News from the Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples Alliance

Contents: April 2007

Call for Nominations: Council Election To Be Held By Mail

For 2007 and the third time in GLAD’s history, the Council will conduct the election of Council members by mail ballot. A mail ballot process is permitted by the Design and Covenant, GLAD’s governing document.

Prior to 2005, GLAD elected Council members at its annual Events. Generally, Event attendance has ranged from 50 to 80 participants and not all were GLAD members. In 2005, GLAD conducted its first election by mail ballot resulting in participation by about 100 members.

By electing Council members by mail, the entire membership (approximately 225), not just those who attend an Event, will have the opportunity to participate in the selection of Council members. By enfranchising all members in the election of Council members, the current Council believes GLAD members will develop a broader interest in the “business of being GLAD Alliance” thereby resulting in a stronger and more vibrant organization.

As indicated elsewhere in this issue, the Nominating Committee, in accordance with the Design, has nominated two individuals for the two positions on the Council that will be open following the General Assembly. In addition to these nominations, members may submit additional nominations to be included on the mail ballot by following this process:

• Before submitting a nomination, obtain the permission and commitment to serve on the Council of the person you intend to nominate.
• Email your nomination to GLAD@gladalliance.org or mail to Nominations, GLAD Alliance, P.O. Box 44400, Indianapolis, IN 46244-0400. Your nomination must be received by May 25, 2007.
• The nomination, whether submitted by email or U.S. mail must include:
  • your name and contact information,
  • the name and contact information for the person nominated,
  • your statement that the person nominated has given permission to be nominated and is committed to serving on the Council, if elected, and
  • a paragraph prepared by you or the nominee describing the nominee’s background and experience and a brief statement of his or her interest in serving on the Council.

To be valid, a nomination must be made by a member of record on May 1, 2007 and the nominee must be a member of record on that date.

In addition, GLAD’s Design requires that no more than five members of the council be of the same gender and no more than five be clergy. The current members of the council who's terms continue include three men, three women, and one clergy.  Thus, for the 2007 election, there are no mandatory requirements about the gender or clergy/lay status of the nominees.

However, the Alliance Council strives to maintain balance and diversity on the council in other ways.  Of the 6 council members who will remain next year, four are lesbian or gay, none are bisexual or transgender, one is African American, one is Hispanic, one is a young adult, none are of retirement age.

All valid nominations will appear on the mail ballot that will be sent to members of record on or about June 5, 2007 by U.S. mail with instructions for returning a valid ballot by July 2, 2007.