Guidelines for Submission to the NAD 2026 Council of Representatives

These guidelines provide the basics for preparing  successful bylaws amendment proposals for consideration by the Council of Representatives (COR).

In accordance with Article VII of the NAD Bylaws, proposed amendments must be submitted to the Bylaws Committee at least sixty (60) days prior to the biennial national conference.  Adoption of any bylaws amendment requires a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Council of Representatives present and voting.  

Proposal authors including individuals seconding amendments  must be NAD members in good standing.  Multiple proposals may be submitted; however, each proposal must be submitted separately using the official form.   

Authors are responsible for ensuring that their  proposed amendment is clear, concise, and complete prior to submission. Please use this guide and form as the basis for amendments to the current Bylaws approved by the Council of Representatives.

ASL Submission Option

Proposals may be submitted in American Sign Language (ASL) by uploading a video using the submission form. 

The Bylaws Committee will translate the ASL submission  into written English for administrative processing.  The author will have the opportunity to review and approve the translated text to ensure it accurately reflects the author’s intent. 

Bylaws Amendment Format

Each proposed amendment must include four parts:

1. Article and Section
   Specify the article and section number and title from the 2024 NAD Bylaws to be amended.
2. Section as Exactly Worded
   Insert the current bylaws language as written in the 2024 NAD Bylaws.
3. Proposed Bylaws Amendment
   Clearly state what you propose to add, delete, or substitute.
   The proposal should:
   • Be clear and specific
   • Address one primary issue or change
   • Allow delegates to vote clearly “Yes” or “No” on the amendment
   Authors are encouraged to research their proposal in advance. Consider whether:
   • The issue has previously been addressed by the NAD.
   • The proposal aligns with existing NAD initiatives and strategies.
   • The amendment supports the future governance and effectiveness of NAD
4. Rationale
   Briefly explain why the amendment is needed.
   Describe:
   • The organizational significance of the proposal?
   • How improves NAD governance, structure, or operations; and
   • The anticipated impact on NAD and its members.

Summary

Successful bylaws amendments are:

• Clear – easy to understand
• Concise – Focused and direct
• Complete – fully explains the proposed change

Sample Proposals

Example #1

Article and Section:
Article III, Section 2 – Officers
Section as Exactly Worded:
    “The officers of this Association shall consist of a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Third Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.”
Proposed Bylaws Amendment:
    Delete “a Third Vice President”
Rationale:
    To reduce the number of Board officers.

Example #2

Article and Section:
    Article V. Section I – Board of Directors
Section as Exactly Worded:
    “The Board of Directors shall meet four times a year.”
Proposed Bylaws Amendment:
    Change “four times a year” to “six times a year”
Rationale:
    Increase the number of meetings to facilitate Board decision making.

Example #3

Article and Section:
    Article V – Board of Directors
Section as Exactly Worded:
    N/A (New Section)
Proposed Bylaws Amendment:
    Add a new section stating: “Members of The Board of Directors shall serve no more than three consecutive terms.”
Rationale:
    Establish term limits for elected Board members.

Bylaws Amendment Proposal Form

Submit your proposed bylaws amendment for NAD 2026 Council of Representatives consideration at NAD Bylaws Amendment Proposal Form. Authors and a person seconding the amendment must be a member of the NAD in good standing.

Proposals for Bylaws are due by Thursday, April 30, 2026. Incomplete or late proposals will not be accepted.

For questions, contact the Bylaws Chair at [email protected].

Video Submission Guidelines

• Length: 2-3 minutes maximum 
• Background:  clear and free of distractions; solid or contrasting backdrop preferred (no virtual backdrops)
• Orientation: film horizontally
• Signing space must be clearly visible 

Submission Deadline

Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2026.  

Submissions received after Thursday, April 30, 2026 will not be accepted.

To print a copy of NAD 2024 Bylaws, please go to http://www.nad.org/about-us/bylaws.