Board Representation
To ensure that the electoral process is fully democratic and equitable and in order to further the goals of internationalization and democracy, the LLLI Board of Directors shall be elected by its Leaders.
Board seats will be allocated for each Direct Connect Entities (DCE). Per the Bylaws, DCEs are defined as Affiliates and DCANS. They are currently established as:
- Alliance
- Canada
- Europe (EAN)
- Great Britain
- International (IAN)
- Ligue La Leche
- New Zealand
- United States of America (USA)
Additional DCEs may be added per organizational guidelines.
Each DCE will receive at least one Board seat allocation.
The total number of DCE eligible seats will be based on the official annual Leader population census on January 31st preceding the start of the nomination process for the election. For example, the January 31st, 2018 Leader count will be used to determine allocations for the 2019 Board elections.
To be allocated more than one Board seat, a DCE must have a minimum of 501 Leaders.
The following formula will be utilized to allocate DCE Board seats in addition to the minimum requisite one seat:
- If the DCE has from 501 to 1,250 Leaders, then it will be allocated 2 Board seats;
- If the DCE has from 1,251 to 2,000 Leaders, then it will be allocated 3 Board seats;
- If the DCE has from 2,001 to 2,750 Leaders, then it will be allocated 4 Board seats;
- If the DCE has from 2,751 and 3,500 Leaders, then it will be allocated 5 Board seats;
- If the DCE has greater than 3,500 Leaders, then it will be allocated 6 Board seats.
The formula for Board seat allocation may be changed from time to time at the request of one or more DCEs or the Board Nominating Committee. The Board Nominating Committee and all DCE Election Committees shall meet to discuss the proposed changes and must decide mutually to recommend them. A simple majority vote of the DCEs and the Nominating Committee, with each entity getting one vote, would signify approval of the proposed recommendation. The Board shall vote for final approval within 30 days after receiving the recommendation. Any changes to the proposed formula must be approved no later than eight months prior to a scheduled election, so that there will be adequate time for the changes to go into effect. See current election timeline for dates.
The number of Board seats from any DCE may not represent more than 50 percent of the total number of Board members in order to ensure a wide perspective on the Board and to prevent a single entity from possessing a majority stake.
A DCE has the option to waive or decline a Board seat. They must express that decision at least four months in advance of the scheduled election, so that the Board Nominating Committee and the DCE Board Election Committees have adequate time for assembling the requisite number of candidates to meet Bylaws requirements for Board composition (minimum of 9, maximum of 14). See current election timeline for dates.
Founders serving on the Board do not affect the seats delegated to each DCE, nor does their service count toward the Bylaws-designated Board number minimum or maximum.
(Oct 92; rev Feb 97, Mar 06, Sep 13, Dec 17, Jan 18. May 2019)