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.
Proposals and elections are open to NLG members only.
2026 Proposed Resolutions and Amendments
Resolution on U.S. Violations of International Law in the Western Hemisphere
Resolution to Reverse Constitutional Amendments
- Pro Statement: Franklin Siegel
- Pro Statement: JB Miller
- Pro Statement; Susan Howard
- Con Statement: Prison Abolition Committee Co-Chairs
Emergency Resolutions
Emergency Resolution Condemning U.S. and Israeli Aggression Against Iran
Emergency Resolution Demanding Immediate Release of Salah Sarsour
Information For Candidates for Elected National Office
Each year, the NLG holds elections to choose the officers of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Executive Council (EC). Any current member interested in running for an open position should email a candidate statement to president@nlg.org by April 10, 2026. All candidates must be current NLG members!
In 2026, the following offices are up for election:
President
The President position is a three-year term beginning in June 2026. This position is responsible for working with staff and board on strategic planning, policies and procedures, finances, public-facing outreach, as well as participating on the National Executive Council (NEC) and Executive Council (EC). For more information, please read the President Job Description.
Candidates For President:
- Sara Habbo, click here to read the candidate statement.
Vice-President
The Vice-President position is a three-year term beginning in June 2026. This position is responsible for assisting with fundraising, convention, governance, supporting regions and national committees, and participating on the National Executive Council (NEC) and Executive Council (EC). For more information, please read the Vice-President responsibilities outlined in Section 7.5 of the NLG Bylaws.
Candidates For Vice-President
- Cristal Robinson: Candidate Statement
- Jeffrey Frank: Candidate Statement
Information For Proponents of Amendments and Resolutions
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 (Voting Procedures).
Process for Submitting Proposals
Email Submission
- Proposed resolutions, bylaws amendments, and constitutional amendments must be emailed in attachment form by February 9, Midnight (Pacific Standard Time). Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Early submission of resolutions, bylaw amendments and constitutional amendments is encouraged, as resolutions 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
Full 2026 Governance Timeline
January 8: First call for amendments and resolutions, and explanation of timeline of voting process. NEC officer positions up for election shared with membership with info about nomination and voting.
February 9: All draft amendments and resolutions must be submitted to Resolutions Committee.
March 9: All final amendments and resolutions must be submitted and approved by the Resolutions Committee. National Office publishes final version on the website and sends to all current members, as well as the process for submitting pro and con statements.
March 29: Deadline for members to contact proponents to suggest friendly amendments.
April 6: All staffed chapters must submit their most up to date membership information to the National Office.
April 9: Emergency Resolutions must be submitted and approved by Resolutions Committee.
April 10: Deadline for any national officer candidate positions to nominate themselves. Also, deadline for people to join/renew Guild membership to vote in the election.
Between April 10-11: Members can contact emergency resolution proponents to suggest friendly amendments.
April 17: Deadline for pro and con statements to be submitted.
April 21: Voting link must be sent, including to Jailhouse Lawyer members.
May 22: Deadline for voting.
June 6: National Office publishes the results of voting.
