The Rights You Hold as an Active Member
Lesson 2 gave you the legal floor. Our own constitution goes further and spells out, in one sentence, the rights that come with active membership.
📜 From Our Governing Documents
“Active members shall enjoy all rights and privileges of membership in this Local Union and in the International Union including, without limitation, the right to vote at all meetings and in all elections or referenda, to be nominated for and hold any office, and to be elected a delegate to the International Union Convention, if otherwise qualified …”
— Local 109 Constitution, Article V, Section 5 (Membership)
💬 In plain terms: As an active member, you have the right to:
- Vote — at meetings, in elections, and in referendums.
- Be nominated for and hold any office — you can run the union, not just vote for who does.
- Be a delegate — represent our Local at the International Convention.
“Without limitation” matters: that list is a floor, not a ceiling. And notice the small phrase at the end — “if otherwise qualified.” There’s one condition that runs through almost everything in this lesson, and it’s the subject of the next topic: being in good standing.
💡 Think first: Which of your rights as an active member lets you become part of the leadership yourself? Decide, then click.
The right to be nominated for and hold office — and to be elected a delegate. Voting lets you choose your leaders; these rights let you become one. A lot of members never realize this door is open to them. It is — with one condition we’ll cover next: good standing.