Messages in ICG #boardofdirectors (Slack) <2019-11-07 2019-11-09>
Betsy
R. Marks 7:32
AM
Keeping in mind that an amendment instead of a motion increases the time for
voting on this issue and the NoVA Representative's
amendment to her motion makes a deadline that occurs before voting on the
motion has concluded, and to avoid having to complete this business during the
November/December holidays, I move to amend Motion 11-6-2019-1 to
read as follows:
"Recognizing
the need for a Code of Conduct, anti-harassment, and anti
discrimination policies, and also the need to involve the greater
membership in the legal and fiscal issues involved therein, I move that
the ICG Board direct the ICG Finance Committee to solicit no fewer than three
(3) quotes (including expected retainers for the work) from lawyers licensed to
practice in the state of Maryland to draft language for a Code of Conduct,
anti-discrimination policy, and anti-harassment policy applicable to a
non-profit international organization, with the intention of adding said
policies to our Standing Rules. The deadline for quotes shall be January 31,
2020. All quotes for services rendered and required retainers shall
be presented to the board and the membership for discussion on February 1st,
2020 and voted on by the ICG membership at the ICG Annual meeting in Montreal,
March, 2020."
Betsy
R. Marks
President, SiW
ICG Board Representative
[1 reply Last reply 2019-11-08 8:26 AM]
Mera Rose 2 years ago
This 3rd motion to amend, as proffered by Betsy Marks and seconded by Judy
Mitchell is also denied as, per Robert’s Rules only one motion to amend can be
considered at a time. The original motion labeled 11-6-2019-1
discussion period is from 11-6-2019 through 11-21-2019, and voting period ends
on 12-6-2019.The 1st motion to amend (2nd paragraph in the original post of
this thread) is assigned motion #11-6-2019-1A and it’s
discussion period will end on 11/22/2019, and voting period will end on
12/7/2019 unless the original motion fails to pass, it which case the amendment
will cease per parliamentary procedure.
Judy
Mitchell 7:33
AM
I think this phrasing is excellent, Northern Lights seconds the amendment.
Betsy
R. Marks 8:49
AM
https://www.dummies.com/careers/business-skills/roberts-rules-for-amending-a-motion/In
making a motion to amend, be aware of its key characteristics; the motion
-
Can’t interrupt a speaker who has the floor.
-
Must be seconded.
-
Is debatable if the motion to which it is applied is debatable. (Permissible
debate is restricted to the pros and cons of the amendment, and not to whether
the main motion has merit.)
-
Can be amended, but only one amendment to an amendment can be considered at any
one time.
-
Requires a majority vote for adoption, even if the main motion requires a
different vote for its adoption.
-
Can be reconsidered.
Robert's
Rules for Amending a Motion - dummies
The
motion to amend is perhaps the single most-used of the subsidiary motions
allowed by Robert’s Rules. You use this motion when you want to change the
wording of the motion under consideration. You can use it to make a good idea
better or a bad idea more palatable. Amendments are really at the heart …
[1 reply Last reply 2019-11-08 9:05 AM]
Betsy R. Marks 2 years ago
@Pierre Pettinger
Jacalyn
Boggs 8:55
AM
Betsy, it is OK. Clearly I meant for the finance committee to do this and of
course use Maryland lawyers. We’ve brought this up and it is in the discussion
thread. Let’s just move forward.
Pierre
Pettinger 9:59
AM
I have been in discussions with Mera and she approves
this Parliamentarian message. As Parliamentarian I am asking everyone to
suspend any further discussion on any motion on the floor or make any new
motions. There has been misunderstandings regarding proper procedures. Later
today I will post some information so that everyone understands how motions and
amendments are handled.
[1 reply Last reply 2019-11-08 10:00 AM]
Jacalyn Boggs 2 years ago
Thank you, Pierre.
Pierre
Pettinger 10:00
AM
In addition, later today Mera will be posting some
additional messages and information regarding current issues. Please read all
of her posts completely before commenting.
The
suspension of discussion should last 24 hours. Let us say noon, November 9th,
Eastern time. (Yes I know that's only 23 hours, but its
a nice round number.)
