1. Addressing issues
Statements can originate from the Clearinghouse, from IAMCR entities (Executive Board, International Council, Committees, Task Forces, Sections, or Working Groups), and from individual members. Anyone requesting consideration of a statement must be a paid-up member of IAMCR.
2. Soliciting and Writing statements
On receipt of a request to endorse and distribute a statement, the Clearinghouse will assess whether an issue should be discussed as follows:
- The Chair invites the proposer to prepare a short paragraph explaining why the proposed statement should be endorsed and how it relates to IAMCR’s remit (unless already submitted);
- The Chair shares this information with the Clearinghouse members and requests them to vote. Each vote should be accompanied by a brief justification;
- If the matter raised is not supported by the majority of members, the Chair does not launch a discussion within the commission and notifies the requester of the Clearinghouse’s decision of not supporting the statement, with an overall reason;
- If the matter receives support from the majority, the Clearinghouse deliberation process takes place as outlined below.
3. Checking the validity and quality of statements to be endorsed
- Clearinghouse members discuss the requested endorsement and/or draft text;
- If further information or elaboration is required, the Clearinghouse invites the proposer to supply additional information, which is then discussed;
- An established working group within the commission is delegated to revise/draft the proposed statement. Alternatively, Clearinghouse members may be invited by the Chair or may volunteer to take ownership of a statement, research additional information and/or draft a text.
4. IAMCR authorisation
- When a statement is agreed (by consensus or simple majority), the Chair informs IAMCR President and recommends that a statement is endorsed and distributed. No distribution of a statement takes place without the agreement of the President;
- It is the President’s decision, in consultation with the Clearinghouse Chair, as to whether any endorsement of a statement for distribution needs to be discussed by the International Council and/or other office holders in the Association on a case-by-case basis for advice.
5. Distribution of Statements
A statement is distributed through the following channels:
- IAMCR newsletter;
- IAMCR website;
- Websites of relevant organisations;
- Individual IAMCR members can also distribute the statement as they see appropriate.
Note: Some requests for statements may be time critical. The Clearinghouse will work as quickly as it can without compromising its commitment to check the validity and quality of statements it recommends for release.
6. Language of Statements Distributed by IAMCR
Translations will be prepared voluntarily (Spanish, French, English), as appropriate, on a case-by-case basis.
7. Accountability
The Chair will maintain a record of endorsements and statements – proposed, agreed/not agreed. The Chair will make this information available annually in the form of an annual report to the International Council.