NOTICE OF SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

While TWO proposed amendments have been vetted by the Executive Committee AND approved by the your Board of Trustees, full congregational approval is required to ratify/approve the proposed changes (below) allowing them to be put in action for future, appropriate votes.

A SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING has been called for:

  • SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 at 1PM

  • CE SOCIAL HALL (7011 E. Central Avenue, Wichita, KS 67206)

ABOUT THESE SUGGESTED CHANGES / THIS MEETING

CHANGE 1 - ABSENTEE VOTING

Ahead of the joint-campus vote a concern has been raised about the inability for members in good standing to cast votes without being physically present during meetings/votes. The proposed amendments came in direct response to those concerns by providing the option of absentee voting in specific scenarios - something currently not allowed under our Constitution.

The SERIES OF suggested changes can found found in Article VI, Sections 2, 3, 6, and 7 of our Constitution.

CHANGE 2 - FAMILY/COUPLE VOTING

Ahead of the joint-campus vote a concern has been raised about the inability of non-Jewish spouses to vote on that issue, or any other issue that comes before the Congregation. The concern arises because because under the current Constitution non-Jewish spouses are not entitled to vote. To address this concern, the Executive Committee is recommending a one-word change to the Constitution to give each family in the Congregation a single vote.

The ONE WORD suggested change can be found in Article V, Section 4 of our Constitution.

To see/review BOTH amendment suggestions - in red line/mark-up within the FULL Constitution - use the tile below.

While it is true that these amendments are being spurred by a desire to provide for greater inclusion for any eventual vote on the joint-campus issue - these amendments also provide us important clarity and flexibility on quorum, absentee voting, and ensuring non-Jewish spouses can feel included in congregational votes on any/all other appropriate issues that may arise in the future.

To be clear - this is NOT a vote on the joint campus. ANY vote on the joint campus will be sent by a separate notice after a decision is made about these proposed amendments.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

If you have any questions about the proposed language, the process for amending our constitution, and the requirements for notification of proposed changes, ratification of changes, etc. please contact JORDAN SICKMAN - Board Chairperson and Parliamentarian.

Joint Campus questions and concerns should be directed to any of our representatives on the Joint Committee (find a full list on our Wichita Jewish Community Center page).

You can also use our CONTACT US form to have your questions routed to the right person based on topic/need.