Pierre
Pettinger 1:26
PM
I would like to review the process of motions and amendments so the process is
clear. If we don’t follow the proper process and keep our discussions civil, we
will continue the current pattern of acrimony.
These procedures are largely the same for the physical and the on-line meeting.
We have made some adjustments for our on-line meeting for logistical reasons.
The primary tool for an organizations meeting is the motion. A motion can be
used to propose or adjust a standing rule, direct the organization to create a
committee or close a committee, disburse funds for a specific reason, gather
quotes, and so forth.
The
first thing I am going to cover is the correct way to make a motion. In
the general, physical meeting any member can make a motion. In the BOD meeting
only the BOD members can make motions. For limited purposes subsidiary
individuals such as the Parliamentarian, Group Letter Coordinator and such can
also make motion, though they cannot vote.
A member should always use the phrase “I move” and then add the substance of
the motion. The motion should be precise in its language and what it wants to
do. For example (I’m pulling things out of the air here):
“I
move that we use the same names for the colors of the first season Star Trek:
The Next Generation uniforms” would be imprecise. Instead you would say
“I
move we create Standing Rule XX which will state “The International Costumers’
Guild recognizes the following colors of the Federation uniforms in the first
season of Star Trek: The Next Generation; the command uniforms will be referred
to as scarlet, the operations uniforms will be referred to as ocher
and the sciences uniforms will be referred to as sapphire.”
This is the main motion. At this point someone must second the motion. The
chair should call for a second if one is not made before the chair can so call.
If no one seconds then the motion fails. (Notation for future action; we
currently do not have a time limit for a second in our on-line meeting
procedures.)
If a second is made, the motion moves to debate. For the on-line meeting the
chair will assign a motion number. Our Standing Rules do not define how that
number is to be created, but in general we have been using the form MM-DD-YYY-#
where MM is the month the motion is made, DD is the day and YYYY is the year. #
is a number starting with 1 and increasing with any additional motions made
that day. For this example the Main Motion above is numbered 11-08-2019-1.
Our
rules require a minimum 15 days for debate on-line and then 15 days for voting.
Pierre
Pettinger 1:26
PM
During that 15 days a member decides they do not agree with the colors named.
They may make a motion to amend the main motion. This is a secondary motion.
The member says:
“I move that we strike the word scarlet in Motion 11-08-2019-1 and substitute
the word veridian.”
If
this secondary motion is seconded the chair will assign it a number. Currently
we use the numbering convention MM-DD-YYYY-#l. All but the l are the same as
the main motion, regardless to what day the amending motion is made. l is the
order of amending motions, beginning with a. So this amending motion would be
called 11-08-201-1a.
Now, we get into some of the minutia. The motion to amend should be relevant to
the main motion. While it is in order to completely remove the text of the main
motion and substitute other language, the new language must be relevant to the
topic under discussion. In our example it would be in order to change colors,
add other seasons or series in Star Trek and so forth. It would be out of order
to change the language to direct the treasurer to purchase copies of the
Singers Sewing Library. Even a more modest change, say changing Star Trek to
Star Wars could be ruled out of order. (A challenge to the decision of the
chair is possible but that is another discussion.)
There should not be more than one secondary motion on the floor at a time. (In
a physical meeting we would only have one main motion on the floor as well, but
the on-line environment allows more flexibility) The reason for that is simply
to prevent confusion.
Secondary motions take priority from main motions. What that means is
discussion, and voting, on the main motion may not continue until the secondary
motion is resolved; either passing or failing. We begin a new 15/15 day
procedure. If, at the end of voting the secondary motion passes, then the main
motion is adjusted and continues as amended to further discussion and voting.
If it fails then the main motion remains unchanged and continues to further
discussion and voting.
Technically, by Roberts Rules a motion may be made to amend the amending or
secondary motion. While this is possible, I seriously recommend against it for
clarity’s sake. Such an adjustment can be made as another secondary motion
after the current one is resolved. However, it is legal land would follow the
same procedure. The numbering would be MM-DD-YYY-#ll,
the second l beginning with a. Again, such a motion would take priority over
the secondary motion and must be resolved before discussion and voting can
continue on the secondary motion.
