What defines taking action on an application for membership?

[Guest Karen Florentine]

Our by-laws say "Board of Governors who shall consider and take action on the application with reasonable diligence". A person was proposed for membership and a motion was made for approval. No one on the Board seconded the motion for approval of membership. The motion died for lack of a second. Has the Board "taken action" on the application or must they vote in order for action to have been taken?

[Josh Martin]

Our by-laws say "Board of Governors who shall consider and take action on the application with reasonable diligence". A person was proposed for membership and a motion was made for approval. No one on the Board seconded the motion for approval of membership. The motion died for lack of a second. Has the Board "taken action" on the application or must they vote in order for action to have been taken?

So far as RONR is concerned, a motion which dies for lack of a second does not constitute action by the assembly (or consideration, for that matter). It is up to your organization to interpret its customized rules, however, as it is unclear whether the terms are used in your Bylaws in the same sense they are used in RONR. See RONR, 10th ed., pgs. 570-573 for some Principles of Interpretation.

Also, for future reference, seconds are not required in small boards (about 12 members or fewer).

[hmtcastle]

Has the Board "taken action" on the application or must they vote in order for action to have been taken?

It's up to your organization to determine whether the board has carried out its duties. If you think it hasn't, see FAQ #20.

Personally, I'd be inclined to say that the board did not "take action", but it's your members who you'll have to convince.