Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about OCSEA's 27th Biennial Convention
Aug. 23 - 25, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio

1. How often does OCSEA host a convention and where is it held?
2. Who may participate in the business of convention?
3. What happens at the convention?
4. Who gets to vote at convention?
5. How are delegates elected?
6. When and where are delegates elected?
7. What are the delegate qualifications?
8. What can alternates do at convention?
9. What if I'm not a delegate, but I want to observe the business of the convention?
   

Answers

1. How often does OCSEA host a convention and where's it held?
   ANSWER: The union hosts a biennial convention every other year. Various cities are chosen for the convention site, including Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. Columbus is host to this year's convention which will take place Aug. 22 - 25, 2007. [ top ]
   
   
2. Who may participate in the business of convention?
   ANSWER:  Chapter presidents and at least one delegate from each subordinate body, except where larger bodies require more than one elected delegate may participate. In addition to Chapter delegates, the OCSEA Officers, Board Members, Assembly Presidents and District Council Presidents are delegates to the Convention. If an Assembly or District Council President is unable to attend the Convention, the Vice President shall be the delegate. [ top ]
   
   
3. What happens at the convention?
   ANSWER: Three types of business are conducted at convention: Approve resolutions, amend the constitution and by-laws, and—at every other convention—elect OCSEA's executive officers (President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer). [ top ]
   
   
4. Who gets to vote at convention?
   ANSWER: Only elected and certified delegates to the OCSEA convention may vote on resolutions, amendments, and officers. [ top ]
   
   
5. How are delegates elected?
   ANSWER: You have a shot at representing your chapter as a convention delegate, if your chapter elects you. The OCSEA and AFSCME constitutions require that all delegates to conventions must be elected by subordinate body members. Like subordinate body elections, chapter members must be notified by mail 15-days prior to their chapter’s election of delegates. Mark your calendars and remember to vote this spring or summer. [ top ]
   
   
6. When and where are delegates elected?
   ANSWER:
   For the date, time and location of your chapter's convention delegate elections (PDF), watch for an election notice postcard in your home mail or the spring issue of the PEQ magazine. Your vote gives you a say in who your chapter sends to represent your interests on considering resolutions and proposals to amend the constitution as well as the election of executive officers. Most elections will take place by June 22, the deadline for delegate registration. [ top ]
   
   
7. What are the delegate qualifications?
   ANSWER:  All delegates and alternates must be: (i) Members in good standing of the union with their dues payments current; and (ii) Elected at least 10 days before the convention, but no earlier than 180 days prior. [ top ]
   
   
8. What can alternates do at convention?
   ANSWER:  Alternates can observe the convention proceedings, but cannot sit with delegates and are not permitted to vote. They can, however, participate in workshops and observe committee meetings. Alternates also can substitute for a delegate if the Credentials Committee approves the conversion. [ top ]
   
   
9. What if I'm not a delegate, but I want to observe the business of the convention?
   ANSWER:  Guests may sit in the "gallery" section in General Assembly and observe speakers and union business. Guests, like alternates and staff, are not permitted to vote nor are they recognized to speak on business by the presiding officer, the union president. Visit the registration booth to obtain a guest badge. [ top ]