EVERY VOTE COUNTS!

By Marlu Balmaceda

The AAA will be holding its very first online elections and referendum from 11 to 14 October 2021.  This is an unprecedented event in its 54-year history – one that resulted from the global pandemic that has affected every facet of life.  In 2020, the annual elections were deferred because the AAA did not yet have the digital platform for voting.  It was also a very volatile time since everyone was grappling with how to handle the Covid-19 situation.

To maintain continuity and in keeping with the AAA’s governance policy, the Board of Trustees (BOT) resorted to two measures: (1) Trustees whose 3-year terms were expiring agreed to extend their term for one year; and (2) An online referendum was held in October 2020 to amend the AAA’s bylaws to allow online elections per the requirements of the Philippine Security and Exchange Commission (SEC).

With almost all registered voters supporting online elections, the AAA requested for approval and which the SEC granted.

Why is it important to hold annual elections?

The AAA BOT comprises 15 members with each trustee serving for 3 years.  Upon completing a 3-year term, a trustee may be re-elected for another 3-year term.  Only two consecutive terms are allowed in our bylaws.  In any given year, there are 5 trustees who are newly-elected; 5 in their mid-terms; and 5 on their last year.  This combination of varying terms provides balance within the BOT.  More senior trustees are able to mentor incoming ones. The synergy that develops within the AAA is amazing which helps build the teamwork needed to pursue its vision.

It should also be noted that serving in the BOT is purely voluntary with no monetary compensation of any form.  But having served in the AAA for 6 years, I can say with full confidence that the rewards come in the form of deep friendships, spiritual learnings and knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of so many.

How do we vote this year?

First of all, you need to be an active member of the AAA which means that you have paid your annual membership dues of P500.  As an active member, you will be able to vote.  Your Php 500 annual membership will also support AAA’s operational costs which enable us to continue with our business of advocating and helping to provide for our many worthy beneficiaries.

Once you have successfully registered, you will receive an e-mail with a link to the election site.  All you have to do next is to fill out the form which will include a ballot with the names of the candidates and referendum questions pertaining to the proposed amendments to the AAA By-laws.  This link will be sent to you on October 10, prior to the actual voting period from Oct 11 at 9 a.m. to Oct 14 at 5 p.m. Manila Time.

Why do we need to amend the bylaws?

SEC-registered organizations regularly review and update its bylaws to keep them relevant to the times or to clarify ambiguous provisions.  The AAA bylaws were last amended 17 years ago in 2004. While most of the bylaws endure as they are, certain items may become dated.  For example, with the increasing use of technology and digital devices, the AAA is proposing that formal invitations to meetings and other events can now be allowed via SMS using Viber and other applications in addition to hardcopy versions. 

To learn more about the proposed amendments to the AAA bylaws, please follow this link:  (PROPOSED AMENDMENTS).

For over 50 years now, the AAA has been practicing good governance in pursuit of its vision to work closely with our Old Girls who are grounded on the teachings and spirituality of St. Marie Eugenie.  Despite the challenges of our very uncertain times, your AAA is trying its best to remain relevant, accountable, transparent and productive.

Every vote – hopefully, your vote – will ensure that AAA’s leadership will continue to provide its services to our community of alumnae, beneficiaries and others.  Every vote counts because it will keep your AAA going for the next 50 years and beyond.

All hail to our beloved Assumption!