Dear Southeastern Branch members,
The Constitution and Bylaws of the Southeastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America is an important foundational document for The Branch. It guides our operations, meetings, and defines our relevance to the Society. It should be a document that changes as the needs of our Branch change.
Although we have recently revised our Constitution and Bylaws, the Executive Committee has proposed additional changes to modernize our operations.
First, we are proposing that we change our Branch Constitution and Bylaws to a policy document. As the Branch operates under the overall Society of the Entomological Society of America, this is more appropriate. Also, our previous Constitution and Bylaws document had language that conflicted with the overall Society, and the Branch does not operate separately from the Society. This change will allow us to formally function as we are practically operating.
Secondly, the proposed policy document clearly outlines flexibility for committee service pending the availability of volunteers whereas the previous language for committee membership was more restrictive. Although a clear delineation of the roles and responsibilities of officers and committees has been provided, a rules committee has been added. The new rules committee will keep our policies current and relevant to the needs of the Branch.
Our proposed changes will significantly improve Branch operations, and allow for flexibility, including online business meetings when needed. One final major change relates to the quorum required for a final Branch business meeting. We have lowered this requirement from 35 to 10. If a quorum of 10 cannot be reached at an in-person Branch meeting, we are proposing a separate online meeting.
Voting on the proposed changes will take place during the Branch officer election period, January 8-February 7, 2024. Instructions on how to cast your vote will be provided by ESA via email when the voting period opens.
Thank you for your dedication to the Branch. Please feel free to reach out with questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Kevin Chase
President, Southeastern Branch of the ESA