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Proposed Amendments To The Bylaws

1. Review current LWVUS Bylaws.  LWVUS Bylaws are posted in the “For Members” section of the LWVUS website, www.lwv.org.  Click here to get to “Essential League Resources” page.  The Bylaws section is on the right-hand side of the page.
   
2. Bylaw amendments must be submitted and approved by a state or local League board.  Bylaws amendments must be submitted by the president, co-president or team leader. Individuals may not submit bylaw amendments. 
   

   After your board has reached agreement, submit your proposed amendment(s) to the bylaws with the following information:

   • Your League name and state, and your League file number
   • Your name and title (president, co-president or team leader)
   • Your daytime telephone number and e-mail address
   • Your signature/authorization as local or state president, co-president or team leader
   • Indicate the specific Article and Section being amended
   • Quote current bylaw and your proposed changes
   • Provide a rationale for each amendment
   • Use  [ ] brackets to denote words to be deleted
   • Use  ____  underlining to denote words to be added

   Example of Proper Bylaws Proposal from Convention 2006 (Adopted)
   Article II
   Purposes and Policy
   Section 1. Purposes.  The purposes of the LWVUS are to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation [of citizens] in government and to act on selected governmental issues.

   Proposed by LWV of Minneapolis (MN422)

   Rationale (provided by LWV of Minneapolis):  In our community and all across the country, there are thousands of immigrants who are not yet citizens. We, as the LWV, work with them to inform them about democracy and prepare them to be good citizens. Even if a resident is not a citizen he or she has a right to understand the system and to take action to ask questions of their school board members who direct the education of their children. This is true for other local officials who daily impact the lives of residents. 

3. PROPOSALS will be considered ONLY if they are properly worded and received by March 1, 2010. Send proposed amendments
   
   

   By mail:	Kelly McFarland Stratman LWVUS Bylaws Committee 1730 M Street NW, Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20036-4508
   By fax:	202-429-0854
   By email:	KMcFarland@lwv.org

   
   
4. If you have any questions, please contact Kelly McFarland Stratman, Bylaws Committee staff, at 202-263-1311 or by e-mail, KMcFarland@lwv.org.
5. The Convention 2010 combined Workbook/Program, which includes proposed amendments to the bylaws, will be available online and email notice sent to Leagues by April 30, 2010.  Printed hard copies will be distributed at Convention.
6. Convention 2010 delegates will vote on any proposed changes to the LWVUS Bylaws that are submitted by the deadline and are moved during the Plenary.