FAQs on Submitting Proposed Amendments and Resolutions for Convention
Preparations are underway for NATCA’s 20th Biennial Convention to be held at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco on May 9-11, 2025. The deadline for submitting proposed amendments for the upcoming Convention is quickly approaching! All proposed amendments must be submitted to NATCA’s Executive Vice President at [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
For our members who haven’t submitted an amendment or resolution before and aren’t sure where to start, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help clarify the process.
If you have further questions not answered below, reach out to a member of the Constitution Committee or to NATCA General Counsel Marguerite Graf.
Who can submit an amendment or resolution?
Any active Union member in good standing can submit an amendment or resolution. You do not need to be a delegate, alternate, or attendee at the 20th Biennial Convention.
What is an amendment?
An amendment proposes either a change to an existing article of the Constitution or the addition of a new article. NATCA’s Constitution currently contains fifteen articles which establish the basic structure and principles of our Union. The Constitution is the Union’s governing policy document. An amendment requires a ⅔ majority to pass.
For example, Article III of NATCA’s Constitution defines who is eligible for membership and the requirements for maintaining membership status.
What is a resolution?
A resolution proposes either a change to an existing NATCA standing rule/policy and position statement or the addition of a new standing rule/policy and position statement. A resolution requires a simple majority to pass.
Standing rules are the set of guidelines that govern how our national organization and locals operate and function. For example, Standing Rule F-4 provides that the locals must be audited at least once every three years and Standing Rule G-1 governs the use of the NATCA logo.
A policy and position statement articulates NATCA’s stance on an issue. For example, Policy and Position Statement F-8 expresses NATCA’s position on age 56 waivers.
How do I submit a proposed amendment or resolution?
Make it clear exactly what article, standing rule, or policy and position statement you are proposing changes to and include line edits for wording changes. Use strikethrough to indicate deleted parts and underline to highlight new additions.
However, don’t stress about it too much. You can just generate a rough idea and reach out to your regional National Constitution Committee member to help you polish the text and format it correctly. We encourage you to include a rationale of 200 words or fewer, though it is not required.
Submit your proposal via email to [email protected] before 11:59 p.m. EST on Jan 9, 2025.
Why should I submit a proposed amendment or resolution? NATCA is membership-based, and our Union’s success depends on your participation. The NATCA Constitution is a living document that is intended to be adapted over time reflect the Union’s objectives and needs and the membership’s priorities.
