Dear Sisters and Brothers:
It has come to our attention that there is some confusion regarding proposed changes to the District 142 bylaws.
Article 14, Section 3 states:
Any Local Lodge affiliated with District Lodge 142 may propose amendments or changes to these bylaws, by submitting same in writing to the District Lodge 142 Secretary-Treasurer, but not later than sixty (60) days prior to convention month of March or April, in the year of District Lodge 142 convention. Any Local Lodges so desiring, must submit all proposed amendments or changes to the District Lodge 142 Secretary-Treasurer in accordance with the procedures, of this Article.
This language means that proposed changes to the District 142 bylaws must be submitted to the District 142 Secretary-Treasurer at least 60 days prior to convention month, in this case, 60 days prior to March, which was January 1, 2025. That deadline has now passed.
Article 14, Section 4 states:
The Local Lodge shall send a copy of the proposed amendment(s) or change(s) to other Local Lodges at the same time they are sent to the District Lodge 142 Secretary-Treasurer. Any changes must be endorsed and ratified by a majority of members voting through a referendum vote by four (4) other Local Lodges and must bear the Local Lodge seal. District Lodge 142 Secretary-Treasurer shall start immediate action in preparing these proposals for the District Lodge 142 Convention Delegates, upon receipt of the fourth affiliated Local Lodge endorsement.
This language means that the membership of the Local must vote on the proposal. If endorsed by the membership, the proposal may be sent to other Locals for the same endorsement process. In order to be put before the membership at the District Convention, a proposal must be endorsed by five (5) Locals: the originating Local and four (4) other affiliated Locals.
We hope this clears up any confusion regarding the process for proposing changes to the bylaws.
Sincerely and fraternally,
John M. Coveny, Jr.
President/Directing General Chair
Joe Shultz
Secretary-Treasurer
