Quick tips for proposing amendments or resolutions

Drafting proposals takes careful preparation. Here are six tips to keep in mind:

• Write the exact wording of your proposal or clearly specify your intention. If your club needs help finalizing the exact wording, the Kiwanis International staff can assist you. Indicate which section(s) of the International Bylaws you propose to amend, if you know.

• Consider any financial ramifications or unintended consequences of your proposal and, if necessary, revise the wording to account for these. If possible, include your rationale with your submission to Kiwanis International.

• Your club or district must submit a letter in writing informing Kiwanis International that it has adopted the proposal. The letter should include:

• Date of adoption by your club or district

• Exact wording of revisions or clear wording of your intent

• Effective date, allowing time for new processes to be implemented if necessary

• Signature of the current club president or secretary (or current district governor or secretary for district proposals).

• Submit your proposal as soon as possible (proposals are due February 15). Notification by fax or e-mail is acceptable, as long as it is received by February 15. Send to Attention CEO, Kiwanis International, 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268, or fax 317-879-0204, or e-mail.

“Don’t wait until the last minute to submit an amendment or resolution,” cautions Barry Glazer, a past president of the American Institute of Parliamentarians. “Begin working on it early to allow advance time to consult with the staff, parliamentarian, and any reviewing committees. They can provide advice as to whether the amendment is in the proper form, if it addresses all relevant provisions, how the amendment might be implemented if adopted, and any potential problems with the implementation.

“Last-minute submissions usually do not permit opportunities for improving the final wording of resolutions and bylaw amendments, which require re-approval by the submitting body once changed.”