This all seems very technical, but the process is important. It provides
structure for the discussion and helps to minimize dissent. Debate on any of
these motions should always be impersonal, should address only the pros and
cons of the proposal, and be civil in tone.
If anyone has any questions, please ask me.
[4 replies Last reply 2019-11-08 8:19 PM]
Mera Rose 2 years ago
The #motions channel has been created to announce motions as they
have been appropriately made and seconded with their dates as assigned to
ensure that business on the floor can be found quickly without having to dig
through discussions in the BoD and general channels. This
is an announcement channel only and is a resource to follow what motions have
been made, seconded, and assigned numbers, along with the dates for their
discussion and voting periods. All actual discussions, and motions presented
and their seconds must occur in the BoD channel, and
not in the #motionschannel. Only the president, corresponding
Secretary, recording secretary, and parliamentarian may post in the #motions channel. It
is for tracking motions and amendments by all ICG members and the BoD only.
Judy Mitchell 2 years ago
Clarification question: if a secondary motion is seconded and therefore must be
handled, what does that do to the 15day discussion period of the primary
motion? Does it extend the discussion period until the secondary is cleared, or
does the clock keep ticking?
2
kevin.p.roche 2 years ago
quoting Pierre: "discussion, and voting, on the main motion may not
continue until the secondary motion is resolved; either passing or failing. We
begin a new 15/15 day procedure. If, at the end of voting the secondary motion
passes, then the main motion is adjusted and continues as amended to further
discussion and voting. If it fails then the main motion remains unchanged and
continues to further discussion and voting."
This means the clock on the main motion is paused.
Judy Mitchell 2 years ago
Thank you.
Jeanine
Swick 1:51
PM
Jacalyn just added Tanglyst de Holloway to the BoD. She is not not found on the ICG
membership list. If the name is an alais it
needs to be posted here for verification status along with the chapter. Non ICG
members do not belong on the BoD list.She
in not the corresponding secretary that is Vicky A.
[14 replies Last reply 2019-11-08 4:16 PM]
Jacalyn Boggs 2 years ago
I didn’t realize the former secretary was on the bod user group and it happened
when I see the user group to automatically add members to bod specific
channels. The name has now been removed.
Jacalyn Boggs 2 years ago
The user group needs to be only the elected officers and chapter
representatives. The matter has been taken care of.
Jeanine Swick 2 years ago
That is what one gets when one imports blindly from a list that does not
require ICG membership. The person in question had been removed from
the BoD Yahoo group.Membership
status needs to be confirmed, don't just blindly add people.
Jacalyn Boggs 2 years ago
No the problem was she was on the list already. I didn’t realize she was
remaining there.
Jacalyn Boggs 2 years ago
Again, it has been taken care of. Please calm down and remember that
we were told to hold things until tomorrow at noon.
Mera Rose 2 years ago
Technology is temperamental. This is a work in progress. Patience
must be the order of the day. All names are being verified against
the membership list. If one slips through and isn’t remedied in a
matter of 48 hours, please let a member of the tech committee know so they can
resolve it, or Jeanine may also remove those who are not ICG members lurking in
the BoD channel.This matter
is now resolved. End of discussion.
Elaine 2 years ago
Observation (not argument) While I do see the need for people to use screen or
stage names, and don't see any requirement to have them change their handle,
There should be a mechanism to correlate username to legal name. This
can even be between the corresponding secretary & treasurer, if necessary,
not something that necessarily needs to be publicly addressed.
Jeanine Swick 2 years ago
There is a place on the profile to have both names.
Mera Rose 2 years ago
Both very good points. Thank you.
Jacalyn Boggs 2 years ago
So just as an example I edited my profile for people to see. I think
this is the way to do it. It can be really confusing since some
people don’t know someone’s real name or whatever. Thanks for bringing
this up, Elaine.
Elaine 2 years ago
Yeah, exactly, @Jacalyn Boggs perfect example!
