By-Laws, again

OK, which 19th century Boston lawyer wrote the UUA By-Law Article XV? That paragraph has more “wherefores,” “whereases”, and “not-with-standings” than any legal document I’ve read in a very long time. If there are any 19th century Boston lawyers reading this, please accept my apologies – um – Oh yeah, never mind.

At GA in Salt Lake city, during the debate on proposed changes to Article II (Principles, Purposes and Sources) it became VERY apparent that Article XV (the section that prescribes how we change the By-Laws) was in serious need of a rewrite. So, that’s what a small committee of the Board is doing. We’ve been redrafting Article XV in language that is much easier to understand – actually language that belongs in this century.

Watch for a report at GA in Minneapolis that will include an opportunity for you to provide input and will layout the timeline for adoption of the changes to Article XV and ultimately to Article II. That’s the major objective. In Salt Lake City, we debated changes to Article II, “Principles and Purposes” and rejected the proposed amendment. A subsequent responsive resolution directed the Board to continue the work on Article II.

The immediate problem is to fix the process – that’s Article XV. When that is completed, the Board will address amendment to Article II under the new Article XV process. A new Article XV will pave the way for another look at Article II.

Full report at GA in Minneapolis. By the way, it’s not too early to plan to join us in Minneapolis. The preliminary agenda will be available on line soon. In March, you will have the opportunity to volunteer to help make this a great GA.

See you in Minneapolis!

Lew