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Issue Number: Council II 002

Title

Statement of Neutrality for Council Chair / Council Vice-Chair

Issue you would like the Conference to consider

In response to a directive from the Executive Board, the 2010 - 2012 Constitution and Bylaws/Procedures Committee has created language to further clarify the role of Council Chairs and Council Vice-Chairs during their service at a Biennial Meeting. New language has been added to the position descriptions directing each to maintain their neutrality with regards to any specific issue during Council deliberations.

The Chair and Vice-Chair shall refrain from publicly voicing a personal opinion on an issue before the Council they serve. They may answer questions related to issues if the intent is to educate or provide clarification. Personal opinions on a specific issue may only be offered outside of council deliberations if clearly identified as a personal opinion or, during deliberations if their position as Chair/Vice Chair has been officially relinquished in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

Public Health Significance

The Constitution and Bylaws/Procedure Committee shall submit recommendations to improve the Conference administrative functions through proposals to amend the Constitution and Bylaws and Conference Procedures.

Recommended Solution: The Conference recommends...

the addition of a statement of neutrality (noted below; new language underlined), as developed by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, in the position descriptions for Council Chair and Council Vice-Chair.

Council Chair Neutrality

In order to maintain their neutrality during Council deliberations, the following rules of conduct shall apply to the Council Chair during the biennial conference:

  • Outside the Council deliberations, the Chair shall refrain from publicly voicing a personal opinion on an Issue that is before the Council in such a manner or extent that it may call into question his or her ability to remain neutral when the Issue ultimately reaches the Council floor.
  • May answer questions related to a specific Issue during Council deliberations if the intent of the response is to objectively educate or clarify the Council, presenter or person approved to address the Council.
  • May offer personal opinions in the following situations:
    • Outside of council deliberations, including constituency consensus meetings and caucuses, with the clarification that one is offering a personal opinion and not speaking as the Council Chair.
    • During Council deliberations, only when one's position as Chair has been clearly relinquished to someone else (per Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised).

Council Vice Chair Neutrality

In order to maintain their neutrality during Council deliberations, the following rules of conduct shall apply to the Council Vice Chair during the biennial conference:

  • Outside the Council deliberations, the Vice Chair shall refrain from publicly voicing a personal opinion on an Issue that is before the Council in such a manner or extent that it may call into question his or her ability to remain neutral when the Issue ultimately reaches the Council floor.
  • May answer questions related to a specific Issue during Council deliberations if the intent of the response is to objectively educate or clarify the Council, presenter or person approved to address the Council.
  • May offer personal opinions in the following situations:
    • Outside of council deliberations, including constituency consensus meetings and caucuses, with the clarification that one is offering a personal opinion and not speaking as the Council Vice Chair.
    • During Council deliberations, only when one's position as Vice Chair has been clearly relinquished to someone else (per Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised).

Attachments

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