing the term "Members-at-Large with the term "Program Directors."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-36 |
Article VI - National Board of Directors, Section 1. National Board of
Directors.
Amend by adding the following sentence to the end of the existing section: "Each
Member of the
National Board of Directors shall be held accountable for near-term and long-range
planning and
development for his or her area of responsibility in accordance with the Fraternity's
common,
overall, near-term and long-range goals."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-37 |
Article VI - National Board of Directors, Section 2. Members of the National
Board
of Directors.
Amend by replacing the term "Members-at-Large with the term "Program Directors."
Amend by adding the term "the International Relations Director," after the term "the
National
Archivist," in the list of ex-officio members and by adding the following sentence at
the end of the
section: "Unless a voting member of the National Board of Directors is appointed to
serve as
International Relations Director, the International Relations Director shall have
voice
but no
vote."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-38 |
Article VI - National Board of Directors, Section 4. Membership of the
Executive
Committee.
Amend by replacing the term "Members-at-Large with the term "Program Directors."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-39 |
Article VI - National Board of Directors, Section 7. Board Life
Membership.
Amend by replacing the entire existing section with the following new section:
- "SECTION 7. BOARD LIFE MEMBERSHIP. Life Members of the National Board of Directors as of December 27, 1996, shall retain Life Membership on the National Board of Directors. Life Membership on the National Board of Directors shall otherwise be limited to Past National Presidents of Alpha Phi Omega."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-40 |
Article VII - National Committees, Section 3. National Alumni
Committee.
Amend by replacing the term "Members-at-Large" with the term "Program Directors" in
Paragraph 1.
Amend by replacing the entire existing section with the following new section:
-
"SECTION 3. NATIONAL ALUMNI RELATIONS AND VOLUNTEER
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. The National Alumni Relations and Volunteer
Development Committee shall consist of the National Alumni Relations and
Volunteer
Development Director as chairman, one alumni member from each region and other
members as deemed necessary. The National Alumni Relations and Volunteer
Development Committee member from each region shall be nominated by the National
Alumni Relations and Volunteer Development Director and appointed by the
National
President.
- "It shall be the duty of the National Alumni Relations and Volunteer Development Committee to coordinate all alumni affairs of the Fraternity, to promote continued alumni interest in the Fraternity's ideals and programs, and to serve as the governing body of the Fraternity's alumni. It also shall be the duty of the National Alumni Relations and Volunteer Development Committee to initiate and coordinate identification, recruitment, development, retention and recognition programs for volunteers to work within and for the Fraternity."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-41 |
Article VII - National Committees, Section 4. National Membership and
Extension
Committee.
Amend by replacing the term "Members-at-Large" with the term "Program Directors" in
Paragraph 1.
Amend by replacing the entire existing section with the following new section:
-
"SECTION 4. NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP AND EXTENSION COMMITTEE. The
National Membership and Extension Committee shall consist of the National
Membership and Extension Director as chairman and members nominated by the
National Membership and Extension Director and appointed by the National
President.
- "It shall be the duty of the National Membership and Extension Committee to promote and encourage programs and activities that serve and support chapters, to promote and encourage programs and activities for the enhancement of membership recruitment, retention and reporting in the Fraternity, to promote and encourage programs and services for chapter advisors, to promote and encourage the reactivation of previously voided charters, and to promote and encourage the formation of new chapters."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-42 |
Article VII - National Committees, Section 5. National Finance
Committee.
Amend by replacing the term "Members-at-Large" with the term "Program Directors" in
Paragraph 1.
Amend by replacing the entire existing section with the following new section:
-
"SECTION 5. NATIONAL FINANCE AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE. The
National Finance and Operations Committee shall consist of the National Finance
and
Operations Director as chairman and two or more members nominated by the
National
Finance and Operations Director and appointed by the National President.
- "It shall be the duty of the National Finance and Operations Committee to propose ways and means to finance the Fraternity adequately, to propose expenditures through annual budget recommendations and a written report, to oversee and coordinate the Fraternity's fund-raising programs and activities, and to evaluate National Office personnel practices and operational procedures for the purpose of providing recommendations, advice and counsel to the National President, the National Executive Director and the National Board of Directors regarding personnel and operational matters."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-43 |
Article VII - National Committees, Section 6. National Service
Committee.
