For the Wednesday session, you must pick up your convention badge at registration before signing in at the LA. You will not be able to enter the LA session until you pick up your convention badge.

Please make sure you are registered for the convention.

NOTE: All LA members are required to be NCA members at the time of the meeting.

Registration/Badge Pick-Up Hours

Location: Aurora Ballroom, Level 2

• Wednesday, November 19 – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  • Registration and badge pick-up for LA members will open at 8:00 AM
• Thursday, November 20 – 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Friday, November 21 – 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Saturday, November 22 – 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Click here to view the hotel map.

The Legislative Assembly (LA) meets at least once a year at NCA’s Annual Convention. There is typically a four-hour afternoon session the day before the convention begins, and a two-hour morning session on the third day of the convention.

The business at the LA meeting is governed by NCA’s Bylaws, and its decisions are guided by NCA’s strategic plan. Per the NCA Bylaws, the Legislative Assembly meeting is governed by parliamentary procedure, and the following pages provide some relevant information in that regard.

There is always some standard introductory business that is addressed by the LA at the start of the meeting. Members of the LA also participate in elections of members of the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) and vote on a slate of candidates brought to the group by the LDC. In addition, each year members are invited to submit resolutions to the Resolutions Committee for ultimate consideration by the LA. If resolutions are submitted by the relevant deadline, they are put on the agenda for discussion by the LA at the annual meeting.

Process and format for submitting proposals

The Executive Committee asked each council/committee to review proposals and provide feedback prior to each EC meeting. The chair had the option to circulate a proposal to other council/committee members for comment. Chairs were also able to respond with comments, questions, and recommendations. Please note, a council/committee was not obligated to comment on each proposal.

All proposals to the EC and LA should include:

• Summary
• Strategic Priorities
• Financial Implications
• Recommendation
• Main Motion
• Exhibits

Alternates (Proxies)

Specific language regarding proxies is not present in NCA’s Bylaws but does specify how a replacement can be established.

According to Article III, Section V(D), “Vacancies among the representatives of Interest Groups, the four regional associations, the National States Advisory Council and the Association of Communication Administration Executive Committee may be filled in the same manner as the original representative was appointed”.

For example, if a group’s bylaws stipulate that the Chair is also the group’s LA representative, and the chair cannot fulfill their LA member responsibilities or attend the annual LA meeting, the chair must resign their position as chair and the newly elected chair may participate in the LA meeting. In short, a vacancy in the position must exist for an alternate person to represent the group; that person must be elected in the same manner as originally prescribed by the group’s bylaws.

NCA’s bylaws legally govern the business at the Legislative Assembly meeting, and NCA’s strategic plan guides its decisions. Per the bylaws, the Legislative Assembly meeting follows parliamentary procedure. NCA Legislative Assembly abides by Robert’s Rules of Order. Parliamentary procedure is simple in principle. It is based largely on common sense and courtesy. It just seems technical due to the special vocabulary used. If the vocabulary is understood, the rules are easy:

Basic Principles of Parliamentary Procedure

• Only one subject may claim the attention of the assembly at one time.
• Each proposition presented for consideration is entitled to full and free debate.
• Every member has rights that are equal to every other member.
• The will of the majority must be carried out, and the rights of the minority must be preserved.
• The personality and desires of each member should be merged into the organizational unit.

Motions

The proper way for an individual to propose that the group take a certain action is by making a motion.

• Main Motions have for their object the bringing of questions, or propositions before the assembly for consideration. Only one main motion can be considered at a given time by the assembly.
• Subsidiary Motions have for their object the modification or disposition of the main motion being considered. It is in order to propose them while a main motion is still before the assembly, and to vote upon them before voting upon the main motion.
• Privileged Motions have no connection whatsoever with the main motion before the assembly but are motions of such importance that they are entitled to immediate consideration. The main business before the house may be temporarily set aside to address a privileged motion.
• Incidental Motions arise “incidentally” out of the business of the assembly and have very common characteristics.

Process for Handling a Motion

• A member rises and addresses the presiding officer.
• The member is recognized by the presiding officer. When a member has been recognized, the member is the only member entitled to present or discuss a motion.
• The member proposes a motion. The motion should begin “I move that” followed by a statement of proposal. It is not permissible to discuss the merits of the motion either prior to or immediately following the formal proposal of the motion.
• Another member seconds the motion. The member simply states, “I second the motion.” If nobody seconds the motion, the presiding officer may ask “Is there a second to the motion?” If there is none, the Presiding Officer may declare “The motion is lost for want of a second.”
• The presiding officer states the motion to the assembly. When a motion has been properly proposed and seconded, the officer repeats the motion to the assembly. It may then be spoken of as a “question”, a “proposition”, or a “measure.”
• The assembly discusses or debates the motion. To speak, a member must obtain the floor in the same manner as when presenting a motion
  • The presiding officer should show preference to the proposer of the motion.
  • A member who has not spoken has prior claim over one who has already spoken.
  • The presiding officer should alternate between proponents and opponents of the motion.
  • The presiding officer should recognize a member who seldom speaks in preference to one who frequently speaks.

