AVP-USA NATIONAL GATHERING, BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS MAY 26-29, 2017
REGULAR REGISTGRATION ENDS APRIL 30
LATE REGISTGRATION IS May 1 - May 15
PROPOSED BYLAWS CHANGES It is easier for a man to be loyal to his club than to his planet;
the bylaws are shorter,
and he is personally acquainted with the other members - E. B. White
This year the National Gathering will give everyone the opportunity to impact the future of AVP USA as an organization. The proposed by-laws changes came from YOU, the AVP volunteers who spoke passionately about their necessity at the 2016 Conference. The AVP NationalBoard heard your concerns and recruited a subcommittee to lead this process.California Bylaw
If a frog dies during a
frog-jumping contest,
it cannot be eaten |
After over 40 years we clearly see the need to develop strategies to help our organization become more inclusive, with a clear organizational structure.
The elimination of the prohibition of payment of facilitators is a big change. While many treasure the volunteer nature of AVP as a way to give back, for many working people and retirees on a fixed income, this practice is financially prohibitive. Many local groups and other international groups have already been using stipends or other means to essentially “pay” facilitators. The proposed changes suggest that rather than prohibiting payments in our by-laws, each local should be able to develop their own policy. This will encourage participation from a more diverse community including those without the means to take off from work and returning citizens. Decisions on payment can then be made by local groups. Who gets paid, who does not and from where the money comes would also become local decisions.
Eliminating the prohibition on political action or lobbying has already created a buzz on the list serve. The Bylaws Committee wants AVP-USA, local and regional to decide when it is appropriate to take a stand while remaining non-partisan. Disallowed under the new bylaw change is for individuals to say that they represent the national, local or regional organization while lobbying. The primary concerns around this policy are to avoid offending our partners in the DepartmentNew Hampshire Bylaw
It is illegal to carry or collect seaweed at night |
of Corrections and any partisan activity that might jeopardize our 501C3 status as laid out in our Articles of Incorporation.
Other changes will reorganize the Bylaws to remove inconsistencies for easier reading.Indiana Bylaw
Liquor stores cannot
sell cooled water or soda |
These clarify which information pertains to local groups and which to AVP National. The Local Groups sections will be combined and moved to a separate area and the National Level section will provide more detail.
The roles and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees, Standing and Ad Hoc Committees will be clarified to encourage more people to participate. The process of becoming a member of the Board will be clarified.
The final by-laws proposal will be available for consideration on April 28. For more information, read the Super Quick Summary, the Basic Summary Packet or the Thorough Explanation Packet at the AVP-List serve (“AVP-L) and on AVPUSA.org. You can reach the Bylaws Committee by email at bylaws@avpusa.org
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