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I am a volunteer for a membership organization serving as Chair. The executive committee (volunteer board of membership organization) is discussing making a modification to the bylaws. I am trying to understand what this process looks like in light of this snapshot from our bylaws: "Amendments to the Bylaws shall be by action of the Executive Committee, subject to ratification at the next annual membership meeting." This is what I understand the process to look like: 1) Discussion at next Executive Committee meeting where group agrees with bylaw change 2) Executive Committee member makes a motion, second. 3) Fast forward to membership meeting in March.....quorum is identified. Chair puts the "motion" (?) to the membership and asks for a vote. (How do I word this for the membership? Is this a motion, resolution, recommendation? Do I need a member to make a motion, second, debate then vote? I certainly enjoy volunteering but this is confusing me! Please help and THANK YOU for your time.

Why was it important to add the list of reasons for ratifying actions to RONR in the 11th edition (p. 124-125)? Has there been a surge in the need for this motion? What are some examples you've seen in your practices? Many thanks.

What is the ruling if there is no by-law within the organization that requires a referendum result to be ratified? One of my Universities student unions held a referendum that had a result that is now subject to a declared ratification but no where in our by-laws does it call for one. If it is not in the by-laws or our constitution do we need to ratify?