Information is being sent to LifeRing convenors about the new plan for increasing democracy and participation in the LifeRing organization by implementing a plan for absentee voting on Board elections and bylaw amendments. Here is the notice being sent:

Absentee Ballot Details for Upcoming 2013 LifeRing Congress

Convenors

Public Meetings (two or more people who come together for the purpose of abstinence, secularity and self-help using the LifeRing name, in a physical or internet location accessible to the public with location, day and time posted in a manner likely to give public notice) that have been in place for 45 or more days prior to Congress may select a Voting Delegate. This Delegate is ideally selected democratically by the people who attend the meeting, but if there is no preference or election then the Convenor may serve as the Delegate.  In order to vote in any subsequent absentee election, the Delegate must provide his or her name, contact information, and basis for eligibility (which meeting) to the Registrar at the LifeRing Service Center no less than 30 days prior to Congress.

Delegates

If you wish to submit an Absentee Proposal for consideration at Congress, or if you wish to make an Absentee Nomination for a candidate for Board of Director elections, you need to submit this in writing to the Registrar at the LifeRing Service Center no less than 30 days prior to Congress.

Nominees for Board of Director Seats

If you are nominated by a Delegate to run for an open seat, and if you wish to run for that seat, you will need to agree to the following expectations and provide the following information to the Registrar before the close of Congress. If you will not attend Congress, you need to do this in writing:

• As a Board Member you will be expected to participate in monthly board meetings.  These meetings are usually held by conference call and last about ninety minutes.  Other expectations and time commitments will be detailed in a letter you will receive as a Nominee, either at Congress or by mail if you are an Absentee Nominee.

• Unless there is a compelling reason agreed to by the rest of the Board to the contrary, your name and email address will be published on the LifeRing website, and your name and short biography may be included in grant applications.

• Your personal attendance is required at the Annual Meeting, which is held in major cities in North America after the conclusion of the annual Congress.

• You must be at least 21 years of age

• You must have abstained from alcohol and illicit or non-medically indicated drugs continuously for at least two years prior to commencing service.