Amend by replacing "Members-at-Large" with the term "Program Directors" in Paragraph
1.
Amend by replacing the entire existing section with the following new section:
-
"SECTION 6. NATIONAL SERVICE AND COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE. The
National Service and Communication Committee shall consist of the National
Service
and Communication Director as chairman and members nominated by the National
Service and Communication Director and appointed by the National President.
- "It shall be the duty of the National Service and Communication Committee to develop a two-year National Service Program for consideration and action by the biennial National Convention; to stimulate effective and well-rounded chapter service programs by instigating resource development and distribution; to encourage high-quality chapter service programs through an effective program of promotion and recognition of chapter service activities, opportunities and incentives; and to coordinate the Fraternity's youth-service activities, including those related to scouting organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America and similar associations.
- "Further, it shall be the duty of the National Service and Communication Committee to publicize the Fraternity's success and leadership in service and volunteerism so as to foster good relations with college and university administrators and faculties and with the general public; to build, maintain and enhance cooperative relationships between the Fraternity and other major service and volunteerism organizations; to promote and encourage effective communication within the Fraternity through all available resources and methods, including printed publications and electronic means; to assist in the promotion of Fraternity events, such as Sectional, Regional and National conferences; and to oversee the use and development of Fraternity insignia."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organziation Reference #: A-44 |
Article VII - National Committees, Section 7. National Leadership Development
Committee.
Amend by replacing "Members-at-Large" with the term "Program Directors" in Paragraph
1.
Amend by replacing the entire existing section with the following new section:
- "SECTION 7. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. The
National Leadership Development Committee shall consist of the National
Leadership
Development Director as chairman and members nominated by the National
Leadership
Development Director and appointed by the National President."
- "It shall be the duty of the National Leadership Development Committee to establish and coordinate leadership development programs on the Sectional, Regional and National levels."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-45 |
Article VII - National Committees, Section 8. National Public Relations
Committee
Amend by deleting the entire existing section and renumbering subsequent sections, if
any,
accordingly.
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-46 |
Article VII - National Committees, Section 9. National Scouting Relations
Committee.
Amend by replacing the entire existing section with the following new section:
-
"SECTION 9. NATIONAL SCOUTING AND YOUTH SERVICES COMMITTEE.
The
National Scouting and Youth Services Committee shall consist of a chairman
appointed
by the National President in consultation with the National Service and
Communication
Director, a representative of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America
and
other
members nominated by the chairman and appointed by the National President in
consultation with the National Service and Communication Director.
- "It shall be the duty of the National Scouting and Youth Services Committee to advise the National Service and Communication Director, the National President and the National Board of Directors on relations between the Fraternity and youth-service organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America and similar associations; to offer suggestions to enable the Fraternity to be of greater service to youth, including those participating in the Boy Scout and Girl Scout movements; and to promote interest in Alpha Phi Omega among professional and volunteer leaders of youth-service organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the United States of America."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-47 |
Article VII - National Committees, Section 10. National Publications
Committee.
Amend by deleting the entire existing section and renumbering subsequent sections, if
any,
accordingly.
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-48 |
Article VIII - Finance, Section 1. Duties of the National Finance
Committee.
Amend by replacing the term "Chairman of the National Finance Committee" in the title
and in the
first sentence with the term "National Finance and Operations Director."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment
| Submitted by Wilfred M. Krenek, National President, Alpha Phi Omega | Finance Reference #: A-49 |
Article VIII - Finance, Section 2. Endowment Fund.
Amend to delete Section 2 in its entirety, and renumber all remaining Sections.
Rationale:
This section becomes immaterial with the restructure of the Endowment
Fund.
| Submitted by Bobby Hainline, National Finance Chair | Finance Reference #: A-50 |
Article VIII - Finance, Section 5. Pledge Fee.
Amend by substituting in the first sentence the words "fifteen ($15)" for the current
"ten ($10).
Rationale:
The total cost to become a member of Alpha Phi Omega has not increased
since the 1988
National Convention. The voting delegates in 1988 increased the Initiation fee by
$5.
