As a democratic organization, the work and focus of the NLG is decided by our members. Each year, we hold plenaries in which members discuss programmatic priorities, often in the form of resolutions. We also update our governing documents, our Bylaws and Constitution, and elect new officers to serve on the NLG National Executive Committee (NEC).
This year, NLG will not have a consolidated #Law4thePeople Convention. Instead, programming will be spread throughout the year. However, governance matters will be handled during the NLG Governance Plenaries on October 22-23, 2022. The plenaries will be virtual and open to all current NLG members. All voting will take place online after the plenaries.
This is the first call for resolution and amendment proposals and NEC candidates. Resolution and amendment proposals are open to NLG members only. To join or renew, visit nlg.org/join.
Important Dates (full timeline below):
August 1, 2022: Firm deadline to submit proposed resolutions and bylaw and constitutional amendments.
September 21, 2022: Deadline for proponents to complete procedural compliance and finalize proposals.
September 22, 2022: Final proposed resolutions and bylaw amendments will be shared with all members.
October 2, 2022: Deadline for members to suggest friendly amendments
October 21, 2022: Deadline to submit emergency resolutions (24 hours before convention begins); deadline for any candidates for national officer positions to nominate themselves
Information For Proponents
What are Amendments and Resolutions?
Amendments
- The membership has updated the constitution, originally adopted in 1937, at many conventions. The current constitution and bylaws are available here: nlg.org/about/bylaws-and-resolutions/
- Amendments can be made to either our constitution or our bylaws.
Resolutions
- Resolutions are an opportunity for our membership to propose and agree on statements of programmatic priorities for our organization and to take stances on various issues.
- Examples of resolutions here: nlg.org/about/bylaws-and-resolutions/
Emergency Resolutions
- Emergency resolutions are resolutions based on events that take place after the initial sixty-day deadline, and up to twenty-four hours prior to the voting plenary. The twenty-four hour deadline may be waived in the event that an emergency resolution is non-controversial as determined by the Resolutions Committee and confirmed by the actual vote. Emergency resolutions must comply with all resolution requirements not related to timeliness.
For more information on Resolutions, Constitution and Bylaws Amendments, see the NLG Bylaws, Section 8.
Process for Submitting Proposals
Email Submission
- Proposed resolutions, bylaws amendments, and constitutional amendments must be emailed in attachment form by August 1, 2022, Midnight (Pacific Time). Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Early submission is encouraged, as resolutions and amendments often require edits to be made for submissions to be in full accordance with the procedural requirements.
- Emails should be addressed to resolutions@nlg.org
Procedural Requirements (Please read carefully!)
The attachment with the proposed resolution or amendment must:
- On its face include the name and contact information of the person submitting the resolution or amendment. This ensures members can contact the proponent before and during the convention.
- Contain a specific and explicit implementation clause indicating what individuals or entities will do the work of implementing the resolution (i.e. the Resolutions Committee, the National Office, a local chapter, etc.). Per an amendment approved at the 2014 convention, proponents are only required to have attempted to obtain consent of those tasked with implementing the resolution. If any person or entity is tasked with implementing the resolution, the face of the resolution must indicate that the proponent has contacted such persons or entities before submitting the resolution. Proposal must indicate if 1) proponent has the consent of all persons obligated, 2) that consent was denied, 3) that consultation was impractical and why, or 4) that approval was requested but was not granted or denied.
- Not exceed 3 pages, 12-point font, including endorsing entities or names. Shorter proposals are encouraged. Endorsing names and entities must be included within the 3-page limit.
- Proposal must include the name and contact information of the person who will present the proposal in the two plenaries.
- Any submission that has been denied for lack of obtaining explicit agreement of a tasked entity or individual to implement the resolution or amendment may be appealed to the Executive Council of the NEC by contacting Suzanne Adely at president@nlg.org.
All primary proponents should plan to present and speak on behalf of the amendment or resolution at the virtual plenary. If they will not be present, proponents should notify the Resolutions Committee and appoint an alternate delegate to present and answer questions during the plenary.
Note: Amendments from the floor are not accepted, so people objecting to proposals should speak with proponents well in advance of the plenaries to see if they are willing to amend their own proposals before they come to the plenary floor.
Information For Candidates for Elected National Office
Each year, the NLG holds elections to choose the officers of the National Executive Committee (NEC). All current NLG members in good standing are eligible to run for an elected office, although it is recommended that candidates have one year of Guild membership before running for a position. If you are interested, please email a brief candidate statement to NLG Director of Research and Education Traci Yoder at traci@nlg.org before October 21, 2022. If you have any questions about the election process, please email Traci.
In 2022, the following offices are up for election:
Secretary
The Secretary position begins in 2022 and ends at the 2025 Governance Plenaries. This position is responsible for recording and sharing the institutional knowledge of the organization, and participating on the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Executive Committee (EC). For more information, please read the NLG Secretary Job Description.
Student National Vice President (SNVP)
The SNVP serves for a 2-year term on the National Executive Committee (NEC), and participates on the Executive Committee (EC) during the 2nd year of their term. The SNVP represents the interests of law student members of the NLG. More details about the position can be found in the SNVP Job Description.
This position is only open to current law student members.
Legal Worker Vice President (LWVP)
The LWVP serves for a 2-year term on the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Executive Committee (EC). The LWVP represents the interests of the legal worker membership of the NLG. For more information, please read the NLG LWVP Job Description.
This position is only open to current legal worker members.
Information for Candidates for National Positions Elected by Constituencies
Candidates for national office which are selected by regions, projects, task forces, or committees (e.g., Regional Representatives, representatives from The United People of Color Caucus and Queer Caucus, and representatives from NLG projects and national committees) should refer to their respective entities for procedures and available offices.
Important Dates For 2022 Proponents & Candidates
May 15, 2022:
- Publicity begins for call for proposals & candidates
August 1, 2022 (Midnight Pacific Time)
- Firm deadline to Submit Proposed resolutions, & bylaw & constitutional amendments.
- No extensions will be granted. Please submit early.
September 1, 2022
- Deadline for Resolutions Committee’s initial response to proponent.
September 21, 2022
- Deadline for proponent to complete procedural compliance (if needed).
September 22, 2022
- Final proposed resolutions and bylaw amendments will be placed on the NLG website.
October 2, 2022
- Deadline for members to suggest friendly amendments to proposals (no revisions are accepted on the plenary floor)
October 12
- Deadline for proponents to re-submit final versions with friendly amendments and endorsements
October 21, 2022
- Deadline to submit emergency resolutions (24 hours before convention begins)
- Deadline for any candidates for national officer positions to nominate themselves.
October 22
- Deadline for people to join/renew their Guild membership in order to vote in the election
October 22-23, 2022
- Governance plenaries.
November 1, 2022
- Deadline for pro and con statements to be submitted.
November 4, 2022
- Online voting begins
December 6, 2022
- Online voting closes; results will be posted once voting has closed.
