*Common, but not required step: the vote proposal is run past the board of directors for proper wording, etc. - this helps prevent people from disagreeing with your proposal because it's written poorly.
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*The proposing member places the item before the membership (either on mailing list or during a meeting) at least 7 days prior to a meeting.
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*During this period, people may read and discuss the proposal, and offer their own counter-proposals.
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*At the next scheduled meeting, the proposal and any counter proposals are voted on.