Fostering inclusivity is paramount in youth organizations. To enhance the sense of belonging within the Manhattan region, I proposed new legislation allowing BBG and AZA one unified constitution. This initiative addresses Manhattan’s smaller region size, allowing everyone to come together to make decisions for the region as a whole. In addition, Manhattan’s two separate constitutions had not been touched for the past three years, so it was necessary to create a new slate for the future of board meetings. 

The journey began with recognizing the limitations of separate meetings, which inadvertently alienated members seeking a more integrated experience. I drafted the legislation emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and collaboration. Within the legislation, there is a separate BBG and AZA ritual section to ensure the traditions remain and our election processes are separated. However, this unified document provides a much easier and compact way to deal with new legislation. 

The amendment passed with a two-thirds majority. Since then, our entire board has been working on creating the b-laws to our constitution that will be presented at our Fall Convention in November. 

This new approach paves the way for future MHR leaders and members, creating a culture where diversity is celebrated. By allowing BBG and AZA to collaborate, we set a precedent for unity, encouraging members to embrace their identities. Ultimately, this legislation strengthens our community,  making sure that every member feels comfortable and we can engage in democratic board meetings.