We are still in need of volunteers for YALSA’s Organization and Bylaws committee. We need four more members to fill the committee. Here’s some more information about the role of the Organization and Bylaws committee:
BYLAWS
To periodically review the YALSA Bylaws and, when necessary, to recommend revision and amendment to improve them for the effective management of the Division, for the achievement of its stated objectives, and to keep them in harmony with ALA Constitution and Bylaws. Consider suggestions for Bylaws changes (from Executive Director, Board, Officers and/or membership) and submit recommended changes to the YALSA Board for review.
We have not done a bylaws review recently and we do need to continually make sure they stand up with ALA’s Bylaws, especially when changes are made which did occur this spring.
COMMITTEES
To study and review committee functions, recommending changes in committee structure. To consider, at the request of the Board or of any committee, recommendations like committee dissolution, committee name changes, or changes in function statements and to make specific recommendations for action to the YALSA Board in these areas. Whenever the establishment of a new member group is recommended, the O&B Committee reviews the proposal with an eye towards YALSA’s overall organizational structure to prevent duplication and ensure alignment with YALSA’s mission and goals. To review annually at the Annual Conference the reports of YALSA chairs to the Board. To advise the Board when, in the O&B committee’s opinion, activities have grown too varied to be handled by one member group, or have decreased to a level that Board review of a group’s usefulness is needed; to assure the Board that all current activities are in line with the committee’s function statement, YALSA’s goals and mission.
YALSA needs to evaluate it’s current committee structure in light of the volunteer shortages we have been facing the last few years. Charges and functions of current committees also need to be reviewed as there have been a number of updated practices that have not been reflected in the committee charges on the YALSA website in recent years.
HANDBOOK
To regularly review and when necessary recommend and draft revision of content for the YALSA Handbook; and to make recommendations on other appropriate policy and process matters. Revise the content in the YALSA Handbook, especially after Board actions. Periodically review and analyze the Bylaws for consistency with divisional goals in relation to current activities, practices and procedures; to suggest to the Board and YALSA staff areas in conflict and areas in need of expansion or revision.
If you have ever been frustrated by outdated information on the YALSA webpages, then this is where the updates have to be made. We have not been able to keep up with the updates that are needed to YALSA processes and procedures found in our handbook, and so we need this committee to help us start that work this year.
The Organization and Bylaws committee is vital to our organization and it’s effectiveness to our members and unfortunately the committee was unable to convene last year due to volunteer shortages. This committee averages about 5-10 hours of work max per month, perhaps a little more if there is a big project that comes up. This committee is all about evaluation and documentation. If that is something you love (and I know there are those of you out there because I am one of you!), then the O&B committee is the volunteer opportunity for you!
If you are interested in volunteering, you can access our YALSA Volunteer form with this link: https://www.ala.org/CFApps/volunteer/form.cfm
As you fill out the nomination form, please refer to my post from last fall: How to Fill Out YALSA’s Volunteer Form. Please email me (President-elect, Colleen Seisser) with your interest as that will expedite the review of your application and ensure I have eyes on it. You must be a current YALSA member and you must not already have three ALA volunteer commitments.
Respectfully submitted by Colleen Seisser, YALSA President-Elect