Discussion must be Confined to the Question that is “Before the Assembly”

The presiding officer takes the vote on the motion. Before taking the vote, the chairman ask, “Is there further discussion?” or “Are you ready for the question?” The chairman proceeds to take the vote by announcing “All in favor of the motion (STATE THE MOTION) raise your voting card and say ’aye’. The chairman then says “Those opposed raise your voting card and say ’No’.”

The presiding officer announces the results of the vote. The officer announces the vote by saying “The motion is carried; therefore (STATE THE INTENT OF THE MOTION).” or if the vote is in the negative, the officer states “The motion is lost.” Another motion is then in order.

Amending a Motion

The purpose of the motion-to-amend is to modify a motion that has already been presented in such a manner that it will be more satisfactory to the members. The following are common methods of amending

• By addition or insertion to add something to the motion which it did not contain.
• By eliminating or striking out to subtract or eliminate something from the original motion.
• By substitution to eliminate something from the original motion and substitute something else in its place.

An Amendment may be Hostile, but it must be Germane

A hostile amendment is opposed to the spirit of the motion to which it is applied. To be germane, an amendment must have direct bearing on the subject of the motion to which it is applied. An amendment may nullify the original motion, but if it relates to the same subject matter, it is germane.

Types of Amendments:

• Amendment of the First Rank – An amendment to the motion.
• Amendment of the Second Rank – An amendment to an amendment, that modifies and relates directly to the amendment, and NOT to the original motion.

No Amendment Beyond the Second Rank is Possible

If it is desired to amend two separate and unrelated parts of a motion, then it must be done with two amendments of the first rank. Until an amendment of the second rank is voted on no other amendment of the second rank is in order. Until the amendment of the first rank is voted upon, no other amendment of the first rank can be proposed.

Order of Voting on Amendments

• Amendments are voted upon in inverse order of proposal.
• Discussion is held and the vote is taken upon the amendment to the amendment.
• Discussion is called for and the vote is taken upon the amendment to the motion.
• When the vote on the amendment has been taken, discussion on the motion as amended is opened and when completed, a vote is taken upon the motion as amended.

Call the Question

It is a fairly common misconception that, after debate has continued for some time, if any member shouts out “Question!” or “I call the question!” debate must immediately cease, and the chair must put the pending question to a vote. This is simply not the case. Any member who wishes to force an end to debate must first obtain the floor by being duly recognized to speak by the chair and must then move the Previous Question. Such a motion must be seconded, and then adopted by a two-thirds vote, or by unanimous consent. It is not in order to interrupt a speaker with cries of “Question” or “Call the Question,” and even if no one is speaking, it is still necessary to seek recognition.

Executive Session

Executive Sessions are closed or special meetings within a meeting that provide an opportunity for the body to convene privately to handle sensitive and confidential issues, foster robust discourse, and strengthen trust and communication. To enter Executive Session, a motion must be made, seconded, and voted on with a majority vote to enter the closed session. Any vote taken in executive session must be reflected in the meeting minutes.

Robert’s Rules of Order FAQs: https://robertsrules.com/frequently-asked-questions/

All voting will be conducted virtually through Slido. You may access each poll using one of the following methods:

• Select the link included in the corresponding agenda item

• Scan the QR code displayed on the screen during the vote

• Visit slido.com and enter the event code provided

Note that you do not need to create an account to vote.

For attendees without smartphones or internet access, paper voting cards will be available near the front of the room.

NCA would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather for the 111th Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado, is the traditional territory and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne (shy-ANN), Arapaho (uh-RAP-uh-ho), and Ute (yoot) nations, and is now home to members of over 200 tribal nations. We honor the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land since time immemorial and recognize their continued presence and contribution to our shared communities.

NCA acknowledges that it has often gathered upon unceded lands and that those gatherings manifested the exclusions and erasures of many Indigenous peoples. We acknowledge the grave harm that colonialism brought to these lands, in particular, the erasure of both Indigenous and African identities via slavery and racist laws that segregated all peoples into binary classifications of “white” and “black.” This acknowledgment demonstrates our commitment to beginning the process of working to dismantle the ongoing legacies of settler colonialism.

