As a democratic organization, the work and focus of the Guild 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.
In 2023, governance matters will be handled during the NLG Governance Plenaries on November 11-12. The plenaries will be virtual and open to all current NLG members. All voting will take place online after the plenaries.
Proposals and elections are open to NLG members only. To join the NLG, visit nlg.org/join.
Important Dates (full timeline below):
11/19: Deadline for pro and con statements to be submitted by members
11/22: Voting Link Sent, including Jailhouse Lawyer member mailing
12/22: Deadline for voting
1/5/24: National Office will publish results of voting
2023 Proposed Resolutions
Resolution Against U.S. Coercive Economic Measures
Resolution to Commemorate 75 Years of Nakba and Rectify NLG History on Palestine
Resolution to Free Alex Saab, Venezuelan diplomat imprisoned by the U.S.
Resolution to Support the APSP/Uhuru 3 and Challenge FARA Persecution
Resolution Opposing Perpetual War
Information For Candidates for Elected National Office
Each year, the NLG holds elections to choose the officers of the National Executive Committee (NEC). In 2023, the following offices are up for election:
President (Elect)
The President position is a three-year term beginning in 2024. This position is responsible for fundraising and for leading major initiatives of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the NLG. For more information, please read the NLG President Job Description.
Candidates for President (Elect):
Ría Thompson-Washington
Shahily Negrón
Vice-President
The Vice-President position is a three-year term beginning in 2024. This position is responsible for supporting the President, regional representatives, national committees and caucuses, and the National Executive Committee (NEC). For more information, please read the Vice-President Job Description in the NLG Bylaws.
Candidates for Vice-President:
Suad Abdel aziz
Khanstoshea Zingapan
Treasurer (Elect)
The Treasurer position is a three-year term beginning in 2024. This position is responsible for managing the NLG budget, finances, and fundraising plan, as well as participating on the National Executive Council (NEC) and Executive Council (EC). For more information, please read the Treasurer 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 of 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 LWVP Job Description.
This position is only open to current legal worker members.
Regional Representatives (All regions)
Regional representatives are a 2-year term on the National Executive Committee (NEC) beginning in 2024. Regional reps are responsible for acting as a liaison between local chapters in their region and the national board. For more information, please read the Regional Representative Job Description.
These positions are only open to members located in the geographical region covered by the role. To find which region you belong to, please see the Chapter page of the NLG website or email Membership Director Lisa Drapkin at membership@nlg.org.
Dates For 2023 Proponents & Candidates
Wednesday, May 10: Publicity begins for call for proposals & candidates
Friday, Sept 1: Deadline for draft amendments and resolutions to be submitted to the Resolutions Committee
Wednesday, Sept 13: NEC Committee application available to be on the ballot for membership vote
Friday, October 6: All final amendments and resolutions proposals must be submitted and approved by RC
Wednesday, Oct 11: National Office publishes proposed resolutions and amendments on website and sends to all current members, as well as the process for submitting pro and con statements
Sunday October 29: Deadline for members to contact proponents with friendly amendments
Wednesday, Nov 1: Deadline for proponents to to make friendly amendments, add endorsements, and send final versions to National Office
Friday, Nov 3: National Office will send out final resolutions/amendments and governance plenary agendas
Thursday, Nov 8: All staffed chapters must submit most up to date membership information to National Office
Friday, Nov 10: Emergency resolutions must be submitted and approved by RC
Friday, Nov 10: Deadline for any candidates for national officer positions to nominate themselves.
Saturday, Nov 11: Deadline for people to join/renew their Guild membership in order to vote in that year’s election
Sunday, Nov 12: Deadline for committees to submit application to be on the NEC the following year
Saturday/Sunday, Nov 11-12: Governance Plenaries
*Between 1st and 2nd plenary: Period in which members can contact emergency resolution proponents to suggest friendly amendments
Sunday, Nov 19: Deadline for pro and con statements to be submitted
Wednesday Nov 22: Voting Link Sent, including Jailhouse Lawyer member mailing
Friday Dec 22: 31 days after voting link sent: Deadline for voting
Friday Jan 5, 2024: National Office will publish results of voting