That made
the initiation fee $25. Pledge fee at that time was $5. So, to become a member of
the
Fraternity
costs $30. At the 1994 National Convention the voting delegates changed the fee
structure.
Pledge fees became $10, and Initiation fees became $20. There was no actual
increase,
the cost
of Membership in APO was still $30. The proposed amendments above are asking for an
overall
$10 increase in the total membership fee to be a member of the Fraternity (from $30
to
$40).
Essentially, it has been eight years since the initiation fee has increased, and 30
years since an
increase in pledge fees.
The Annual Active Membership Dues (AAMD) have not been increased for ten years. The
1986
voting delegates voted to increase this fee from $5 to $8. The proposal is to
increase
AAMD
from $8 to $12.
The increase in these three fees allows the Fraternity to support the new programs
that
have
started in the past year, that include the APO Youth Grant, the BANC program, Mack
grant
program. In the past year, the Torch & Trefoil was redesigned at a cost of $10,000
per
year. Our
other publications and leadership materials require needed redesign and development.
Each year
the Fraternity increases services and programs to its members. Increasing the fees
as
proposed
will help the Fraternity continue to improve for the benefit of its membership.
| Submitted by Bobby Hainline, National Finance Chair | Finance Reference #: A-51 |
Article VIII - Finance, Section 6. Initiation Fee.
Amend by substituting in the first sentence the words "twenty-five ($25)" for the
current "twenty
($20)."
Rationale:
The total cost to become a member of Alpha Phi Omega has not increased
since the 1988
National Convention. The voting delegates in 1988 increased the Initiation fee by
$5.
That made
the initiation fee $25. Pledge fee at that time was $5. So, to become a member of
the
Fraternity
costs $30. At the 1994 National Convention the voting delegates changed the fee
structure.
Pledge fees became $10, and Initiation fees became $20. There was no actual
increase,
the cost
of Membership in APO was still $30. The proposed amendments above are asking for an
overall
$10 increase in the total membership fee to be a member of the Fraternity (from $30
to
$40).
Essentially, it has been eight years since the initiation fee has increased, and 30
years since an
increase in pledge fees.
The Annual Active Membership Dues (AAMD) have not been increased for ten years. The
1986
voting delegates voted to increase this fee from $5 to $8. The proposal is to
increase
AAMD
from $8 to $12.
The increase in these three fees allows the Fraternity to support the new programs
that
have
started in the past year, that include the APO Youth Grant, the BANC program, Mack
grant
program. In the past year, the Torch & Trefoil was redesigned at a cost of $10,000
per
year. Our
other publications and leadership materials require needed redesign and development.
Each year
the Fraternity increases services and programs to its members. Increasing the fees
as
proposed
will help the Fraternity continue to improve for the benefit of its membership.
| Submitted by Bobby Hainline, National Finance Chair | Finance Reference #: A-52 |
Article VIII - Finance, Section 7. Annual Active Membership
Dues.
Amend by substituting in the first sentence the words "twelve ($12)" for the current
"eight ($8)."
Also, amend by substituting in the second sentence the words "thirty-six ($36)" for
the
current
"twenty-four ($24)."
Rationale:
To increase revenue available to the National Office for operating
funds. The last
increase in
AAMD was instituted by the 1986 National Convention. Prior to that time, the AAMD
was
$5.00 per member. The past 5 conventions have asked more of its National Office
without
increasing funds to implement those programs.
The total cost to become a member of Alpha Phi Omega has not increased since the 1988
National Convention. The voting delegates in 1988 increased the Initiation fee by
$5.
That made
the initiation fee $25. Pledge fee at that time was $5. So, to become a member of
the
Fraternity
costs $30. At the 1994 National Convention the voting delegates changed the fee
structure.
Pledge fees became $10, and Initiation fees became $20. There was no actual
increase,
the cost
of Membership in APO was still $30. The proposed amendments above are asking for an
overall
$10 increase in the total membership fee to be a member of the Fraternity (from $30
to
$40).
Essentially, it has been eight years since the initiation fee has increased, and 30
years since an
increase in pledge fees.
