Any staff member can propose issuing a SELC letter of support for any project, grant proposal or other initiative. Note that policy position proposals are covered by separate policies (e.g. Policy Approval Process... policy). To propose support for a non-policy related initiative, the staff member should share with members of the most relevant Program Circle, by email or in person, a) sufficient background information on the initiative, b) a list of the other parties involved, and c) a summary of points to be made in the proposed letter or a draft of the proposed letter.

The staff person must give a minimum of 48 hours for response from the remaining Circle members. If, after 48 hours, over 50% of the Circle members have expressed support for the proposal and no one has objected, the proposal has passed. If one or more staff members object, the proposal does not pass.

Any member of the Circle reviewing these proposals may refer the proposal to the entire staff team for approval if the statement of support is not very clearly in line with SELC's mission or if the letter of support risks alienating SELC partners.

When time allows, the staff member shall send all Circle members a copy of the final proposed letter and give an additional 24 hours to allow staff members to give input on the wording of the letter.