Honoree Member: An honoree membership (for one year) may be awarded
to a person who has rendered a notable service to the alliance and
shows an extraordinary interest or support promoting its well-being.
Honorary members do not pay dues, vote or hold office based on their
honorary membership status. Honoree membership must be recommended
by the Executive Board and approved by a majority of the membership
at a meeting.
SECTION II EXPULSION OF MEMBERS:
Any member who is found to have acted in a manner detrimental or
unprofessional to the Association can be expelled from the Association
by a majority vote of the membership. The Executive Board shall
not take action until such member has been given thirty (30) days
written notice of the charges and given an opportunity to be heard
before the Executive Board/membership. If the member opts not to
respond, the Executive Board will bring the matter to the membership
at the next meeting.
SECTION III DUES:
Annual dues shall be set by a majority vote of the membership upon
the recommendation of the Executive Board and shall be from the
following January to December.
Article V
MEETINGS
A. Meetings will usually be held on the ______________ of each
month unless changed by the Executive Board.
B. Executive Board meetings will usually be held on the _____________
of each month. July and August meetings will be at the discretion
of the Executive Board..
C. Meetings will, in most cases, follow an agenda and be on an
informal basis. When necessary, Roberts Rules of Order, Revised
will be used.
D. Minutes must be taken at all meetings. Minutes of all general
meetings must be approved by the membership at the following meeting.
E. Unless there is a guest speaker or special program, meetings
should end by 9:00 p.m. to allow time for networking. F. A quorum
shall be constituted when the majority of those present are voting
members.
Article VI
GOVERNING BOARD
SECTION I EXECUTIVE BOARD:
The elected officers and the immediate past president. (Committee
Chairpersons could also be members of the Executive Board if so
desired).
SECTION II ELECTED OFFICERS:
The elected officers shall be the president, first, second, and
third vice-presidents, secretary, and treasurer.
SECTION III TERM OF OFFICE:
The officers shall be elected by the membership at the November
meeting. The term of office shall be for two years beginning January
1st of the following year. The President cannot serve more than
two consecutive terms. The president, 1st vice-president, and secretary
term of office shall begin in even numbered years. The 2nd vice-president,
3rd vice-president and treasurer shall begin in odd numbered years.
SECTION IV VACANCIES:
Vacancies shall be filled through appointment by the president,
subject to the approval of the Executive Board. Vacancy in the office
of president shall be filled by the 1st vice-president. Half a term
of office shall be considered a full term.
SECTION V REMOVAL FROM OFFICE:
A. Any officer or chairperson may be removed by the membership,
at any time, by a majority vote of the entire membership.
B. A chairperson may be removed by the President for failure to
perform their duties as specified in these by-laws, or who is found
to have acted in a manner detrimental or unprofessional to the Association.
C. Any officer who is found to have acted in a manner detrimental
or unprofessional to the Association can be expelled from the Association
by a majority vote of the membership. The Executive Board shall
not take action until such officer or chair has been given thirty
(30) days written notice of the charges and given an opportunity
to be heard before the Executive Board. A notice of this will be
sent prior to the next meeting, giving the members the option of
voting by mail or by written proxy.
SECTION VI DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS:
President: The president shall be the chief officer and
must have been a licensed foster parent in good standing for at
least one year at the time of election or appointment. Presidents
are limited to two consecutive terms. Plans agenda for and conducts
meetings. Directs and supervises all programs and projects. Shall
appoint, with the approval of the Executive Board, allegation and
grievance chairs.
1st Vice-President: Must be a licensed foster parent in
good standing at the time of election. Replaces the president and
oversees the following committees: a) Resources and Volunteers b)
Training.
2nd Vice-President: Must be a licensed foster parent in
good standing at the time of election. Replaces the 1st Vice-President
and oversees the following committees: a) Public Relations b) Membership.
3rd Vice-President: Must be a licensed foster parent in
good standing at the time of election. Replaces 2nd Vice-President
and oversees the following committees: a) Ways and means and b)
Newsletter.
Secretary: Keeps minutes of all meetings (general and Executive
Board), reports from each committee in regard to their actions and
plans, and sends appropriate reports to the president. Must also
maintain a file of all minutes for five years. Compose and coordinate
all incoming and outgoing correspondences as directed by the President
and/or the Executive Board.
Treasurer: Coordinates and keeps financial records of the
Association in conjunction with the Treasurer: Acts as chair of
the Auditing Committee. Deposits the money and keeps accurate records
on each account. No money may be spent without the approval of the
Executive Board. Two signatures are required for all checks. Files
all needed County and State Association forms.
ARTICLE VII
STANDING COMMITTEES
Allegations: Must be appointed by the president, will assist
and represent all members (must be members of NAME and the State
Foster Parent Associations) with allegations. Shall sign a statement
of confidentiality. Keep all information confidential and only reveal
any part of an allegation or discuss this with those who have a
"need to know."
