strathspey@strathspey.org:27967

Fiona

re: AGM procedure

Oct. 26, 2001, 9:51 p.m. (Message 27967)

Dear Norah

Your query on AGM procedures is probably best answered by Elspeth at HQ or
Alan Mair, but here are my observations.  At previous AGMs, questions and
comments on motions have been made from the floor after each motion was
proposed, but there are rarely new amendments to the motions on the day,
unless proposed and supported by the meeting at the time. The order in which
the motions are taken by the meeting is not necessarily that which appears
on the agenda. Amendments (that is, those amendments already on the agenda)
are taken first, then the motion itself in its amended (or not amended as
the case may be) form.

The Chairman has discretion to alter the order of the Agenda however he
thinks fit with the agreement of the meeting.

The discussion at the Open Forum in the morning before the meeting does not
necessarily have any bearing on the topics discussed at the AGM although it
can have. It is a separate event which any member may attend.

In the end of the day it is the votes of the delgates that count of course.
I think it's important to keep remindng ourselves that those voting at the
meeting are delegates, not representatives of the branches. This means that
most discussion should have taken place before the meeting, as branches are
supposed to instruct their delegates how to vote before the AGM. Many
branches however, give very vague instructions along the lines of : decide
what you think is best on our behalf at the time.
This situation, to my mind, makes a nonsense of the delegate system, and it
would be much better if individual members could vote on their own behalf if
they wished, (and by post, so that far flung enthusiasts were not
disenfranchised).

I wonder if your question means that you are attending the AGM? It seems so
long since we met in Vienna. See you at the dance?

Best wishes,
Fiona

Bristol, UK.