It may be appropriate for the society to take public positions on certain issues that are within the society's area of interest and would benefit from society advocacy. Drafts of potential position statements may be developed by any member or group within the society and forwarded to the president. The president, or appropriate representative, will work in an editorial capacity with the person or group who drafted the statement and then submit the final draft to the Council for consideration. Approval of the statement to be issued on behalf of the society shall require a positive vote from at least 2/3 of the members of Council. If in the judgment of Council, the statement should also receive direct member approval before being issued, it shall be submitted to the membership by mail for a ballot vote. If voted on by mail ballot, approval of the statement to be issued on behalf of the society shall require a positive vote from 2/3 of the members who return ballots. Approved position statements shall be submitted to the executive vice president, or other person deemed appropriate by the president, who shall see that the statement is printed on appropriate society stationery and released publicly to the press, government agencies, and by other appropriate means. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to inhibit the president, or appropriate representatives, from taking routine actions on behalf of the society or providing information requested by outside groups.