The Annual Active Membership Dues (AAMD) have not been increased for ten years. The
1986
voting delegates voted to increase this fee from $5 to $8. The proposal is to
increase
AAMD
from $8 to $12.
The increase in these three fees allows the Fraternity to support the new programs
that
have
started in the past year, that include the APO Youth Grant, the BANC program, Mack
grant
program. In the past year, the Torch & Trefoil was redesigned at a cost of $10,000
per
year. Our
other publications and leadership materials require needed redesign and development.
Each year
the Fraternity increases services and programs to its members. Increasing the fees
as
proposed
will help the Fraternity continue to improve for the benefit of its membership.
| Submitted by Jeff Thomas, Section 79 Chair | Finance Reference #: A-53 |
Article VIII - Finance, Section 7. Annual Active Membership
Dues.
Amend to strike the words "November 15" and insert the words "October 31st."
Rationale:
To allow adequate time for follow-up with delinquent chapters prior to
the end of the
Fall term
and a change in chapter officers.
| Submitted by John Wetherington, National Fundraising Chair | Finance Reference #: A-54 |
Article VIII-Finance, Section 8. Life Membership Fee.
Amend to read:
"Life Membership shall be granted to all undergraduate active members and to alumni
members
within one year of their obtaining alumni status who are in good standing and have
contributed
fifty ($50) in a single sum or cumulatively to the National Fraternity and to
graduate,
advisory,
honorary and other alumni members who have contributed seventy five ($75) in a
single
sum or
cumulatively to the National Fraternity. The Life Membership fee, in turn, shall be
contributed to
the National Alpha Phi Omega Endowment Fund."
Rationale:
Life Members are the primary source of Fraternity fundraising and
provide a
substantial
portion
of the Fraternity's annual budget reducing the portion of the budget which must come
from
Undergraduate Members. Many of these individuals provide time and energy to Alpha Phi
Omega
after graduation and we maintain National contact through mailings to the Life
Members.
A
differential between current Actives and recent graduates and those who have been out
of
school
over a year is needed to encourage early sign up and to minimize the expense to
students. The
current fee of $100 has not yielded many new Life Members and this proposal is aimed
to
reduce
the fee by $25 to see if we can increase new Life Members from the less recent
graduates
while
still providing a differential for prompt sign up. More Life Members should lead to
increased
donations and increased contact with potential alumni volunteers.
| Submitted by Wilfred M. Krenek, National President, Alpha Phi Omega | Finance Reference #: A-55 |
Article VIII - Finance, Section 8. Life Membership Fee.
Amend Section 8. Life Membership Fee to read as follows:
- SECTION 8. LIFE MEMBER RECOGNITION. Life Member recognition shall be granted to all undergraduate active members and to alumni members within one year of their obtaining alumni status who are in good standing and have contributed fifty dollars ($50) in a single sum or cumulatively, and to graduate, advisory, honorary and other alumni members who have contributed one hundred dollars ($100) in a single sum or cumulatively, to the Alpha Phi Omega Endowment Fund.
Rationale:
Changes reflected herein are for matters of clarity with the restructure
of the
Endowment Fund.
| Submitted by Robert E. Lee Correll, IV, Region III Director and Region III Staff | Finance Reference #: A-56 |
Article VIII - Finance, Section 11. Fee for Honorary
Membership.
Amend by replacing the words "five ($5)" with the words "ten ($10)."
Rationale:
The current five dollar fee probably does not cover the expense of
processing the
application, and
generation and distribution of the membership card and certificate.
| Submitted by Mu Zeta Chapter of San Francisco State University, Region X, Section 4 | Chapter Operations Reference #: A-57 |
Article IX - Chapters, Section 2. Requirements for Establishing a Chapter.
Paragraph
2
Amend Paragraph 2 by replacing "three" with "one" so that it reads:
- "A group which submits an application for charter shall have one or more advisors from the faculty, administration or staff of the college or university and one or more scouting advisors. The group shall meet the published requirements for charter established by the National Membership and Extension Committee."
Rationale:
No rationale submitted
| Submitted by Teri Sheets, Region 10 Director | National Organization II Reference #: A-58 |
Article IX - Chapters, Section 16. Authority of Chapters.
