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Operating Policy for the Council of Society Delegates (CSD)

The general authority, composition, meeting and voting rules are set forth in the Society bylaws. This policy provides operational details. Council business is typically conducted in the fourth quarter of the calendar year.

The Society President chairs all meetings of the Council, including setting the agenda and appointing the Resolutions and Credentials Committees.

Resolutions Committee

  • This group is typically comprised of the Society Past President, Treasurer and President-elect Secretary.
  • This committee reviews and approves the minutes of the meeting.

Delegates

  • Delegates represent the voice of the section membership and act on behalf of the section.
  • Delegates review the agenda and amendments with section leaders and members in advance of the meeting.
  • As proxy voting is not permitted, the delegate must be a member of the section, and on file with HQ the first of the month prior to the month of the meeting or beginning of the online vote.
  • The District Chair provides passes to the delegates in advance of the meeting and provides the official list to the Credentials Committee.

Credentials Committee

  • This group is typically comprised of Society committee chairs.
  • The committee assists in verifying credentials of delegates through roll call, tallying the number of Sections and membership votes represented.
  • After the figures are tabulated, the Credentials Committee announces the totals so the President may declare the presence or absence of a quorum.

Ex-Officio

  • Ex-officio members of the Council may participate in the discussions.

Meeting Administration

  • Seating is assigned by District.
  • A delegate wishing to speak must be recognized by the chair and provide his or her name and Section.
  • Debate is limited to two minutes for each speaker.
  • Amendments may not be made from the floor as all resolutions must be presented 45-days in advance.
  • Voting is conducted at the option of the Chair. When required, a roll call vote shall be conducted.
  • Credentials will be issued only to delegates of sections in good standing on file with ISA the first of the month prior to the month voting begins.

Online Voting Administration (in lieu of meeting)

  • The Executive Board, in consultation with the Geographic Assembly, will generally issue a decision regarding online voting in lieu of a meeting in late July or early August to allow Sections time to make travel arrangements, as necessary.
  • Information and dialogue sessions will be hosted virtually in multiple time zones to ensure sections understand any amendments being presented.
  • Credentials for the voting platform will be issued only to delegates of sections in good standing on file with ISA the first of the month prior to the month online voting begins.
  • Voting results will be published within 30 days of the conclusion of the voting period.

Filing an Appeal

As permitted by Society Bylaws, an individual who has been suspended from membership in ISA by the Executive Board may appeal through the Council of Society Delegates. This policy establishes the process for appeal. Appeals may only be considered based on procedural errors that may have impacted the decision or new evidence that was not available at the time of the original decision. The only remedy available to appellants is the lifting of the membership suspension.
  1. Appeal Submission
    1. The appellant must submit a written appeal to the Society President within 30 days of receiving notification of suspension.
    2. The appeal must include
      1. A detailed statement supporting the grounds for appeal.
      2. Any supporting documentation the appellant wishes to be considered.
  2. Appeals Committee Review
    1. The Society President, as chair of the Council of Society Delegates, will select five delegates to serve as the Appeals Committee.
    2. The appellants will have an opportunity to identify if any of the delegates selected have a conflict of interest.
    3. The Appeals Committee will review the report from the Conduct Review Committee, the Executive Board decision, and the written appeal. 
    4. The Appeals Committee may interview the Chair of the Conduct Review Committee.
  3. Decision
    1. If the Appeals Committee determines that the grounds for appeal are not met, the appeal is dismissed, the suspension stands, and no further appeals may be filed.
    2. If the Appeals Committee determines that the grounds for appeal are met, a second conduct review shall be commenced with a new committee. 
    3. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final.
  4. Notification and Record-Keeping
    1. Staff will notify the appellant and the Society President determination of the Appeals Committee.
    2. Staff will retain the appeal decision and all related documents in ISA files.

Approved April 2025.