Voting Process for Member Motions

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Member Motions

Member Motions are proposals submitted by IFOAM members to address specific issues of strategic relevance, suggest changes, or introduce new initiatives within the organization. These motions reflect the grassroots engagement of IFOAM’s diverse membership and ensure that the voices of all members are heard and considered. 

 

Voting Process for Member Motions

  • Submission: Member organizations submit motions in advance of the General Assembly. Each motion must comply with submission guidelines and deadlines. 

  • Review: Submitted motions are reviewed for compliance and feasibility. They are then compiled and shared with the entire membership prior to the General Assembly. 

  • Discussion: During the General Assembly, members present and discuss each motion. This discussion period allows for clarifications, debates, and potential amendments to the motions. 

  • Voting: Members vote on each motion, usually through a show of voting cards. For a motion to pass, it typically requires a simple majority. Each member organization has an equal vote, and if a member can’t attend the General Assembly, a proxy vote can be generated via the member area. Find out more about how to use your proxy vote in the next section.

  • Implementation: Approved motions are then implemented by the World Board and the staff, guiding the organization’s actions and priorities. 

  • Reporting: The World Board reports back to the membership in the next General Assembly.

How to Use Your Proxy Vote for the General Assembly

If you are unable to join us in person for the upcoming General Assembly during the Organic World Congress in Taiwan, you can still participate by delegating your vote through a proxy. Here’s how you can ensure your voice is heard: 

In the first weeks of October, you will receive an email containing access to your unique voting code. This code will also be visible in the Member Area of the IFOAM website. Please make sure to check for this in the days leading up to the event. 

To register your vote: 

  • Navigate to the "General Assembly" tab. 

  • Go to the "Voter Registration" section. 

  • Select the individual who will vote on behalf of your organization from the drop-down menu. If the correct person is not listed, you can update the contact details in the Member Area. 

If no one from your organization is available to vote, you may delegate your vote by sharing your voting code with another IFOAM member who will vote on your behalf. 

If you have agreed to vote on behalf of another organization: 

  • Go to the "Vote as Proxy on Behalf of Another Organization" section in the member area. 

  • Enter the voting code provided by that organization. 

  • Select your name from the drop-down menu next to the voting code field. 

You can register to vote for up to five organizations as a proxy. 

If you make an error or need to change your vote assignment, simply click "Unassign" next to the respective entry in the "Registered Votes" section. This will allow you to correct the information. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the IFOAM Secretariat at membership@ifoam.bio.