The ATA Chronicle - September/October 2020 - 12

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12

The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2020

ATA 2020 ELECTION: PROPOSED BYLAWS AMENDMENTS continued
controlling the supply of certified individuals. Allowing nonmembers to take the ATA
certification exam would also raise awareness of ATA certification in the translation
industry, recognize the competence of professional translators regardless of their
membership status, generally increase the credibility of the translation profession, and
enhance the credibility of the ATA certification examination.
The Board of Directors therefore considers it in the best interest of the Association
to open the ATA certification exam to nonmembers of ATA. The wording of the current
Bylaws allows differing interpretations regarding the right to take the ATA certification
exam and the Board of Directors' authority to set policy in that regard. Clarity with
respect to both issues is desirable and necessary to avoid disputes and to obtain the
benefits described above.
This amendment eliminates ambiguity about the right to take the certification exam,
clarifying that a reduced rate for the certification exam is a privilege of membership and
that the exam may be offered to nonmembers.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS: MULTIPLE CANDIDATES
FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE
Proposed Amendment to Article VII, Section 2 d. 2):
2) The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee shall propose
multiple candidates for each elective position of the Association, including at
least two (2) candidates for the position of President-elect when that position
is up for election. The names of the candidates proposed, whose written
acceptances must have been obtained by the Nominating and Leadership
Development Committee, shall be presented to the Board of Directors for
publication to the members.

Amended clause of the Bylaws without markup:
2) The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee shall propose
multiple candidates for each elective position of the Association, including at
least two (2) candidates for the position of President-elect when that position
is up for election. The names of the candidates proposed, whose written
acceptances must have been obtained by the Nominating and Leadership
Development Committee, shall be presented to the Board of Directors for
publication to the members.

Commentary
An uncontested slate is not in the best interests of member participation and
involvement. Historically, ATA Nominating Committees regularly offered members a
choice of candidates for both officer and director positions. An effective nomination
process produces a balanced slate of candidates that is not only representative of
the membership but also presents a plurality of candidates for critically important
leadership positions. The Association is strengthened when members make
meaningful choices in their votes for leadership positions. This proposed Bylaws
amendment would remove reliance on the "nomination by petition" process
(Article VII, Section 2 d. 4) of the ATA Bylaws) to ensure that choice. While the
Elections Policy may be revised from time to time, or even from one Board meeting
to the next, it is appropriate for its fundamental aspects, namely the assurance that
members will have a choice when voting for officers, to be guaranteed in the Bylaws.
The Board of Directors chose not to take a position on the above amendment, but the
Board notes that, if approved, this amendment will require that at least two candidates
be proposed for each officer and director position up for election each year. This means
at least six candidates for three open director positions and two candidates each for
secretary, treasurer, and president-elect when those positions are on the ballot.

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The ATA Chronicle - September/October 2020

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