FAQ for By-Laws Changes

MATC January 2022 Meeting

Frequently Asked Questions

What big changes to the bylaws are being made?

  • We are changing:
    1. the leadership structure to ensure that this harm is not perpetuated on any other individuals who run for MATC leadership positions,
    2. the definition of membership within MATC beyond conference attendance, 
    3. the mission and vision statements of the organization to better reflect the current goals and values of MATC, and
    4. the official medium of voting to allow digital ballots to be cast for those who are not able to attend the Annual Business Meeting at the conference. 

Proposed Changes to the By-Laws may be found here as a Google Doc and here on the website.

Rationale for each proposed change may be found here as a Google Doc and here on the website.

Why now? 

  1. MATC faces three active crises: white supremacy, inequality and exclusion of minoritized populations, and disciplinary precarity. The proposed changes to the by-laws are the beginning of the work to address these crises and we recognize that the work should and must continue beyond these initial proposed changes.
  2. Over the last two years, the imbalance of labor in the Executive Committee has become increasingly clear and untenable. MATC’s EC recognizes that this labor imbalance has harmed some members more than others, and we steadfastly believe that we cannot continue to ask our members to serve in leadership positions that require 10+ years of service and in positions that lack specific job duties in the by-laws.
  3. We have decided to hold this January Special Meeting in order to enact some specific changes needed before the March conference, such as job and duty changes that would need to be filled in March.

What if I have feedback?

Who gets to vote?

  1. All those who are currently members of MATC or who have been a member at any point over the last three years are able to vote in the election.
  2. If you do not fall in one of those categories, you can register for a membership for free at http://matc.us/2021/virtual-special-meeting-on-march-6-2021-registration/2432. The membership will expire on February 28, 2022.

How do I vote?

  1. The meeting will last approximately ninety minutes, with an optional social meeting following the by-law discussion. Members will be able to vote on by-law changes whether or not they are able to attend the meeting.
  2. A digital ballot to vote on these changes will be distributed to the membership immediately following the meeting and will be available for a 48-hour period following the meeting.
  3. All ballots will be due by Monday, January 31, 2022 at 3:00pm EST/12:00pm PST.

Why do I need to vote? 

  • By-laws should reflect a membership, not the other way around. Your vote is critical to the health and integrity of our organization.