VUNA Views, Vol. 8, No. 3, Summer (June), 2000

VUNA Views, Vol. 8, No. 3, Summer (June), 2000

IVU Member Societies Vote to Adopt New Constitution, Bylaws

After months of discussion through e-mail, member societies of the International Vegetarian Union voted to adopt a new IVU Constitution and Bylaws as of October 31, 1999. Forty-five of eighty-nine full member societies cast ballots, which were unanimously in favor of the new Constitution except for three societies that abstained.

The new Constitution replaces the 1993 Constitution and attempts to make the IVU more streamlined and democratic and better able to take advantage of opportunities for worldwide communication and participation afforded by the growth of the Internet. The general principles and organization of the IVU are stated in the Constitution, while the Bylaws set out details. The Bylaws can be changed by a simple majority of voting member societies; alterations to the Constitution require approval of 75% of voting members. In both cases, at least 50% of IVU members entitled to vote must participate in order to constitute a quorum. Voting can now take place by mail or e-mail rather than a physical presence at the IVU General Meeting at a World Vegetarian Congress.

Membership in the IVU is now restricted to nonprofit organizations advocating vegetarianism and governed exclusively by vegetarians. Individuals are no longer eligible for membership and instead may become Supporters of IVU. Organizations supporting the aims and objectives of IVU may also become Supporters, whether or not they are vegetarian or nonprofit. Supporters may receive appropriate benefits but have no voting rights. This is primarily a terminology change from the earlier Constitution, which provided for both group and individual memberships but limited voting to qualified vegetarian societies.

The new Bylaws have set up additional categories for Supporters. Fellows are individuals elected for life in recognition of their services to the growth of vegetarianism. Patrons are defined as lifetime Supporters who make an appropriate donation to IVU; they were formerly called Lifetime Members. So under the new Constitution and Bylaws, IVU membership is limited to nonprofit vegetarian organizations. IVU Supporters include individuals and families who make the appropriate donation, as well as societies that do not qualify for IVU membership; Fellows and Patrons are classed as Supporters. Only Members may vote, but Supporters receive benefits, such as a newsletter subscription.

The new Constitution requires negotiation of individual contracts with Regional Organizations like VUNA. With the World Congress requiring much time and attention from some VUNA officers, VUNA has not yet begun considering the shape of a new contract with the IVU. Therefore, we don't know what changes may be in store for VUNA's relationship with the IVU. The topic may come up at the IVU General Meeting during the World Congress in Toronto.

The International Council of the IVU has responsibility for running the affairs of the IVU between General Meetings. Access to e-mail is now a virtual requirement for membership in the IC. The more active role for the Council is feasible only because of electronic communication. All Councilors are expected to take on specific responsibilities. This is a marked contrast from the past, when IC members sometimes seemed to vanish from the face of the earth after their election.

The Bylaws state: "The IVU shall have no headquarters or central office. Responsibilities shall be divided amongst all members of the International Council in different parts of the world." This illustrates the IVU's goal of recognizing the diversity and unique situations of vegetarian organizations throughout the world. Until access to e-mail became widespread and affordable, participation in decision-making for the IVU was effectively limited to those with the time and money for traveling to World Congresses. The changes in the IVU Constitution and Bylaws may help bring about a Vegetarian Union that is finally truly International.

Maintained by Judy Miner jwminer@accessvt.com
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