2024 Business Meeting Motions

Proposed Bylaws Change: Student Voting Privileges

The proposed changes to Article III, Section B, Subsection III of ACNM Bylaws to extend voting privileges to student members.

Currently Article III, Section B, Subsection III reads:

"Student Member. An individual currently enrolled in an Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) accredited or pre-accredited midwifery program. Student Members cannot make motions or vote at membership meetings, or hold elected or appointed office except as stated below. Student Members may serve as a voting, non-chair member of a committee, division or task force, and any other bodies approved by the Board of Directors, and may speak at Annual Membership Meetings, consistent with ACNM policies and rules. An ex officio non-voting student representative to the ACNM Board of Directors may be annually selected"

The proposed Article III, Section B, Subsection III by the Bylaws Committee reads:

"An individual currently enrolled in an Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) accredited or pre-accredited midwifery program. Student Members can make motions and vote at membership meetings. Student members cannot hold elected or appointed office except as stated below. Student Members may serve as a voting, non-chair member of a committee, division or task force, and any other bodies approved by the Board of Directors and may speak at Annual Membership Meetings, consistent with ACNM policies and rules. An ex officio voting student representative to the ACNM Board of Directors may be annually selected."

I oppose this motion. Student members are learners. Students need to explore ACNM's history to come to an understanding of how past actions made by membership have shaped the organization, both pro and con. Students gain the privilege of voting only after they have completed this "apprenticeship." Their voices are welcome during meetings, and particularly so, given that their exploration of issues should be current, and their opinions based on and shaped by their study. But a vote is a privilege retained by members. 

Proposed Bylaws Change: Student Voting Privileges

The proposed changes to Article III, Section B, Subsection III of ACNM Bylaws to extend voting privileges to student members.

Currently Article III, Section B, Subsection III reads:

"Student Member. An individual currently enrolled in an Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) accredited or pre-accredited midwifery program. Student Members cannot make motions or vote at membership meetings, or hold elected or appointed office except as stated below. Student Members may serve as a voting, non-chair member of a committee, division or task force, and any other bodies approved by the Board of Directors, and may speak at Annual Membership Meetings, consistent with ACNM policies and rules. An ex officio non-voting student representative to the ACNM Board of Directors may be annually selected"

The proposed Article III, Section B, Subsection III by the Bylaws Committee reads:

"An individual currently enrolled in an Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) accredited or pre-accredited midwifery program. Student Members can make motions and vote at membership meetings. Student members cannot hold elected or appointed office except as stated below. Student Members may serve as a voting, non-chair member of a committee, division or task force, and any other bodies approved by the Board of Directors and may speak at Annual Membership Meetings, consistent with ACNM policies and rules. An ex officio voting student representative to the ACNM Board of Directors may be annually selected."