PROPOSAL A

Updated Language: Bylaws of Toastmasters International

The Board proposes a series of amendments in the Bylaws updating language to be more clear, modern, and in line with current practices, as well as more general in nature to accommodate future operational changes. The proposed amendments would include removing unnecessary words and restructuring relevant paragraphs.

Proposed Amendments

Bylaws of Toastmasters International

1. Article I, Section 2
2. Article III, Sections 4 and 8.b
3. Article V, Section 7.c
4. Article X, Section 2
5. Article XII, Section 3.e
6. Article XIII, Section 10.a

To view the full text of the amendments for Proposal A, click here.

PROPOSAL B

Remove Unnecessary Cross-References: Bylaws of Toastmasters International

One of the organization's primary methods to convey information to members and leaders is written communication. A section in the Bylaws describes what constitutes a “written” message (or a message “in writing”); however, cross-referencing every reference to “written” or “in writing” in the Bylaws (over 30 in total) to that particular section would be cumbersome.

The proposed amendments to the Bylaws would remove all these cross-references and provide a single cross-reference to the appropriate section at the initial mention of the words “in writing.”

Proposed Amendments

Bylaws of Toastmasters International

1. Article III, Section 4a.2
2. Article V, Sections 3 b, d.2, and f
3. Article V, Section 5
4. Article X, Section 8
5. Article XIII, Section 9

To view the full text of the amendments for Proposal B, click here.

PROPOSAL C

Disciplinary Process

Toastmasters has an established procedure by which the Board of Directors takes action with respect to a member’s good standing with the organization. This is a fully internal process and not the equivalent of a court of law. The Board proposes amendments to the Bylaws to clarify this distinction—specifically, to change the term “charged member” to “member at issue,” and “persons charged” to “persons involved.” If approved, related Policies and Protocols will be amended accordingly.

Proposed Amendments

Bylaws of Toastmasters International

1. Article III, Section 13

To view the full text of the amendments for Proposal C, click here.

PROPOSAL D

Composition, Notification, Duties: Board of Directors

The Board proposes amendments to clarify how the Board of Directors is constituted, the preferred method for providing notification for Board meetings, and the duties of the Board. The proposed amendments would include restructuring text and revising relevant wording in the Bylaws, as well as recognizing written communication as the preferred method for providing notice to the Board Members.

Proposed Amendments

Bylaws of Toastmasters International

1. Article V, Sections 1, 3.b, and 4

To view the full text of the amendments for Proposal D, click here.

PROPOSAL E

Update Language to Reflect Current Practice: Annual Business Meeting

The Board proposes amendments that update language in the Bylaws to reflect current practice regarding the Credentials process and the Annual Business Meeting.

The sections in the Bylaws regarding voting and the Annual Business Meeting (ABM) were written based on fully physical, onsite processes. As technology has advanced and the organization has grown, other methods for voting and conducting the ABM have been introduced. The use of an electronic voting system ensures that any candidates nominated from the floor during the meeting can be instantaneously added to the balloting process. Considering the number of voters, and the now-hybrid format of the ABM, it is no longer practical to conduct the Credentials process at the meeting itself. The process is now entirely electronic and conducted in the days leading up to the meeting.

Proposed Amendments

Bylaws of Toastmasters International

1. Article IX, Section 3
2. Article X, Section 3

To view the full text of the amendments for Proposal E, click here.

PROPOSAL F

Updated Language: Club Constitution

The Board proposes amendments throughout the Club Constitution updating the language to align with current practice and using modern phrasing. The proposed amendments include acknowledging the availability of many meeting roles beyond that of “speaker”; the removal and replacement of words or phrasing that might be difficult for non-native English speakers to understand; and the recognition of common duties shared by Immediate Past Club Presidents in the club.

Proposed Amendments

Club Constitution

1. Article I
2. Article II, Sections 2, 3, 4, and 5
3. Article III, Section 4
4. Article VI, Section 4
5. Article VII, Section 8
6. Article X, Section 7

To view the full text of the amendments for Proposal F, click here.

PROPOSAL G

Readability and Clarity: Club Constitution

The Board recognizes that large blocks of text containing complex lists can be difficult to read and understand. One way to make content more accessible is to create bulleted lists. Another way is to remove excess words to simplify the sentences.

The Board proposes amendments to the Club Constitution to increase readability and clarity.

Proposed Amendments

Club Constitution

1. Article II, Section 4.b
2. Article II, Section 5

To view the full text of the amendments for Proposal G, click here.

PROPOSAL H

Club Standing Committees: Club Constitution

Club committees were established as a helpful resource for the club officers and a way for members to engage in club operations; however, having five required standing committees could be more of a burden than a benefit for some clubs. As with meeting format, the Board wants each club to find what works best for its members.

The Board proposes amendments to the Club Constitution to make the Club Executive Committee the only required standing committee for a club, with other committees optional at the Club President's or Club Executive Committee's discretion.

Proposed Amendments

Club Constitution

1. Article VIII

To view the full text of the amendments for Proposal H, click here.