TITLE: New Bylaws Section: GRP External Liaison

SPONSORS: Brian Mulhearn, Cheryl Rose

VETTING COMMITTEES: AdCom

FLOOR MANAGER: Brian Mulhearn

SHEPHERD: Aaron Dell

SUMMARY: Currently, according to the bylaws, only the GRP Co-chairs have the authority to speak for the party. As we increase our number and involvement with other outside groups, it makes sense for the GRP to define a standard for the role of External Liaison. We have a need for such a role.

BACKGROUND: No such standard currently exists in our bylaws. 

TEXT OF PROPOSAL:

Add a section to the GRP bylaws: 

Section X: External Liaisons

  • Definition & Purpose

External Liaisons are GRP members appointed by AdCom to serve as communication channels between the GRP and any external entity with which the GRP seeks to promote shared interests.

An external liaison shall make an effort to clearly express the GRP's goals and positions as they relate to the work of the other entity and communicate that entity's goals, positions and actions to the GRP on a timely basis.

 

The External Liaison relationship will be beneficial to GRP and the target group by allowing each of the two organizations to:

  • amplify and advocate the message(s) and visibility of the other
  • share information and ideas of mutual benefit in a timely manner;
  • avoid duplicate programming activities; and
  •  to share, if appropriate, event and publication efforts in areas of mutual interest through co-sponsorship.


  • Appointment and Removal 

GRP members who are active participants of other groups may apply to AdCom to be a liaison.  The application should include:

  • their interest in the external group,
  • why it would be beneficial for GRP to liaise with that group, and 
  • their commitment to being a liaison for at least one year. 

AdCom shall make a decision on the application within one month.

AdCom may revoke an External Liaison appointment if said person is not fulfilling the role to the benefit of the GRP. See Bylaws Section 4 (Removal from Appointed and Elected Position Process)

External Liaison appointments last for one year.  A liaison may seek reappointment.

 

In addition, in cases when there is insufficient time for an AdCom meeting and neither of the party Cochairs are available, the Cochairs may appoint an External Liaison for a single occasion. 

 

  1. Liaison Responsibilities

Any statements made by the liaison on behalf of the GRP must be consistent with the GRP Platform. Any areas of ambiguity must be discussed with a GRP Co-Chair before commenting as Liaison. A liaison cannot commit the GRP financially without authorization by AdCom.

.

Liaisons have a responsibility to, in a timely manner,

  • communicate any new position and/or activity of the target organization to AdCom;
  • bring new opportunities for collaboration to AdCom; 
  • confirm GRP is appropriately represented on the target organization’s website and materials; and
  • confirm the target organization is appropriately represented on the GRP website.

 

IMPLEMENTATION: AdCom will appoint/approve Liaisons except in emergency cases when the Co-chairs can appoint a liaison for a single occasion.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: None