For more information about the Indigenous Nations of Denver and Colorado, visit the following resources:

• https://indiancountrymedianetwork.com/history/events/native-history-the-birth-of-denver-from-boom-to-bust-to-boom/
• https://indiancountrymedianetwork.com/history/events/relocation-brought-collaboration-denver-indian-center-celebrates-30-years/
• https://www.denver.org/about-denver/diverse-denver/native-american/
• http://www.native-languages.org/colorado.htm
• https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/ccia/resources-13
• http://collegefund.org/
• https://www.narf.org/
• https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/
• http://www.utemountainutetribe.com/

While in Colorado, you can visit the History Colorado Center, Native American Trading Company, and Denver Art Museum to learn more about the Denver area’s historical and current indigenous populations.

Please pause for a moment of silence for the members of the discipline who passed away since the last convention.

We remember:

• Erwin Bettinghaus
• Daniel Stewart Brown Jr.
• Karlyn Kohrs Campbell
• Thomas M. Conley
• Richard E. (Dick) Crable
• Dan Egley
• Joyce Ferguson
• Patricia Ganer
• Gary Gumpert
• William (Bill) Huddy
• J. Vernon Jensen
• Elsie Patterson
• Larry Schnoor
• Lois S. Self
• James R. Smith
• Donna Weimer

If someone is not listed,  please share that person’s name with the LA.

Credentials Report

The first report given to LA members at each session is the credentials report. This report tells the Legislative Assembly how many delegates have registered for the meeting. A quorum is a majority of the total number of delegates defined in the NCA Bylaws. Once the Legislative Assembly adopts the credentials report, it is authorized to conduct business in the name of NCA.

The credentials report will be given by First Vice President Tina Harris.

ACTION ITEM: Approval of the Credentials Report

A motion is made by First Vice President Harris, which needs a second, and vote taken. A majority is required for approval.

Motion: To approve the credentials report

Click here to vote.

For those who do not have a smartphone or online access, paper voting cards will be available near the front of the room. Please find Jennifer Fletcher with any questions.

Standing Rules

Legislative Assembly representatives shall sign the roll.

New agenda items that are not on the published agenda may only be considered after all other agenda items have been taken up and following a two-thirds vote to consider. Prior to such vote, the maker of a substantive motion may have up to two minutes to explain (not debate) the proposed motion to the body.

Motions derived from discussion items may be heard at the time of the discussion.

Other Standing Rules:

• Only Legislative Assembly members shall offer motions and vote.
• LA members must be signed in and in person to vote.
• The Executive Committee (EC) at an EC meeting following a convention and before the next annual convention shall review and approve the minutes of LA meetings. Copies of minutes reviewed by the EC shall be distributed to LA members serving at the next NCA convention.
• The Resolutions Committee may not change the substance of motions submitted to the committee without consent of the submitter.
• Each NCA member who offers a resolution shall have the right to explain their resolution to the Resolutions Committee.
• The Resolutions Committee may (1) endorse, (2) oppose, or (3) offer no recommendation regarding resolutions submitted to the committee.
• The presiding officer may invite the members and guests to consider a motion for a specified length of time informally. During such time, members will be recognized to speak and will be allowed additional opportunities at the discretion of the chair. When the set time expires, the chair may take a straw poll if no motion is offered for formal consideration.
• When recognized, delegates may speak for up to two minutes. Non-members of the LA may address the LA with the permission of the presiding officer.
• During debate on a motion, affirmative and negative sides will alternate speaking turns.
• No delegate may move the previous question (close debate) prior to an opportunity for one affirmative and one negative speech on a motion. Delegates shall state their name and the constituency represented prior to starting to speak. Motion forms shall be used for substantive motions and amendments and when requested by the presiding officer.

ACTION ITEM: Approval of Standing Rules

A motion must be made by the body, which needs a second, and vote taken. A 2/3 vote is required for approval.

Motion: To approve the standing rules. 

Click here to vote.

For those who do not have a smartphone or online access, paper voting cards will be available near the front of the room. Please find Jennifer Fletcher with any questions.

Legislative Assembly Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
12:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Colorado Ballroom A

INTRODUCTORY BUSINESS

• Call to Order 
• Land Acknowledgment (3 mins)
• Introductions  (35 mins)
• In Memoriam  (2 mins)
• LA Governance (5 mins)
  • Aim of LA 
  • Collective Agreement 
• Announcements (5 mins)
  • Online Voting Procedures 
  • Motion Form Procedures 
  • LDC Election Introductions  
• Action Item–Credentials Report (3 mins)
• Action Item–Standing Rules (3 mins)
• Action Item–Approval of the Agenda (5 mins)
• Reports on a Year of Collective L.I.F.T. (55 mins)
  • Officers, Council Chairs, Executive Director, and National Office Staff Reports 

Break for 10 minutes 

DISCUSSION ITEMS

• Our Collective L.I.F.T. – LA Wellness Check (15 mins)