Amend by adding the following sentence at the end of the paragraph.
- "In the event that the rules, regulations, or policies of the educational institution at which the chapter is located are more stringent that those included in the National Articles of Incorporation, the National Bylaws, or the Standard Chapter Articles of Association, the rules, regulations and policies of the host institution shall prevail.
Rationale:
This proposed addition has always been the implicit policy of Alpha Phi
Omega and the
National
Board of Directors. However, the lack of an explicit policy has led to some
confusion
for some
chapters, petitioning groups and host institutions. Host institutions increasingly
want
to ensure
that their rules and regulations take precedence over those of the Fraternity where
conflicts exist,
and having an explicit policy statement incorporated into the National Bylaws will
provide this
reassurance.
In addition, this explicit policy will provide clearer direction to chapters who are
unsure of whose
policies take precedence. An explicit policy on our part will help to take some of
the
guesswork
out of the process and allow chapters to develop programs that meet the Fraternity's
goals and
objectives, while complying with their schools' policies.
| Submitted by Jeff Thomas, Section 79 Chair | National Organization II Reference #: A-59 |
Article X - Sections, Section 2. Sectional Leadership. Subsection 1.
Sectional
Chairman.
Amend by inserting the following paragraph prior to the first sentence:
- "The Sectional Chairman shall be the administrative director of the section represented. The Sectional Chairman shall ensure due observance of the National Bylaws and Standard Articles of Association and shall maintain the standards of the Fraternity throughout the section. The Sectional Chairman shall facilitate communication among the chapters in the section and between the chapters in the section and the National Office."
Rationale:
To define the role of Sectional Chairman and to define the scope of
sectional
leadership
in
language consistent with that of regional leadership.
| Submitted by Jeff Thomas, Section 79 Chair | National Organization II Reference #: A-60 |
Article X - Sections, Section 2. Sectional Leadership. Subsection 1.
Sectional
Chairman.
Amend by inserting the words "or until their successors have been elected and
qualified"
after the
word "term" in the first sentence.
Rationale:
To ensure proper tenure and transfer of authority where conferences
occur at
intervals
of greater
or less than exactly one year.
| Submitted by Matthew Troth, Section 14 Chair | National Organization II Reference #: A-61 |
Article X - Sections, Section 2. Sectional Leadership. Subsection 1.
Sectional
Chairman.
Amend by adding the phrase "belonging to that Section that are" between the words
"chapters"
and "present" to the first clause, so that it reads,
- "The Sectional Chairman shall be elected for a one-year term by the majority vote of those chapters belonging to that Section that are present and voting at a Sectional Conference.
Rationale:
This clarifies that chapters attending a sectional conference that are
visiting from
another section
may not vote in the Section Chairman election.
| Submitted by Robert E. Lee Correll, IV, Region III Director and Region III Staff | National Organization II Reference #: A-62 |
Article X - Sections, Section 3. Section Conferences.
Amend by striking the last paragraph.
Rationale:
Current practice is that the host chapter(s) select a Student Sectional
Conference
Chairman.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | National Organization II Reference #: A-63 |
Article X - Sections, Section 3. Sectional Conferences.
Amend by adding the following:
- "Any voting not expressly described in Article IV, Section 6 as falling under the sole voting power of National Conventions may be done by Sectional Conferences, provided that eligible motions, proposals and items of legislation are submitted to the National Office no later than 60 days prior to the first sectional conference eligible to vote on them. The National Office shall submit all proposals to the Chapters and Section Chairs no later than 30 days prior to the first voting-eligible Sectional Conference. The results of such voting at each Sectional Conference shall be forwarded by the respective Section Chair to the National Office. Once all conferences have voted and the results reported, the National Office shall publicize the results."
Rationale:
Allows more efficient use of voting sessions at Nationals by allowing
localized
voting
at
Sectionals on select legislation, motions, etc. Also allows more immediate action in
appropriate
legislative circumstances.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | National Organization II Reference #: A-64 |
Article X - Sections, Section 3. Sectional Conferences.
