FEATURE
AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE LEGISLATION COMMITTEE By Diana Corazza
Once again, it is time to start thinking about the future of OECTA, and carving its path. We must be sure to get it right, so that we can maintain a strong and vibrant Association. Every year, starting in early November, units across the province turn their focus toward the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), which traditionally takes place at the beginning of March Break. The AGM is an opportunity for members, through their unit’s delegates, to express their will about how the Association is governed. Resolutions are submitted by units, committees, or the Provincial Executive, and they are then debated and voted on at the AGM. Before hitting the floor, all resolutions go to the Legislation Committee, of which I am privileged to have the opportunity to serve as chair. This committee, which may not be well known to the general membership, plays an integral role in processing resolutions. We are entrusted with the responsibility to study and report on all matters pertaining to the constitution, by-laws, policies, and procedures of the Association, and to submit such matters to the AGM. The most important of the committee’s roles is to review all resolutions received, and to prepare a list of those eligible for consideration to the AGM. As one can imagine, this can be a very time-consuming task, one which requires committee members to cross-reference all of the proposed resolutions with existing provisions in the Handbook, and to ensure that any change approved at AGM is reflected in all relevant sections of the Handbook. This is very much a two-way road, as committee members heighten their knowledge and expertise of the Handbook. It is also very rewarding, as every single resolution submitted reflects the direction in which at least some segment of the membership wants to take the Association. We spend a lot of time considering how best to continue serving the members in
a manner that is transparent, progressive, and meets the needs of the Association. The process of reviewing resolutions begins in early December. Over the course of two days, all committee members review each and every resolution, to ensure that they are properly worded, and that references to relevant sections of the Handbook are accurate. In addition, the committee is responsible for ensuring that all resolutions and their rationales make sense, and that any duplicate submissions are combined. Those that require amendments and clarifications are sent back to their sponsoring units. The committee meets for another two days in early January, to further review resolutions. We then commence the process of numbering resolutions as they would appear in the AGM Supplement, which is the book containing all resolutions that might come to the floor at AGM. When all of this is completed, the AGM Supplement is prepared, sent for publication, and made available to every member. It is our duty to ensure that the membership has sufficient time to review resolutions and prepare to debate the future of our Association. Given the committee’s focus on our constitution and governance, serving on it is a rewarding way to not only serve the membership, but also to gain a greater understanding of how our Association functions. I look forward to seeing the fruits of our labour, as members come together in March to demonstrate democracy in action. Dianna Corazza is a member of York Unit and currently serves as Chair of the Legislation Committee.
FEBRUARY 2017 |
@ OECTA
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