BUSINESS ITEMS 

• Action Item—Adoption of the 2026 proposed budget (45 mins)

Adjourn 

Legislative Assembly Meeting Agenda
Saturday, November 12, 2025
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Colorado Ballroom A

INTRODUCTORY BUSINESS

• Call to Order
• Introductions (3 mins)
• Announcements (Conflict of Interest, Motion Forms, Online Voting) (<5 mins)
• Action Item – Credentials Report (<5 mins)
• Presidential Citations – Outgoing EC, Journal Editors, Departments (5 mins)
• Nominating Committee Report (10 mins)
  • Second VP Candidate Statements

DISCUSSION ITEMS

• Our Collective L.I.F.T. – EC Strategic Priorities (25 mins)

Break for 10 minutes

BUSINESS ITEMS

• Action Item–LDC Election (10 mins)
• Action Item–Approval of LDC Slate (<5 mins)
• Action Item–Resolutions Review (35 mins)
• Action Item–Affiliate Approval (<5 mins)

Adjourn

ACTION ITEM: Approval of the Agenda

A motion must be made by the body, which needs a second, and vote taken. A majority is required for approval.

Motion: To approve the agenda. 

Click here to vote.

Elected Officer, Executive Director, & Council Chair Reports

• Jeanetta Sims, President
• Tina Harris, First Vice President
• Shaunak Sastry, Second Vice President
• Marnel Niles Goins, Immediate Past President
• Justin Danowski, Executive Director | National Office Reports
• Julie-Ann Scott-Pollock, IDEA Council Chair
• Laurie Lewis, Mentorship and Leadership Council Chair
• John M. Sloop, Publications Council Chair
• Benjamin Warner, Research Council Chair
• Katherine S. Thweatt, Teaching and Learning Council Chair

Other Reports

• Taylor & Francis Journals Report
• Journal Editor Reports
  • ​Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies
  • Communication and Democracy
  • Communication and Race
  • Communication Education
  • Communication Monographs
  • Communication Teacher
  • Critical Studies in Media Communication
  • Journal of Applied Communication Research
  • Journal of International and Intercultural Communication
  • Review of Communication
  • Text and Performance Quarterly
  • Quarterly Journal of Speech
• Interest Group Reports

Leadership Development Committee Election Announcement

The Legislative Assembly will elect two continuing members of the Legislative Assembly to serve on the Leadership Development Committee for a two-year term.

2025 Call for Nominations: NCA Leadership Positions

Article V, Section 1(A) of the NCA Bylaws states:

The Leadership Development Committee shall consist of the following members: Immediate Past President, President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, four At-Large representatives appointed by the Legislative Assembly from among the current members of the Legislative Assembly, four At-Large members elected by vote of the individual membership of NCA, and Executive Director (non-voting). The At-Large representatives appointed by the Legislative Assembly and the At-Large representatives elected by the individual NCA membership shall serve staggered two-year terms, with two representatives appointed by the Legislative Assembly and two representatives elected by the individual membership of NCA each year. The Immediate Past President shall serve as Chair of the LDC.

LA Voting Process

The Legislative Assembly will elect two continuing members to serve a two-year term on the Leadership Development Committee. Nominations for the LDC must come from this body.

Please email nomination@natcom.org if have questions or are interested in serving on the LDC starting January 2026. If three or more LA members are interested, an election will be held on Saturday. Each delegate will speak for two minutes explaining why they want to serve on the LDC.

Nominating Committee Report

The 2025 Nominating Committee, Chaired by David McMahan, offers the following slate of candidates for the December election.

Each candidate for Second Vice President will be given up to five minutes to address the Legislative Assembly.

View the list of candidates.

Consider the following questions:

• What are you or your representative group doing well?
• As an LA member, what do you need to know or know more about to govern well with greater L.I.F.T.?

Click here to enter your response.

Click here to respond to question #1.

Click here to respond to question #2.

Note: Link will be active only during the LA session. 

Presented by:

• Candice Thomas-Maddox, Finance Committee Chair
• Jake Green, Chief Financial Officer
• Justin Danowski, Executive Director

Exhibits

• A. 2026 Proposed Budget Summary
• B. Budget Narrative
• C. Statement of Financial Position—as of September 30, 2025
• D. 2024 Audit Communication Letter
• E. 2024 Audited Financials

ACTION ITEM: Adoption of the 2026 Budget

The Executive Committee has endorsed the 2026 proposed budget.

The Finance Committee has moved the approval of the 2026 proposed budget, which does not require a second.

Motion: To adopt the 2026 budget. 

Click here to vote.

For those who do not have a smartphone or online access, paper voting cards will be available near the front of the room. Please find Jennifer Fletcher with any questions.