Amend by adding the following:
- "All Chapters must send at least one representative to the Conferences in their respective Sections. In the event that a situation renders it impossible for a Chapter to be represented at a Section Conference, that Chapter must contact and confer with the Section Chair or appropriately designated Fraternity Staff prior to the start of the Conference.
Rationale:
Mandates Chapter participation in Sectionals, to ensure the smooth
operation of all
Sections.
| Submitted by Matthew Troth, Section 14 Chair | National Organization II Reference #: A-65 |
Article XI - Regions
Amend by adding the following section as Section 3:
-
"SECTION 3. REGIONAL CONFERENCES. A Regional Conference may be held at a
time and place determined by the chapters in the region, subject to the approval
of
the
Regional Director. A Regional Conference may formulate recommendations and propose
amendments for the consideration of the National Convention or the National
Board
of
Directors.
- Each Region may elect or appoint a Student Regional Conference Chair to assist the Regional Director.
Rationale:
At the 1994 National Convention, several proposals were made that called
on Regions
to
address
certain issues at the Regional Conferences. However, these were not allowed on the
convention
floor as there is no bylaw provision for Regions to meet outside of a National
Convention.
The wording of the proposal is based on the wording of the National Bylaws providing
for
Sectional Conferences, with one main difference: there is no wording for a mandatory
annual
conference for the Region.
This will allow Regions to meet and address Regional business as needed without
violating our
National Bylaws.
| Submitted by Matthew Troth, Section 14 Chair | National Organization II Reference #: A-66 |
Article XI - Section 2. Regional Leadership
Amend by adding the following as a paragraph between the Second (ending with
"...Office.") and
Third (beginning with "Nomination and election...") Paragraphs.
- "For administrative purposes, regional staff members may be appointed by the Regional Director to serve concurrently with the term of the Regional Director. The Regional Director shall define their duties.
Rationale:
There is currently no provision for a Regional Director to appoint
regional staff,
though it is
common practice. The wording is based on the wording for the clause on sectional
staff.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | National Organization I Reference #: A-67 |
Article XII - Alumni, Section 1. National Alumni Association, Paragraph (1)
Formation; Section 2. Local Alumni Association, Paragraph (4); and Section 3.
Regional
Alumni
Councils, Paragraph (1).
Amend by replacing the term "National Alumni Committee" with the term "National
Alumni Relations and Volunteer Development Committee."
Rationale:
See the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment.
| Submitted by Barbara R. Anderson, Region 5 Director | Alumni Reference #: A-68 |
Article XII - Alumni, Section 2. Local Alumni Association. Subsection
4.
Amend by changing "January 15" to "September 15."
Rationale:
Although alumni associations are typically composed of members that are
no longer
in a college or university setting, the volunteer members of the Fraternity staff
including the Regional Directors and the Regional Alumni Council Chairmen, who
work with the various associations and stay in contact with them, typically turn
their attention toward which associations are registered in the fall of each
year. By modifying this date, registration of both active chapters and alumni
associations are considered and reviewed in the fall of the year when motivation
and interest is high among members of the staff and among the chapters of the
Fraternity.
| Submitted by the National Board of Directors as a part of the Report on Board Structure and Regional Alignment requested by the 1994 National Convention. | Alumni Reference #: A-69 |
Article XII - Alumni, Section 3. Regional Alumni Councils. Paragraph
(2)
Amend by inserting the words "and at least one alumni member-at-large, appointed
by each Sectional Chairman within the region," after the word "Chairman,..."
Rationale:
To ensure representation on the council of alumni from every section in
a region
and to ensure a functioning council in regions where no recognized alumni
associations may exist.
| Submitted by Yale M. Zussman, Life Member | National Organization II Reference #: A-70 |
Article XIII - Amendments, Section 2. Procedure for Amendment. Paragraph (2) Amend by striking the words "by the proposer of such legislation."
Rationale:
I am the sponsor of the proposal that led to the adoption of the second
paragraph
of this Section in 1994. It was my intent at the time to both open up the
process of renewing our Fraternity's constitutional documents and establish a
firm mechanism that would ensure that interested brothers could be heard at
Conventions, even if they could not attend. The six words I would strike were
not part of my original proposal since they have the effect of closing out
brothers who cannot attend the Convention.