Committees
Your union web source on convention business

Hard work ahead
A lot of the work of the convention is done in committees.

With dozens of constitutional amendments proposed each convention, and a number of resolutions to consider, it would be impossible to get all that work done without committees reviewing them and making recommendations to the full body.

The authority for appointing committees lies with the union's president. Committees generally meet before and after general sessions. They make reports to the body throughout the convention.

Because of our size, not all delegates can be appointed to a committee. Committees of more than 15 or 20 members are simply too big to be productive.

The convention committees include:

• Credentials Committee
• Rules Committee
• Sergeant-At-Arms Committee
• Constitution Committee
• Finance Committee
• Resolutions Committee
• Legislation Committee

Any delegate may attend any committee meeting, but only committee members have a right to speak and vote on matters before the committee (exception: the committee chair may, from time to time, permit members of the audience to address the committee). All committees may, by majority vote, exclude delegates who are not members of the committee during deliberations and/or voting.

CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE'S major responsibility is to certify the participation of properly elected delegates to the convention. The committee reviews challenges raised regarding a delegate’s credentials, and makes recommendations to the Convention regarding the seating of such delegate. [ top ]

RULES Committee recommends the rules of procedure for the convention. You will be given a copy of the report of the Rules Committee at the opening session and will have an opportunity to vote on the rules for this Convention.   [ top ]

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS COMMITTEE plays a key role in maintaining proper order and decorum within the convention hall. Members of this committee assist delegates in being heard during discussions. The Sergeant-at-Arms Committee also ensures that only persons with approved credentials are on the convention floor and is responsible for counting delegates in any counted standing vote that may be taken.   [ top ]

CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE reviews proposed amendments to the OCSEA Constitution and makes recommendations to the delegates regarding the amendments. Some constitutional amendments that have financial impact may also be referred to the Finance Committee.   [ top ]

FINANCE COMMITTEE reviews constitutional amendments that have a financial impact and recommends action on them. The Finance Committee also provides delegates with relevant information about fiscal matters so they can make informed decisions.   [ top ]

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE reviews all resolutions that call for the Union to take a stance on a wide-range of specific issues. For example, past resolutions have dealt with privatization, assisting dislocated workers, etc.   [ top ]

Resolutions that relate to the Union's position on legislative matters are referred to the LEGISLATION COMMITTEE.   [ top ]