GA Delegate Orientation Presentation

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY DELEGATE
ORIENTATION SESSION
A ROADMAP THROUGH THE POLICIES,
PROCEDURES AND PURPOSE OF THE
WMA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ROLE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
• Most powerful body of WMA to adopt official, permanent
WMA policy on matters of
– medical ethics
– socio-medical affairs and
– health-related human rights
• Delegates represent the views and positions of his or her
national medical association
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• Most important: GA Agenda and Council Report
• Review the full Council Report to participate effectively in
the decision-making process.
• There may be new documents, but for most of these
Members had opportunities to provide input (but be aware
of up-coming emergency issues.)
• Seek out Council Members before to discuss concerns.
• Not sure whom to approach? – Please ask WMA
Secretariat.
AGENDA OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
• The rules and processes may be different from those you
use in your home organization.
• Confused or concerned about the process?
Ask the Chair to slow down or stop to explain what is
happening!
• The Chair will allow open discussion on all topics on the
agenda, but it is important to finish the entire agenda –
discussion time is usually limited.
• Be very precise during discussions!
– Avoid long speeches and
– try not to repeat points that have already been made.
VOTING IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
RULES AND PROCESS
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• The policy process concludes with the General Assembly.
But there is the opportunity to provide input throughout
the year.
• Respond to requests for comments on policy documents!
This increases your chance to be successful in your efforts
to influence WMA policy positions.
MEDICAL ETHICS AND SOCIO-MEDICAL AFFAIRS
POLICY PROCESS
Voting in all WMA meetings is based on standard
parliamentary procedure
• Any delegate can make a motion to an issue set forth by the
agenda.
• That motion must be seconded by another delegate.
• Once a motion has been seconded, the Chair will invite
discussion.
• After discussion is finished the Chair will ask the delegates to
vote by raising cards provided by the Secretariat that indicate
the number of votes the NMA is entitled to.
– The chair will begin by asking for a count of those “FOR” the motion, then those
“AGAINST” the motion and then those who “ABSTAIN” from voting
• The votes will be counted and the Chair will announce whether
the motion is passed or defeated
VOTING
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MEDICAL ETHICS AND SOCIO-MEDICAL AFFAIRS
POLICY PROCESS
Proposal Committee reading Call for comments
Council
recommendation
Committee
reading
Members’
comments
General Assembly
International
Implementation
National
Implementation
Red fields indicate: broad membership participation is desired
Conclusions
• The WMA General Assembly decides on all policy – be an active part
of it
• Your vote counts – but: be prepared, be precise, be considerate
• Take influence! Participate throughout the year by
– making proposals
– responding to the calls for comments and
– attending the council sessions or by
– corresponding with council members.
• Don’t be shy – if things are unclear, please ask – most likely you will
find that you are not alone.
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Thank you!
Questions or comments?
www.wma.net