Chapter 3: Raising Issues for Council's Consideration

There are two means by which a division can have direct input to the Council of Representatives. First, upon vote of any division, issues may be brought to the attention of the Council of Representatives (APA Bylaws, Article IV, Section 4). Second, divisions are given the opportunity to submit proposals for action by Council within their annual report. Motions included in these annual reports are considered as separate action items.

Divisions can also place items on the Council agenda through new business introduced by their Council representative(s). New business presents a motion for action that is not currently before Council and may be introduced by a division, state/provincial association, or any Council representative acting individually. To facilitate the introduction of new business, a form is sent to Council representatives prior to both business meetings of Council. New business may be mailed in, submitted at the Council meeting, or introduced on the floor of Council during the meeting.

Many of the items on the Council's agenda either (1) originate directly from the APA boards and committees or (2) are referred for study and recommendation to APA boards and committees by Council (see Chapter 4 for more information). Recommendations for action taken by Council are presented along with the recommendation of the Board of Directors, which reviews Council's items prior to each Council meeting.

APA Members may bring business before Council by petition of .5% of APA Members in good standing. Furthermore, upon petition of 1% of APA Members, a request for a mail vote upon any matter (except an APA Bylaw amendment) may be addressed to the Council.