Speaker Message #9: Action on Proposed Amendments to the ADA Bylaws

Date: August 25, 2008
Message Priority: High
To:

House of Delegates

HOD Core Function: Governance (Processes for Governing the Profession)
From: Marsha Schofield, MS, RD, LD, Speaker
Subject: Speaker Message #9: Action on Proposed Amendments to the ADA Bylaws

What Do You Need to Know? The process for amending the ADA Bylaws will begin on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 with the 45-day member comment period. The two proposed amendments will be posted to the HOD CoI and ADA Web site.
What Do You Need to Do? Share this information with your members and request them to provide feedback.
When Do You Need to Complete It? The member comment period on the two proposed ADA Bylaws amendments will be September 2 through October 15, 2008. Voting on the amendments will occur following the Fall HOD Meeting.

Proposed ADA Bylaws Amendments

  • The first amendment has been submitted by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. CDR would like to amend its Mission and Vision Statements, which are found in the ADA Bylaws (Article VII. Standing Committees and Other Bodies, Section 2. Commission on Dietetic Registration).
  • The second amendment was submitted by the HOD Leadership Team. HLT would like the Member Interest Groups (MIGs) to be acknowledged in the ADA Bylaws similar to how the DPG are included in the ADA Bylaws (Article X. Dietetic Practice Groups).
Process for Amending the ADA Bylaws
  • The HLT Bylaws Representative, Rita Grandgenett, presented two amendments for the ADA Bylaws to the HOD Leadership Team. HLT approved moving forward with both amendments. Based on HOD Policy, Regular Review of ADA Bylaws (G.2, HOD Manual), the HLT determined that the two amendments were significant changes. This decision directs the HOD to conduct an electronic dialogue, deliberation and vote on these two amendments following the 45-day member comment period.
  • The 45-day member comment period will start on Tuesday, September 2 and end on Wednesday, October 15. You are encouraged to watch for the posting of Speaker Message #10 (September 2) which will start the comment period.
Timeline and Next Steps
  • The following timeline has been developed to assist you in understanding the various steps in the process. Please review and note the various dates and activities in order to participate in the dialogue, deliberation and vote.

    September 2: ADA members notified of Bylaws Amendment via the CEO Digest, ADA Web site and a notice to DPG and affiliates EMLs. Delegates post member input to the HOD CoI during the 45-day member comment period (September 2 to October 15, 2008).
    October 15: ADA member comment period ends.
    November 1: Motions for Fall HOD Meeting, ADA Bylaws amendments (CDR mission and vision; addition of MIGs) will be posted for review by HOD in the HOD CoI.
    November 3-7: Delegates review and discuss motions electronically (questions and general comments on each motion).
    November 10: HLT convenes via conference call to discuss comments posted related to motions and determine potential changes.
    November 12-14: Delegates post amendments to the motions.
    November 17-19: Delegates deliberate on the motions (and amendments).
    November 20-25: Delegates vote electronically on the motions.
    (Thanksgiving) — November 27
    December 1 HOD and membership notified of the outcome of the vote on the two motions.
For More Information or Assistance
Contact Marsha Schofield at mschofield@schd.org or 330/926-5661 or Harold Holler at hholler@eatright.org or 800/877-1600, ext. 4896.