Proposed Changes to Convention Business Procedures

National PTA Convention 2010 - Memphis, Tennessee

The Convention General Arrangements, Bylaws and Policy, and Resolutions Committees are proposing the following business changes to the National PTA Convention. These changes have also been reviewed by the National PTA Board of Directors, State PTA Leadership and Past National PTA Presidents. These proposed changes will be presented to delegates as part of the Convention Rules at the first General Session.

These recommendations are being proposed to:

• Utilize delegates' time efficiently during the business portion of convention
• Provide delegates assistance in drafting and proposing amendments to motions
• Simplify the process to present an amendment for consideration by the delegates

Be assured that the recommendations have been developed to respect the rights and ‘voice’ of our convention delegates, while more efficiently handling convention business.

Proposed Changes to Convention Rules:
Recommendation 1 – Microphone on the Convention Floor: We will move to four (4) microphones, rather than the traditional six (6). The rationale for the proposed change is to help alleviate confusion as to which microphone should be used.

The four (4) microphones will be assigned for the following individual procedures/processes:

• One microphone for making motions
• One microphone for interrupting motions, such as point of information or point of order
• One microphone for debate in favor of the pending question
• One microphone for debate against the pending question

Recommendation 2 – Subsidiary or Privileged Motions: All motions for extending or limiting debate, referring to committee, calling the question, etc. will no longer require a written motion form. These motions are to be made at the microphone designated for making motions.

Recommendation 3 – Primary Amendments: All primary motions to a proposed bylaw amendment or resolution will be filed prior to the consideration of bylaws and resolutions.

• Amendments will be filed with the appropriate committee, Bylaws and Policy Committee or the Resolutions Committee, at a pre-determined place and time between the 1st and 2nd General Sessions on Friday, June 11, 2010.
• The Bylaws and Policy and Resolutions Committees will hold briefings onsite and will offer assistance with writing the amendments at a pre-convention writing lab. Collaboration time will be available for those who have similar amendment proposals. This will enable delegates to work together to file an amendment and will help prevent duplicate amendments.
• Secondary amendments (amendments to the amendment) will be considered from the floor without advance filing.

During convention business, we will have a "help" desk to assist our delegates with their questions, concerns, and understanding of the proposed changes to the business process.

Between now and convention, delegates will have the opportunity to post questions on this National PTA Annual Convention Business Blog regarding these proposed business changes which will be answered by the Conventions General Arrangements, Bylaws and Policy and Resolution Committees. To post a question, click on the "comments" link below this blog entry. (Please note that comments to this blog are moderated, and will not display until a moderator approves them. This will help ensure that all questions are read in full and that answers will be posted shortly.)

Again, our primary goal is to streamline our convention business; while being respectful of the rights of our delegates. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask at any time. We sincerely thank you for your assistance and consideration.