Let your voice be heard!

Blog #4 - The proposed amendments of 2024 are a combination of proposals from Convention 2022 and from the present biennium 2022-2024.The inclusion of the 2022 proposed amendments represents those items not addressed at the Convention in New Orleans due to time constraints. The March/April issue of the DKG NEWS contains information on the 94 Proposed Amendments to be considered at the 2024 International Convention in July.  All members are encouraged to review the proposed amendments and share among chapters and state organizations.  Watch the Q&A sessions and the two Inside International sessions which give members an opportunity via Zoom to ask questions before attending the convention in National Harbor. Helen Popovich, Parliamentarian, and Constitution Committee members will explain and answer questions about the proposed amendments. The 2024 Proposed Amendments are presented to members following a multitude of reviews/analysis by various committees, proposers and the Administrative Board in an effort to give the “Voter” all the information needed for a well-informed decision. Plan on attending the convention where these changes to the governing documents will be considered by the membership. Let your voice be heard!

Prepare to Vote!

Blog #3 - The supporting information of each proposed amendment is a “must read” in preparing to vote. Understanding these components will offer members a glimpse into the goal behind each submission.  Some components of the rationale include a brief summary of the reasoning for changing/altering the current amendment. Submitted by: Proposed amendments are submitted each biennium online by one or more members of DKG.  A member may be the author of a proposed amendment, or it could be a combination of members with the same interest in changing the Constitution or International Standing Rules. In addition, an international committee could be the authors of a proposed amendment.  All of the above authors/groups can be found listed with each of the proposed amendments. Fiscal Impact: Crucial information for our Society when reviewing the impact of impending finances on DKG if the proposed amendment is adopted. Recommendation: This comes with one of two suggestions “to adopt or not to adopt” the proposed amendments. The Administrative Board reviews the proposed amendments throughout a period of time in which multiple factors are explored with each proposal.  Check out Blog #4 for more information on the collection of the proposed amendments. 

Proposed Amendments Categories

Blog #2 - This biennium members will be asked to vote on proposed amendments in three categories. The 94 proposed amendments are grouped in three categories following the sequence of the International Bylaws. Category I consists of 15 proposals which will be considered with one vote. This one vote of a group of proposed amendments is referred to as “Consent Agenda”. If approved Category I proposed amendments will be moved to GAPP: Guidelines and Policies/Procedures.  Category II has 46 proposals.  Grouping of proposed amendments in Category II are due to the number of related proposals for a specific Article or International Standing Rule. Categories I and II contain a total of 61 proposals, all Consent. Of course, any item a member wishes to discuss can be pulled for debate where it will be considered along with an appropriate group from Category III.

Category III has 33, all Floor and are automatically open to debate.  A snapshot of each proposed amendment can be found in the “Summary”. The Summary serves as a quick reference guide for members to use in locating information specific to a proposed amendment. Look out for Blog #3 for more information on how a proposed amendment arrives at the Convention floor.

Your Knowledge of the Proposed Amendments for 2024

Blog #1 - Convention 2024 of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is quickly approaching and members have a multitude of items to check off of a travel list in preparation.  Some of those items include registering for the convention, hotels reservations and deciding what to bring to the great state of Maryland as DKG gathers in National Harbor.  One item that should not be left behind is “your knowledge of the proposed amendments for 2024” which can be found in the March/April 2024 DKG News. The amendments will consume a major portion of the general sessions in which members have the opportunity to hear from the authors, Administrative Board and members of the Constitution Committee. Look out for the upcoming Blog #2 for more information on the grouping of the 94 proposed amendments.

Our Constitution - Your Voice in the Society Part 2

 

What next? Planning is underway for developing a proposal for a change to the governing documents of DKG. A multitude of questions flood your thoughts as the planning begins. How do you begin?  What is your intent for creating a proposal? 

