Bylaws Committee September Plan

Colleagues,

I am pleased to attach:

    * the Report of the Bylaws Committee
    * Recommended Charter
    * Recommended Charter, tracked to reflect changes from our current bylaws.

It has been a long but necessary process, one which has engendered vigorous discussion and thoughtful solutions. The Bylaws Committee - Chair Peter Alegi, John Eastwood, Meredith Gowan Le Goff, Mike Meneer, Kevin Prager, and Anthony Sistilli - has worked to ensure that the standards set by the Democratic National Committee have been met, while taking into account the internal dynamics of Democrats Abroad.

The Committee's working draft was circulated prior to the three regional hearings this July. A number of concerns were raised during the course of the hearings, as well as over numerous email exchanges. Those concerns have been assessed, and many are reflected in the recommendation you now have before you. The Report of the Bylaws Committee details the major changes, including the issues of representation, delegates, voting strength, proxies, committee size, and chapters. It also has factored in some protections for smaller countries.

The Executive Committee joins me in thanking the Committee for the depth of its commitment to this organization and its ability to shape divergent opinions and concepts into a viable document. We also support the work of the Committee, and recommend the Charter by majority vote. We hope that you will also focus on the balanced approach of this Charter.

We also recognize that many of you are concerned about the process for amending our bylaws. Indeed, the Executive Committee has been exploring options for quite some time, and a decision should be reached in the near future -- especially given the 45-day notice required by our bylaws.

Today we are just 47 days away from Election Day, and that is where our attention must be until all our members have requested their absentee ballots and voted. And then we will have the opportunity to refocus on amending our bylaws to bring them into synch with the Party and our own growth.

Best regards,

Christine

Christine Schon Marques
International Chair
Democrats Abroad