On June 23, 2025, the National Board of Management approved a new member policy concerning conduct and communication, called “Circularization and Communication Policy”, which replaces an older policy. 

If you are a member, you can access the full policy at dar.org.

Below is an email sent to my state representative on July 14, 2025 asking for advice and clarification on the new policy. This post will be updated if and when I receive a response.

Madam State Regent,

As you know, the Martha Laird chapter has proposed two amendments to Article III, Membership of the National Bylaws in accordance with Article XXI, Amendments and according to the Rules of Procedure for Bylaws Committee found in the NSDAR Handbook.

I send this email to you as my state representative to address questions and concerns about the new member policy called “Circularization and Communication Policy.”

Most of this policy does not seem to be applicable or prohibit any efforts made by the Martha Laird Chapter to inform members about the duly adopted motion to amend Article III, Membership and to seek chapter endorsements in accordance with Article XXI, Amendments and according to the Rules of Procedure for Bylaws Committee found in the NSDAR Handbook.

However, I do have concerns that need clarification. As my state representative I ask you to address the following:

• Paragraph three starts with “This policy is necessary to foster constructive dialogue, to debate matters in proper forums, and to protect members’ personal information from unauthorized use.”

To date, concrete, alternative forums for constructive dialogue and debate on certain topics, and in particular, the fact that the DAR now allows natal males to join as members, has not been provided by the NSDAR. We do not know of any sanctioned forum that is available to members which would foster constructive dialogue with and between all members on this issue and specifically as it relates to the Martha Laird Chapter’s duly adopted motion to amend the National Bylaws according to Article XXI.

Indeed, when attempts were made to notify members about the proposal via NSDAR and TXDAR private social media forums they were promptly shut down and I was admonished for attempting to use these methods of communication. Although I have never used my access to member directories to notify members, I have been sternly warned not to do so, even though according to the old and now new policy, this would not be a violation, as this duly adopted proposal to amend the National Bylaws is official DAR business.

As such and as you know, I resorted to creating a public forum that gives members an opportunity to express their First Amendment right to openly inform, debate and discuss this issue with other members.

Please provide examples of what the NSDAR considers a proper forum for informing members about this duly adopted chapter proposal to amend the National Bylaws. A suggestion would be to schedule District workshops and send notifications to all Daughters across the country, giving them an opportunity to attend and ask questions and learn about the process.

Additionally, the new policy states: “The President General, or her designated representative, is the official NSDAR spokesperson. Members are prohibited from contacting the media or any public official or authorizing anyone to do so on their behalf to directly or indirectly influence, or to attempt to influence, the policies or practices of, or the internal decision-making at, the National Society.”

Over the course of the last two years, members have been told by National and State Officers that in order to solve this issue of men becoming members of the DAR, we must reach out to public officials and our representatives in Congress to urge them to write legislation that would prohibit the altering of sex-markers on birth certificates.

In a mass email sent by you to all Texas Daughters on March 18, 2025, you said the following:

“If you are concerned about the issue of amending the sex on a birth certificate, I suggest that as a private citizen, you direct your energy toward legislative action. For example, Texas SB 406 would prohibit amending birth certificates based on gender identity. Similar legislation is pending in other states, making the Legislature the appropriate venue for addressing this political matter.”

Is it the NSDAR’s position that members, even when acting as a private citizen, are prohibited from telling their representatives and other public officials that they are members of the DAR and that the DAR now welcomes natal males as members?

The new policy also says:

“Members are prohibited from publicizing confidential or private information of the organization without the express written consent of the National Society.”

Can you please give advice and examples of what is considered “confidential or private information of the organization”?

Lastly, the new policy says, “A violation or breach of this policy may be reported to the Disciplinary Committee.”

The National Bylaws and the NSDAR Handbook do not reference a Disciplinary Committee.

My understanding is that this committee would need to be created through an amendment or standing rule with publication of scope, mandates and member composition. To date, I can find no documentation on the official NSDAR website confirming this information.

In summary, my requests and questions are:

1. Please provide details on the creation, scope, mandate and member composition of the Disciplinary Committee referenced in the updated policy.
2. Please provide examples of proper forums for informing members about duly adopted proposals to amend the National Bylaws when proposed by chapter and seeking other chapter endorsements, in accordance with Article XXI, Amendments and according to the Rules of Procedure for Bylaws Committee found in the NSDAR Handbook.
3. Is it the NSDAR’s position that members, even when acting as a private citizen, are prohibited from telling their representatives in local and national office, and others who advocate for the preservation of women’s only spaces, that they are members of the DAR and that the DAR now welcomes natal males to be members?
4. Please give advice and examples of what is considered “confidential or private information of the organization.”

With Patriotism & Service,

Laura McDonald, Recording Secretary

Martha Laird Chapter

Daughters of the American Revolution

After receiving no response, a follow up email was sent to the Texas State Regent on July 24, 2025:

Ms. Johnston,

It has been one week and three days since I sent the email below asking for clarification and advice on the new Circularization and Communication Policy. This new policy says:

“A DAR member may propose policy and procedural changes, express concerns, and direct inquiries to her state representative…”

I know you may be researching these questions and this can take time, but I ask that you acknowledge receipt of this email and show good faith to answer these questions.

Please consider the very serious ramifications of a non-response should disciplinary charges be filed against a member (namely, me).

I received this response from her on July 25, 2025:

Hello Laura,

I am in receipt of your email. Unfortunately, I am unable to address your questions except to say that I have been informed that National is committed to not taking any action under the new policy while they are still onboarding a new administration and working on refining some of the procedures and guidance respecting the new policy. Once those are in place, they will ensure that they are communicated sufficiently to members.

Illuminating our Legacy

Celebrating 250 years of America!

Susan Johnston

Texas State Regent

Serving together in love