On 4/14/20 21:14, Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club wrote:
I am writing to inform you of a proposed change in our club Bylaws. This is not really a change, but rather an additional article to define how the club operates during declared states of emergency.
I agree with this in principle. I'd propose three modifications:
1. In my opinion invoking exigent circumstances should require a 2/3 majority of the Board.
2. I would exclude most of the Articles from this section. I wouldn't grant them the power to modify the exigent circumstances Article X itself. Nor would I grant the power to modify Article XII where they can permanently amend the bylaws. In fact, Article III relating to meetings, Article VI relating to elections, and Article IX relating to disbursements are really the only substantive items that the Board doesn't already have the power to control.
3. I would make it clear that any suspension and modifications revert back to the original bylaws when the declaration of emergency is lifted, not after 30 days.
I agree that changes to the Bylaws limited in time and scope to allow the Club to continue to function are warranted. However, using an emergency to justify the expansion of political power can be a dangerous thing.