Hi everyone, Since I'm the new Membership Chair of IOLI and was at the door the night that Carolyn was turned away. (Do you know how hard it is to watch your friends or wonderful people you have recently met bearing membership cards be told they can't attend?) So, I thought I'd better clarify IOLI's position, as I know it. I ran this email by Louise Colgan, the new President if IOLI and the Board is aware of this problem. The bylaws state that you must be a member "by June 1 in order to attend and have voting privileges at the annual meeting for that calendar year." (Article IV, Section 6) I think that this part of the bylaws was not changed from the last set of bylaws. This was to allow lists of members to be made and records be up-to-date at the Annual Meeting. Votes are cast by voice vote, thus people who aren't members aren't allowed to attend. It's not secrecy, it's the rules. The Board actually discussed this issue after the annual meeting. I think there will be changes in the future. I think I can have up-to-date records the night of the annual meeting incorporating people who have paid that day, but I am new in the position and the delay may be for very good reasons that I haven't considered. AND this would require another bylaws change, not to mention, many questions need to be considered. Questions such as, What would we do with people who paid by mail but their membership form didn't arrive before the membership person left for convention Bylaws are a living, ever-changing documents, and it is concerns and desires of members that drive changes. If you would like a change to be made, you only need contact one board member (they are on the webpage, or I'll send you a list of you wish) and she/he will carry your concern to the executive committee and fight for you like a gladiator. Lace in Peace, Laurie J Hughes IOLI Membership Chair
PS: I've BCC'd the rest of the Board at Louise's Request so they know what has already been addressed. - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
