October 13, 2021

Dear Skålleagues,

We recently received a proposed bylaw change from our Skål International Executive Committee (see bylaw proposal here). This bylaw change has been challenged by our Skål International Auditors, our Skål International Past Presidents and other Skål national committees. This bylaw proposal would allow the outgoing Skål International President to stand for president if there is only one Vice President standing for the office of President.

Please see this email sent to Juan Steta, of the Skål International EC, by our Auditors, John Ruzich and Rafael Millan, as well as these comments from our Skål International Past President, Mok Singh. Both challenge the proposed bylaw amendment.

We ask that you stand with us in challenging this unprecedented proposal. Only twice in Skål history has a Skål president served for more than one term and in both cases, it was because of extreme necessity. Our Bylaws, as they stand, provide for a smooth transition. The fact that this year saw the resignation of one of our Vice Presidents should not necessitate a change to the status quo.

Each one of our 45 Skål USA presidents will receive this letter and we ask that you email us by 5pm EDT on Wednesday, October 13 if you DO NOT support us in this endeavor. 

In addition, we ask for your support in requesting a change of date for our upcoming Skål International AGA which is currently scheduled for 11pm EDT on Thursday, December 9. Skål USA represents Skål’s largest national committee and puts us at a severe disadvantage. Currently we have 22 clubs in the Eastern Time Zone which is more than almost every other country. We have asked that Skål International move the date to Friday night since few have work the following day. This would not affect those in Eastern Asia or Australia/New Zealand. Our initial request was denied by our Skål International President.

Please reply to jim.dwyer@Skalusa.org by Wednesday, October 13 at 5pm EDT if you do not support our challenge. 

Best regards and Skål,

Jim Dwyer

President

Skål International USA