February 23, 2010

 The Elimination of the AzAFP Congress of Delegates (COD):

The AzAFP’s 2009 Congress of Delegates recently voted  (electronically) to eliminate the  AzAFP Congress of Delegates.  The Speaker of the congress along with the President, polled members regarding the elimination of the COD.  Members were not pleased with the idea, however most said that they understood because they, themselves were not willing/able to participate.  Over the years, it has become harder to secure delegates to attend the congress for the one day meeting.  Members cited many reasons for the inability to attend, including the difficulty of being out of the office, not feeling that the process was useful or other non-specific reasons.  After polling other state chapters, it was clear that members across the country were becoming more unwilling to attend state chapters’ congress meetings.  As a result, many chapters have moved away from this meeting and have replaced it with other more workable options. 

 Background Information on the AzAFP Congress of Delegates:

The AzAFP has held a congress of delegates since 1992.  The AzAFP held 17 congresses with the last one in 2009.  The AzAFP has experimented with different formats and speakers over the years.  The congress has served as the policy making body for the AzAFP.   The congress was made up of delegates from every county in Arizona.  Staff worked hard to ensure that each county had representation at the congress. 

 Will we still have an all member meeting?

Yes, the Board has decided to hold a membership meeting this summer on Saturday July 10th for all members to attend and discuss AzAFP issues.  This meeting was held in Prescott, AZ this year and went very well.  Only two non-board members were present but we still feel there was a good amount of discussion and was worth while.  We will hold another all member meeting during our Spring 2011 Annual Clinical Education Conference (more details to follow). 

 How will the AzAFP make policy?

Resolutions will still be accepted and reviewed at board meetings as they are submitted throughout the year (There are at least 4 Board meetings/year).   The proposed bylaws changes include an addition of 3 directors at large to the Board of Directors. These members were nominated and approved by our Board and they are Carter Mayberry, MD, Alan DeWitt, MD & Rebecca Moran, MD.   The Board wants to ensure that there will be adequate representation from rural counties.  The board was always able to make policy and now they will be the only policy making body for the AzAFP.   All members are allowed at any and all board meetings.  If members would like to present matters for consideration they may do so by submitting them in writing 20 days prior to the meeting and may participate without a vote in debates with approval of the president. 

 Will we ever have a congress again?

We may reinstate the congress in the future.  The bylaws can always be amended.  “The Board, by a majority vote, or any ten or more constituent members, may propose amendments to these bylaws by submitting them to the secretary at least 30 days prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Board” (amended AzAFP bylaws).