There are 148 amendments before the convention. I want to explain, in clear language, what they would change, why they matter and whether I believe they should be adopted.
I am currently working through all 148 amendments proposed for consideration at the convention this November.
We should understand what we are changing, why we are changing it and what the consequences may be.
This is a large amount of material, and many of the proposals are connected. Some deal with the same issue from different directions. Some repeat one another. Others may appear technical but could have a real effect on how members participate, how decisions are made and how power is exercised within the union.
I want to look at every amendment in plain language. For each one, I will try to explain what it concerns, what problem it is attempting to address and what would actually change if it were adopted.
I want to look at every amendment in plain language.
I will also give my own view. I will say whether I believe the amendment should be accepted or rejected, explain my reasons and, where I disagree with the proposed wording, offer an alternative of my own.
This will not be an official union document or an instruction on how anyone should vote. It will be my personal analysis, open to discussion and disagreement.
Members should not be expected to make important constitutional decisions after reading only a number, a short title and a few lines of formal language. We should understand what we are changing, why we are changing it and what the consequences may be.
My goal is simple: to make all 148 proposals easier to understand and to give members another way to think about the choices that will come before the convention.