Let’s get started!  Gathering information for the proposed change to a by-law or standing rule will be the starting point.  Compile a brief description incorporating these components: (1) is this a new proposal to a current by-law or standing rule? Write the proposal in clear, concise language. Is this a change to a current by-law or standing rule?  Write the current by-law or standing rule, then write the amendment and finally write the proposed change to the original wording. (2)  Don't forget to develop a strong rationale, your purpose for the change, and include the fiscal impact. (3) Who is submitting the proposal (Member/Committee)? (4) Gather information on member(s)/committee submitting, (Email addresses, phone number). You are ready to submit!

Once the information has been assimilated you are ready to complete the Google Form.  These forms become available in July of odd numbered years and can be obtained from the website dkg.org (after signing in) under the MyDKG and then Apply/Submit tab. 

 

Our Constitution - Your Voice in the Society Part 1

Why is a change in the DKG Constitution so challenging and yet sometimes so complex? In this three-part series members will gain the knowledge and process for submitting a proposal for change in the DKG Constitution. The Constitution gives members of DKG a “Voice”. Our society currently has 17 countries and 50,000+ women. DKG is a melting pot of varying backgrounds, multiple languages, subjects, education and degree types. Yet, we are governed by one constitution.

Imagine bringing one member from every country of our society to your dinner table. What would you serve? How would you address the varying taste, preferences, likes, and dislikes? How would you accommodate your dinner guest in a positive way?  The goal is to have an experience so that your guest leaves satisfied. A great deal of planning is involved when planning a dinner party. What to serve? What is the cost? What about the time difference of members? Numerous components are utilized to create and develop for a successful event. Yet, not impossible! These are often questions asked when developing a proposal. What will we change? Why make the change/addition? What is the outcome of the proposal? How will the impact of the results, if passed, be felt within our society (Financial, geographic, etc.)?

Submitting a proposal requires (1) foundation of proposal (2) communication among proposer(s), (3) research, and commitment from start and finish. All members have the ability to request changes within our Constitution for the betterment of our Society. As you read throughout this blog series, you will have the foundation for creating a proposal.

Consent, Floor, Groups and Bundles – What do those labels mean?

You might notice that proposals have been grouped, bundled, and identified as “consent” or “floor.” So, what do all of those labels mean?

·      Proposed amendments that have “consent” next to them are amendments that the International Administrative Board have determined could be considered all together at the same time with one vote.

o   A “consent agenda” or “consent calendar” is utilized to expedite meetings and reserve time for items that need more discussion. The proposed amendments on the “consent agenda” are usually considered non-controversial and do not need discussion. Therefore, they can be voted upon with a single vote.

o   Any proposed amendment that is on the consent calendar can be removed and considered on its own. The presiding officer will ask the assembly if there are proposed amendments that should be removed. If you feel this is the case, that is the time for you to go to the microphone and speak.

o   Consent agendas help the sessions move more quickly.

·       Proposed amendments labeled “floor” are those proposed amendments that the International Administrative Board believe require discussion and should be considered individually. These amendments are identified as needing consideration on the floor or in other words debate.

Both “consent” and “floor” amendments require your careful consideration. 

·      Grouping amendments helps to identify categories: Committees, Publications, DKGIEF, Membership Classifications, Funds/Finances, International Events, Officers/Elections, Simplification/Latitude, and Name/Emblem. 

·      Bundling identifies the grouping’s proposed amendments into content similarity. 

o   As an example, Group I Committee bundles are: Arts and Humanities, Expansion and Membership, Golden Gift Fund and Leadership Development, Scholarship and individual, Committee Related Proposals. 

o   Additional grouping bundles include Editorial Board Publications, and Individual Proposals,  DKGIEF, Membership, Funds/Finances/Fees, International Event Sites, Officers/Elections, Name Changes and even Flag Usage, just to name a few.

·       Notice how the groupings and bundles are marked. They help members understand the connectivity among amendments. 

The proposed amendments can be found on the Society website in the Mar/Apr issue of the DKG NEWS. They will also be printed in your convention program. Each proposed amendment is important. Read through them carefully. Come and enjoy the experience voting brings!