Updates to the ISMA Pulse digital engagement tool this year will let members discuss resolutions among themselves and with the authors before convention, as well as give feedback (indicate how they think the House of Delegates, or “HOD,” should vote) on each resolution. The changes are a direct result of members’ suggestions for how last year’s resolution commenting process could be improved.
ISMA Pulse debuted last year ahead of ISMA’s first-ever virtual convention. Its purpose was to increase transparency in the policy making process and give every member a chance to be heard on the important issues addressed by ISMA resolutions. It was also hoped that compiling advance feedback on how reference committees should recommend the HOD vote on each resolution would reduce time needed for virtual testimony at convention.
This year, in addition to considering advance feedback on what reference committees’ recommendations should be, the committees will once again consider members’ comments (additional thoughts on resolutions) submitted on ISMA Pulse. However, there will be only one ISMA Pulse comment period this year instead of two, and no interim reference committee report will be produced. Instead, as in previous in-person conventions, reference committees will hear in-person testimony from members during Saturday of convention weekend and produce reports recommending how the HOD should act on each resolution at Sunday’s meeting.
ISMA Pulse will go live on July 1. When it does, members will notice expanded opportunities for interaction regarding 2022 resolutions. Here are a few examples.
Opt in to receive emails from other members: The first time you log in to ISMA Pulse, you will be prompted to decide whether to allow other users to see your email address and email you directly. If you do opt to receive emails, you can opt out at any time. Also, if you are the primary author of a resolution, you will be asked when submitting your resolution electronically whether to share your email so that other members may contact you directly about the resolution.
View others’ feedback and comments: This year, you will be able to see feedback (how members think the House of Delegates should vote) and comments (members’ additional thoughts on resolutions) before you leave feedback or comment on a resolution yourself.
Reply to comments: Once you have commented on a resolution, you may reply to other comments on the same resolution.
Change your feedback: As was the case last year, you cannot change or delete a comment once you have posted it. However, you can change your feedback – how you think the House of Delegates should vote on a resolution – any time before the comment period closes.
Daily summaries: Unless you opt out, you will receive a daily email summarizing any interaction on comments that you’ve posted.