Background to Proposed Bylaw Amendments

Processes of the American Council of the Blind have evolved over time, including the successful creation of standing steering committees that oversee the work of related committees and work groups. This proposal updates Bylaw 6 to reflect those relationships, modernize the wording, and allow more flexibility in committee roles by requiring only the committees which are essential to the organization’s operations. It also recognizes that while the president has final authority over committee appointments, the process is collaborative and supported by the relevant steering committee and related committee chairs.

Some of these revisions are proposed this year and the rest next year.

Proposed Committees

These amendments formally establish or revise the following standing committees:

Governance Steering Committee

This committee exists as the Voting Task Force and currently oversees the work of other governance committees, including Resolutions, Credentials, and Constitution and Bylaws. The proposed revisions establish this as a standing committee and updates the language for all of these related committees to reflect current practices and reporting relationships.

Membership Steering Committee

We propose revising the constitutional requirements with a broad scope to include oversight of all membership-related committees. The existing Membership Committee would not be eliminated by this proposal; instead, it would continue its current work in training and support with a new name to reduce confusion, while the existing steering committee would continue its broader coordination role.

Committees that work in collaboration with Membership Steering Committee include: Community Support; DKM First Timers and ACB Leadership Fellows; History; Inspire Mentoring; BLC Leadership Training; Membership (which will receive a new name); Multicultural Affairs; Scholarships; Sight and Sound Impaired; ACB Women

Fundraising Steering Committee

Fundraising Steering Committee replaces the existing Resource Development Committee and assumes a broader scope. It currently includes Auction, Monthly Monetary Support, Walk, Investments, and a variety of funding development activities carried out by staff.

Remaining Committees Addressed in Bylaw 6

Committees addressed in Bylaw 6 that will not be revised this year include those related to Annual Conference and Convention; Advocacy Services; Public Relations; and Information Technology Resources. Other major organizational initiatives which are not constitutionally mandated such as the Audio Description Project and the Get Up and Get Moving Program will continue as currently designed.

Amendment 1: Bylaw 6

The introductory section is replaced.

This new introduction explains the purpose of ACB committees, how they are appointed and managed, and clarifies that standing and ad hoc committees may be established by the president, in consultation with the board of directors, as needed to complete the work of the organization. It reflects current practice in the organization.

Current Language:

Bylaw 6, Committees

In addition to the standing committees provided for below, the president, in consultation with the Board of Directors, is authorized to appoint such other standing committees and/or special committees as deemed necessary to further the objectives of the American Council of the Blind.

Proposed Language:

Bylaw 6, Committees

Introduction:

1. Committees of the American Council of the Blind serve to provide oversight, guidance, and support for designated tasks and workplan initiatives. Through their collective expertise, members contribute to organizational objectives by advising leadership, facilitating informed decision-making, and ensuring efficient resource utilization.

2. The president, or designee, together with relevant staff members, serve as non-voting participants on all committees except where specifically limited by the constitution.

3. Committee appointments are made through a collaborative process between committee chairs and the related steering committee or by the President and committee chair if the committee is outside the steering committee structure. The president is the final authority for appointments to all committees except where specifically limited by the constitution.

4. The president, in consultation with the board of directors, may establish additional standing or ad hoc committees as necessary to further the organization’s mission. Any such committee must have a statement of purpose and scope, guidance regarding membership selection and other considerations, and the expected duration of its mission.

5. Committee membership should, when possible, reflect the diversity and composition of the organization's membership, assuring broad representation and inclusivity.

Amendment 2: Creation of a New Section A: Governance Steering Committee

This committee exists as the Voting Task Force and currently oversees the activities of other governance committees including Resolutions, Credentials, and Constitution and Bylaws.

New Language:

Bylaw 6A. Governance Steering Committee

1. The Governance Steering Committee is a standing committee with the responsibility and oversight to develop, coordinate, and implement governance requirements, including managing member resolutions, overseeing affiliate and member credentials, maintaining governing documents, and drafting standing rules for meetings.

2. Before the close of each annual conference and convention, the president will appoint the chairperson of the Governance Steering Committee to oversee the workplan of Governance and its related committees. The chairperson is the primary liaison to the board of directors regarding governance policy and activities and will make recommendations to the president regarding committee appointments.

3. Governance Steering Committee includes the chairs and vice chairs of the Resolutions, Constitution and Bylaws, and Credentials committees. It also must include at least one (1) member of the board of Directors, and at least four (4) additional members with expertise and experience in governance.

Amendment 3: Bylaw 6B, Resolutions

Replace the language in Section B.

Current language:

Bylaw 6B. Resolutions Committee:

The president, within sixty (60) days after the close of each national conference and convention, shall appoint a chairperson and not less than four (4) additional members as a Resolutions Committee. Any resolutions to be considered shall be submitted not less than sixty (60) days prior to the opening date of each conference and convention. Resolutions submitted after this deadline shall only be accepted if it can be demonstrated that circumstances effectively precluded their consideration prior to the deadline. The committee shall communicate this deadline using the ACB Braille Forum and other ACB communication channels not less than one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the day of the opening session of each conference and convention. All resolutions submitted to the committee within the aforementioned deadline or that have been accepted after that deadline shall be reported upon with or without committee recommendation, unless the resolution is withdrawn by its author or an individual representative of the author designated in writing. If a resolution is adopted by the conference and convention, and during this process, any conflicting previously adopted resolutions are not rescinded, the most recently adopted resolution on the subject shall take precedence.

New Language:

Bylaw 6B. Resolutions Committee

1. The Resolutions Committee accepts, reviews, and prepares proposed resolutions for presentation at the annual conference and convention as follows:

a. Submission and consideration: The committee must consider all resolutions submitted at least sixty (60) days prior to the event's opening. It will consider any later submission only if it is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances and it can be demonstrated that circumstances effectively precluded its submission prior to the deadline.

b. Notification: The Resolutions Committee communicates submission deadlines through the ACB Braille Forum and other official outlets at least one hundred and twenty (120) days before the event.

c. Recommendation and reporting: The committee will report its recommendation for every resolution submitted within the aforementioned deadline, or that has been accepted after that deadline, unless it has been withdrawn by the person, affiliate, or committee that submitted it.

d. Adoption and precedence: If the conference adopts a resolution without rescinding conflicting earlier resolutions, the most recently adopted resolution on the subject prevails.

2. Within sixty (60) days following the close of each annual conference and convention, the president will appoint a committee chairperson to oversee the resolutions process. The chairperson is the primary liaison to the Governance Steering Committee regarding the resolutions process and activities.

3. The Resolutions Committee shall include at least one (1) member of the board of directors and at least four (4) individuals from the general membership.

Amendment 4: Bylaw 6C, Credentials Committee

Replace the language.

Existing Language:

Bylaw 6C. Credentials Committee:

There shall be a committee on credentials. The committee shall consist of at least seven (7) members: the secretary, a member of the Board of Directors (not an officer), a member of the committee on constitution and bylaws and at least four (4) members appointed by the president for term...