Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 9. Source pages: 1, 3, 5.
For the first time in decades, members of the Louisiana Psychological Association voted to make significant changes in their governing council. The changes are in part a reaction to the conflict in the association over the passage of Act 251. In the future, only those officials elected by membership, rather than those appointed by the president, will have decision-making power.
In what appeared to be a unanimous vote the revisions passed at the April 22nd annual meeting. Other important changes in the bylaws were: Any voting member can run for office without the approval of a nominating committee; election will be by mail using preferential voting; there will be fewer standing committees to conform to the actual needs of the association; and there are provisions for the executive council to establish “divisions and units” to encourage “collegiality” based on members’ interests or locale.
During intense debate on LPA’s listserv last year revolving around Act 251, some realized that the bylaws were inadequate. Psychologists from both Grassroots and LPA contacted Mr. Alan Jennings, a parliamentarian and local author. His review concluded that the bylaws gave members little or no procedural power. Along with other deficiencies, the previous bylaw structure did not provide for members to call an emergency meeting.
During a discussion on LPA listserv, Dr. Judith Steward, current LPA member and past president of the Florida Psychological Association posted a full analysis and critique of the bylaws. In her Con’t pg 5 review, she wrote, “I note that the EC can call special meetings but the membership cannot. That gives members no way to get the leadership together in a critical situation (which we just had). The vision of members begging their elected leaders to respond to them by e-mail is dreadful. We need to provide the members with a reasonable way to call an emergency meeting.”
In November members submitted a request for a bylaws revision commission, written and delivered by Dr. Susan Dardard, to the LPA officials. President Dr. Levy and the executive committee agreed to the request and a committee was formed, led by chairman Dr. Phillip Griffin. The committee included 29 volunteers, representing various factions in the organization including medical psychologists, Grassroots’ members, officials, and some who were neutral.
The group met for approximately 50 hours on weekends in January and February isolating changes that could be agreed on. Gradually the group agreed on many aspects and principles of fair representation. However some medical psychologists felt the process was too fast and not thorough enough.
The committee’s report to membership stated, “After much discussion, and exploration of thoughts, views, and ideas, this committee believes that this revised set of bylaws will serve to promote inclusiveness, increase membership participation and accountability, and enhance communication among its membership.”
Dr. Mike Chafetz, said, “The new constitution for LPA passed without a single nay vote, an extraordinary thing. It is a new day for psychology in Louisiana, as the new bylaws open LPA up to the membership, heralding an era of increased participation and professional interaction. I sincerely hope that psychologists will begin to look on LPA as a place for camaraderie and professional stimulation.”
LPA members hold “voting member” cards up at bylaws final vote. Above: Dr. Judith Levy at podium during LPA annual meeting. Dr. Levy’s leadership in bylaws revision was critical to collaboration between different factions in the organization. Below: Dr. Griffin, chairman of the bylaws committee, reviews changes.
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