Jacalyn Boggs 2 years ago
Note: I changed my display name. I hope this helps! I will leave this for a bit
so you can show my profile as an example. Since I have a pseudonym it was
pretty easy
Mera Rose 2 years ago
Got it. Thanks for showing us that.
Jeanine Swick 2 years ago
@Mera Rose You can not do a
verification of current memberships. The reporting for November just
closed yesterday and the new list takes precident
over any previous list. Plus I am the only one who can verify dues have been
paid.
Mera Rose 5:20 PM
The next few posts contain quite a bit of information and may be upsetting to
some. I apologize that I have to make these posts, and hope that you
will read them carefully to understand the content of each one. Please
do not mischaracterize any information being conveyed. There are
procedures that must be followed that are set forth in our articles of
incorporation, bylaws, standing rules, laws of the State of Maryland,
parliamentary procedure, and that help to ensure clarity, transparency,
cohesive transfer of fiduciary duties and administrative responsibilities, and
protect our organization, it’s members, board of directors, and officers from
issues that could arise from not completing these business matters
appropriately.
You,
as BoD reps, are asked to read the following posts
carefully and discuss the content with your members in your chapter forums
before responding.
[3 replies Last reply 2019-11-08 4:22 PM]
Mera Rose 2 years ago
I have spoken with Paddy Morton, general counsel with Maryland Non-Profits
through a free consultation, on the transition to new officers and current
issues facing the board. These issues must be done in a procedural
manner to ensure fiduciary and administrative responsibilities are
appropriately transferred in accordance with all applicable Articles of
Incorporation, ByLaws, Standing Rules, and laws of
the State of Maryland and other governances or best practices that may apply to
protect the corporation, and so she has advised me to do the following:
To protect the corporation and in accordance
with the fiduciary and administrative responsibilities of the position of Vice
President to which I was elected, I hereby withdraw my resignation and will
continue as Acting President at this time. The Presiding Officer appointment
and upcoming election for president are now terminated as they are out of
order. I know that we are all very grateful for Kevin and Ron’s
willingness to serve in this difficult time, and would like to extend my
personal gratitude to them.
The election for Vice President, however, is in
order as the position is currently vacant and can continue by resolution of the
board with an appropriate motion and second, which has already occurred. As
Jan Price accepted the nomination on 11/7/2019, the discussion/nomination
period for Vice Presidential candidates will remain open until 11/22/2019, with
the voting period to run from 11/22/2019 to 12/7/2019.
Mera Rose 2 years ago
As proper procedure for my resignation to be formally accepted did not
previously occur, that must be rectified. Please accept this as my
resignation as Acting President, (formerly Vice President), effective
12/22/2019 to give time for transition to the new Acting President (the
soon-to-be elected Vice President) who may choose to preside until the next
annual meeting.
In order for my resignation as Acting
President, (formerly Vice President), to be official there must be a motion,
second, and vote of the Board of Directors to accept my resignation. If
the board votes to accept my resignation then the newly elected Vice President
(determined on 12/7/2019) will become the Acting President and can decide
whether to hold elections for President and then return to the Vice President’s
position or remain as acting President until the annual meeting at CostumeCon.
If the board rejects my resignation, then I
would continue as Acting President, and the elected VP would be VP until the
annual meeting. As a side note for the future, apparently Presiding
Officers should only be appointed to oversee specific motions and not all
business of the corporation.
I serve at the pleasure of the board. If
you decide to have me remain until the annual meeting, I will do so. If
not, I will happily aid in the transition to new leadership.
Mera Rose 2 years ago
As there were posts made by a BoD rep after I
tendered my initial resignation that impugned my character (which could impact
some individual’s decisions on whether I should remain), I have provided
evidence with regard to those allegations to Sarah Richardson (Dragan Rose),
Kevin Roche, Pierre Pettinger, and Jacalyn Boggs. Any member with
questions regarding those allegations or wishing to see the evidence and
documentation surrounding those allegations may contact any of those persons
listed above, or me, to obtain a copy of that evidence and documentation.