RESOLUTION
Amended by Addition to the Bylaws.
Background:
In response to a mandate by the 1982 Assembly the Reference and Counsel Committee has reviewed the legislative process. In the past it has been up to the Reference and Counsel Committee to set the guidelines for legislation for each new assembly. It is our suggestion that these guidelines be added to the Bylaws so that the types and format for legislation be consistent from year to year.
Be it resolved that the following Guidelines for Legislation be adopted as article number XII of the Bylaws of the LSM-USA constitution.
Guidelines for Legislation
During the business sessions of the assembly, LSM-USA will vote on positions and actions for LSM-USA to take. The legislation adopted is an active response to our growing understanding of what it means to be God’s people in today’s world. The legislation serves to express our needs, concerns, and actions to the church bodies and to our fellow students here and abroad.
Reference and Counsel Committee will set and early submission date. All submission received prior to deadline will be assured consideration at Assembly. Others will be considered on a first-come-first served-basis as time permits.
There are forut types of legislation:
1. Resolutions
2. Position Papers
3. Regional Concerns
4. Study-Action Projects
1.Resolutions
A. Purpose
1. Address particular issues by providing necessary background information and outlining specific actions for LSM-USA and individuals supportive of the resolution to take.
2. Commit all affiliated groups and individuals supportive of the resolution to follow through on specified action(s).
B. Format includes
1 Background section
2. Resolved/ Proposed action to lead several half-hour discussion/question
3. Sponsor’s names and address(es)
4. Short summary
C. Sponsors will be responsible to lead several half-hour discussion/question groups.
D. Passage by Assembly requires a two-thirds majority of votes cast.
2.Position Papers.
A. Purpose: Define LSM-USA’s particular position on an issue relevant to the life and mission of LSM-USA for advise and counsel to members and representatives to LSM-USA
B. Format
1. Background section
2. Position
3. Suggestions for action if applicable
4. Sponsor’s name(s) and addresses
3. Regional Concerns
A. Purpose
1. Inform Assembly of the commitment of a specific region or group to action on a particular issue.
2. Does not commit Assembly to any actions.
B. Format – Same as Resolutions.
C. No vote is required.
3. Study/ Action Projects
A. Purpose: Explore different aspects of an issue or a problem with the intention of providing impetus for local group discussion
B. Format: Left to discretion of sponsor (guidelines are available form national office)
C. Simple majority vote of votes cast.
SUMMARY
This resolution addresses the need for set guidelines for legislation to be in the LSM-USA constitution so that the types and format of legislation are consistent from year to year.
Sponsors” Reference and Counsel Committee 1983
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