REGION 2 RVC

Vice Sheet - April 2002
by Sallie Banko, Region 2 RVC

As I mentioned earlier, this month I'm reporting on the AMC meeting that just took place. Those who get bored with the stuff can jump down to the latter part of this column where you'll find general info and updates on what's happening.

Please remember that the following is a selective summary of what took place during the recent AMC meeting; longer than the mini-minutes, and not nearly as detailed as the full minutes will be. I usually include things that seem to have been of some concern or that will directly affect members and/or local groups. If anyone has any questions, wants either more details on the items mentioned or on something I didn't cover, contact me and I'll fill you in with the rest of it.

As it stands right now, those who are on the national nominating committee from our region are: Selena Updegraff (Central PA), Edith Rudy (Lehigh Pocono) and Bob Strippy (Thomas Jefferson).

The budget for FY 2002-2003 was passed. This budget included an increase in direct Local group subsidy. This now stands at $8.15 per full dues paying member and $3.00 per "second member of household". This is an increase of $.30 /full dues paying member. Some of the budgetary money was reallocated from the RVC funding to the local group subsidy to help make this increase happen.

There were some changes made to the Policies and rules Governing Hearings (Appendix 5 to the list of ASIEs):

If the accused does not contest the charges, he/she waives the right to a hearing and the hearings committee may render a decision.

Failure to timely cooperate with a legitimate request may result in the waiver of a hearing. Both of these will not affect any National Hearing currently in effect.

Wording was changed to accommodate various means to convene, other than an actual physical meeting.

Clarification as to what can be reimbursed (in accordance with then-current AMC reimbursement procedures) and eliminating the previous "$500 per person" limit.

A few motions were withdrawn: The motion in re decision of the Hearing Committee (due to time changes, not valid at this time). The sense motion about handicapped accommodation was also withdrawn.

Things that will go to referendum:

Deleting the words "except for the Annual Meeting of the Committee" in article VII, section 2c. This has to do with participation in a meeting by an AMC member by means of telephone or other such means. The wording is unclear, and there is no reason seen to not allow such participation at any AMC meeting.
Changing the wording of article IX, section 7 to clarify what occurs if a member facing charges resigns or does not renew members before the hearing process has been completed. Essentially, if this happens, the process may continue, according the accused the same due process as if the resignation or non-renewal had not occurred.
Amending article VI, section 4 to change the date by which petitions must be submitted from March 1 to February 1. This separates the petition deadline from the candidate statement submission deadline.
Adding "Ties shall be broken by coin toss or another objective method" to Article V, section 1
Adding "A person's name may not appear in more than one race on the same ballot" to article VI, section 7.1

Enough about the meeting. My thanks to Central New Jersey for volunteering to host this AMC meeting and a special thanks to those who volunteered to do the airport runs. It was very much appreciated! There was one down side to this meeting: As an AMC member, I had to sit in meetings instead of enjoying Snowball's hospitality and programming. Again thanks to those who understood my distractions - and put up with me anyway! And now on to the general information and items of interest...

MERF is hoping to be able to offer a new scholarship next year. Keep your ears open for news on a Regional $500 scholarship specifically for Mensa members and children of Mensa members.

On another note, MERF would like to remind editors to please not list any research project in the local newsletters unless they have been approved by MERF. Not to be confused with informal local group surveys, a research project is something that needs to follow strict guidelines in order to be valid. If you are not sure what would be considered a survey or a research project, please take the time to check with someone from MERF. (Contact info is included in the Bulletin Board, usually found on the last page of the Bulletin)

Do you know of a proctor who deserves recognition? The Salny Award Committee is looking for nominations. This is an award given to a proctor for his/her performance in Mensa's testing program. Contact Marla Whipple at the National office to submit a name.

Now go out and enjoy Spring!

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