The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has approved amendments to its Constitution which were presented in three groups – member categories, Board composition and procedure.
These amendments were approved by their membership recently and took effect immediately. Related Bylaws changes were also approved by the AATCC Board of Directors.
For the member categories, ‘Senior’ and ‘Associate’ member categories have been combined under the new designation ‘Individual’. Also, the recent changes have removed the experience requirement of five years for senior membership and voting status. All individual members are entitled to vote in AATCC elections and to join research committees as voting members. Student members of AATCC may not vote but may choose to forego the student discount and register as an individual member for voting privileges.
Several members commented that the removal of the Senior designation was the right step in creating a more inclusive environment and modernising the language of the Association.
The AATCC Board of Directors was also reorganised and reduced in size. Regional representatives were eliminated, since large parts of the organisation fall outside of the designated regions. Interest Group At-Large representatives were also eliminated while Interest Group Chairs remain part of the Board.
The C6 Membership Committee Chair has also become a part of the voting members of the Board and is responsible for representing members from all parts of the world.
Most significantly among the amendments related to editorial and minor procedural issues was the update to the election process. The update was to allow for electronic voting in place of paper ballots cast at a meeting.
These changes to the Constitution were originally proposed by the Membership Committee to create a more inclusive and modern association. These amendments were reviewed by the C9 Constitution and Bylaws Committee and approved by the AATCC Board of Directors before going for full membership.
Each group of changes were voted separately and members had the option to abstain from any or all items. Of those not abstaining, more than 90 per cent approved each set of amendments.
All amendments officially took effect immediately upon closing of the ballot. There will be a transition time for staff to update online and print materials to reflect the new member designations and Board composition.
