Open Membership - new resolution

[Quala67]

As a result of the Transition Committe's report, the following resolution was passed in its enitrety at the February, 2006, National Board of Directors Meeting. It is posted here for your reference.

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Be it resolved that the National Board of Directors expresses its appreciation and gratitude to the members of the Open Membership Transition Committee for the time and effort that they have given to the Fraternity in this endeavor.

Be it further resolved that the National Board of Directors implements a Transition to Open Membership Program, based in large part on the recommendations of the Committee, to include the following:

-- Continuation of a Transition Committee until December 30, 2006, for the purpose of developing detailed action steps to implement the program, and other duties as prescribed by the National President.

-- Open forums and workshops to be conducted at sectional and regional conferences in 2007, as well as other Fraternity events

-- Direct communication and dialogue with the seventeen Chapters directly affected by the transition

-- Visits by Board Members to the effected Chapters

-- Prominent displays of the progress of the transition period, including reports and updates, in Fraternity communications and publications

-- A list of “Big Brother” chapters who would be willing to assist the seventeen Chapters in their transition

Be it further resolved that the preceding list is not exhaustive, and the National Board of Directors reserves the right to change the composition of the transition program if it is deemed necessary to make the transition program more successful; and

Be it further resolved that the National Board of Directors declares that all Chapters of Alpha Phi Omega must be in compliance with the Fraternity’s Open Membership policy no later than June 30, 2008; and

Be it further resolved that a Chapter is considered to be “in compliance with the Fraternity’s Open Membership policy” when the Chapter:

-- Removes all language from its bylaws, operating policies, recruiting programs, pledge education programs, and the like, that requires a member or potential member to be of a certain gender; and

-- Makes a good faith and demonstrable effort, in all recruiting activities and in every pledge and rush period, to recruit college students, without regard to gender, for membership in the Chapter

Be it further resolved that Regional Directors shall oversee the transition program in their respective regions, as applicable, and shall determine whether or not the Chapters are in compliance.

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