By-laws: Will meet annually, and make suggestions for revisions
and changes to the Constitution and By-Laws at the October meeting.
Grievance: Shall be appointed by the President, will become
familiar with DCS chain of command; assist member foster parents
with grievances against DCS, licensing, etc.; and help members fill
out needed forms.
Hospitality: Send appropriate cards and flowers for members.
Serve as hostesses and greeters at meetings and functions.
Nominating: The president shall appoint this committee by
October 15th. It shall consist of seven members, three of whom shall
be officers. They shall present its slate of officers at the November
meeting. At this meeting, nominations will also be accepted from
the floor. They will also count the ballots, with the nominees receiving
the greater number of votes being elected and installed at the January
meeting.
Program and Training: Coordinate information on all foster
parent training (private, county and state). Work with DCS in regard
to sessions for workers and foster parents. Plan with Executive
Board approval and execute special occasions.
Publicity: Develop contacts with news media for publicity
of functions and events as well as public relations articles on
foster care. Work with all committees that need publicity for their
activities.
Refreshments: Plan, purchase, serve refreshments at all
events and programs. Clear funds with the Executive Board.
Telephone: Dispense information pertinent to association
members.
Volunteers and Resources: As a representative of NAME,
speak to groups. and educate the public to the unique needs of foster
care. Coordinate community and county resources available to foster
parents.
Ways and Means: Organize and carry out all approved fund
raising projects.
ARTICLE VIII
FUNDS
SECTION I GENERAL:
A. The members shall approve an annual budget in November. Once
approved, this budget authorizes the payment of bills.
B. A monthly Treasurers report shall be made.
C. Officers or members shall not be personally liable for any bills
or obligations that have been approved by the Executive Board.
D. Officers or members may be personally liable for any bills or
obligations that has not been approved by the Executive Board.
E. No person shall use NAME OF CHAPTER for his or her own
personal gain.
G. All correspondence shall have the authorization of the majority
of the Executive Board.
SECTION II AUDITS:
A. An audit shall be completed annually when the books are closed.
B. Whenever a Treasurer resigns, an audit shall be conducted before
a new Treasurer takes office.
ARTICLE IX
NONPROFIT
This organization is organized for nonprofit purposes and that
the individual members will not derive profit therefrom.
ARTICLE X
DEDICATION/DISSOLUTION CLAUSE
A. The property of this organization is irrevocable dedicated to
charitable purposes and no part of the net income or assets of this
organization shall ever inure to the benefit of any director, officer
or member thereof or to the benefit of any private persons.
ARTICLE XI
REVIEW
A. The By-Laws may be reviewed annually by the by-laws committee
who can make suggestions for revisions at the October meeting. These
revisions must be mailed to the membership for consideration at
the next meeting. Revisions and Amendments will require a two-thirds
vote of the membership at the November meeting to pass.
B. Any suggestions for revisions from the floor shall be presented
in writing to the membership prior to the next meeting for their
consideration. A two-thirds vote of the membership is required to
pass this revision.
C. On an emergency basis section B will apply unless all members
are present, then the By-Laws could be changed immediately.
ADOPTED:
DATE:
NOTE: IF YOUR ORGANIZATION HAS A FEDERAL TAX EXEMPT NUMBER 501(C)(3)
THE FOLLOWING IS REQUIRED:
ARTICLE ??
INTERNAL REVENUE REQUIREMENT
SECTION I NONPROFIT:
ARTICLE X will go here
SECTION II POLITICAL LIMITATION CLAUSE:
No substantial part of the activities of this organization shall
consist of carrying or propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence
legislation, and the Association shall not participate or intervene
in a political campaign (including the publishing or distribution
of statements ) on behalf of any candidate for public office.
SECTION III POLITICAL ACTIVITIES:
ÒNotwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the Association
shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried
on (a) by a association exempt from Federal income tax user section
501(c)(3) or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or corresponding
provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law) or (b)
by association contributions to which are deductible under section
170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or corresponding
provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law).Ó
SECTION IV DEDICATION/DISSOLUTION CLAUSE
A. ARTICLE XI GOES HERE
B. Upon the dissolution or winding up of the organization, its
assets remaining after payment, or provision for payment, of all
debts and liabilities of this organization shall be distributed
to a nonprofit fund, foundation or corporation which is organized
and operated exclusively for charitable purposes and which has established
its tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code. 7 A. All initial expenditures must be approved by a majority
of the Executive Board. B. All expenditures shall be approved by
a majority of the membership at its monthly meeting. or B. Monies
spent for items on an approved yearly budget do not need members
approval. The members must approve, by a majority, all expenditures
not on the annual budget at the next meeting.
