The MTA Bylaws and Rules Committee will soon begin reviewing proposed amendments.
A proposal to amend the Bylaws addresses the governance of the association or the primary characteristics and functions of the MTA. A proposal to amend the Standing Rules addresses the procedures of the Annual Meeting of Delegates, nominations and elections or governance documents.
Filing process and deadline: Proposed changes to the Bylaws must be received in writing by the MTA Bylaws and Rules Committee by 5 p.m. on Jan. 8.
Proposed changes to the Standing Rules only may be submitted in writing to the MTA Bylaws and Rules Committee up to the opening of the first business session of the April 30- May 1 Annual Meeting in Springfield. However, early submission by the Jan. 8 deadline provides an opportunity for a full hearing by the committee, consideration by the MTA Board and presentation at the preconvention meetings this spring.
It also allows advance publication in the Spring issue of MTA Today.
Submitters will be informed of hearing dates and will be expected to meet with the committee to discuss the language and intent of their proposals.
Proper format: Please use the following format for each proposed amendment. A template is available from the MTA Division of Governance and Administration upon request.
1. Specifically cite all articles, sections and lines of the Bylaws or Standing Rules that are to be changed or affected.
2. Set forth your proposal in two columns, comparing the proposed text opposite the present text. In the proposed language, underline amended or added language. Enclose in parentheses language to be deleted. Indicate the location of completely new language.
3. Accompany each proposed amendment with a written rationale on its purpose, impact and intent.
4. Include at the end of all proposals the submitter’s name and local association information.
5. Provide your full name, address, telephone number(s), email address and MTA membership ID number, which can be found on your MTA membership card.
Who may submit proposals: Individual MTA members, groups of members and local associations are eligible to submit proposed amendments to the MTA Bylaws and Standing Rules. Members wishing to use an official title representing an MTA affiliate or committee are required to submit evidence that a vote was taken by authorized representatives of the affiliate or the committee.
Current document: A copy of the current MTA Bylaws, Standing Rules and Resolutions is available to any member upon request and at massteacher.org/bylaws.
Assistance: The Bylaws and Rules Committee and members of the MTA staff are available to discuss ideas for potential amendments and to provide technical assistance.
Submitters will be informed of hearing dates and will be expected to meet with the committee to discuss the language and intent of their proposals.
Inquiries and proposals submitted to the Bylaws and Rules Committee should be channeled through , MTA Director of Governance and Administration. Her mailing address is MTA, 2 Heritage Drive, 8th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171-2119. Her phone number is 617.878.8213, her fax number is 617.570.4908, and her email address is [email protected].
