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AGM procedure
Fiona
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.
> -----Original Message----- > From: Fiona [mailto:xxxxx.xxxxx@xxxxxxx.xx.xx] > Subject: re: AGM procedure > > > Dear Norah > > Your query on AGM procedures is probably best answered by > Elspeth at HQ or > Alan Mair, but here are my observations. 8<...snip...>8 > > 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. > Hello Fiona - Thank you for your response. I have also heard privately from Alan Mair and Andrew Smith, so I'm posting this to the list to let everyone know that I think the question has now been addressed. Alas, no I will not be at the AGM. The Montreal Branch will have delegates there, thanks in large part, I believe, to the efforts of Alan Mair who has been working hard to make sure that Branches are adequately represented. However, given that it is some time since Montreal has had delegates, the current Committee of Management is a bit unclear as to how the whole thing operates. Also, since our relationship with these kind people is relatively new, the best they can do is to mouth the words we have sent them as reasons for our decisions. They really won't be able to respond to questions. For that reason, I have been asked to post (today or tomorrow) our Branch's position to strathspey in the hopes that anyone who will be attending the AGM and who may want clarification of our comments can respond. Of course, if people do respond I may get all the discussion and none of the fun. ;^) Have fun at the dance... regards, Norah