Dear New York DeMolay:
Back in January the State Executive Committee began a review process of our State Constitution and Bylaws. This was the first systematic review of these governing documents in some time. I want to applaud our Deputy State Master Councilor Br. Michael Jordan and our Lakes Region Master Councilor Nick Heitmann for their work in shepherding this process.
The linked documents represent hours of work that the State Executive Committee and State Sweetheart have put into thinking about these issues and debating them.
Under our governing documents, “Those amendments being found favorable by a simple majority vote of the State Executive Committee, and by the Executive Officer, shall be transmitted to each Chapter such that each Chapter shall have a minimum of 60 days to pose questions or ask for certification on any and/or all proposed amendments which shall come before the State Chapter at its annual meeting” These will be debated and voted on August 12.
The State Officers have approved the attached proposals, and I, for the purposes of advancing the legislation to the floor of the State Chapter, have approved them but take no position on them. With the exception of SEC Amendment #1, which I requested from the SEC.
We are transmitting these documents to you in accordance with that policy and process. NOTE: I think the document meant to say “clarification” and not “certification.” If Chapters or DeMolays have questions, please feel free to reach out to your State Officers.
As part of this process, if a Chapter or an active DeMolay wishes to propose a germane amendment they may do so by sending it to the State Scribe, Br. Brian Ramos( brn45@yahoo.com), CCed to myself (PWBrusoe@gmail.com) and “Dad” Dais ( jgdais@gmail.com).
I would stress that the idea is the important part, we are happy to work with any DeMolay to get his proposal into proper legislative form. Our Assembly Members, State Senators, US Reps and Senators rely on professional staff all the time to get their ideas into the right form, and even then frequently need technical corrections.
If, in advance of the State Meeting, a DeMolay or a chapter wishes to issue a policy position or write an article advocating for the passage or defeat of a proposal we are happy to share that as well.
To view the current documents you can click bylaws and constitution.
I want to overview the linked documents:
1) SEC En Bloc: The SEC En Bloc represents changes to the governing documents that either update the language to reflect current titles, add clarity, or to reflect current practice. The goal of any legislative body doing an “En Bloc” is to move the process along on non-controversial issues. If, within the En Bloc, you find a piece of legislation that you find controversial please contact the State Master Councilor to have it removed and considered separately. Included in this En Bloc is:
Altman Amendment #1: Insert a definition in the glossary around Executive Officer
Altman Amendment #3: To permit electronic voting at State Convention
Altman Amendment #4: Updates custody of funds language to reflect current practice
Jordan Heitmann Amendment #1: Clarifies who gives notice about meetings
Jordan Heitmann Amendment #5: Fixes a typo
SEC Amendment #1 at the Request of the PR: Switches order on the Credentials Committee &clarifies language
SEC Amendment #2: Fixes typos
SEC Amendment #3: Fixes a typo
2) Policy Changes: These changes reflect a change in policy for New York DeMolay. Because of the change in policy they are brought up separately, but may be adopted by voice vote. Included in this are:
Jordan Heitmann Amendment #3: Removes the option of the State Advisory Council to force an election
Jordan Heitmann Amendment #6: This modifies the time line for amendments to make the deadline for proposals to be closer to state convention.
Jordan Heitmann Amendment #4: Adds the District Deputies to the conversation on “Removes from the State” discussion.
SEC Amendment #5: This modifies who may run for state office.
3) Article IV SEC Amendment: SEC Amendment #4 is broken out as a separate document given the complexity of this proposal. This proposal strikes the New York DeMolay Congress and replaces it with language that is pretty consistent with current practice. The SEC felt that the Congress is a good idea, but currently not feasible. It has not met in some time. It is hoped to bring it back in a few years. The SEC debated on how the three votes of the chapter could be cast. Each Chapter should carefully review this proposal.
Again, thank you to our State Officers and State Sweetheart for getting us to this point.
Yours for a Stronger New York DeMolay,
“Dad” Brusoe