Our recent bylaw changes

Had a discussion today that reminded me of one of our bylaw changes that I take exception to. Was going to lay it out here and see what you all thought about it.

The bylaw in question is the one that pertains to how the bylaws are modified. In the past, our bylaws could be changed simply by having a member in good standing present a proposed change to the recording secretary. Then the change would be read at three consecutive meetings and voted on after the third reading.

I’m pretty sure not many members knew the bylaws could be changed that easily, which is a good thing, because we could have gotten bogged down by endless proposed changes.

The new, recently approved, method for changing our bylaws requires a proposed change having the signatures of 25 members- members in good standing. Then the proposed changes go before a bylaws committee. A committee of five members hand picked by the business manager. This bylaws committee then decides if the proposed change, signed by 25 or more members should be allowed to go before the body for its three readings and a vote.

It seems to me we have gone from one extreme to another. We’ve gone from making it ridiculously easy to propose changes to putting the power of making changes into the hands of a very small, select group of members.

Thoughts?