How to Write a Board Proposal
Want to change a policy in ICC? As a part owner of ICC, you have the power to impact how the organization is managed. Any member can propose to amend, eliminate, or create an ICC policy simply by bringing the proposal to the Board for a vote. Below are some helpful steps on how to write a proposal and a proposal template that you can use as an outline.
Proposal Template
Here's a template you can use as an outline.
Download the template as a Word doc or view the online template.
Submitting a Proposal
Step 1: Find out the background of the issue and come up with some ideas.
Look into an issue before you suggest a change. Find out the way things work now and how other people feel about it. You might find out that what you want to do is already in place, or that what you're proposing was tried previously. Some sources of info or ideas:
- Your housemates (especially if the issue concerns them)
- Your board rep
- The ICC Standing Rules (your board rep should maintain a copy for the house)
- Members of the ECC (contact info on the website)
- Staff
Step 2: Write the Proposal
You have two choices:
- Write the proposal yourself using the proposal template. Your house board rep can help you with this.
- Go to the appropriate Committee. See contact page for names of coordinators
There are various committees that deal with issues such as Finance, Facilities, Membership issues, and Management (Staff and Office issues). There are sometimes also temporary ("ad hoc") committees that are created for a specific task (like the 1910 Committee, to help plan the opening of the new 1910 co-op).
Going to a Committee is the best way to get more input and to help you make a more effective and persuasive proposal. At the committee meeting you can discuss your ideas and get help with proposal wording. Other members of the committee will likely have ideas or perspectives you hadn't considered or background knowledge that can be helpful, and can greatly strengthen your proposal. Also, the more people who are aware of your proposal or have been involved in its creation, the more likely it is to pass, and to be successful after it's been approved.
The Committee Coordinator can point you to the right committee for your proposal. The CC knows what the various committees are, what other issues they're working on, and the meeting times and places. You can also see a list of committees on the Board page on the website.
Step 3: Revise your proposal
After writing the proposal it's very important to edit and revise your proposal for typos, clarity and presentation. Consider getting someone else to read the proposal in its finished version and critique it. Committee members, your house board rep, the Board Coordinator or Committee Coordinator are all good choices for helping you revise.
Step 4: Submit your proposal to the Board Coordinator
Any member of ICC can get an item on the board agenda. All you have to do is e-mail the Board Coordinator 6-7 days before the board meeting. Your e-mail should say how much time you are requesting and should have the proposal attached as a Word File. The Board Coordinator will e-mail you back and let you know what time your agenda item will be addressed at the meeting.
Step 5: Come to the Board Meeting and tell everybody why your idea is so great!
At the board meeting you'll have the chance to tell everyone about your proposal and answer questions. They may also propose changes (amendments). Then the board will vote on your proposal. Voila! You just left your mark on ICC History.