A few months ago, SOT Council shared some proposed changes to the SOT Constitution and Bylaws with the membership for feedback. We extend our thanks to everyone who provided their thoughts and suggestions.
Now, Voting Is Underway!
The SOT voting members (Full, Emeritus Full, and Retired Full members) are currently voting on five proposed changes, which are summarized in this blog and also are available on the “Constitution and Bylaws” web page. Due to the number and intricacy of the changes, each proposal is being voted on individually. If you are a voting member and did not receive a ballot, please contact SOT Headquarters.
Voting closes on Sunday, August 25. The results will be announced to all SOT members in early September.
Summary of Proposed Changes to the SOT Constitution and Bylaws
Proposal #1: Modify the Full and Associate Membership Structure
Current Structure:
- Applicants can choose between Associate and Full membership.
- Both pay the same fees and have similar member benefits, but Associate members have restrictions, such as not being able to vote or sponsor membership applications.
- To upgrade to Full membership, Associate members must reapply, albeit with fewer materials than a new application.
Proposed Change:
- Introduce a single entry point: Associate membership.
- After three years, the SOT Membership Committee reviews Associate members’ engagement with SOT to decide on advancing them to Full membership.
- Criteria for Full membership include attendance at SOT events, membership in SOT groups, volunteer service, and scholarly activities.
- Dues remain the same for both membership types.
Rationale:
- The change acknowledges diverse pathways and experiences in toxicology, making membership criteria more inclusive and relevant.
Proposal #2: Expand Voting Privileges to Associate Members
Current Structure:
- Only Full, Retired Full, and Emeritus Full members can vote.
Proposed Change:
- Grant voting rights to Associate members, regardless of the outcome of Proposal #1.
Rationale:
- Associate members are vetted by the SOT Membership Committee and deemed capable of participating in important Society matters.
Proposal #3: Conduct the SOT Annual Business Meeting Virtually
Current Structure:
- The business meeting is held during the Annual Meeting, and substantive issues are decided by majority vote via mail or electronic transmission.
Proposed Change:
- Update bylaws to allow for a virtual business meeting, with substantive issues decided electronically.
Rationale:
- Modern technology allows for greater member participation and frees up the Annual Meeting schedule for other programming.
Proposal #4: Adjust the Distribution Date of the SOT Ballot
Current Structure:
- Ballots are sent by January 1 and are valid if received by February 1.
Proposed Change:
Shift the ballot distribution to the first week of January, closing 30 days after distribution.
- Allow flexibility in the method of distribution.
Rationale:
- Encourages greater participation by avoiding the winter holidays, without affecting election result timelines.
Proposal #5: Update Standing Committee Names
Proposed Change:
- Update the list of Standing Committees to align with the currently active Committees.
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