Common proposal categories include:

• Bylaws amendments: Amendments to NCA’s governing documents
• Policy proposals: New or revised organizational policies
• Budget or funding requests: Requests for financial resources
• Resolutions or public statements: Official NCA positions on issues
• Interest Group creation: Establishing a new division, section, or caucus
• Establishing a new national award: Creating association-wide recognition
• Proposals for new journals: Launching new publications

Note: Each proposal type has specific requirements. Contact governance@natcom.org for detailed requirements for your specific proposal type.

• Contact the National Office to learn more about submission requirements
• Collaborate with National Office staff and relevant volunteer groups to draft proposal
• Use the General Proposal Template to ensure all required elements are included
• Collaborate with the National Office or the appropriate committee as needed

Important: Take the time to thoroughly study and understand the relevant issues before making a submission. Well-researched proposals with strong rationales are more likely to receive favorable consideration.

The National Office will determine the appropriate committee to review your proposal based on its content. For example:

• Convention-related proposals → Convention Committee
• Publications proposals → Publications Council

Committee members will work with the National Office and you to ensure that the necessary background information is gathered for a thorough evaluation.

IMPORTANT: Deadline for Funding Requests—June 1

Proposals with financial implications must be submitted by June 1 to be considered for inclusion in the next annual budget. Proposals submitted after June 1 may still be approved; however, implementation may be delayed until funding can be allocated in the following calendar year’s budget cycle.

Proposals for Executive Committee Approval or Endorsement

• Meeting Schedule: The Executive Committee meets monthly
• Submission Deadline: Proposals may be submitted on an ongoing basis
• Review Timeline: The President and Executive Director are responsible for finalizing the meeting agenda. Submitting a proposal does not guarantee that the item will be heard. If a proposed item cannot be included on the agenda at the next meeting, the author(s) will be informed of its postponement to a future meeting. If the decision is to refuse inclusion of a proposed item on the agenda, that decision will be explained to the author(s). The President and Executive Director retain the right to remove a proposed item.
• Expected Decision Timeline: Typically within 1-2 months of submission

Proposals for Legislative Assembly Approval

• Meeting Schedule: The Legislative Assembly meets twice annually — April (Virtual) and November (In-person)
• Submission Deadline: At least 60 days in advance of the intended meeting to allow for Executive Committee endorsement
• Review Process: The EC reviews first, then forwards to the LA with a recommendation
• Expected Decision Timeline: Decision made at the LA meeting (April or November)

Proposal submitters will be invited to attend the EC or LA meeting where their proposal will be reviewed. They may provide additional context and present their rationale for consideration.

Presentation Guidelines: You will typically have 10-15 minutes to present your proposal and answer questions. The National Office will provide specific guidance on presentation format and time allocation prior to the meeting.

Immediately following the presentation of a proposal, a motion will be introduced for the EC or LA to vote on its approval or rejection. Submitters may not always be able to attend the EC vote; however, they are welcome to remain present during the LA vote.

Review Criteria

The EC or LA will evaluate proposals based on:

• Alignment with NCA Strategic Priorities – Does this advance NCA’s mission and goals?
• Feasibility – Can this realistically be implemented?
• Financial Impact – Is the budget reasonable and sustainable?
• Organizational Capacity – Does NCA have the staff time, volunteer bandwidth, and operational resources to implement and sustain this initiative?
• Member Benefit – How does this serve NCA members?
• Evidence and Rationale – Is the proposal well-supported?
• Implementation Plan – Is there a clear path forward?

If Approved

The submitter will be formally notified during or immediately following the meeting and will collaborate with the National Office and any relevant volunteer leaders to ensure effective implementation.

If Not Approved

The submitter will be notified during or immediately following the meeting and will receive any feedback explaining the decision. You may receive recommendations to consider before resubmitting in the future. Proposals can be revised and resubmitted for future consideration.

Your proposal will automatically be considered for the next available meeting. For EC proposals, this means the following month. For LA proposals, this means the next LA meeting (either April or November).

Important: Proposals with financial implications submitted after June 1 may be approved, but implementation will be delayed until the following calendar year’s budget cycle.

While not required, attendance is strongly encouraged. Presenting your proposal in person (or virtually) allows you to answer questions and provide context that strengthens your case. If you cannot attend, you may designate another member to present on your behalf.

Bylaws amendments have special requirements and must be approved by the Legislative Assembly. They typically require a 2/3 majority vote and may need to be announced to membership in advance. Contact the National Office early in your planning process for guidance on bylaws amendment procedures.

The National Office offers consultation to help you develop your proposal. You may also work with relevant committees, Interest Groups, or members.  Contact governance@natcom.org to connect with the appropriate resources.